If you’re looking to build an eCommerce website, you’re probably wondering about the cost. As you might have guessed, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The price can range from as little as $5,000 to well over $5 million, depending on the platform, features, and complexity of your online store.
But the cost doesn’t stop at the initial development. To maintain and grow your eCommerce business, you’ll need to factor in ongoing investments in functionality, user experience, marketing, and security.
Key Factors That Influence eCommerce Costs
To help you estimate the cost of your eCommerce website, we’ve outlined the major factors that influence pricing. At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a cost summary table to give you a clearer breakdown.
1. How eCommerce Platforms Impact Cost
The cost of your eCommerce site largely depends on the platform you choose. Options range from industry-specific solutions to Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, integrated solutions with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and fully custom-built stores.
- SaaS Platforms (e.g., Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix eCommerce)
- Best for business owners who want an easy-to-use solution with minimal setup.
- Subscription costs range from free tiers to $20 to $30 per month for entry-level plans.
- Mid-tier plans with more features can go up to $250 per month.
- Advanced plans can cost upwards of $2,000 per month
- Customizable Platforms (e.g., Magento, WooCommerce, OpenCart)
- More flexible but require technical expertise for setup and customization.
- Expect to spend at least $10,000 with a reputable vendor for setup and training.
- Advanced configurations can push costs from hundreds of thousands to millions.
Need help picking a platform? Check out our eCommerce platform selection guide. You can also check out an interview about these platforms and how to get started.
2. How Web Design Choices Impact Cost
The look and feel of your website affect both customer experience and branding. Your design costs will depend on whether you choose a pre-built theme or a custom design.
- Pre-Built Themes
- Many SaaS platforms offer ready-to-use templates that cost between $0 and $250.
- Minor customizations (beyond basic branding) can add $1,000 to $2,000.
- Custom Design & Development
- A fully custom design ensures your store is unique but comes at a higher cost.
- A simple custom theme may cost $10,000 to $30,000, while a high-end bespoke design could cost $100,000 or more.
3. Custom Programming & Functionality
Many platforms offer plugins and extensions to add features without custom coding. However, some businesses need custom features that require development work.
- Third-Party Extensions: Many are affordable but may require vetting to ensure quality and security.
- Custom Features:
- Small customizations can start at $2,000.
- Complex integrations or unique functionalities can push costs to $150,000+.
Need help with your ecommerce requirements? Check out our eCommerce requirements worksheet. If you are considering the Magento/Adobe Commerce platform these 5 questions to ask before starting a Magento project might help.
Tip: Before developing custom features, check if existing extensions meet your needs to save money.
4. Web Hosting & Maintenance Costs
Your hosting cost will depend on the type of eCommerce platform you choose:
- SaaS Platforms (like Shopify) include hosting in their monthly fees ($20–$250/month).
- Self-Hosted Platforms (like Magento or WooCommerce) require dedicated hosting. Costs start at $300/month for basic hosting and can exceed $2,000/month for high-traffic, enterprise-grade setups.
Want to learn more about security? Check out our eCommerce payment security guide.
eCommerce Website Cost Breakdown
Below is a general estimate of costs based on different types of eCommerce solutions:
SaaS eCommerce (e.g., Shopify, Wix, BigCommerce)
| Expense Category | Small (Basic Setup) | Mid-Size Store | Large Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting (Monthly) | $20 – $60 | $60 – $150 | $150+ |
| Design (Template + Minor Customization) | <$1,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Custom Development | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Setup/Configuration | <$250 | $0 – $1,000 | $0 – $2,000 |
| Training | $0 – $500 | $0 – $500 | $0 – $500 |
| Maintenance (Monthly) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total Setup Cost | < $2,000 | < $6,500 | < $10,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | < $1,000 | < $1,800 | $2,000+ |
Custom eCommerce (e.g., Magento, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Enterprise Solutions)
Expense Category | Small (Basic Setup) | Mid-Size Store | Large Store (Custom Enterprise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing Fees | <$500 | <$5,000 | $5,000 – $100,000 |
| Hosting (Monthly) | $350 | $500 | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
| Design (Custom Theme) | <$3,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $10,000 – $150,000+ |
| Custom Development | <$500 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $10,000 – $150,000+ |
| Setup/Configuration | <$3,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
| Training | $500 – $1,000 | $500 – $2,000 | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Maintenance (Monthly) | $500+ | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
| Total Setup Cost | < $11,000 | $15,500 – $29,000 | $30,500 – $422,000+ |
| Total Annual Cost | < $12,000 | $18,000 – $30,000 | $36,000 – $84,000 |
Final Thoughts
The cost of building and hosting an eCommerce website varies widely depending on your business needs. SaaS platforms like Shopify offer an affordable, user-friendly solution, while custom-built eCommerce platforms provide more flexibility at a higher cost.
Before making a decision, consider:
✅ Your budget and long-term costs
✅ The level of customization you need
✅ How much technical expertise you have or are willing to hire
Ready to start your eCommerce journey? We can help. Let’s talk eCommerce.
