How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website?

So you want to start your own website but aren’t sure where to begin.
One of the first questions you've probably asked yourself is:

"How much is this all going to cost?"

If that sounds like you — you're in the right place.

Whether you're a small business owner or freelancer in Toronto, this guide will break down the real costs of getting started online and answer the question:

"How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website?"

Scope

Today’s article focuses on creating a landing page for a small business.
There’s a common misconception that you need a “backend” to build a website — but in reality, backends are only necessary if you want to store or manage data.

✅ What You Need to Launch a Landing Page:

1. Domain - Your custom URL — like yourbrand.com.
2. Hosting - A server that stores your site files and makes them accessible online.
3. Frontend - This is your actual page design and layout.

What Are The Costs?

Domain Cost

• Standard domain names - (Think .com, .ca, .org) usually cost between $10–$20 per year, depending on where you buy them, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
• Premium domains — shorter, memorable, or keyword-rich domain names — can be priced anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

| 💡 Tip: Most ecommerce platforms offer a free domain for the first year with a paid plan — but always check the renewal price, as it often increases after year one.

Hosting Cost

• Managed hosting services — platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify — offer an all-in-one solution that includes hosting and an easy-to-use website builder, starting at around $12–$30 per month. Great for beginners and non-technical users.
• Cloud hosting platforms — such as Vercel or Google Firebase — provide flexible, developer-friendly hosting solutions, with free plans ideal for simple websites and landing pages.

| 💡 Tip: Hosting is often included with all-in-one platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace.

Frontend Cost

• No Code Website Builders — These platforms (like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify) provide an all-in-one solution with hosting, pre-designed templates, and drag-and-drop editors. No coding skills required. Pricing usually ranges from $12–$39 per month.
• Custom Website — A website built from scratch, usually at a{" "} one-time cost. This option requires coding knowledge or a developer.

| 💡 Tip: Website builders often require an additional one-time cost for themes or templates, on top of the subscription.

Here's the Skinny

Below are two comparison tables: The first outlines the all-in cost of using a no-code website builder, while the second breaks down the cost of a custom developer-built solution.

I’ll highlight a few key takeaways after you’ve had a chance to review them.

So What? Why This Matters:

• No-Code Is Not Cheaper Upfront
Within the first year, a no-code builder costs nearly the same as hiring a developer to build your site (~$730 vs. $720).

• Year Two Is Where the Gap Widens
No-code: ~$500/year. Custom build: ~$20/year. That’s a 25x differencein ongoing costs.

• Scalability & Flexibility
You’re not locked into templates or platforms — your site is yours to scale and customize.

Closing Thoughts

Many small business owners don’t have the time to learn website and IT terminology or fully understand the time and costs involved. From my experience, they’re often lured by the low monthly costs of all-in-one solutions, only to be plagued by ongoing learning curves and hidden fees.

As a Toronto-based freelance developer, I often help business owners who have invested too much time and money into website builders and now need professional help.

My advice: Buy a domain for around $20/year, hire a professional for a simple frontend, and pay a one-time hosting fee. This way, you'll have reliable support and avoid ongoing costs and frustration.

Need Help With Your Website?

I build custom websites and fix no code website builders solutions — with a focus on clean design, performance, and long-term scalability.
I also work to improve local SEO, and have experience helping businesses in the Toronto area get found online.
Let’s work together and build something that lasts!