Thinking about building a website in Melbourne?
You’ve probably heard a hundred different answers about how much it’s going to cost.
Some people say a few hundred bucks. Others throw around five-figure numbers like they’re handing out candy.
Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Because every website is different. Every business is different. And every goal? Different.
But don’t worry.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of:
- The type of website you need
- The different price ranges you’ll encounter
- The exact factors that influence website design Melbourne cost
- The price differences between hiring in-house, freelancers, and agencies
And you’ll know how to get the best value without getting ripped off.
Let’s dive straight in.
The First Factor. What Type of Website Are You After?
Before you even think about website design Melbourne price, you need clarity.
What type of website do you actually need?
Different websites serve different goals—and the right choice saves you thousands while positioning your business for success.
Brochure or Portfolio Website Design Cost
A brochure or portfolio website is your online business card—simple, clean, and to the point.
It’s perfect if you need to show your credibility, display a few services or works, and let visitors get in touch.
Brochure websites usually include:
- A homepage
- About page
- Services or Portfolio page
- Contact page
These websites are fast to build, easy to manage, and ideal for local businesses, creatives, or consultants who don’t need complex functionality.
A brochure or portfolio website in Melbourne typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, providing a simple online presence to showcase business information, services, or portfolio examples with minimal features.
If you just need to be found online without running an online shop or capturing leads aggressively, this is your most cost-effective choice.
Large Websites
For small to medium enterprises and larger businesses, a basic brochure site simply won’t cut it.
You need a website that’s structured for scale—designed for:
- Multiple service or product categories
- SEO-friendly architecture
- Trust-building features (reviews, certifications, partnerships)
- CRM or email marketing integrations
These websites often have 10, 20, or even 50+ pages, designed around clear customer journeys and calls-to-action.
SME and large business websites in Melbourne usually cost between $5,000 and $15,000, offering multi-page designs, SEO optimisation, CRM integrations, and growth-ready infrastructure for scaling operations.
If you want a website that positions your business as a leader, not just another option, this is where you need to invest.
Lead Generation Websites
Lead generation websites are sales engines—built not just to impress, but to convert.
They focus heavily on:
- Landing pages
- Strategic calls-to-action
- Optimised forms and funnels
- SEO and PPC integration readiness
These sites are perfect for service-based businesses, agencies, consultants, real estate, legal, and financial firms.
The design is tailored to drive a visitor to one action: become a lead.
Lead generation websites in Melbourne typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000, specifically designed to capture visitor information through optimised forms, funnels, and strategic calls-to-action.
If your goal is to fill your calendar with inquiries or generate warm leads every day, this is the smart move.
eCommerce Website Design Melbourne Price
If you’re selling products online, an eCommerce site is your digital storefront—open 24/7.
An effective eCommerce website must have:
- Beautiful product pages
- Smooth checkout experiences
- Secure payment gateways
- Inventory management
- Customer review and loyalty systems
You’re not just building a website—you’re creating a business platform that handles marketing, sales, and fulfillment automatically.
An eCommerce website in Melbourne generally costs between $5,000 and $50,000+, depending on the number of products, payment gateway integrations, shipping systems, and custom functionality requirements.
When built right, your eCommerce site isn’t just another store—it’s your best employee, working around the clock.
Custom Websites
Custom websites are in a class of their own.
These aren’t built from templates or drag-and-drop editors. They’re strategically architected to your exact vision and unique business processes.
They often include:
- Advanced membership platforms
- Client portals
- Booking engines
- eLearning systems (LMS)
- Full API integrations
Custom websites in Melbourne typically start at $15,000 and can exceed $100,000, offering fully bespoke solutions including advanced functionality, unique designs, and integration with complex business systems.
If you want your website to do things no off-the-shelf system can handle—or you’re aiming to scale a tech-driven business—custom is the only way to go.
Different Price Ranges of Websites: Cheap, Mid-Range, and High End
Not every website is created equal.
When it comes to website design Melbourne cost, you’ll find three main price categories: cheap websites, mid-range (standard) websites, and custom high-end websites.
Each comes with different expectations, different risks, and different long-term value.
Here’s exactly what you need to know.
Cheap Website Design Melbourne Price
Cheap websites are everywhere.
You’ll see offers for $500 websites, DIY builders, and overseas freelancers charging rock-bottom rates.
Sounds great, right? Not always.
Cheap websites usually mean templated designs, poor SEO, limited functionality, and almost no customer support when something breaks.
If you just need an online “business card” to prove you exist, cheap websites might work—for a while.
But if you’re serious about generating leads, building credibility, or scaling your business, cheap can cost you more in lost opportunities later on.
Cheap website design in Melbourne typically costs between $500 and $2,000. These websites often use basic templates, offer minimal customisation, and may lack the SEO, speed, and performance needed for serious business growth.
Cheap is fine for a placeholder—but don’t expect it to drive real results.
Standard & Mid-Range Website Design Melbourne Cost
Mid-range websites are where most smart businesses land.
They’re not just about looking good—they’re about building a functional, optimised, lead-generating machine.
A standard website might cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on complexity, design customisation, and content requirements.
You’ll usually get:
- Professional, custom-branded design
- SEO setup
- Mobile responsiveness
- Lead generation forms
- Blog setup for content marketing
These websites are tailored to your brand and built to perform well in search engines—making them a smart investment for any growing business.
Standard website design in Melbourne generally costs between $3,000 and $15,000.
These websites offer professional customisation, SEO foundations, mobile optimisation, and are designed to support business growth and online marketing efforts.
Mid-range websites deliver real value without the crazy high-end price tag.
High End Website Design Melbourne Cost
Custom websites are for serious players.
If you need a site that’s more than just a brochure—if you need custom apps, portals, automation, integrations, and unique branding experiences—you’re talking high-end.
A fully custom website in Melbourne usually starts at $15,000 and can exceed $100,000, especially if it includes custom development, eCommerce, membership functionality, or CRM integration.
These websites are carefully architected from scratch to match exact business needs, scaling seamlessly as you grow.
They’re not built for today. They’re built for the next 5–10 years of growth.
Custom website design in Melbourne typically costs between $15,000 and $100,000+, depending on the complexity, functionality, and business requirements. These websites are uniquely tailored to offer advanced features, automation, and powerful brand experiences.
High-end websites aren’t expenses—they’re assets that fuel massive business success.
The Factors That Influence How Much Your Website Design Costs
When it comes to website design Melbourne cost, it’s not just about the size of the site.
It’s about the details.
The choices you make — from the platform to the number of pages to the SEO setup — all affect the final investment.
Domain
Your domain is your online address. It’s what people type to find you.
In Australia, a standard .com.au domain costs around $20 to $40 per year.
Premium domains—those with short, powerful names—can easily cost hundreds or thousands.
Choosing the right domain matters because it affects branding, SEO, and customer trust.
A domain name for a Melbourne business typically costs between $20 and $40 per year for a standard .com.au registration, while premium domains can cost significantly more depending on demand.
Your domain is your first impression—choose wisely.
Web Host
A web host is where your website files live.
Good hosting = faster load times, better security, and happier visitors.
Expect to pay:
- Shared hosting: $10–$30/month
- VPS or managed WordPress hosting: $30–$150/month
Web hosting for Melbourne businesses usually costs between $10 and $150 per month, depending on whether you choose shared hosting, VPS, or managed WordPress services for improved performance and security.
Cheap hosting might save money upfront but can cost you customers later.
Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS is what allows you to easily edit and manage your site without knowing code.
Popular options include WordPress (most flexible), Shopify (for eCommerce), and Wix or Squarespace (easy DIY).
Most CMS options are free or low-cost—but setup, plugins, and maintenance add to your bill.
A CMS for Melbourne websites, such as WordPress, Shopify, or Squarespace, may cost between $0 and $50 monthly, though additional setup and plugin costs should be considered in the total budget.
Choose a CMS that grows with your business.
Number of Pages
More pages = more work = more cost.
A 5-page website will be cheaper than a 50-page website. Simple math.
Each professionally designed page typically adds around $150 to $500 to the project price.
Planning your sitemap carefully saves money and keeps your site clean.
The number of pages significantly affects Melbourne website design cost, with each additional page typically adding between $150 and $500 depending on content complexity and design requirements.
Every page should have a purpose—don’t add pages just to bulk it out.
Design Complexity
Simple layouts are cheaper.
Complex, animated, highly interactive designs push costs higher.
Custom graphics, parallax scrolling, animations, and dynamic layouts require extra design and development time.
If you want a visually stunning experience, be ready to invest.
Design complexity influences website costs in Melbourne, with basic layouts costing less and advanced custom designs with animations, interactivity, and dynamic features increasing the overall project budget.
Functionality should always enhance—not distract from—the user experience.
eCommerce Functionality
Selling online?
You’ll need product pages, carts, secure payment systems, shipping setups, inventory management, and sometimes even CRM or email integrations.
A basic online store might add $5,000 to your website cost. Advanced multi-storefront solutions can go far beyond that.
eCommerce functionality can add $5,000 or more to Melbourne website design costs, depending on the number of products, payment gateway integrations, shipping options, and custom sales features required.
eCommerce is about more than just selling—it’s about creating seamless buying experiences.
Copywriting
Design gets attention. Words make sales.
Professional copywriting ensures your site speaks directly to your ideal customer and drives action.
Expect to invest around $150 to $500 per page for professional Melbourne copywriters who understand SEO and conversions.
Professional copywriting for Melbourne websites typically costs between $150 and $500 per page, ensuring content is optimised for conversions, brand voice consistency, and SEO performance.
Bad copy costs more than money—it costs you opportunities.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
If no one can find you on Google, what’s the point?
Good SEO starts at $500 for basic setups and can go beyond $5,000 per month for ongoing campaigns.
Think of SEO not as an expense—but as fuel for your future traffic and growth.
SEO setup for Melbourne websites generally costs between $500 and $5,000+, depending on the depth of optimisation, keyword targeting, technical requirements, and ongoing monthly campaigns.
The best website in the world means nothing if no one sees it.
Images & Content Creation
Photos, videos—they tell your story visually.
You’ll either need:
- Custom photography ($500–$5,000+)
- Stock photos ($10–$50 each)
High-quality content keeps visitors engaged longer and boosts SEO.
Content creation for Melbourne websites can range from $500 to $5,000+, covering professional photography, stock images, and videos to enhance engagement.
Content isn’t optional. It’s your story, your brand, and your sales tool—all in one.
Ongoing Maintenance
Websites need constant care.
Expect to spend between $50 to $500/month on updates, backups, security patches, and tweaks.
Neglect maintenance and risk losing traffic—or worse, getting hacked.
Ongoing website maintenance in Melbourne typically costs between $50 and $500 per month, covering updates, security patches, backups, and performance optimisations to keep your site running smoothly.
A healthy website is a growing website.
Custom Functionality
Want to stand out?
Custom booking engines, membership areas, subscription services, client dashboards—all these require custom development.
Prices vary widely but expect to add $2,000 to $50,000+ based on how advanced your custom features are.
Custom functionality can add between $2,000 and $50,000+ to website costs in Melbourne, depending on the complexity, integration needs, and bespoke development required for unique business processes.
Custom isn’t just cooler. It’s smarter when it’s aligned with your business goals.
Inhouse, Freelancer, and Agency Pricing Difference
Who you choose to build your website matters just as much as what you want to build.
When it comes to website design Melbourne price, hiring in-house, a freelancer, or a full-service agency can dramatically change your costs—and your results.
Here’s how each option stacks up.
Cost to Hire an Inhouse Web Designer in Melbourne
Hiring an in-house designer means someone working solely on your business, full-time or part-time.
The average salary for an in-house web designer in Melbourne ranges from $68,000 to $83,000+ per year, depending on experience and skill set.
On top of salary, there’s also the cost of providing the right software, equipment, and professional development.
The cost to hire an in-house web designer in Melbourne typically ranges from $68,000 to $83,000 annually, excluding additional expenses for software licenses, equipment, and ongoing training.
Hiring in-house is best if you need constant web updates, marketing material design, and rapid deployment of new web projects. Otherwise, it’s often overkill—and a huge cost—for businesses that don’t require full-time design work.
Freelancer Website Design Melbourne Price
Freelancers are a great middle-ground solution for many businesses.
In Melbourne, the price for freelance website design typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on project complexity and the freelancer’s expertise.
Freelancers are flexible, affordable, and often highly skilled—but reliability and communication can vary significantly.
You’ll often find that while the initial project is cheaper, post-launch support, maintenance, and scaling might require hiring others later.
Freelance website design in Melbourne generally costs between $1,000 and $10,000, offering a flexible and affordable option for businesses seeking professional results without the overheads of an agency or in-house hire.
Freelancers are a fantastic fit for smaller projects, startups, and businesses that need a quick, well-designed site—but choose carefully. A bad freelancer will cost you time, money, and momentum.
Website Design Agency Website Design Melbourne Price
Agencies bring the full team—strategists, designers, developers, SEO experts, copywriters, and project managers—all working together to deliver serious results.
Website design agency pricing in Melbourne usually starts at $5,000 for small business sites and can easily reach $30,000+ for complex, custom projects.
When you hire an agency like Quazic, you’re not just buying a website—you’re investing in a complete digital strategy built to drive leads, sales, and long-term business growth.
Website design agencies in Melbourne typically charge between $5,000 and $30,000+, depending on the website’s size, complexity, SEO requirements, and additional services like branding or marketing strategy.
Agencies are ideal for businesses ready to scale, dominate their niche, and view their website as an investment—not just an expense.
Website Design Melbourne Cost Summary
By now, you can see:
Not all websites are priced the same.
Your final cost depends on the type of website you need, who you hire, and how much customisation you require.
To make it easier, here’s a simple snapshot of what you can expect when it comes to website design Melbourne price at different levels.
Website Type or Service | Typical Price Range |
---|---|
Brochure / Portfolio Website | $1,000 – $3,000 |
SME or Large Business Website | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Lead Generation Website | $3,000 – $10,000 |
eCommerce Website | $5,000 – $50,000+ |
Custom Website (High End) | $15,000 – $100,000+ |
Cheap Website (Template-Based) | $500 – $2,000 |
Mid-Range Standard Website | $3,000 – $15,000 |
High-End Custom Website | $15,000 – $100,000+ |
Freelance Website Design | $1,000 – $10,000 |
Inhouse Designer (Annual Salary) | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
Agency Website Design Pricing | $5,000 – $30,000+ |
Website design costs in Melbourne typically range from $500 for basic template-based websites to over $100,000 for fully custom-built solutions, depending on the website type, complexity, and service provider selected.
Choosing the right investment level depends on your business goals, future plans, and how important your website is to your growth strategy.
Need a Website Design Quote? Get in Touch with Quazic
At Quazic, we believe your website should do more than just look good—it should generate leads, drive revenue, and grow your business effortlessly.
We don’t build cookie-cutter websites. We build digital machines designed to move the needle for your brand.
- Custom strategies tailored to your business goals
- SEO-first web design for organic growth
- High-converting, fast-loading, mobile-optimised builds
- Ongoing support to keep your website at peak performance
Whether you’re starting fresh, upgrading your current website, or building a fully custom platform, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Want to know your exact website design Melbourne cost?
It starts with a simple conversation.
Contact us to get your free quotation today.
Let’s create something that doesn’t just impress — it performs.