If you’re searching for how much does a website cost in Australia, you’re likely planning to establish a strong online presence for your business. Whether you’re launching a startup, running a local service, or scaling an eCommerce brand—your website is your digital storefront. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the true cost of website design across different cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
This article gives you an accurate, transparent, and updated guide for 2025 on website design cost, based on features, services, and functionality—while also highlighting what goes into building a successful site.
Key Factors That Influence Website Design Cost
1. Type of Website
The first question is: what kind of site are you building?
Informational websites (5–10 pages)
eCommerce websites (with cart and payment integration)
Custom websites (with tailored features or web apps)
Each type has its own pricing tier. For example, a basic 5-page business website may cost between $1,500 and $3,000, while a fully customized eCommerce website in Sydney could go beyond $10,000 depending on the platform and product count.
2. Number of Pages
More pages = more time and effort. If your site includes multiple service pages, blog content, contact forms, and landing pages, your design cost naturally increases.
This is why many digital agencies offer website redesign services to streamline structure and reduce bloat without losing functionality.
3. Custom Design vs. Template-Based Design
A template-based website is cheaper and faster to launch, typically ranging from $800 to $2,000. However, if you want something that reflects your unique brand identity, custom website development is the way to go—and you should expect to invest anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000+, especially in competitive markets like website design Melbourne and website design Sydney.
Pro tip: Pair this with custom logo design to maintain consistent branding across all platforms.
4. eCommerce Features and Functionality
If you’re building an online store, the cost increases due to:
Product page design
Cart functionality
Checkout and payment gateways
Inventory systems
Shipping and tax rules
A basic Shopify setup may start at $2,000–$4,000, while a custom WooCommerce or Magento store with advanced features could reach $15,000 or more.
For more on this, check out our eCommerce development services.
5. SEO Optimization and Speed Performance
A slow website is a dead website. Fast-loading, SEO-optimized websites perform better on Google and convert more visitors. SEO setup includes:
Keyword-optimized content
Mobile responsiveness
Image optimization
Schema markup
Speed enhancement
Many agencies bundle SEO services into web development packages. Make sure to ask if your website will be SEO-ready at launch.
6. Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile-first indexing is now the standard. Your site needs to look stunning and function flawlessly on all screen sizes.
If you’re working with a web design agency in Melbourne or Sydney, mobile responsiveness is usually included, but always confirm during your quote process.
What’s Included in Website Design Cost in Australia
Domain & Hosting
.com.au domain: ~$20/year
Premium hosting: $150–$300/year (for fast, secure performance)
Website Design & Development
Wireframes and mockups
Frontend + backend development
Mobile optimization
CMS integration (WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, etc.)
Content Writing
Need help writing your pages? Professional copywriting usually costs $100–$250 per page, especially if it’s SEO-focused.
Basic SEO Setup
On-page SEO
Meta titles & descriptions
Alt tags for images
Google Search Console & Analytics integration
This is essential for businesses targeting local SEO in Melbourne, ranking in Perth, or outperforming competition in Sydney.
City-Based Comparison of Web Design Costs in Australia
Website Design Melbourne
Known for high creativity and visual storytelling
Ideal for startups, eCommerce, and agencies
Average pricing: $3,000 – $10,000+
Website Design Sydney
Corporate-focused, performance-driven
Ideal for law firms, tech companies, financial services
Average pricing: $4,000 – $12,000+
Website Design Perth
More affordable pricing
Ideal for tradies, small local businesses, creatives
Average pricing: $1,000 – $5,000
How to Reduce Website Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Use pre-built themes but customize strategically
Provide your own content and images
Avoid unnecessary features at launch—scale later
Choose local freelancers or small agencies that offer flexible pricing
Many clients also choose to combine services like website design + SEO, or website redesign + logo design for bundled discounts.
Ongoing Website Maintenance Costs
Building your site is just the beginning. Here’s what you may need monthly:
| Service | Monthly Cost |
| Hosting & Domain Renewal | $15 – $30 |
| Plugin & CMS Updates | $30 – $100 |
| SEO Monitoring | $100 – $400 |
| Website Support | $100 – $300 |
Need all of this handled for you? Explore our full website maintenance plans.
Step-by-Step Website Design Process
Discovery & Strategy
Defining your goals and audience
Design Phase
Wireframes, branding, layout
Development Phase
Coding, CMS integration, mobile optimization
Content Upload
Adding SEO-optimized copy and visuals
Testing & QA
Browser and device testing
Launch
Live deployment and indexing
Post-launch
Ongoing support, SEO, and updates
This structured approach ensures your investment yields long-term results.
Why Investing More Can Actually Save You More
A low-budget website might save you money now but will likely cost more in lost traffic, leads, and conversions over time.
Quality web design leads to:
Higher trust & credibility
Faster site speeds
Better Google rankings
More conversions
That’s why professional website design in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth is not just a one-time cost—it’s a long-term growth strategy.
Conclusion
So, how much does a website cost in Australia? The honest answer is—it depends. But now you have a full breakdown:
$1,000 – $3,000 for a basic business site
$3,000 – $8,000+ for a custom or professional website
$5,000 – $15,000+ for eCommerce or complex builds
Whether you’re looking for website design Melbourne, website design Sydney, or website design Perth—choose a partner that aligns with your business goals, budget, and long-term growth vision.
And remember: a website isn’t a cost. It’s an investment that, when done right, pays off every single day.
FAQs
How much does a website cost in Australia for a small business?
A basic small business website with 5 pages and contact form typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on design and content needs.
What’s the average cost of an eCommerce website in Australia?
eCommerce sites range from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on platform, features, and product volume.
Are monthly payment plans available for website design?
Yes! Many agencies and freelancers offer payment plans ranging from $200–$500/month.
Is SEO included in website design packages?
Some agencies include basic SEO. For advanced results, it’s best to invest in dedicated SEO services.
What’s the difference between custom website development and template websites?
Templates are cheaper but limited. Custom web development allows for full branding, scalability, and optimization.
How much does website design cost in Perth vs. Sydney?
Perth is more budget-friendly, starting at around $1,000, while Sydney’s pricing often starts at $3,000+ due to demand and complexity.
Can I add services like logo design or SEO to my website package?
Absolutely. Bundling services like logo design, eCommerce development, and SEO can often save you money.
