How much does a website cost in Canada? (2026, real numbers)
In Canada, a small business website typically costs $0–$60/month with a DIY or AI website builder, roughly $1,500–$5,000 one-time from a freelancer, or $5,000–$20,000+ from an agency — plus $15–25/year for a .ca domain. The right choice depends on how custom your needs really are, not on how much you can spend.
Key facts
- The biggest hidden cost is updates: custom-built sites often bill $75–150/hour for changes; builder sites let you change things yourself for free.
- Domains are cheap: a .ca typically costs $15–25 CAD/year. Hosting is included with website builders.
- Webbys pricing: free plan available; Pro is US$20/month or US$200/year with a 30-day free trial. (Prices as of July 2026.)
- Most local service businesses do not need custom development. They need a clear, fast page with booking — which builders now do well.
| Option | Upfront cost | Ongoing cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web design agency | $5,000–$20,000+ | Often $50–500+/mo maintenance | Complex sites, custom features, brands with budgets |
| Freelance designer | $1,500–$5,000 | $75–150/hr for changes | Semi-custom design with a personal touch |
| DIY builder (drag-and-drop) | $0 upfront | Roughly $15–60/mo on business plans | Owners with time and patience to learn an editor |
| AI builder (Webbys) | $0 upfront | Free plan; Pro US$20/mo for custom domain | Local businesses that want done-for-you speed |
| Custom developer build | $10,000+ | Developer time for every change | Web apps and needs no builder can meet |
Why the quotes you get vary so wildly
Two plumbers can ask for "a website" and get quotes of $800 and $12,000 — because the word covers everything from a one-page brochure to a custom-coded platform. Quotes scale with: number of unique page designs, custom features (booking systems, portals, calculators), copywriting and photography, and who carries the ongoing maintenance. When you compare quotes, compare the scope line by line — not the bottom number.
The costs nobody puts in the quote
- Changes after launch. The $3,000 site becomes a $4,500 site after a year of $95/hour tweaks. Ask what a text change costs before you sign.
- Stock photos and copywriting. Often billed separately by freelancers and agencies. AI builders generate both as part of the build.
- Booking tools. Standalone scheduling software commonly runs $10–40/month on paid tiers. Webbys includes booking on every plan, including free.
- Hosting and security. Custom sites need hosting ($10–50+/month) and someone to keep it patched. Builder sites include this.
- The rebuild. Custom sites age; a redesign every few years repeats most of the original cost. Builder sites regenerate for free.
What should a local service business actually pay?
Honest answer: for most trades and local services — plumbers, salons, cleaners, trainers, photographers — the value of the site is that it exists, loads fast, shows prices, and takes bookings. That's achievable at $0 today on a free plan, and around US$20/month when you want your own domain and no badge. Save the four-figure builds for when you have four-figure problems: custom quoting engines, multi-location operations, e-commerce catalogues.
Start free, publish today, and upgrade when the bookings justify it — the full walkthrough is in how to make a website for free.