Website Development Cost in India: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide
- Developer Jigsawkraft
- Nov 17
- 14 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Introduction: Why Website Costs Vary So Dramatically
One of the most common questions we hear at Jigsawkraft: "How much does a website cost in India?"
The frustrating answer? Anywhere from ₹8,000 to ₹5,00,000+.
That's not evasive—it's honest. Asking "how much does a website cost?" is like asking "how much does a vehicle cost?" A motorcycle, a sedan, and a luxury SUV are all vehicles, but they serve different needs at vastly different price points.
The same applies to websites.
A basic 5-page informational website for a local consultant differs dramatically from a custom e-commerce platform for a growing retail business. Different goals, different complexity, different investment.
Yet many small business owners make costly mistakes by:
❌ Choosing the cheapest option without understanding what they're sacrificing
❌ Overpaying for features they don't actually need
❌ Missing hidden costs that turn "cheap" websites expensive
❌ Comparing quotes without understanding what's included
This comprehensive guide provides complete transparency on website development cost in India in 2026. You'll learn:
What factors actually determine website pricing
Realistic cost ranges for different website types
Hidden costs most people miss
How to evaluate quotes and avoid costly mistakes
When to invest more and where you can save
At Jigsawkraft, a website development company in Ahmedabad, we believe in pricing transparency. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to budget for your website project and make informed decisions that deliver ROI, not regret.
Let's demystify website pricing once and for all.
What Actually Determines Website Development Cost?
Understanding what drives pricing helps you evaluate quotes intelligently and budget appropriately.
1. Platform Choice: WordPress vs Custom vs Builders
WordPress (₹25,000 - ₹75,000)
Used by over 43% of all websites globally, WordPress leverages an existing framework, making development faster and more affordable. The massive ecosystem of themes and plugins enables almost any functionality. Perfect for most small businesses.
If you're wondering whether to build your own site or hire professionals, our guide on how to build a business website covers the complete decision-making process.
Custom Development (₹1,00,000 - ₹5,00,000+)
Built from scratch using modern frameworks like React, Laravel, or Node.js. Higher cost reflects specialized programming work. Necessary only for unique functionality that platforms can't provide—like custom SaaS applications or complex business logic.
Website Builders (₹3,600 - ₹24,000/year)
Platforms like Wix or Squarespace with monthly subscription models. Lower upfront cost but ongoing fees and limited customization. Works for very specific use cases but often creates long-term limitations.
2. Design Complexity: Template vs Custom
Template Customization (₹15,000 - ₹40,000)
Starting with premium themes and customizing colors, fonts, layout, and content. Professional results at accessible prices. Most small businesses don't need fully custom design—properly customized templates deliver excellent results.
Custom Design (₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000)
Unique design created specifically for your brand from blank canvas. Every element tailored to your requirements. Higher investment for complete brand differentiation. If you're investing at this level, ensure your overall branding is solidified first.
3. Number of Pages and Content Volume
Basic (5-10 pages): ₹25,000 - ₹50,000
Essential pages: Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact
Standard (10-20 pages): ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000
Multiple service pages, detailed portfolio, blog infrastructure
Extensive (20+ pages): ₹1,00,000+
Large product catalogs, comprehensive resource libraries, multiple service categories
More pages = more design work, more content creation, more development time. Content creation is often a hidden cost multiplier—which is why many businesses use AI content creation strategies to scale content production affordably.
4. Functionality and Features
Basic Features (Included in base price):
Contact forms
Image galleries
Social media integration
Mobile responsiveness
Basic SEO
Advanced Features (Additional ₹10,000 - ₹50,000 each):
E-commerce with payment gateway (₹30,000 - ₹1,00,000): Integration with Razorpay, PayU, or other Indian payment processors
Booking/appointment system (₹15,000 - ₹40,000): For salons, clinics, consulting firms
Membership/login areas (₹20,000 - ₹60,000): Subscriber-only content or communities
Multi-language support (₹15,000 - ₹35,000): Essential for businesses serving diverse Indian markets
Custom calculators or tools (₹20,000 - ₹80,000): ROI calculators, pricing estimators, etc.
API integrations (₹25,000 - ₹1,00,000): Connecting with CRM, accounting software, or other systems |
5. Content Creation Requirements
DIY Content (₹0)
You provide all written content, images, and videos. Agency handles design and development only. This requires significant time investment and content creation skills.
Professional Copywriting (₹5,000 - ₹30,000)
Agency creates persuasive, SEO-optimized content for all pages. Investment varies by page count and complexity. Quality content is critical—poor content destroys good design. Many businesses struggle with this, making common content marketing mistakes that undermine their website's effectiveness.
Photography (₹3,000 - ₹25,000)
Stock images: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000
Basic product photography: ₹8,000 - ₹15,000
Professional brand photography: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000+
Consider creating short-form video content as well—video dramatically increases engagement and conversion rates.
6. SEO Implementation Level
Basic SEO (Usually included):
Meta titles and descriptions
Heading hierarchy
Image alt text
Mobile responsiveness
Fast loading based on Google's Core Web Vitals
Advanced SEO (₹15,000 - ₹50,000 additional):
Comprehensive keyword research
Competitor analysis
Schema markup implementation
Content strategy development
Link building foundation
Local SEO and Google My Business optimization
Professional SEO services go beyond one-time setup—ongoing optimization is essential for ranking and traffic growth.
7. E-commerce Complexity
Simple Store (₹80,000 - ₹1,50,000):
Under 100 products
Single payment gateway
Basic shipping options
Standard checkout
Complex Store (₹1,50,000 - ₹3,00,000+):
Large product catalog (100+ products)
Multiple payment options
Complex shipping calculations
Inventory management
Customer accounts and wishlists
Multi-vendor capabilities
8. Agency vs Freelancer vs DIY
Freelancer (₹15,000 - ₹60,000):
Lower overhead = lower prices. Risk: availability, accountability, long-term support.
Small Agency (₹30,000 - ₹1,50,000):
Team approach with specialized skills. Balance of quality and price. Established processes and support.
Large Agency (₹1,50,000 - ₹10,00,000+):
Comprehensive services, account management, premium results. Higher overhead = higher pricing.
DIY (₹8,000 - ₹20,000 first year):
Your time investment instead of money. Works for very simple needs and technical comfort.
Complete Cost Breakdown by Website Type
Let's get specific. Here's what different website types actually cost in India in 2025.
Basic Business Website
Investment: ₹25,000 - ₹50,000
What You Get:
5-10 pages (Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact)
Template customization with your branding
Mobile-responsive design
Contact form integration
Basic SEO optimization
Google Analytics setup
1-2 rounds of revisions
Basic training on content updates
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Best For:
Local service businesses (consultants, salons, clinics)
Freelancers and solopreneurs
Professional services (lawyers, accountants)
Small B2B companies in Ahmedabad or other Indian cities
Businesses needing credible online presence
What's NOT Included:
Custom design from scratch
E-commerce functionality
Advanced features (booking, memberships)
Professional content writing (you provide content)
Ongoing maintenance (available separately)
Standard Business Website
Investment: ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000
What You Get:
10-20 pages with detailed content
Custom design reflecting your brand
Blog infrastructure for content marketing
Advanced SEO optimization
Lead generation features (forms, CTAs, popups)
Professional image sourcing/editing
Content strategy consultation
Email integration
Social media integration
3 rounds of revisions
Comprehensive training
1 month post-launch support
Timeline: 6-8 weeks
Best For:
Growing businesses ready to invest in digital presence
Agencies showcasing portfolio and expertise
B2B companies with longer sales cycles
Service businesses with multiple offerings
Companies serious about using content marketing as a growth strategy
Added Value:
Strategic approach aligned with business goals
Professional content guidance
Conversion optimization focus
Foundation for long-term digital marketing
E-commerce Website
Investment: ₹1,00,000 - ₹3,00,000
What You Get:
Product catalog (50-500+ products)
Shopping cart and checkout
Inventory management system
Order tracking for customers
Customer account creation
Multiple shipping options
Tax calculations
Discount/coupon functionality
Mobile-responsive design
Security (SSL, PCI compliance)
SEO for product pages
Analytics and sales tracking
Timeline: 8-12 weeks
Best For:
Retail businesses selling products online
Wholesale suppliers
Boutiques and specialty stores
Subscription box services
Digital product sellers
Cost Variables:
Number of products: More products = more setup time
Payment gateways: Each additional gateway adds ₹5,000-10,000
Shipping complexity: Multiple couriers, zone-based pricing adds cost
Custom features: Size charts, product customization, etc.
Custom Enterprise Website
Investment: ₹2,00,000 - ₹10,00,000+
What You Get:
Fully custom development from scratch
Unique features tailored to your business
Complex integrations (CRM, ERP, third-party APIs)
Advanced user roles and permissions
Custom admin dashboard
Scalable architecture for growth
Enhanced security measures
Performance optimization
Comprehensive documentation
Dedicated project management
Ongoing support packages
Timeline: 12-24 weeks
Best For:
SaaS platforms
Enterprise businesses with unique requirements
Marketplaces and multi-vendor platforms
Businesses with complex workflows
Companies needing competitive technical advantage
Hidden Costs Most Businesses Don't Budget For
The quoted website development price often doesn't include these essential ongoing costs.
Annual Recurring Costs
Cost Item | Annual Range | Notes |
Domain Renewal | ₹800 - 1,500 | .com or .in domains |
Web Hosting | ₹3,000 - 12,000 | Varies by traffic and hosting type |
SSL Certificate | ₹0 - 2,000 | Often free with hosting, essential for HTTPS |
Premium Plugins | ₹2,000 - 10,000 | SEO, security, backup tools |
Email Hosting | ₹1,200 - 6,000 | Professional email (@yourbusiness.com) |
Maintenance & Updates | ₹6,000 - 24,000 | Security updates, backups, monitoring |
TOTAL ANNUAL | ₹13,000 - 55,000 | Depending on website complexity |
Optional but Recommended Costs
Content Creation (₹24,000 - 96,000/year):
Regular blog posts for SEO and engagement. 2-4 posts monthly at ₹2,000-8,000 per Month
Without fresh content, your website stagnates. According to DataReportal's India Digital Report, over 80% of Indian internet users are mobile-first and expect regularly updated content.
This is where many businesses fail—making 10 common content marketing mistakes that undermine their website investment. Consider using AI content creation tools to scale content production affordably while maintaining quality.
SEO Services (₹10,000 - 60,000/year):
Ongoing optimization, link building, keyword research, and performance tracking. Your website needs continuous SEO services to maintain and improve rankings—one-time optimization isn't enough.
Social Media Management (₹15,000 - 50,000/year):
Integrated with your website for cohesive digital presence and driving traffic through social media management.
Photography/Videography (₹10,000 - 40,000/year):
Fresh visual content for products, team, or services. Short-form video content is particularly effective for engagement and conversions.
The True First-Year Cost
Example: Standard Business Website
Development: ₹70,000 (one-time)
Domain + Hosting: ₹4,000
Maintenance: ₹12,000
Content (6 blog posts): ₹24,000
Total Year 1: ₹1,10,000
Year 2 onwards: ₹40,000 annually (no development cost)
Budget realistically from the start to avoid surprise expenses.
DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency: True Cost Comparison
Let's compare what you actually get at each investment level.
DIY Approach
Financial Cost: ₹8,000 - 20,000 first year
Time Investment: 40-80 hours of your time
What You Get:
Basic website using WordPress or builder
Template design with limited customization
Your own content and images
Basic functionality
What You Don't Get:
Professional design expertise
Strategic planning
Technical optimization
Ongoing support
Peace of mind
Hidden Cost: If your time is worth ₹1,000/hour and you spend 60 hours = ₹60,000 opportunity cost
Best For: Absolute minimal budget, very simple needs, technical comfort, plenty of time
Our comprehensive guide on how to build a business website can help you decide if DIY is right for you.
Freelancer Development
Cost Range: ₹15,000 - 60,000
Pros:
Lower overhead = lower pricing
Direct communication
Potentially faster for simple projects
Flexible arrangements
Cons:
Limited availability (often juggling multiple clients)
Single skill set (may subcontract specialties)
Accountability concerns
What happens if they're unavailable or move on?
No team backup for emergencies
Best For: Simple projects, very tight budgets, when you have clear vision and can manage the project yourself
Risk Factors:
Quality varies dramatically between freelancers
Support after project completion often inconsistent
Intellectual property and ownership questions
Timeline delays more common
Professional Agency
Cost Range: ₹30,000 - ₹3,00,000+
Pros:
Team of specialists (designers, developers, SEO, content)
Established processes and timelines
Accountability through contracts
Ongoing support infrastructure
Strategic guidance beyond just development
Business continuity (team doesn't disappear)
Cons:
Higher investment
May move slower on tiny changes
Communication through project managers (not always direct to developer)
Best For: Businesses serious about professional results, need strategic guidance, want long-term partnership
ROI Perspective:
A ₹60,000 agency website that generates ₹6,00,000 in business value beats a ₹20,000 freelancer website that generates ₹80,000.
This decision mirrors whether to hire a content marketing agency—evaluate based on return, not just cost.
How to Set Your Website Budget Wisely
The 10X ROI Rule
Your website should generate at least 10X its cost in business value within 12-18 months.
Examples:
₹40,000 investment → ₹4,00,000 in attributable business
₹80,000 investment → ₹8,00,000 in attributable business
₹1,50,000 investment → ₹15,00,000 in attributable business
If you can't see a path to 10X return, either your budget is too high for your business stage, or you need to rethink your digital strategy.
Budget Allocation Framework
50% - Development & Design
The core website build including design, coding, and basic features.
20% - Content Creation
Professional copywriting, photography, or video if needed.
15% - SEO & Technical Optimization
Foundation for being found on Google. SEO and Google My Business optimization work together for local visibility.
15% - Buffer & Contingency
Unexpected needs, additional revisions, feature additions.
Where to Invest vs Where to Save
Invest More In:
✅ Mobile responsiveness (non-negotiable—per DataReportal, 80%+ of Indian users are mobile-first)
✅ Page speed optimization (affects conversions directly—see Google's Core Web Vitals)
✅ Professional design (first impressions matter)
✅ Security (protecting your business and customers)
✅ SEO foundation (long-term traffic source)
Where You Can Save:
✅ Advanced features you don't need yet (add later)
✅ Premium theme (good free/affordable options exist)
✅ Stock images vs custom photography initially
✅ Some content creation (you can write some pages yourself with AI content creation tools)
Never Compromise On:
❌ Mobile responsiveness
❌ Security (SSL, backups)
❌ Basic SEO structure
❌ Website ownership (ensure you own domain, hosting, files)
Red Flags: When "Cheap" Becomes Expensive
Warning Sign #1: Unrealistically Low Pricing
"Complete professional website for ₹8,000!"
Reality: Quality development, design, and optimization require time. Extremely low prices mean:
Template with minimal customization
No SEO optimization
Poor mobile experience
No support after delivery
Hidden costs emerge later
True Cost: Fixing a poorly built website costs ₹20,000-50,000+. Better to invest correctly from the start.
Warning Sign #2: No Clear Deliverables
Vague proposals like "we'll create a nice website" without specifying:
Exact number of pages
Features included
Number of revision rounds
Timeline with milestones
What happens after launch
Protect Yourself: Demand detailed written proposals outlining exactly what's included.
Warning Sign #3: You Don't Own Everything
Some providers maintain ownership of:
Your domain name (registered in their account)
Hosting (only they have access)
Source code
Content
This is Hostage-Taking: You should own 100% of your digital assets. Ensure ownership is clearly stated in contracts.
Warning Sign #4: No Post-Launch Support
"We deliver and disappear" approach leaves you stranded when:
Something breaks
You need minor changes
Updates cause conflicts
You have questions
Look For: Clear support packages or at minimum 1-month post-launch support included.
Warning Sign #5: Pressure Tactics
"This price only valid for 24 hours!"
"50% discount if you sign today!"
Reality: Professional agencies don't need pressure tactics. They earn business through results and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a website in India?
For a professional business website, expect ₹40,000-80,000 for most small to medium businesses. Basic sites start around ₹25,000-40,000. E-commerce sites range ₹1,00,000-3,00,000. Custom enterprise solutions exceed ₹2,00,000. The "average" depends heavily on your specific requirements, features, and complexity.
If you're wondering about the complete process, our guide on how to build a business website covers everything from planning to launch.
Why do website costs vary so much between providers?
Pricing reflects expertise, overhead, process quality, and what's included. A ₹15,000 quote might include minimal design, no SEO, template setup only. A ₹70,000 quote might include custom design, comprehensive SEO optimization, professional content strategy, and ongoing support. You're comparing completely different deliverables, not just websites.
Is a ₹10,000 website worth it?
For testing a business idea with absolutely minimal budget, potentially yes. For a serious business needing professional credibility and lead generation, absolutely not. Extremely cheap websites typically have poor mobile experience (critical since 80%+ of Indian users are mobile-first), zero SEO, amateur design, and no support—costing you more in lost business than you save on development.
What ongoing costs should I budget for?
Plan for ₹15,000-40,000 annually including domain renewal (₹800-1,500), hosting (₹3,000-10,000), maintenance and security updates (₹6,000-18,000), and content creation (₹6,000-30,000 depending on frequency).
E-commerce sites and complex platforms may need ₹40,000-80,000 annually for proper maintenance. Many businesses underestimate content needs and make common content marketing mistakes that limit their website's effectiveness.
Should I choose the cheapest quote I receive?
Only if deliverables are identical—which they rarely are. The cheapest quote often excludes critical elements like mobile optimization (ensuring Core Web Vitals compliance), SEO, revisions, or support. Compare what's included, not just the bottom-line price. A ₹40,000 website that generates ₹5,00,000 in business beats a ₹15,000 website that generates ₹30,000.
Can I build my website myself to save money?
Technically yes, if you have 40-80 hours available, basic technical aptitude, and very simple needs. However, calculate opportunity cost—if your time is worth ₹1,000/hour, 60 hours = ₹60,000 you could have earned doing what you do best.
Our guide on how to build a business website helps you evaluate if DIY makes sense for your situation. DIY works for hobbies and side projects, rarely for serious businesses.
What's included in website maintenance costs?
Professional maintenance (₹6,000-18,000 annually) typically includes monthly software updates (especially important for WordPress sites which power 43% of the web), security monitoring and malware scanning, regular backups, performance optimization, minor content updates, and technical support. It prevents hacking, keeps your site fast, and ensures everything works properly.
How much does an e-commerce website cost in India?
Expect ₹1,00,000-3,00,000 for a professional e-commerce website depending on catalog size, features, and customization. Basic stores with under 50 products might start around ₹80,000. Large catalogs with complex shipping, multiple payment gateways (Razorpay, PayU, etc.), and custom features can exceed ₹3,00,000. Platform choice (WordPress/WooCommerce vs Shopify vs Custom) also impacts pricing.
Why are website development charges in Ahmedabad different from Mumbai or Delhi?
Costs can be lower in cities like Ahmedabad due to lower agency overheads (office rent, salaries). However, a top-tier website development company in Ahmedabad delivers quality rivaling metro city agencies, often providing better value. Geographic location matters less than expertise and portfolio quality.
How can I reduce my website development cost without sacrificing quality?
Smart Ways to Save:
Provide your own content (use AI content creation tools if needed)
Start with template customization instead of fully custom design
Use stock photos initially (upgrade to professional photography later)
Launch with essential features only (add advanced features as you grow)
Handle simple content updates yourself after training
Never Compromise On:
Mobile responsiveness
Basic SEO structure
Security (SSL certificate)
Page speed optimization
Ownership of your domain and files
Conclusion: Invest Wisely, Not Just Cheaply
Understanding website development cost in India empowers you to make smart investment decisions rather than just choosing the cheapest option.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Website costs vary dramatically based on complexity, features, platform, and provider—from ₹25,000 to ₹5,00,000+
✅ Hidden costs add up—budget for ongoing hosting, maintenance, content, and SEO optimization beyond initial development
✅ Cheapest isn't best value—poorly built websites cost more in lost business and fixing than investing correctly from the start
✅ Think ROI, not just cost—your website should generate 10X its investment in business value within 12-18 months
✅ Professional development pays off—especially for businesses serious about growth, credibility, and lead generation
Your Website Investment Framework:
Budget Under ₹25,000:
Consider DIY with website builders or very basic freelancer setup. Understand limitations. Plan to reinvest as business grows. Read our complete guide to building a business website first.
Budget ₹30,000-80,000:
Sweet spot for most small businesses. Professional agency development with custom design, SEO foundation, and support.
Budget ₹1,00,000-3,00,000:
E-commerce or complex business sites with custom features, integrations, and comprehensive digital strategy including content marketing and SEO.
Budget ₹2,00,000+:
Enterprise solutions, SaaS platforms, or businesses needing competitive technical advantages through proprietary features.
Remember: Your website is an investment, not an expense. It works 24/7 generating leads, building credibility, and scaling your business without proportional cost increases.
According to W3Techs, 43% of all websites use WordPress because it offers the best balance of flexibility, cost, and results for most businesses.
Invest wisely in professional development with proper SEO, regular content creation, and strategic optimization—your website becomes your highest-ROI marketing asset.
Ready to Discuss Your Website Investment?
At Jigsawkraft, we believe in pricing transparency and honest guidance.
We've helped 100+ businesses across Ahmedabad and India invest wisely in websites that deliver measurable ROI—not just pretty designs that generate zero business.
What's Always Included:
✅ Mobile-responsive design
✅ SEO foundation
✅ Speed optimization (Core Web Vitals compliance)
✅ Security setup
✅ Training on updates
✅ 1-month post-launch support
✅ Complete ownership of all assets
No hidden costs. No surprise fees. No ownership games.
Get Your Custom Quote
Every business is unique. Your website investment should match your specific goals and budget.
We'll discuss:
Your business goals and requirements
Realistic budget for what you need
Timeline expectations
Detailed proposal with transparent pricing
ROI projections based on your industry
Transparent Pricing
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