How much does a website cost?

Prices for websites vary hugely, and most price lists online come from the people selling them. This guide puts the main options side by side, with real figures from local designers and registrars, each linked to where we read it. Every outside price here was read on 4 October 2026. Prices change, so check the source before you budget.

• Build it yourself with a website builder. You pay a monthly or yearly plan (some have a free plan). Hosting, security and updates are included. You can change it whenever you like.
• Hire a freelancer or an agency. You pay a one-off design fee, then yearly for the domain and hosting, and often a monthly fee if they maintain it. You usually go back to them for changes.
• Build it yourself with WordPress or code. The software is free, but you pay for hosting, a domain, and often a theme and plugins, and you look after updates and security.

Freelancers starting out often charge less than agencies. Several Kenyan guides put beginner freelancers at around KES 15,000 to 40,000 for a basic site, but ask what is included: the number of pages, who owns the domain, and what changes cost after launch.

Builders charge a monthly fee, usually lower if you pay for a year at once. Prices are in US dollars, and your bank or mobile money provider converts them.

Wix prices are from wix.com/plans, read on 4 October 2026. For a fuller, dated comparison, including where each one is the better choice, see Acyera and Wix compared and Acyera and WordPress compared. Acyera's own prices, and what each plan includes, are on the pricing page. Paying yearly saves 20%.

• Renewals. Many registrars offer a cheap first year and charge more from the second. Check the renewal price before you buy a domain.
• Changes after launch. With a designer, every new price list or photo may be a paid job. Ask for the rate before you sign.
• Maintenance. WordPress sites need updates and backups. Agencies often charge a monthly retainer for it.
• Photos. Good photos of your products or work make a bigger difference than an expensive design.
• Your time. Building it yourself costs hours rather than money. With a template or an AI draft, a one-page site takes about an afternoon.

1. Start with one strong page instead of many thin ones. How to create a website for your business lists what it needs.
2. Build it yourself from a template, or let the AI builder draft it, then spend your budget on good photos.
3. Publish on a free address first, and buy a domain once the site is bringing in customers.
4. If you hire someone, make sure the domain is registered in your name and that you can edit the site yourself afterwards.

Build on Acyera with no account, then save your page to a free account when you are happy with it. The free plan gives you one page on an address like yourname.acyera.com.

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