What does a professional website cost in 2026? An honest answer
From €500 to €50,000 — website pricing is a jungle. We break down what actually drives cost and how to recognize a fair quote.
“What does a website cost?” is the most common question in a first consultation — and the honest answer is: it depends on what it’s supposed to achieve. That sounds evasive, but it’s the heart of the matter. A website isn’t an off-the-shelf product; it’s a tool with a job to do.
The three price brackets — and what you get
Under €1,000: site builders. Wix, Squarespace and the like are legitimate for getting started. You pay with limited performance, interchangeable design and a ceiling on everything that comes later: SEO, extensions, speed.
€2,500–8,000: custom-built by a professional. Most SME projects live in this range. Custom design, clean code, a CMS for self-service editing, an SEO foundation. This is where it’s decided whether your website is a cost center or a sales channel.
€10,000+: complex requirements. Online shops with inventory systems, portals, custom web applications. If you receive quotes like this for a five-page website, ask for the reasoning.
How to recognize a fair quote
A serious quote answers three questions: What exactly will be delivered? What does it cost — as a fixed price? And what happens after launch? Be wary of hourly estimates without a cap, of “SEO included” without specifics, and of agencies that talk design before they know your goals.
The real question: what does a bad website cost?
Quick math: if your website brings in just two more qualified leads per month and your average order value is €2,000, a €6,000 website pays for itself in six weeks. The most expensive website is the one that achieves nothing — no matter how little it cost.