Cost in India: How Much Does a Website Actually Cost?

If you’re thinking about launching a site or a blog in India, the first question is always the price tag. People often assume you need a huge budget, but the reality is more nuanced. In 2025 you can get a functional site for a few thousand rupees, while a full‑fledged 20‑page professional site may run into lakhs. Let’s break down the main cost drivers so you can plan smartly.

Core Expenses You Can’t Ignore

Domain name – A .in domain typically costs between ₹500 and ₹1,200 per year. Premium names or .com domains can be pricier, especially if they are already owned. Shopping around on registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or local providers can shave off a few hundred rupees.

Hosting – Shared hosting plans start at ₹150‑₹300 per month, which is enough for a small blog with modest traffic. If you need more speed or security, VPS hosting costs around ₹1,200‑₹2,500 per month, while dedicated servers start at ₹7,000. Cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud offer pay‑as‑you‑go models that can be cheap for low‑usage sites.

Design and development – This is where the budget can vary wildly. A basic WordPress theme can be free or cost up to ₹2,000 for a premium one. Custom designs from freelancers range from ₹5,000‑₹15,000 for a simple site, while agencies may charge ₹30,000‑₹1,00,000 for a polished 20‑page website. Our own post “20 Page Website Cost: Real Prices, Breakdown, and Key Factors” dives deeper into those numbers.

Content creation – Good copy, images, and videos matter. If you write the content yourself, you save money. Hiring a professional writer in India costs around ₹1,000‑₹3,000 per 500‑word article.

Hidden Costs and Ways to Save

Many newcomers overlook renewal fees. After the first promotional year, domain and hosting prices often rise. Check the renewal rates before you buy.

Plugins and extensions – Some WordPress plugins are free, but premium versions can add ₹1,000‑₹5,000 a year. Only pay for plugins that solve a real problem.

To cut costs, consider free hosting options like GitHub Pages or Netlify for static sites. Our article “Can a Website Run for Free? Real Ways to Host a Site at Zero Cost (2025)” explains how to set it up without spending a rupee.

Another budget‑friendly move is using website builders like Wix. While Wix advertises a free plan, the Is Wix Really Free Forever? post shows the limitations and hidden charges that appear as you scale.

Lastly, think about maintenance. Updating plugins, backing up data, and fixing bugs are ongoing tasks. If you handle them yourself you save a few thousand rupees a year; otherwise, a maintenance contract could cost ₹2,000‑₹5,000 per month.

Bottom line: a simple blog can be up and running for under ₹5,000 total, while a professional 20‑page site typically lands between ₹40,000‑₹1,00,000, depending on design complexity and support needs. Knowing where each rupee goes helps you prioritize features that matter most to your audience.

Use this guide as a checklist when you talk to developers or compare hosting plans. With a clear picture of costs in India, you can avoid surprise fees and build a site that fits both your goals and your wallet.