If you’ve ever asked, “How much do web designers charge to maintain a site?”—you’re not alone. Ongoing maintenance is essential to keep your website secure, fast, and up to date. In 2025, fees range widely, from $50/month for basic care to $500+ for advanced support. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, what drives those costs, and why investing in routine upkeep saves you money—and headaches—in the long run.

If you’re asking this question, you’re probably not after a flashy custom build—you just want a solid site that works, looks professional, and doesn’t cost a fortune. In 2025, a “decent” website means clean design, mobile-friendly features, and enough polish to earn trust.

Whether you're rolling up your sleeves with a DIY builder or hiring a pro, the price tag can vary widely. We break it all down—what’s fair, what to expect, and where to invest based on your goals.

Ready to find your budget sweet spot?

Choosing a website builder? Squarespace nails design ($16-$54/month), Wix offers flexibility (free-$59), WordPress scales big (free+$3-$25 hosting), and Shopify rules e-commerce ($39-$399). Your pick depends on ease, budget, or sales goals. Test a trial—Wix for freedom, Shopify for shops. The best builder’s the one that fits your vision.

Curious about how many hours it takes to build a website? It depends—DIY with Wix might take 10-30 hours for a simple site, while pros can nail it in 5-20. A basic 5-page site clocks in at 20-40 hours for freelancers ($500-$2,000); a custom e-commerce build stretches to 50-100+ hours ($5,000+). Complexity, design, and content prep drive the time—add 10-20 hours for extras like SEO or integrations. Whether you’re grinding solo or hiring out, a decent site’s a time investment that pays off in polish and performance.

Yes, you can hire someone to build your site—freelancers start at $500, agencies at $5,000. But before you pay, think: What’s the site for? How much can you spend? Simple blogs need less than e-commerce hubs. Check portfolios, set a timeline, and you’ll get a site that fits. It’s not just possible—it’s smart if you value results over DIY trial-and-error.