If you’re thinking about building a website for your business in Canada, there’s a good chance you’ve asked this question:
“How much is this actually going to cost me?”
You’ll find a wide range of answers, some say $500, others say $15,000. And truthfully, both can be right. The real cost depends on who’s building the site, how it’s built, what features you need, and whether you’re going for a quick online presence or a long-term business tool.
Here’s a clear look at what each option really costs and how they compare, the true costs of building a website in Canada in 2025. We’ll compare freelancers, agencies, and DIY options, explain what you’re paying for, and help you figure out what’s best for your budget and goals.
Why the Cost of a Website Varies So Much
Not all websites are created equal. A single-page portfolio doesn’t cost the same as a full-scale eCommerce store.
What you pay depends on several factors:
- The type of website (brochure, eCommerce, blog, membership, etc.)
- Who builds it (freelancer, agency, or yourself)
- Design complexity (template-based vs custom-built)
- Number of pages and features
- SEO and marketing add-ons
- Hosting, domain, and ongoing maintenance
Let’s look at what each option really costs in Canada right now.
Option 1: Hiring a Freelancer in Canada
Estimated cost: $1,200 to $5,000+
Freelancers are often the go-to for small businesses or startups that want a professional-looking website without agency prices. They typically work solo or with a small team and may offer design, development, SEO, or copywriting, depending on their expertise.
Pros:
- Lower cost than agencies
- Flexible and personalized communication
- Fast turnaround for small projects
- Often includes custom design touches
Cons:
- Quality and professionalism vary widely
- Limited scalability or ongoing support
- One person handles everything, which can be risky
- May lack marketing, SEO, or UX strategy
Typical breakdown
- Web design + development (5–10 pages): $1,200 to $3,000
- eCommerce setup (Shopify or WooCommerce): +$1,000 to $2,000
- Basic SEO setup: +$300 to $800
- Copywriting: +$300 to $1,000
Total estimated cost for a full freelancer-built website: $2,500 to $5,500
Option 2: Working with a Web Design Agency
Estimated cost: $4,000 to $20,000+
Agencies offer a full-stack experience, strategy, design, development, SEO, branding, and more. You’re paying for a team of specialists, not just a developer. Ideal for growing businesses, complex sites, or those that need long-term support.
Pros:
- Strategic planning and consultation
- High-quality design and functionality
- Team-based execution = more accountability
- Usually includes SEO, CRO, and mobile optimization
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Some agencies may oversell features
- You’ll need to manage timelines and feedback loops
What You Typically Get with an Agency
- UX research and strategy: included
- Custom design and branding: included
- Mobile responsiveness: included
- SEO setup and analytics tracking: included
- Copywriting: usually included or offered as an add-on
- eCommerce functionality: available as an add-on
- Monthly maintenance and support plans: optional
Estimated cost with agency services: $6,000 to $15,000+
Option 3: DIY Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify)
Estimated cost: $100 to $800/year
If budget is tight, or you’re testing a business idea, building your own site with a page builder can be a good first step. You’ll be using templates, drag-and-drop editors, and built-in tools.
Pros:
- Cheapest way to get online
- No coding required
- Fast launch (days, not weeks)
- Built-in features like hosting, analytics, and forms
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility
- Not great for SEO (especially Wix and Squarespace)
- Time-consuming
- Harder to scale
- Often looks generic or unpolished
Platform Monthly Costs
WordPress.com: $8 to $45/month, plus plugins, SSL, and custom domain
Wix: $20 to $40/month, plus optional paid templates or apps
Squarespace: $25 to $50/month, plus optional extensions
Shopify: $25 to $399/month, plus transaction fees and optional apps
Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
Many website costs aren’t obvious up front, especially if you go DIY or work with budget freelancers. Make sure you account for:
- Domain registration: $15 to $20/year
- SSL certificate: often free, but some platforms charge
- Hosting (for WordPress): $8 to $30/month
- Premium themes or plugins: variable
- Email accounts (e.g., Google Workspace): $7 to $15/month
- Stock photos or content writing: depends on source and volume
These can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
Estimated Budget Based on Type of Website
DIY builder site: $100 to $800/year
One-page promo or portfolio site: $500 to $1,000
Small business website (5–10 pages): $1,200 to $5,000
eCommerce website with SEO and custom design: $3,000 to $12,000
Custom corporate or enterprise site: $8,000 to $20,000+
Making Sense of Website Cost in Canada
A website isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment. The right one can generate leads, build trust, and grow your business around the clock. But choosing the wrong approach, cutting corners or overspending without strategy, can leave you frustrated and invisible online.
If you’re just getting started, DIY might be fine. But if your business is growing, and your website needs to reflect your brand, rank on Google, and convert visitors into customers, investing in professional design makes a real difference.
Still unsure where to start?
At Maple Web Design, we work with businesses of all sizes across Canada, offering honest advice, transparent pricing, and websites built to perform.
Get a Free Quote and let’s build something that fits your goals and your budget.
