If you’re thinking about getting a WordPress website built in Australia in 2025, you’re probably wondering, “How much is this actually going to cost me?” The short answer? It depends. But don’t worry—I’ll break it down for you so you can have a clear idea of what to expect.
The Basics: Why WordPress?
Before we jump into costs, let’s quickly go over why WordPress is such a popular choice. It powers over 40% of websites worldwide and offers flexibility, scalability, and a huge range of design and functionality options. Plus, since it’s open-source, it can be more cost-effective compared to fully custom-built sites.
That said, “cost-effective” doesn’t always mean “cheap.” The final price tag for a WordPress website varies based on factors like design, functionality, hosting, and who you hire to build it.
The Cost Breakdown
1. DIY WordPress Website ($500 – $1,500)
If you’re tech-savvy and willing to put in the effort, you can build your WordPress site on a budget. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:
- Domain Name: Around $20–$60 per year (depending on the domain extension and provider).
- Hosting: Starting from $18.50 per month with Webedge.
- Premium Theme (Optional): Free to $100 for a good-looking, well-supported theme.
- Plugins & Security: Some essential plugins are free, but premium ones can add $50–$500 per year.
- Time Investment: This is the hidden “cost”—expect to spend many, many hours learning, setting up, and troubleshooting.
2. Freelancer-Built WordPress Website ($2,000 – $8,000)
A freelancer can give you a more professional design without breaking the bank. Here’s what determines the cost:
- Basic Website (Up to 5 Pages): $2,000–$3,500 for a simple, brochure-style website.
- Custom Design & Development: $3,500–$8,000 if you need more advanced functionality, integrations, or unique design elements.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Webedge offers WordPress maintenance packages starting from $69 per month.
3. Agency-Designed WordPress Website ($8,000 – $30,000+)
Hiring an agency means getting a fully customised, professionally designed website tailored to your brand and business needs. Expect higher costs due to:
- Strategy & Consultation: Agencies take the time to understand your business goals.
- Custom Design & UX/UI: Unlike pre-made themes, agencies create designs from scratch.
- Advanced Functionality: Membership sites, E-commerce, API integrations, automation, and custom plugins add to the cost.
- SEO & Performance Optimisation: Many agencies include on-page SEO and speed optimisation.
- Project Management & Support: Ongoing support and revisions ensure you get what you need.
For a small business website, expect to pay around $8,000–$15,000. For a more complex site with advanced features, pricing can go up to $30,000 or more.
4. E-commerce WordPress Website (WooCommerce) ($5,000 – $50,000+)
Adding E-commerce functionality increases costs because of additional development and security requirements. Here’s a rough price guide:
- Basic WooCommerce Setup: $5,000–$10,000 for a small online store.
- Advanced WooCommerce Store: $10,000–$30,000 for a store with custom features, integrations, and automation.
- Enterprise-Level E-commerce: $30,000–$50,000+ for large stores with thousands of products, complex inventory management, and custom workflows.
Other Costs to Consider
Remember, building the website is just the beginning of your journey. Here are some extra costs you will need to keep in mind:
- Ongoing Maintenance: Updates, backups, and security patches (From $69 per month with a Webedge WordPress Support Plan).
- SEO & Marketing: A great website is useless if no one finds it. Ongoing SEO services can range from $500–$5,000 per month.
- Content Creation: If you need professional copywriting or images, factor in another $500–$5,000.
- Premium Plugins & Tools: Advanced form builders, automation tools, and marketing plugins can add $200–$2,000 per year.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Budget
- On a tight budget? DIY is the way to go. Just be ready to put in the work and you may not be satisfied with the end result,
- Need a professional site but don’t want to break the bank? A bespoke, affordable agency such as Webedge is a great option.
- Planning to sell online? Invest in a proper WooCommerce setup to avoid headaches later.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?
In 2025, having a well-designed WordPress website is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a small business, a freelancer, or a large corporation, your website is often the first impression potential customers get. While prices can vary widely, one thing is clear: you get what you pay for.
If you need a professional, high-quality website, it’s worth investing in experienced designers and developers who can help you build something that not only looks great but also performs well. And remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—sometimes, paying more upfront saves you money (and headaches) in the long run.
Need help figuring out the best website solution for your business? Reach out to a professional (like us at Webedge!) and get the right advice before making your decision.
