Website Cost India: What You’ll Pay to Launch a Site in 2025

If you’re wondering whether you need a big budget to go online, you’re not alone. In India, the price of a website can swing from zero to several lakhs, depending on what you choose. This guide breaks down the real cost drivers, shows where you can cut waste, and helps you set a budget that matches your goals.

Main Cost Drivers You Can’t Ignore

Domain name. A .in or .com address costs anywhere from ₹500 to ₹2,000 a year. Some registrars throw in privacy protection for an extra fee, so add a little cushion if you want that hidden‑who‑owns‑the‑site shield.

Hosting. Shared hosting starts at around ₹150–₹300 per month, while VPS or cloud servers can climb to ₹2,000–₹5,000. If you expect heavy traffic, budgeting for a reliable cloud plan avoids slow load times that hurt visitors.

Design and templates. Free themes are fine for simple blogs, but a professional designer or a premium template can cost ₹3,000–₹15,000. Custom graphics, brand colors, and responsive layouts usually sit at the higher end.

Development. A DIY site built with WordPress, Wix, or Google Sites can be done for free or a few hundred rupees for plugins. Hiring a developer in India typically starts at ₹10,000 for a basic 5‑page site and can exceed ₹50,000 for complex e‑commerce or custom functionality.

Content creation. Good copy, images, and videos are essential. If you write the copy yourself you save money, but professional copywriters charge ₹500–₹2,000 per page. Stock photos cost ₹200–₹500 per image, while custom photography is pricier.

Maintenance and updates. Software updates, security patches, and backups are ongoing chores. Expect to spend about 10‑15% of the initial build cost each year if you outsource this work.

Save Money: DIY vs Hiring a Pro

Going DIY works best when you have time and a basic tech comfort level. Platforms like WordPress.com, GitHub Pages, or Google Sites let you launch for under ₹2,000 total, but you’ll handle every tweak yourself.

Hiring a pro gives you speed and polish. A freelancer can deliver a ready‑to‑run site in weeks, and you avoid the learning curve. Look for freelancers on Indian marketplaces who offer fixed‑price packages; many provide a “starter” bundle that includes domain, hosting for a year, and basic SEO for around ₹15,000.

Watch out for hidden fees. Some builders advertise “free” plans but charge for custom domains, extra storage, or removing branding. Always read the fine print before you click “Start Now”.

To keep costs low, start with a minimal viable site: a homepage, about page, services or product page, and a contact form. Add features like blogs or e‑commerce later as revenue grows. This staged approach lets you test the market without overspending.

Finally, set a clear budget. For a small business in 2025, aim for ₹10,000–₹25,000 for a professionally designed 5‑page site, plus ₹2,000‑₹5,000 per year for hosting and maintenance. If you’re a hobbyist, a free builder plus a cheap domain can keep the total under ₹1,000.With these numbers in mind, you can decide whether to build yourself, hire help, or blend both methods. The right choice depends on your time, skill, and how quickly you need a polished online presence.