"How much does a website cost?" is one of the most common questions we get from small business owners in India — and "it depends" is the most honest (and frustrating) answer.
This article cuts through the vagueness. We'll give you real price ranges, explain what drives costs up or down, and tell you exactly what questions to ask before you commit to an agency or freelancer.
Why Is Pricing So Variable?
Website pricing in India varies enormously because "a website" can mean anything from a single-page brochure to a complex e-commerce platform with custom integrations. A freelancer building a five-page WordPress site will charge very differently from a full-service agency building a custom web application.
The main cost drivers are: complexity of design, number of pages, whether you need custom functionality (booking systems, payment gateways, databases), ongoing maintenance, and whether the agency handles hosting and SEO setup as well.
Cost Ranges by Project Type
Here are realistic price ranges for different types of websites in India as of 2026:
| Project Type | Price Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Landing page (1 page) | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 | 3–7 days |
| Basic business website (5–8 pages) | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| Professional business site with SEO setup | ₹45,000 – ₹1,20,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| E-commerce store (WooCommerce/Shopify) | ₹60,000 – ₹2,50,000 | 6–12 weeks |
| Custom web application | ₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ | 3–9 months |
| Mobile app (Android/iOS) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 | 3–7 months |
Note on very cheap quotes: If you see a "₹5,000 website" offer, it's almost always a WordPress theme install with minimal customisation. These sites look generic, load slowly, and often create problems later when you need changes or updates. The cheapest option is rarely the most cost-effective over 12 months.
What's Usually Not Included (Unless You Ask)
Many agencies quote a low base price and add costs later. Always clarify upfront whether the quote includes:
- Domain registration (.com, .in) — typically ₹800–₹1,500/year
- Web hosting — ₹3,000–₹15,000/year depending on traffic and requirements
- SSL certificate — often included with modern hosting, but confirm
- Content writing — text for all your pages, or do you provide it?
- Professional photos/images — stock photography or original shoots
- SEO optimisation — basic on-page SEO, meta tags, sitemap setup
- Google Analytics / Search Console setup — essential but often forgotten
- Post-launch support — what happens if something breaks in month two?
- Annual maintenance — updates, security patches, content changes
Understanding Timelines
The biggest cause of delays in web development projects is not the developer — it's waiting for content and feedback from the client. Before you sign a contract, make sure you have ready:
- All text content (or a budget to have it written)
- High-quality images (logo, team photos, product photos)
- A clear list of pages and features you need
- Decision-maker availability for approvals at each stage
A typical 5-page business website can be done in 3 weeks if the client provides content on day one. The same project drags to 10 weeks if content trickles in late. This is not the agency's fault — it's the most common cause of project overruns.
Freelancer vs. Agency: Which is Right for You?
Choose a freelancer if:
- You have a small, well-defined project (basic informational site)
- Budget is tight and you can manage the project yourself
- You don't need ongoing support, SEO, or marketing
Choose an agency if:
- You need a complete package (design, development, SEO, hosting)
- You want a team (not one person) with defined handoff processes
- You need ongoing support and updates after launch
- You're building something with custom features or integrations
Red Flags When Hiring a Web Developer in India
- No portfolio or examples of recent work
- Promises a full website in 2–3 days for any reasonable project
- Can't explain the technology stack they'll use
- No written contract or statement of work
- Asks for 100% payment upfront
- Doesn't ask about your SEO goals or analytics tracking
- Doesn't mention what happens after the site goes live
Questions to Ask Every Agency Before You Hire
- "Show me three recent websites you've built for businesses similar to mine."
- "What platform/technology will you use, and why is it right for my project?"
- "Will I own the code and content after launch?"
- "What's your process for revisions, and how many rounds are included?"
- "What does your post-launch support look like, and what does it cost?"
- "How do you handle SEO setup — is it included or an add-on?"
- "What's the payment schedule?"
At TekyTec, we handle everything in-house — design, development, hosting, and ongoing SEO. If you're getting quotes from multiple providers, we're happy to be one of them — no pressure, and we'll always give you a clear breakdown of what's included.
Getting the Most Value from Your Website Investment
A website is not a one-time purchase — it's an ongoing business asset. The businesses that see the best return treat their website as a living tool: they update content regularly, run SEO, connect it to their marketing efforts, and review analytics monthly.
Budget not just for the build, but for 12 months of hosting, maintenance, and at least basic SEO support. A well-maintained ₹60,000 website will outperform a neglected ₹2,00,000 one every time.