How Much Does a Website Cost in the US? A Realistic Breakdown for Startups

How Much Does a Website Cost in the US? A Realistic Breakdown for Startups

If you’re planning to build or redesign a website, one of the first questions that comes up is pricing. And the honest answer is: it depends. Website costs in the US vary widely based on scope, complexity, and who you work with. Understanding these differences helps you make better decisions — and avoid expensive mistakes. Let’s break it down.

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Giovanna Souza

December, 14 - 2025

5 min read

person getting 1 U.S. dollar banknote in wallet
person getting 1 U.S. dollar banknote in wallet

One of the first questions startups ask when planning a new website is simple:

“How much does a website actually cost in the US?”

And while the most common answer is “it depends”, that response usually avoids what founders really want to know:
👉 What should I realistically budget for — and why?

In this article, we’ll break down typical website pricing in the US market, what affects those costs, and how different pricing models work — so you can make better decisions for your business.

What affects website pricing in the US?

Before talking numbers, it’s important to understand what actually drives cost.

1. Scope and complexity

A simple marketing website is very different from a multi-page platform with custom logic.

Pricing is influenced by:

  • Number of pages

  • Custom design vs. templates

  • Animations and interactions

  • CMS requirements

  • Third-party integrations and tools

2. Strategy and UX involvement

Websites built with:

  • research

  • UX thinking

  • clear user journeys

  • conversion strategy

cost more — and perform better.

A website without strategy might be cheaper upfront, but usually costs more in lost opportunities.

3. Who you hire

This is one of the biggest pricing factors in the US market.

Freelancers, studios, and agencies all operate differently — in terms of process, speed, accountability, and depth of involvement. The price reflects not just execution, but also ownership of outcomes.

With that in mind, let’s look at realistic pricing ranges based on current standards for startups and growing companies.

“A website isn’t a cost — it’s part of your growth infrastructure.”

Typical Website Pricing in the US

Below are average ranges you’ll commonly see when working with professional teams in the US market.

Landing Pages

$1,000 – $3,000

Usually focused on:

  • Lead generation

  • Product validation

  • Campaigns or launches

Pricing depends on:

  • Custom design vs templates

  • Copy and content support

  • Animations and interactions

  • Conversion strategy

Marketing Websites

$3,000 – $8,000

These are multi-page websites designed to:

  • Present the brand clearly

  • Explain services or products

  • Build trust and credibility

Costs increase with:

  • Custom visual identity

  • Strategic page structure

  • SEO-ready content

  • Performance optimization

Startup / Product Websites

$5,000 – $15,000+

Common for SaaS, tech startups, and funded teams.

Pricing reflects:

  • Strategy-driven UX

  • Clear conversion funnels

  • Custom components

  • Scalability for future growth

These websites are not just “online brochures” — they are business tools.

Subscription-Based Design & Development

$4,000 – $10,000/month

A growing model in the US, especially for startups that:

  • Move fast

  • Ship continuously

  • Don’t want to hire in-house yet

Subscriptions usually include ongoing design, development, and iteration — instead of one-off deliveries.

100 US dollar banknote
100 US dollar banknote
100 US dollar banknote

What Actually Influences Website Costs?

Price isn’t just about the number of pages. The biggest cost drivers are:

1. Strategy vs. Execution

A website built with clear business goals (conversion, validation, sales) costs more — because it delivers more.

2. Custom Design vs. Templates

Templates reduce cost, but custom design increases clarity, differentiation, and trust.

3. Content & Messaging

Good websites don’t just look good — they communicate clearly. Copy and structure matter.

4. Seniority & Speed

Experienced teams move faster, make better decisions, and avoid rework — which impacts pricing.

5. Scope Clarity

Clear goals = focused scope = better cost control.

Per Project vs. Subscription: Which Model Makes Sense?

Both models are common in the US market — and each fits different stages.

Per Project Works Best When:
  • You have a clear goal (launch, redesign, MVP)

  • Scope and timeline are defined

  • You need a focused delivery

Subscription Works Best When:
  • Your product or marketing evolves constantly

  • You need ongoing improvements

  • Hiring a full-time team doesn’t make sense yet

For many startups, subscription becomes a flexible alternative to building an in-house team too early.

“But You’re a Brazilian Studio — How Does That Work?”

This is a fair question — and an important one.

Being a remote studio allows us to work globally, but our pricing is based on the US market, not local costs.

What clients pay for isn’t geography.
It’s:

  • Strategic thinking

  • Clear execution

  • Reliable delivery

  • Results that support growth

Remote collaboration is now standard — and value is defined by outcomes, not location.

So, How Much Should You Budget?

Instead of asking “What’s the cheapest option?”, a better question is:

“What level of clarity, speed, and impact does my business need right now?”

For startups, the right website investment is the one that:

  • Supports your current stage

  • Helps you move faster

  • Doesn’t create future rework

Final Thoughts

Website pricing in the US isn’t random — it reflects strategy, responsibility, and impact.

When you understand how costs are structured, choosing the right approach becomes much easier.

Planning a website and need a clear, realistic estimate?
Get in touch with us or take a look at our pricing to see how we work and what fits your goals.

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After a conversation with you, we analyze your project requirements, timeline, needs, and overall scope to provide a detailed proposal. Throughout every stage, you’ll be fully supported — we’ll keep you updated on progress, clarify any questions, and ensure your experience developing a project with us is exceptional. Even after delivery, we stay by our clients’ side to support them in expanding their businesses.

What types of services do you offer?

How long does a project take, and how much does it cost?

What technologies and tools do you use?

How does hiring Explow work?

After a conversation with you, we analyze your project requirements, timeline, needs, and overall scope to provide a detailed proposal. Throughout every stage, you’ll be fully supported — we’ll keep you updated on progress, clarify any questions, and ensure your experience developing a project with us is exceptional. Even after delivery, we stay by our clients’ side to support them in expanding their businesses.

What types of services do you offer?

How long does a project take, and how much does it cost?

What technologies and tools do you use?

How does hiring Explow work?

After a conversation with you, we analyze your project requirements, timeline, needs, and overall scope to provide a detailed proposal. Throughout every stage, you’ll be fully supported — we’ll keep you updated on progress, clarify any questions, and ensure your experience developing a project with us is exceptional. Even after delivery, we stay by our clients’ side to support them in expanding their businesses.

What types of services do you offer?

How long does a project take, and how much does it cost?

What technologies and tools do you use?

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