How Much Does Building a Website Cost in Australia?

When planning a new website, one of the first questions people ask is: What is the website cost in Australia?
The answer isn’t as simple as a flat fee. Website costs vary based on your needs, the complexity of the project, and who you hire to build it.
From simple small business sites to custom-built eCommerce platforms, different goals require different budgets. Plus, prices can vary even between agencies in the same city!

In this guide, we’ll break down the main factors that influence the website cost in Australia — so you can plan your project with confidence and avoid surprises later.

• Website cost in Australia varies based on project size, goals, and provider.
• Expect to invest between $1,000 and $20,000+ depending on complexity.
• Choose between templates for affordability or custom development for flexibility.
• Good hosting, strong SEO, professional design, and ongoing maintenance are crucial for long-term success.
• Always work with a trusted, Australian-based web design agency for best results.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• 7 Steps to Estimate Website Development Costs
  • Step 1: Identifying Your Website’s Purpose
  • Step 2: Securing Your Online Identity
  • Step 3: Choosing the Perfect Web Hosting Partner
  • Step 4: Navigating Template Selection vs. Custom Development
  • Step 5: Content Writing and SEO Best Practices
  • Step 6: Crafting Aesthetics and Elevating User Experience
  • Step 7: Ongoing Website Maintenance
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Before you can estimate the cost, you need to know what type of website you need:

Simple Small Business Website:

• Ideal for showcasing services.
• Costs range from $1,000 to $4,000.
• Perfect for local businesses needing an online presence.

Conversion-Oriented Business Site:

• Designed to generate leads and enquiries.
• Strong focus on design, calls-to-action, and testimonials.
• Expect to invest between $3,000 and $7,000.

Basic E-commerce Site:

• Sell products or services online.
• Includes shopping carts, payment gateways, shipping integration.
• Costs usually start around $5,000.

Custom, Feature-Rich Website:

• Highly tailored with custom apps or databases.
• Pricing typically exceeds $10,000 and varies based on complexity.

Tip: Blended sites (e.g., eCommerce + conversion pages) may cross categories — so expect blended pricing too.

You’ll need two essentials:

Domain Name:

• Your website’s address (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com.au).
• Costs: $10–$50/year.
• Renew annually.

SSL Certificate:

• Essential for security and SEO.
• Types include Domain SSL, Organisational SSL, and Extended SSL.
• Costs: Free (basic) to $500+ for premium certificates.

Remember: If you’re unsure about domain registration or SSL setup, your web design agency can handle it for you.

Choosing the right host ensures your site runs smoothly:

Standard Hosting:

• Good for small sites.
• Costs around $55/month.

Advanced Hosting:

• Needed for complex sites with higher traffic.
• Costs can rise to $100–$300/month.

When choosing, consider:

• Reliability and uptime.
• Speed and scalability.
• Responsive customer support.

Pro Tip: Choose hosting based in Australia for faster local loading speeds!

Here’s where costs can vary dramatically:

Template-Based Websites:

• Faster and cheaper to build.
• Setup fees usually from $500–$2,000.

Custom Websites:

• Designed from scratch for your brand.
• Budgets start from $5,000 and can easily exceed $20,000.

Key Point: Templates work well for simple sites, but custom designs offer more scalability and flexibility.

Content is king — and optimised content drives traffic!

Copywriting Services:

• Professional writers create engaging and SEO-friendly content.
• Pricing ranges from $100 to $500+ per page.

SEO Services:

• Helps your site rank on Google.
• Ongoing packages usually cost between $300 and $10,000/month.

Important: Good content + strong SEO = better visibility + higher ROI.

Your website must look good — and feel easy to use.

Visual Design:

• Custom graphics, branding elements, professional layouts.
• Investment: $300 to $10,000+ depending on creativity.

User Experience (UX):

• Easy navigation, mobile-friendliness, clear calls-to-action.
• Helps boost engagement and conversions.

Note: Professional UX design ensures your visitors stay longer and take action!

Websites aren’t a one-time cost. They need care!

Monthly Maintenance Costs:

• Typically $50–$200/month.

What’s Included:

• Software updates.
• Backups.
• Security checks.
• Content updates.

Best Practice: Budget for maintenance to protect your investment and avoid costly fixes later.

Understanding the true website cost in Australia means looking beyond just the upfront price. It’s about recognising what your business needs now — and what it will need as it grows.
From securing your domain to crafting a stunning user experience and ongoing SEO, each investment builds a stronger, more successful website.

Would you like to receive a personalised, precise estimate tailored to your unique requirements? We invite you to connect with us today for a complimentary, no-obligation quote. At Digital Rescue, Melbourne’s leading web design agency, we’re committed to helping you bring your website vision to life while meeting your specific goals and budget. Contact us to get started on your web design journey.

How much should I budget for a basic business website?

A simple small business website in Australia typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on design and features.

Are cheaper website builders a good alternative?

While DIY builders are cheaper upfront, they often come with major limitations in SEO, customisation, and scalability — costing you more in the long run.

How much does eCommerce website development cost?

A basic eCommerce website in Australia usually starts at $5,000, with advanced setups costing $10,000 or more.

What additional costs should I consider after launch?

Besides the initial build, budget for domain renewals, hosting, ongoing SEO, website maintenance, and occasional content or design updates.