Updated: 29 September 2026 · Web design, Pricing
"How much does a website cost?" is one of those questions without a single answer, and anyone who gives you a fixed figure without asking anything first is probably oversimplifying, or selling you a generic template. Here is what actually decides the price, what's usually left out of quotes, and what I charge.
What really determines the price
The technology. Building on WordPress with existing templates is not the same as building a custom site with a modern framework like React. The first is cheaper to start; the second costs more at the outset but is usually cheaper to maintain and faster to load in the long run.
The number of pages and their complexity. A three-page informational site doesn't cost the same as one with fifteen service pages, an integrated blog and a different form for each section.
The content. If you have the copy and photos ready, the cost drops. If everything has to be written from scratch and a photo shoot arranged, it rises — and it's worth knowing this before comparing quotes that may not include the same things.
Specific features. A booking system, an online shop, a client area — each of these adds real complexity and cost, not cosmetic.
Why WordPress and React don't cost the same
A WordPress site on a template is quicker and cheaper to set up at first, because much of the structure already exists. It makes sense for businesses with simple needs and a tight budget.
A custom React site costs more at the start because it's built from scratch, but it usually loads faster, is more flexible for growth and adding features later, and has fewer security weaknesses that depend on constant third-party plugin updates.
Neither is "better" in the abstract — it depends on what you need now and where you want the business to go.
Market ranges
These are indicative market ranges for freelancers and small businesses in Spain in 2026. They're not a price list: they help you tell whether a quote is within the normal range or off it.
| Type of website | Indicative market range | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| One-page site | €600–800 | Introduction, services and contact on a single page. |
| Full small-business site | €800–1,500 | Several service pages, a contact form, base technical SEO. |
| Online shop or site with bookings | Quoted separately | Price depends on catalogue, payments and features. |
Being above those ranges doesn't mean something is wrong, but you should be able to see what justifies the difference: more pages, more features or more content created from scratch.
What I charge for a website
My starting price is from €800, one-time, for a custom React website: fast, built to capture enquiries and with the base technical SEO included. If you prefer self-managed WordPress, it starts from €1,500. Maintenance is optional and costs €49/month.
Before we start I give you a fixed price for your case, with what's included and what isn't. You can see the detail on the web design page and, if you want to know what yours would cost, get your free audit: I review your current site or your idea and tell you where I'd start, no strings attached.
What is almost never included, so ask
Hosting and domain. They usually come separately, and they should be in your name, not the provider's.
Photos and copy. Many quotes assume you supply them.
Ongoing maintenance. Security updates, occasional content changes, backups — if it isn't explicit, it probably isn't included.
Code ownership and access. This is the most important point and the least asked. Your site, your domain and your logins must end up in your hands, not the provider's.
How to compare quotes without getting confused
Don't compare only the final number. Ask what technology they use, exactly how many pages are included, who provides the content, and what happens after launch regarding maintenance. Two quotes with the same figure can mean radically different things.
The cost that doesn't show up in the first quote
Besides the build price there's a running cost that is often discovered too late: maintenance. A website with nobody responsible for its security updates, backups and small content changes slowly deteriorates, even when it isn't obvious, until one day something fails — a form that stops sending, an exploited vulnerability — and fixing it in an emergency costs far more than keeping it up to date would have.
How to spot an inflated quote without technical knowledge
You don't need to code to notice when a quote is padded. If the figure comes without a breakdown — one line with the total, without separating design, development, content and maintenance — it's a sign you don't know exactly what you're paying for. If the provider can't explain in a simple sentence why the price is what it is, they can't justify it either if something doesn't add up later. And if the answer to "why does this cost that?" is a list of technologies unrelated to what your business needs, you're probably paying for complexity you won't use, not real value.
The cost almost nobody compares: your own time
Besides the quote, there's a cost almost nobody includes in the comparison: how many of your own hours the project will demand, whether writing content, reviewing deliveries or coordinating changes. A cheaper quote that needs weeks of your time can end up more expensive in practice than a slightly higher one delivered almost finished. Asking upfront how much involvement is expected from you avoids finding out mid-project, when it's too late to choose another option.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a website cost with Arubeus? From €800 one-time for a custom React site, and from €1,500 if you prefer self-managed WordPress. I give you the final price fixed before we start.
Is it worth paying more for React if I have a small business? Not always. If your needs are simple and stable, WordPress can be enough. React makes more sense if you plan to grow, add features, or if speed is critical for your business.
Why are there such cheap quotes online? They're usually generic templates with no real customisation, or they include no content or maintenance. It isn't necessarily a scam, but you need to know exactly what you're buying.
How long does a website take? It depends on the complexity and how quickly the content reaches me from your side, which is usually the most common bottleneck, more than the development itself. A professional website is usually ready in 2-4 weeks from when I have the content.
Do I need SEO on top of the website? The website includes the base technical SEO: structure, speed and metadata. Ranking continuously with keywords, content and your Google listing is a separate service that pairs well with a new site from day one. See how much SEO costs per month.
Next step
If you want a real quote for your specific case, get your free audit: tell me what you need and I'll honestly say which option makes the most sense. How I work is on the web design page.
If you're comparing other costs too, see how much Google Ads costs a small business and freelance vs agency: choosing a marketing partner.
