The honest answer is that it depends, which isn't very helpful on its own. So here's what it actually depends on, so you can walk into a conversation knowing what moves the number.
What drives the cost
- Scope: a single landing page is a very different thing from a full site with many pages
- Custom vs. template: how much is built to fit you, versus assembled from something off the shelf
- Functionality: a brochure site is simpler than a store, a booking system, or a login
- Content: whether the words and images are ready, or need to be created
- Integrations: payments, a CMS, email tools, whatever it needs to talk to
- After launch: hosting, maintenance, and whoever keeps it healthy over time
Why 'it depends' is the honest answer
Two projects that both sound like 'a website' can be worlds apart in effort. Anyone who gives you a firm price before understanding what you actually need is either padding it to be safe or setting you up for surprises later. Neither is great.
How to get a real number
The fastest path to a clear price is a short, honest conversation. Tell a developer what you're trying to do, who it's for, and what you're working with. A good one will scope it clearly and give you a real number, not a mystery invoice.
What to watch out for
- Mystery line items you can't get explained
- A price that looks cheap but locks you into a platform you can't leave
- No plan for what happens after launch
- Pressure to decide before you understand what you're buying