What a Website Costs in 2026 - Complete Overview

What does a site really cost?

"How much does a site cost?" is one of the most common questions we get from clients. The answer depends on many factors - the type of site, functionality, and who builds it. In this detailed guide we'll break down all the costs transparently, with realistic prices in 2026. Whether you're planning a simple blog, a brochure site for your company, or a complex e-commerce platform, you'll find the answers here.

Mandatory costs - domain and hosting

Domain registration

A domain is your address on the internet (e.g., yourcompany.com). Prices depend on the extension: a .COM domain costs about €10.20 - €15.40 per year depending on the registrar. A .NET or .ORG domain costs a similar amount per year. Specialized extensions like .io, .tech, or .store can cost up to €42.70 per year. For most companies, a .COM domain is the best choice because it is instantly recognisable internationally and works well for a wide audience.

Web hosting

Hosting is the server space where your site files live. On BeoHosting, prices start from €2.55 per month for the Start plan which is sufficient for most brochure sites. The Business plan for more demanding sites is €5.10 per month, while the Enterprise plan with the most resources is €8.55 per month. Annually, hosting costs you from €30.80 to €102.60, which is a minimal investment for a professional online presence.

SSL certificate

An SSL certificate is essential for security and SEO. On BeoHosting, a free Let's Encrypt SSL is included with all plans, so this isn't an extra cost. If you need a paid certificate with EV verification with warranty and Extended Validation, prices range from €25.50 to €256 per year, but for most sites the free SSL is perfectly sufficient.

Option 1: DIY - build the site yourself

If you have time and willingness to learn, you can build a site yourself using platforms like the WordPress CMS with ready-made themes. Total costs for the first year: domain (.COM) about €12, hosting about €34 - €60 per year, premium WordPress theme about €42 - €68 (one-time), and possibly premium plugins about €25 - €85. Total for the first year: €120 - €230.

The advantage of the DIY approach is low cost and full control. The disadvantage is the time you have to invest in learning - expect to spend 40-80 hours building your first site. Also, without experience, the site will probably look amateur and have technical issues you can't resolve.

Option 2: Freelancer

Hiring a freelance web designer or developer is an excellent balance between price and quality. Freelancer prices vary depending on experience and project complexity.

Brochure site (5-10 pages)

For a simple brochure site with 5-10 pages, a contact form, and basic SEO setup, prices range from €300 to €800. The site is usually completed in 2-4 weeks. This includes WordPress installation, theme setup, page creation with your content, and basic design customization.

Blog or content site

A blog or content site with more pages and categories costs from €500 to €1,200. This includes a more advanced structure, speed optimization, social media integration, and SEO optimization. Delivery time is usually 3-6 weeks.

E-commerce site

An online store with WooCommerce, payment integration, product management, and basic features costs from €800 to €2,500. For more advanced features such as multi-currency, advanced filters, and ERP integration, the price can go up to €5,000. Delivery time is 4-10 weeks.

Option 3: Web agency

Web agencies provide the most complete service - from design and development, through content, to maintenance and marketing. Prices are naturally higher because you're paying a team of experts instead of a single person.

Brochure site

Agencies charge €1,000 to €3,000 for a brochure site. For this price you get a custom design (not a ready theme), professional optimization, SEO setup, training, and usually a certain period of free maintenance.

Corporate site

For larger companies that require advanced features, multilingual support, business system integrations, and custom design, prices range from €3,000 to €10,000. This includes detailed needs analysis, UX/UI design, custom development, and testing.

E-commerce platform

A professional e-commerce platform from an agency costs €3,000 to €15,000, and more for very complex projects. This includes custom design, integration with payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, banking systems), inventory management, email automation, advanced SEO, and staff training.

Site maintenance costs

Many forget about maintenance costs that arise after launch. The domain is paid annually (about €12 for .COM). Hosting is paid monthly or annually (€30 - €100). Updating WordPress, theme, and plugins - free if you do it yourself, or €50-200 per month if you hire someone. Security monitoring and backup - usually included in hosting or €20-50 per month for advanced services. Adding new content - depends on volume, but figure €50-100 per month for regular blog posts or edits.

Hidden costs to watch for

Premium plugins with annual licenses can add €100-500 per year. See our SEO guide so you know which plugins you really need. Professional photography for the site costs €100-500 per set. Copywriting (text writing) costs €50-150 per page. Google Ads or Facebook ads to promote a new site - at least €100-300 per month for the first months. An email marketing tool like Mailchimp or Brevo - free up to a certain number of subscribers, then €10-50 per month.

Our recommendations for every budget

For a small budget (up to €300): WordPress with a free theme on BeoHosting. Build the site yourself using WordPress and a free theme like Astra or GeneratePress. With our hosting plan from €2.55/month and free SSL, you have everything you need to start.

For a medium budget (€300-€1,500): Hire a freelancer for a professional brochure site or a simple store. This is the best price-quality ratio for most small companies.

For a larger budget (€1,500+): Work with an agency for custom design and advanced features. This is recommended for companies that want a professional image and have specific requirements.

Conclusion

The price of a site in 2026 can range from €100 (DIY) to €15,000+ (agency, complex project). The key is to define your needs and budget before you start. Remember - a site is an investment, not an expense. A good site brings new clients, increases credibility, and works for you 24/7. Start with what you can afford and upgrade over time. And for reliable, fast hosting at affordable prices, BeoHosting is here for you from day one.