If you're launching a new company or already scaling an existing business, you've probably asked at least once: "How much does it cost to build a website?"
The short answer is: it depends.
The longer – and more useful – answer is that the price of a website changes based on the type of website, level of custom design, required features, technology stack, and the team you hire.
This complete guide breaks down why prices vary so much, the average investment for the most common website types, the hidden costs you should budget for, and how to choose the best option for your business – with practical examples tailored to Romanian entrepreneurs, especially those in Timișoara.
Website price ranges in Romania
Starter Website
Tailored template, 5-10 pages
- ✓ Responsive design
- ✓ Contact form
- ✓ Basic SEO
- ✗ Advanced functionality
Professional Website
Custom design, CMS, integrations
- ✓ Fully bespoke design
- ✓ CMS for easy updates
- ✓ Advanced SEO setup
- ✓ Third-party integrations
Advanced E-commerce
Online store with automation
- ✓ Complete shop setup
- ✓ Payment & shipping flows
- ✓ Marketing automation
- ✓ Advanced reporting
⚠️ Hidden costs most entrepreneurs forget
Launch day is not the finish line. A reliable website requires extra monthly and yearly costs you should plan for:
- • Domain & hosting: €50-150/year
- • Maintenance & updates: €50-300/month
- • Software licenses: €50-500/year
- • Security & backups: firewall, SSL certificates, automated backups
- • Ongoing marketing & SEO: without promotion the site won't bring clients
What drives the cost of a website?
Level of personalisation
Using a standard WordPress template keeps the upfront cost low but limits your brand. Custom design costs more and takes longer, yet delivers a unique experience. Expect €250-500 for a lightly tailored template versus €1,500-4,000 for a fully bespoke design system.
Required functionality
Online payments, advanced forms, bookings, live chat, CRM/ERP integration, or multi-language support all add to the budget. A basic presentation site is €500-1,500. Adding bookings (+€1,000), an online shop (+€1,500-4,000), or a client portal (+€1,500-2,500) increases the total.
Who builds the website
Freelancers can deliver a quick launch for a few hundred euros but rarely offer ongoing support or scalability. A specialised digital agency provides a full team – strategy, design, development, SEO, security – which increases the upfront investment. APB Digital blends all of that with transparent, predictable pricing.
Local agency vs national agency: what changes?
| Criteria | Bucharest Agency | APB Digital (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | €7,500 - €17,500 upfront | €1,500 - €4,000 (complete project) |
| Response time | 2-5 business days | Within 24 hours |
| Meetings | Online only, on-site €250+ | In-person or online |
| Monthly fee | €600 - €1,200 maintenance | €150 - €350 maintenance & support |
| Team access | Account manager + partial devs | Direct access to engineers, designers, architect |
Which option fits your goals?
If you need a presence online
Choose a presentation site. Focus on clear messaging, a fast launch, and Google visibility for your local market.
- • Freelancers & small businesses
- • Consultant or medical practice
- • Startup introducing a product
If you need leads or sales
Invest in a professional site or e-commerce platform. Prioritise conversion rate, user experience, and integrations with your sales stack.
- • Service companies targeting new clients
- • Retailers moving inventory online
- • Businesses switching from offline to omnichannel
💡 Think mid-term, not just launch day
It's cheaper to build a scalable website upfront than to rebuild everything 12 months later when the first version breaks under real demand.
Cheap site vs professional build: is it worth it?
Low-cost build (€300-€400)
- • Hard to optimise for Google
- • Little to no ongoing support
- • Generic design that doesn't inspire trust
- • Difficult to scale or add ecommerce later
Professional website (€1,500+)
- • Better performance and speed
- • SEO setup that actually ranks locally (e.g. "web development Timișoara")
- • Brand experience that converts visitors
- • Dedicated support and maintenance
How do prices compare across Romanian cities?
Overall, price ranges stay similar across the country, with a few nuances:
- Large cities like Bucharest or Cluj often charge a premium.
- Timișoara has a strong IT community and competitive offers.
- Local freelancers cost less, while agencies deliver more expertise and reliability.
If you're an entrepreneur in Banat, partnering with APB Digital means local support, native Romanian communication, and deep knowledge of your market.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a website?
A simple presentation site takes 2-3 weeks. An online store needs 1-2 months. A custom platform may require 3-6 months depending on features.
What is included in the price?
Design, development, implementation, and in many cases training for your team. Not every agency includes SEO, hosting, or marketing in the base price.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Many agencies – APB Digital included – offer predictable monthly payment plans.
Is WordPress cheaper than a custom build?
WordPress is faster and more affordable for small and mid-sized sites. Custom development is the safe option for complex platforms, advanced integrations, or high security needs.
A website is no longer a simple online business card – it's a strategic investment that drives growth. Its price depends on complexity and your long-term objectives.
Whether you're in Timișoara or anywhere else in Romania, evaluate more than the initial quote. Focus on the value a professional website brings: more leads, higher sales, and a stronger brand.
At APB Digital, we build websites aligned with your budget and growth goals – from simple presentation sites to complex solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and professional services.