In 2025, the cost of building a website can range anywhere from just a few dollars to well over hundreds of thousands, depending on factors like technical complexity, required features, and the tools you choose. From AI-powered automatic site generators to no-code visual editors, every approach comes with its own pricing model and ideal use cases.
1. Cost Breakdown by Website Type & Functional Complexity
The primary purpose of a website directly determines its baseline budget, while additional expenses increase with the inclusion of features such as e-commerce functionality, user account systems, and AI integrations. This section outlines the standard costs associated with common website types, forming the foundation for the following tool comparisons.
| Website Type | One-Time Build Cost | Monthly Cost | Key Cost-Driving Features |
| Basic Brochure Site | $300 – $3,000 | $15 – $80 | Static pages, contact forms, basic SEO; costs tied to template customization and content creation. |
| Small Business Site | $2,000 – $12,000 | $40 – $250 | CMS integration, dynamic content, lead capture tools; additional fees for third-party plugin subscriptions. |
| E-Commerce Store | $5,000 – $40,000 | $80 – $650 | Payment gateways, inventory management, order tracking; costs include transaction fees (1–3% per order) and security upgrades. |
| Custom Web App (SaaS/EdTech) | $15,000 – $150,000+ | $160 – $1,650 | User authentication, real-time data processing, API integrations; high costs for backend architecture and scalability. |
| Enterprise Platform | $50,000 – $500,000+ | $400 – $4,150 | Compliance tools, multi-region hosting, advanced analytics; premium fees for dedicated support and custom development. |
2. Costs of Building a Website with AI Website Builders
By late 2025, using AI website builder tools has become the most recommended approach across major tech communities. These platforms typically enable users with no coding experience to independently design, customize, and publish a fully functional website.
2.1 AI Website Builders: Automated Full-Site Generation
AI website builders leverage natural language processing and pre-designed template libraries to create complete websites within minutes—perfect for users who prioritize speed and simplicity over manual setup. The primary costs are tied to monthly subscription plans and additional charges for unlocking advanced features.
| Tool Name | Monthly Cost Structure | Capabilities | Core Features |
| Wix Pricing | Free (with Wix branding); Basic ~$8.5; E-commerce ~$27; Enterprise ~$50 | Creates full-site frameworks in 30 seconds; 2000+ industry ai website templates; built-in SEO and e-commerce tools | Drag-and-drop editor for post-generation tweaks; global CDN for fast loading; app market with 500+ integrations |
| Readdy Pricing | Free tier (200 Credits for 1–2 basic pages); Pro tier ~$12.5; Enterprise ~$35 | Generates single HTML pages with basic interactions via text prompts; exports clean HTML but uses absolute positioning (harder to maintain) | Natural language-driven page creation; supports theme switching (light/dark mode); quick prototype export for developer handoff |
| 10Web Pricing | Basic ~$10 (1 site); Pro ~$70 (10 sites); Agency ~$150 (50 sites) | Rebuilds existing sites into WordPress via AI; automates performance optimization (image compression, caching) | WordPress-native integration; automatic backups and security scans; AI content writer add-on ($10/month) |
| Jimdo Pricing | Free (with Jimdo branding); Pro ~$9; Business ~$15; E-commerce ~$20 | AI-powered site setup in 3 minutes; auto-generates content based on business type; responsive design by default | One-click SEO optimization; social media integration; simplified order management for small shops |
| Hostinger Pricing | Free (limited features); Premium ~$4.99; Business ~$8.99; Enterprise ~$19.99 | Generates websites from business name/industry; includes free hosting for 1 year; basic e-commerce tools | AI logo maker (included); drag-and-drop editor; 24/7 customer support via chat |
2.2 AI Web Design Tools: Visual Precision & Code Readiness
These tools emphasize high-quality UI and UX design, utilizing AI to transform creative concepts into fully functional, visually refined web pages. They are best suited for users who prioritize brand aesthetics and design accuracy. Monthly costs typically correspond to the level of design flexibility, customization options, and the ability to export clean, production-ready code.
| Tool Name | Monthly Cost Structure | Capabilities | Core Features |
| Framer | Free (2 projects); Pro ~$20; Team ~$45; Enterprise custom pricing | Converts natural language prompts to interactive components; auto-generates responsive layouts for mobile/desktop | Real-time team collaboration; animation timeline editor; exports clean React code for production |
| Adobe Firefly for Web | Included in Creative Cloud (~$50/month); Standalone ~$20/month; Team ~$35/month | Generates brand-aligned designs using existing assets; integrates with Adobe XD/Photoshop | AI-powered color palette matching; typography optimization; seamless handoff to development tools |
| Readdy AI | Free tier (limited tweaks); Pro tier ~$12.5; Team ~$25 | Generates component-level code (buttons, modals) from text; supports basic style adjustments but lacks complex animations | Rapid iteration of single-page elements; direct HTML export for design reviews; no learning curve for non-designers |
| Canva Pro (Web Design) | Free (basic templates); Pro ~$12.99; Team ~$14.99 per user | AI-generated design layouts for web pages; 1000+ web-specific templates; drag-and-drop element editing | Brand kit integration; responsive preview (mobile/desktop); export to HTML/PDF |
| Figma AI | Free (3 projects); Pro ~$15; Organization ~$45 per user | AI-assisted component creation; auto-generates design systems (colors, typography); predicts user layout needs | Multi-player editing; plugin ecosystem (500+ design tools); prototype sharing with feedback tools |
2.3 No-Code Platforms: Visual Editing for Full Control
No-code platforms use intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces to create fully customized websites without requiring any coding skills. They strike a balance between flexibility and ease of use, making them ideal for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creative professionals. Monthly costs typically scale based on factors such as the number of published sites, available storage, and access to advanced business or e-commerce features.
| Tool Name | Monthly Cost Structure | Capabilities | Core Features |
| Webflow | Basic ~$14 (2 sites); CMS ~$23; Business ~$49; Enterprise custom pricing | Builds complex layouts with CSS grid; creates custom interactions (hover effects, page transitions); exports production-ready code | Visual CMS for dynamic content; client billing tools; built-in SEO audits |
| Readdy AI | Free tier (basic pages); Pro tier ~$12.5; Enterprise ~$35 | Supplements no-code builds by generating embedded components (e.g., contact forms); limited to single-page elements (not full-site editing) | Embeddable HTML snippets for existing no-code sites; quick replacement of static content; works with Webflow/Squarespace |
| Squarespace | Personal ~$16; Business ~$23; Commerce ~$49; Advanced Commerce ~$79 | 100+ designer-curated templates; integrated blog and e-commerce; automatic mobile optimization | Award-winning visual design tools; appointment scheduling add-on; inventory management for small shops |
| Bubble | Free (personal projects); Starter ~$29; Growth ~$129; Enterprise ~$529 | Builds custom web apps with databases; creates workflows (e.g., user onboarding); no-code API integrations | Responsive design editor; real-time database; user role management (admin/guest) |
| Carrd | Free (1 site, basic features); Pro ~$9 (3 sites); Pro Plus ~$19 (10 sites); Agency ~$49 (unlimited) | Builds single-page sites (portfolios, landing pages); simple drag-and-drop editor; 100+ templates | Custom domains (included in Pro); form builder; payment integration (Stripe/PalPal) |
3. Cost Drivers: Why Website Prices Vary So Widely
Beyond tool selection, several factors contribute to budget fluctuations. Understanding these variables helps prevent unexpected costs and optimize overall spending.
3.1 Technical Complexity
- Backend Architecture: A monolithic setup for basic websites adds roughly 0–10% to total costs, while a microservices structure for scalable applications can raise expenses by 30–70% (e.g., $45,000 vs. $70,000 for a mid-sized SaaS platform).
- AI Integration Depth: Adding basic AI content generation tools like Readdy AI or Canva Pro costs about $10–$15 per month. Custom AI features—such as real-time recommendations powered by 10Web or Framer—typically require an upfront investment of $800–$1,650.
- Third-Party Integrations: Each additional tool (e.g., payment gateways or CRM synchronization) increases costs by $4–$40 per month. Enterprise-level integrations with platforms like SAP or Salesforce range from $400–$1,250 to implement, often with extra fees when combined with AI workflows from tools such as Bubble.
3.2 Maintenance & Long-Term Costs
- Hosting: Shared hosting ($3–$15/month) works for simple brochure sites, while AI-driven or high-traffic websites (like those using 10Web’s AI optimization or Readdy AI’s content automation) require managed hosting ($40–$330/month) for performance and stability.
- Updates: Routine maintenance—including plugin updates and security patches—runs about $25–$80 per month. Websites using AI tools (e.g., Readdy AI, 10Web, Framer AI) generally require $40–$165 per month for API compatibility checks and feature updates.
- Content Refresh: Manual content updates cost roughly $4–$12 per page. AI tools can reduce this by 60–80%—for instance, Readdy AI or Adobe Firefly for Web can generate content drafts for $1.50–$4 per page, while Canva Pro’s AI templates similarly cut design-related update costs.
3.3 Development Approach
- DIY: Total monthly cost ranges from $25–$250 (tools + domain + hosting). Pairings like Readdy AI + Carrd or Wix AI + shared hosting are effective for basic sites, though they may lead to minor design inconsistencies.
- Freelance: Expect a one-time fee of $250–$2,500. Hiring freelancers familiar with AI tools adds an extra $80–$250 for integrating platforms like Readdy AI with Webflow or 10Web with WordPress.
- Agency: Typically costs $800–$12,500 upfront. Agencies often bundle tool subscriptions (e.g., Readdy AI + Webflow, Framer AI + Bubble) into monthly maintenance packages costing $40–$165, including technical support and AI feature troubleshooting.
4. Cost-Saving Strategies for 2025
Cutting website costs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. The key is matching tools to your actual needs and leveraging AI to boost efficiency.
- Start Modular: Use AI tools like Readdy AI (~$12.50/month) or Canva Pro (~$13/month) to create core pages, then scale with no-code platforms such as Webflow (~$14/month) or Squarespace (~$16/month) as your business grows—avoiding overpaying for unused features.
- Leverage Free Tiers: Test tools before committing. Readdy AI offers free credits, Wix AI has a free branded plan, and Figma AI allows up to three free projects. 10Web provides a 7-day trial, while Hostinger AI Website Builder offers free limited features to validate performance and hosting quality.
- Bundle Services: Platforms like 10Web (~$10/month) combine AI generation, hosting, and security. Similar bundles—such as Framer’s Pro plan (~$20/month) with built-in AI, or Adobe Creative Cloud (~$50/month) including Firefly for Web and XD—can cut total costs by around 30% compared to buying separate services.
- Outsource Strategically: Hire freelancers only for specialized tasks (e.g., $40–$80 for refining Readdy AI-generated code, integrating 10Web with WooCommerce, or fine-tuning Framer AI’s responsive layouts) instead of full-site builds to save on unnecessary labor costs.
5. FAQs About 2025 Website Costs
Q1: Are AI website builders cost-effective for small businesses?
A: Yes. AI website builders are especially valuable for businesses seeking efficiency and minimal technical barriers. Most Pro tiers cost between $8–$25 per month, cutting content creation and design costs by 50–70% compared to hiring freelancers. When paired with affordable no-code tools like Squarespace’s Business plan (~$23/month) or Carrd’s Pro plan (~$9/month), total monthly costs typically stay under $50 for most small business websites.
Q2: How much should I budget for an e-commerce site using AI website builders?
A: For a basic AI-driven e-commerce store, expect to spend around $30–$60 per month total. This covers an AI website builder with built-in e-commerce features (e.g., Wix AI’s E-commerce plan at ~$27/month or Jimdo Dolphin’s E-commerce tier at ~$20/month) plus managed hosting (~$10–$15/month). For advanced AI capabilities—like product recommendations or automated inventory syncing—budget an additional $800–$3,000 upfront for integrations or freelance setup, with ongoing maintenance at $80–$150/month.
Q3: Do AI website builders eliminate long-term website costs?
A: Not entirely. While AI tools automate many ongoing tasks, long-term expenses remain. You’ll still need to cover hosting ($3–$330/month, depending on traffic), AI builder subscriptions ($8–$35/month), and occasional maintenance ($25–$165/month for updates, patches, or API adjustments). AI builders help lower costs by automating repetitive work, but essentials like hosting, security, and compliance updates—especially for e-commerce—still require consistent investment.
6. Final Cost Summary by Business Stage
| Business Stage | Monthly Total Cost (Build + Maintenance) | Recommended Tool Stack |
| Solopreneur/Startup | $40 – $250 | Readdy AI (~$12.5) + Carrd (~$9) + shared hosting (~$3) |
| Small Business (Lead Gen) | $250 – $1,250 | Webflow (~$23) + Readdy AI (~$12.5) + managed hosting (~$40) |
| Mid-Size E-Commerce | $800 – $5,000 | Squarespace Commerce (~$49) + Readdy AI (~$12.5) + payment gateway fees (1–3% per order) |
| Enterprise/AI-Powered Site | $4,000 – $41,500 | Custom development + Framer (~$45) + Readdy AI API integration (~$35/month) |
In 2025, website costs vary widely—from around $25 per month for DIY sites using AI or no-code tools to over $40,000 per month for large enterprise platforms. Costs are influenced by development approach, site complexity, and ongoing maintenance.
Traditional approaches include hiring freelancers ($250–$2,500 upfront) or agencies ($800–$12,500+) for custom sites, such as e-commerce platforms. Modern solutions like AI and no-code platforms ($8–$49/month) can cut expenses by 50–70% for simpler websites, including brochure sites or small online stores.
There’s no fixed cost—choose the approach that aligns with your goals. Use AI or no-code tools for basic sites, and turn to freelancers or agencies when scaling up. Focus on essential features to keep your project within budget.
