Thinking about building a website but not sure how much it’ll cost?
You’re not alone—website design cost Australia ranges from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. Some businesses get a cheap site that crashes within months, while others invest in a high-performing, lead-generating machine that pays for itself.
So, how do you avoid overpaying—or worse, ending up with a website that doesn’t work?
That’s exactly what we’re going to uncover.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The different types of websites and which one suits your business.
- What actually goes into website design costs—so you know where your money is going.
- The difference between cheap, standard, and custom web design pricing.
- Who should build your site—an in-house designer, freelancer, or agency?
By the time you’re done, you won’t just know the cost of web design in Australia—you’ll know how to get the best value for your investment.
Let’s dive in.
The First Price Factor: The Type of Website That You Need
Before we talk numbers, let’s get one thing straight: the type of website you need determines its website design cost in Australia.
A simple one-page brochure website will cost a fraction of what a custom-built eCommerce store does. But the right website isn’t about spending less—it’s about getting what works for your business.
Here’s the breakdown of the main types of websites and what they mean for your investment.
A Digital Company Profile. Brochure, Informational Websites.
A brochure website is the digital version of a business card—clean, simple, and straight to the point.
Think of it as an online presence that tells people:
- Who you are
- What you do
- How they can contact you
This type of website is perfect for small businesses, consultants, and local service providers who aren’t stressed about growing their business any further.
What’s the website design cost for a brochure site?
Typically, you’ll spend $1,000 to $5,000 for a well-designed brochure website. If you go ultra-basic, you might find cheap options under $1,000 but expect a templated look and minimal functionality.
What drives the web design price for a brochure website?
Custom branding, professional copywriting, and high-end design. But if all you need is an online presence with a few static pages, this is your most affordable option.
Want Customers? Get a Lead Generation Website.
Now, let’s get serious.
A lead generation website isn’t just a pretty face—it’s basically your money-making machine.
The goal? Turn visitors into leads and customers.
These websites are packed with:
- Strategic layouts to guide visitors to take action.
- Lead capture forms, calls-to-action, and conversion-optimised elements.
- Integration with email marketing, CRM systems, or booking tools.
Businesses that need a lead-gen website are literally any business out there that needs to bring in customers—whether that’s a lawyer, service business, gym, or clinic.
The cost?
Expect to invest $3,000 to $10,000+ for the website design cost of a lead generation site, depending on the complexity of the design and functionality. A well-crafted lead-gen website can pay for itself in a few months if done right.
So, if generating leads and making money is the goal, this is the website you need.
Selling Products? eCommerce Websites.
If your business is about selling products online, an eCommerce website is non-negotiable.
This isn’t just a website—it’s a storefront, salesperson, and checkout counter all in one.
- An eCommerce website needs:
- A user-friendly product catalog
- Secure payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Afterpay, etc.)
- Inventory management tools
- Shipping and tax automation
- Marketing integrations (email, social media, upsells)
And the website design cost Australia for an eCommerce website? $5,000 to $50,000+.
Why such a big range?
A basic Shopify or WooCommerce store with a pre-made theme costs less than a custom-built, high-performance store with advanced features. The more products, customisation, and automation you need, the higher the website design price.
Would you walk into a shady looking store to shop?
Neither would your customers!
But here’s the good news: A great eCommerce website pays for itself over time. Unlike a physical store, it works 24/7, generating cash $$$ while you sleep.
Need Something Specific? Bespoke Websites.
Now we’re talking big business.
A bespoke website is completely custom-built from the ground up. No templates. No limits. Just pure, tailor-made digital power.
This type of website is for:
- Tech startups with unique web applications
- Membership sites with gated content
- Booking platforms and custom portals
- Businesses with highly specific workflows
Unlike standard websites, a bespoke site requires serious planning, coding, and testing. Developers craft it to fit your exact business needs, meaning no wasted space, no unnecessary features—just pure functionality that drives results.
But here’s the trade-off: Price.
Expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ for a bespoke website with custom functions in Australia, depending on the scope.
But if your business model depends on a unique online experience, this investment isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your success.
The Components That Make Up Website Design Cost Australia
So, by now, you’ve got a good idea of the type of website you need.
But what actually determines the website design price?
It’s not just about the design—it’s the individual components that come together to create a functional, professional website.
Here’s what goes into the real website design cost Australia.
1. Domain
Before you even think about creating a new website, you need a domain.
The domain name is your website’s address—your digital real estate.
Google.com
Facebook.com
YouTube.com
Think of it like the signboard for your online business. Without it, people can’t find you.
Domain prices in Australia vary depending on the extension:
- .com.au domains – Usually around $20 to $40 per year
- .com domains – Around $10 to $30 per year
- Premium domains – Can cost hundreds or even thousands if the name is highly sought after
A unique, brandable domain is worth investing in, especially if you want to appear trustworthy and professional.
Pro Tip: Always register your domain yourself instead of letting an agency do it—you don’t want to lose control of your business name!
2. Web Hosting
Your web hosting is where your website “lives” online. It affects speed, security, and performance.
In Australia, web hosting costs depend on the type of hosting you choose:
- Shared Hosting – $5 to $20 per month (cheap, but slow and not ideal for business websites)
- VPS Hosting – $20 to $90 per month (better performance, ideal for growing sites)
- Dedicated Hosting – $70 — $1,000 per month (premium performance for high-traffic websites)
- Managed WordPress Hosting – $3 to $10 per month (great for businesses using WordPress)
- Cloud Hosting – $50 – $2,000+
Cheap hosting may seem like a good deal, but it can lead to slow load times and crashes—which means lost customers.
Lost customers may not be a direct website design cost Australia, but it results in lost opportunity cost.
Always invest in quality hosting!
3. Content Management System (CMS)
A Content Management System (CMS) is the software that lets you edit and manage your website without needing to code.
Popular CMS options in Australia include:
- WordPress – Most popular, flexible, and used by 43% of websites globally (free, but requires hosting and customisation)
- Shopify – Ideal for eCommerce businesses (starts at $39 AUD/month)
- Wix & Squarespace – Drag-and-drop platforms for DIY websites ($10 to $50 AUD/month)
- Custom CMS – Built from scratch for $10,000+, depending on complexity
Your CMS choice impacts your long-term website design cost Australia—some have ongoing fees, while others require expert setup but give you more control.
WordPress is an open-source CMS that doesn’t require any ongoing fees apart from paid plugins you choose to add on.
4. Number of Pages
More pages mean more work—which means higher costs.
The website design cost in Australia for a simple one-page website is obviously cheaper than a 50-page site loaded with services, blogs, and case studies.
Here’s a rough pricing guide:
- 1–5 pages – $1,000 to $3,000
- 5–10 pages – $3,000 to $6,000
- 10+ pages – $6,000 to $15,000+
Want a content-heavy site with detailed service pages? Expect to invest more in design and copywriting.
5. Design Complexity
Do you want a simple, clean layout or a high-end, interactive masterpiece?
Your design complexity impacts cost massively.
- Basic template design – Uses pre-made layouts ($1,000 to $3,000)
- Semi-custom design – Customised template with brand elements ($3,000 to $8,000)
- Fully custom design – Built from scratch, unique to your brand ($8,000 to $30,000+)
Custom designs look more professional, boost conversions, and make your brand memorable—but they cost more upfront.
6. eCommerce Functionality
If you’re selling products online, your website needs eCommerce features.
That includes:
- Product pages & categories
- Shopping cart & checkout system
- Payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, Afterpay, etc.)
- Inventory & order management
- Security features (SSL certificates, fraud protection, etc.)
The website design cost Australia for basic eCommerce sites start at $8,500, while large online stores with advanced features can cost $20,000+.
Every extra feature—like custom product filters, memberships, or subscriptions—adds to the web design price.
7. Copywriting
A beautiful website without great words is just a fancy shell.
Website copywriting isn’t just about text—it’s about persuasion, conversions, and SEO.
Here’s what copywriting as an add-on to website design costs in Australia:
- Basic DIY copywriting – Free, but may lack engagement
- Professional copywriting – $200 to $1,000 per page
- Full website copy package – $2,000 to $10,000+
Strong copy keeps visitors engaged and turns them into customers—making it a high-ROI investment.
8. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
If no one can find your website on Google, does it even exist?
SEO is crucial if you want organic traffic and leads.
SEO costs in Australia:
- Basic on-page SEO – $500 to $2,000 (meta tags, speed, mobile optimization)
- Comprehensive SEO – $2,000 to $10,000+ (keyword research, content, backlinks, audits)
- Ongoing SEO – $500 to $5,000/month (continuous ranking improvements)
Skipping SEO to “save money” is a huge mistake—it’s like building a shop in the middle of nowhere and wondering why no one visits.
9. Content Creation
Content is king—and that includes:
Blogs & articles (for SEO & engagement)
Videos (for branding & conversions)
High-quality images (for visual appeal)
Hiring professionals for content:
- Custom photography – $500 to $5,000+
- Stock images – $10 to $50 per image
- Blog writing – $150 to $500 per post
- Professional videos – $1,000 to $10,000+
Great content keeps visitors hooked, entertained, and informed—and makes your website more valuable over time.
10. Custom Functionality
Want your website to do something unique?
Custom features increase website design costs but also increase website performance.
Examples include:
- Custom booking systems – $3,000 to $10,000+
- Membership & login portals – $5,000 to $20,000+
- API integrations – $1,000 to $15,000+
- Custom-built apps & tools – $10,000 to $50,000+
The more custom coding and development needed, the higher the price.
Cheap, Standard, Custom Web Design Price Australia Difference
Not all websites are created equal.
Some are cheap—but look terrible.
Some are standard—great for most businesses.
Some are custom-built—powerhouses designed for serious performance.
The difference? Price, quality, and long-term value.
Let’s break it down.
Cheap Website Design Cost Australia
A cheap website sounds tempting—who doesn’t want to save money?
But here’s the problem: cheap websites usually mean low quality, poor performance, and zero support.
- Built with pre-made templates—your site looks like hundreds of others.
- Often DIY or outsourced to low-cost designers with minimal expertise.
- Slow loading speeds, security risks, and poor SEO—hurting your rankings and user experience.
- Limited features—no custom functionality, automation, or lead generation tools.
Cheap website design cost in Australia? $200 to $2,000.
But the real cost comes later—when you realise the site isn’t bringing in business.
So not only have you wasted money on a brick, but you’ve also lost months of potential revenue.
You won’t believe the number of websites we’ve had to fix and rebuild just because our clients thought hiring a cheaper web designer from somewhere in Asia was a great idea.
A cheap website saves money on the website cost upfront, but you’ll likely end up paying more to fix or rebuild it later.
Standard Website Design Cost Australia
A standard website is the best choice for most businesses. Unless you’re not most businesses.
- Professionally designed, customised for your brand.
- Optimised for SEO, speed, and mobile responsiveness.
- Includes essential features—lead capture forms, blogs, social media integration.
- Built on a strong CMS like WordPress or Shopify.
The standard website design cost Australia sits around $3,000 to $10,000. This price range is where you get real value—a website that looks great, performs well, and helps grow your business without breaking the bank.
Perfect for small businesses, startups, and professionals who need a reliable online presence without over-investing in unnecessary features.
Custom Website Design Cost Australia
A custom website is next-level—designed from scratch to match your exact needs.
- Completely unique design—tailored for your branding and business goals.
- Built with custom functionality—membership portals, booking systems, advanced automation.
- High-performance SEO, speed, and security—ideal for serious businesses.
- Requires a skilled web development team—no templates, no shortcuts.
How much for a custom website in Australia? $10,000 to $100,000+.
A custom site is an investment, not an expense. It pays off when it helps you dominate your market, convert more leads, and create an unbeatable user experience.
Perfect for established businesses, eCommerce giants, and startups with custom needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your budget is tight? Go for a standard website or try to build it yourself with a builder like Squarespace—just don’t go too cheap.
If you need a business asset that delivers long-term results? Custom is worth the investment.
Next, let’s talk about who should build your site—an in-house designer, freelancer, or agency?
In-House, Freelancer, vs. Agency – The Website Design Cost Difference
You know what kind of website you need. You know what goes into the cost.
Now comes the big decision—who’s going to build it?
Since you’re still here, I’m assuming it’s not you.
You have three options:
- Hire an in-house web designer
- Work with a freelancer
- Partner with a web design agency
Each has its pros, cons, and price points. Let’s break it down.
In-House Web Designer Cost in Australia
Hiring an in-house web designer means you have a dedicated expert on your team.
- Works full-time or part-time on your website.
- Can update, optimize, and maintain your site regularly.
- Best for larger businesses that need constant changes and new features.
The downside? Cost.
- Salaries range from $60,000 to $120,000+ per year in Australia.
- You still need to pay for hosting, software, and additional tools.
- One person may not have all the skills—you might need extra developers, SEO experts, or designers.
An in-house designer is ideal if your website is a core part of your business and needs constant improvements—but for most small businesses, this is overkill.
Freelance Web Designer Cost in Australia
Freelancers are a middle-ground option—offering expertise without the long-term costs of hiring full-time.
- More affordable than agencies—pricing ranges from $1,000 to $10,000+ per project.
- Often highly skilled—many freelancers have years of experience.
- Flexible & fast—great for small projects or quick website launches.
But there are risks:
- Inconsistent quality—some freelancers are amazing, others disappear mid-project while moonlighting you.
- Limited support—once your site is done, will they be around for updates?
- Slower for big projects—a single freelancer may struggle with complex functionality or large-scale design needs.
A freelancer is great for small to medium-sized businesses that need a one-time website build or redesign. Just choose wisely—look at their portfolio, reviews, and reliability.
Web Design Agency Cost in Australia
A web design agency is the premium choice—a full team of designers, developers, and strategists working together.
- High-quality design & functionality—custom-built to match your goals.
- SEO, branding, and marketing expertise—not just design, but growth-focused solutions.
- Long-term support—agencies offer ongoing maintenance, updates, and scaling.
Of course, this comes at a higher price:
- Small business website cost – $5,000 to $15,000
- Custom, high-end sites – $15,000 to $100,000+
- Ongoing maintenance – $500 to $5,000/month
Agencies deliver the best results, especially for businesses that need serious lead generation, SEO, and performance.
If you want a website that works as a business asset, not just a digital brochure, an agency is worth the website design cost in Australia.
Web Design Cost Australia Summary
So, how much does website design cost Australia?
The answer: It depends on what you need.
- A basic brochure website design costs $1,000 to $5,000.
- A lead generation site ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.
- A fully functional eCommerce store starts at $5,000 and can exceed $50,000.
- A custom-built website with advanced functionality can cost $10,000 to $100,000+.
Your total investment depends on factors like design complexity, SEO, copywriting, and ongoing maintenance.
The real question is—do you want just a website, or do you want a business asset that generates leads and sales?
Contact us for a Free Quotation
Ready to build a website that drives real results?
At Quazic, we don’t just design websites—we craft digital solutions that grow businesses. Whether you need a simple online presence, an eCommerce powerhouse, or a fully custom-built platform, we’ve got you covered.
- Conversions-optimised web design tailored to your business goals
- SEO-optimised, mobile-friendly, and built for conversions
- Melbourne-based team with local expertise
We believe that your website should be an investment, not an expense—and we’re here to make sure you get the best value for your budget in looking for website design cost Australia.
Contact us today for a free quotation.
