How Much Does a Website Cost in 2026?

Website costs vary more than almost any other type of software project, because "website" can mean anything from a five-page brochure site to a fully custom platform with logins and dashboards. Here's what actually determines the price.

The main cost drivers

• Number of pages and templates required
• Custom design vs a more standardised layout
• Content — do you have it ready, or does it need to be written and structured?
• Functionality — forms, bookings, search, filtering, e-commerce
• Integrations — CRMs, analytics, marketing tools, payment providers
• Performance and SEO requirements
• Ongoing hosting, maintenance and updates

Why templates and custom builds cost differently

A templated or website-builder approach can be cheaper upfront, but it often comes with real constraints — limited design flexibility, slower performance and more difficulty scaling as your business grows. A custom-built website costs more initially but gives you full control over design, performance and future features.

Rough budget expectations

As a general guide, focused marketing websites often start under £5,000, while larger custom sites with bespoke design, integrations or content-heavy structures typically fall in the £5,000–£25,000+ range. Every project is different, which is why our own contact form uses budget bands from under £2,500 up to £25,000+ rather than a single fixed price.

Don't forget the ongoing costs

A website isn't a one-time expense. Hosting, domain renewal, content updates, security patches and occasional redesigns are all part of owning a website long-term. Factoring these into your budget from the start avoids surprises later.

How to get a realistic quote

The most useful thing you can do before asking for a quote is write down what the website actually needs to do — not just how it should look. A development company that asks about your goals, audience and required functionality before quoting is far more likely to give you an accurate number than one that quotes instantly.

Qodeko builds modern, high-performance websites designed around your brand and business goals, and we're upfront about what drives cost on every project. If you're planning a website, tell us what you need and we'll give you a realistic, honest estimate.