As a Calgary business owner, you've probably asked yourself this question more than once. And honestly? The answer isn't as straightforward as we'd all like it to be.

Here's the deal: websites in Calgary range from about $500 to over $20,000. I know, I know – that's like saying a vehicle costs "somewhere between a used bike and a luxury car." But stick with me, because understanding why there's such a range will help you make a smart decision.

It's Not Just About Getting Online Anymore

Let's be real – your website isn't just a digital business card sitting in cyberspace. When it's done right, it becomes your hardest-working team member. It's there at 2 AM when someone's searching for your services. It builds trust with potential customers while you're sleeping. And if you've invested in it properly, it quietly brings in leads month after month.

First: What kind of website do you actually need?

This is where pricing conversation starts, and it's probably the most important question you'll ask yourself.

The Starter Website ($500-$1,500)

Perfect for new businesses or solo entrepreneurs who just need to establish an online presence. Think of it as your professional "hello" to the world – a few key pages that tell people who you are and how to reach you.

The Business-Builder Website ($2,000-$6,000)

This is where most Calgary service businesses land, and for good reason. These sites are designed to actually work for your business. They look professional, work great on phones, show up in Google searches, and – here's the important part – they're built to turn visitors into customers.

The Complex Website ($7,000+)

E-commerce stores, membership sites, or anything with custom features fall into this category. The more your website needs to do, the more it's going to cost.

What are you really paying for?

Let’s break down what goes into the cost of a website so you can see where the money is going and where it’s worth spending.

Design

Good design isn't just about looking pretty (though that doesn't hurt). It's about guiding people through your site in a way that makes sense. A template might save you money upfront, but it'll look like everyone else's site. Custom design considers your specific business, your customers, and how to get them to take action.

Content

The words on your website do the heavy lifting. They build trust, answer questions, and convince people to pick up the phone or fill out that contact form. Some business owners write their own content – totally fine if you're good with words. Others hire professionals who know how to write web copy that actually works. Great content also helps you show up in Google searches. That's not magic but rather it's strategy.

Development

This is where your design becomes a real, functioning website. A good developer makes sure everything works smoothly whether someone's visiting on their phone during lunch or their laptop at home. They ensure your site loads fast, stays secure, and won't break when you need to make updates.

Other behind-the-scenes costs

There are a few recurring things to keep in mind.

Search engine optimization

Search engine optimization, or SEO, helps people find you on Google. It’s not automatic, and it’s not included by default unless you specifically ask for it.

Hosting and domain name

Hosting is like the rent you pay for your website to stay online. It usually costs between $10 and $30 per month for small businesses, depending on the platform. You’ll also need a domain name, which usually costs around $10 to $20 per year unless you’re purchasing a premium or brandable name.

Maintenance

Maintenance and support are also worth budgeting for. Websites need occasional updates, security checks, and backups to avoid breaking or being compromised. Think of it like regular maintenance on a car it helps you avoid breakdowns later.

None of these costs are huge on their own, but together, they affect how well your website performs in the long run.

Why prices vary so much

Not all websites or website creators are the same.

Some freelancers charge a few hundred dollars because they’re just getting started or using pre-made templates with little customization. At the other end of the spectrum, some agencies charge tens of thousands of dollars because they’re bringing in teams that include a strategist, designer, developer, and copywriter.

Neither option is wrong. The question is what’s right for you.

If you’re okay spending time learning a do-it-yourself platform and don’t need anything too fancy, the budget route can work. But if you’re looking for a site that actively helps grow your business one that builds trust, attracts leads, and doesn’t fall apart when something changes it’s often worth paying a bit more for a quality result.

What’s Unique About Pricing in Calgary?

Calgary has its own market dynamics. Labor rates here are generally higher than in offshore markets, so yes, hiring local may cost more. But working with someone local often leads to better results. They’re in the same time zone. They understand the regional business landscape. And they know how to structure websites for local search traffic like helping you show up when someone searches “Calgary dentist” or “plumber near me.”

The quality bar is also rising. In 2025, people expect fast, clean, easy-to-navigate websites. If your site feels clunky or looks outdated, it can hurt your business faster than you’d expect.

Making the Most of Your Website Budget

Whether your budget is small or substantial, a few simple strategies can help you get the most value.

Start by being clear about your business goals. Are you trying to get more phone calls? Online bookings? Product sales? The clearer your goal, the more effectively your website can be designed to support it.

Keep the customer in mind. Your website should make it easy for someone to understand what you do, why they should trust you, and how to get started. If your site talks mostly about you and your history, and not enough about solving customer problems, it’s time for a rewrite.

Don’t underestimate the power of good content. The design may catch the eye, but the words do the selling.

Avoid cramming everything onto one page. A simple, focused structure usually performs better. Think clarity, not clutter.

And finally, work with someone you feel comfortable talking to. Building a website involves conversations, questions, and decisions. You want someone who listens well, explains things in plain English, and is more interested in helping than impressing.

So What Should You Expect to Pay?

If you’re running a small or medium-sized business in Calgary and want a website that helps you grow, you’re likely looking at a range between $3,000 and $8,000. That range covers a well-designed, well-written, professionally built site that’s designed to convert.

Yes, you can spend less. And yes, you can spend more. But that range tends to strike a good balance between value and performance for most business owners.

Think of it like hiring a good employee. You wouldn’t expect a rockstar salesperson for minimum wage. But a reliable, skilled person who does their job well? That’s worth investing in and your website should be held to the same standard.

Need a Hand?

If you're still not sure where to start, or you'd like a second opinion before hiring someone, feel free to reach out. No pressure. Just straight answers, and a friendly conversation. Whether you end up working with us or not, we’re happy to help you get clear on what kind of website your business needs, and how to get there with confidence.