What determines the price of a website in 2026
The price of a website depends on a few specific things: pages, copy, features, languages and the costs of the years after. What drives it, what changes between a brochure and a business website, and what to check in the quote.
Gianmarco PacettiCofounder · Software and product development
Two websites with the same number of pages can get very different quotes: what changes is who writes the copy, how many languages you need, which tools have to be connected and what year two includes. That's why you won't find a single figure here, but a way to read a quote and understand what you're paying for.
It's the same question we start from when we prepare a quote for our business websites: first what the website has to do, then what it costs to build.
In this guide (8)
What makes the price go up or down
- How many pages and features. A website that presents your business and one with bookings, payments or a customer area are very different jobs.
- Who writes the copy. A website without clear copy is an empty box. If the web designer writes it, that's extra work; if it's left to you, the project often stalls.
- Custom design or template. An adapted template costs less, a design built from scratch costs more. For many small businesses a well-kept template with real photos and clear copy is enough.
- Languages. Every extra language means more text to write and check.
- Connections to other tools. Forms linked to management software, bookings, payments, newsletters: every connection is real work.
How much does a brochure website cost?
A brochure website presents your business in a few pages: who you are, what you offer, where you are and how to get in touch. It's the simplest job, but it shouldn't be rushed: clear copy, real photos and contact buttons you can see on a phone make the difference. The price goes up mainly with pages, languages and copy to write.
How much does a business website cost?
A business website has more pages, often more languages and extra features: a form that collects complete enquiries, a private area, bookings or a catalogue. Every feature has to be designed and tested, and every connection to management software or a payment system is real work. For a website like this, the price is set in a quote built around the features you need.
How much does a website cost per year?
A website isn't a one-off cost. Always allow for:
- domain and hosting, renewed every year
- technical updates, backups and the HTTPS certificate, which keep the website secure
- changes: who updates opening hours or a photo, and on what terms
If the quote doesn't say what year two costs, ask before you sign. If you'd like someone to look after it for you, see website hosting and support.
Packages for businesses in Cilento
For businesses in Cilento we have three packages with a written scope and cost: Essential Site, Complete Site and Site + Enquiries, which adds the panel to track customer enquiries. Domain and email are included, in the renewal too. Prices and details are on the packages page. For a website outside these scopes, or with bookings, an online shop and custom features, we prepare a free quote built around the features you need.
A low price isn't necessarily a bad sign: what matters is what it includes. A quote that doesn't say who writes the copy or what year two costs just pushes the costs to later.
What to check in the quote
Check that it clearly states:
- how many pages, images and languages are included
- who writes the copy
- what the Google optimisation includes
- whose name the domain is registered in
- what year two costs and what it includes
- delivery times and when they start
If any of these answers is vague, that low price will cost you later.
Incentives: check them case by case
There are public schemes for digital investment in Italy, with precise requirements that change often. The Transizione 5.0 tax credit, for example, required lower energy consumption and closed applications in 2025; from 2026 there is a new scheme, with its own rules. Neither automatically covers a website. Before counting on an incentive, check the requirements on the official MIMIT page and talk to your accountant.
So how much should you spend?
Start from what the website needs to do for you. If you need to present your business and be contacted, a well-made brochure website can be enough. If you have many enquiries to follow up or a process to organise, consider a panel or a custom project. A website doesn't guarantee new customers, but it makes it easier to find you, understand what you offer and get in touch.