How much does a website in Des Moines, Iowa cost?
If you’ve been thinking about getting a website for your business in the Des Moines area, you’ve probably found yourself wondering — how much does a website actually cost?
The truth is, the answer depends on what kind of website you need, who builds it, and how hands-on you want to be. But don’t worry — I’ll walk you through typical price ranges and what you can expect to get at each level, so you can plan your project with confidence.
💻 1. DIY Websites: $0–$30/month
If you’re tech-savvy (or just patient), you can build your own website using platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress.com.
These tools make it possible to create a website yourself without hiring a designer. You’ll pay for your domain name (usually $20–$30/year) and a website plan (often between $12–$30/month).
However, doing it yourself takes time — a lot of time. You’ll handle design, layout, SEO, and updates on your own. It’s a great option for personal projects or brand-new businesses on a tight budget, but not ideal if you want something polished and custom.
🧩 2. Freelancer or Small Web Designer: $1,000–$3,000
For many small businesses in Des Moines, this is the sweet spot. Working with a local web designer (like Urbandale Web Design!) gives you a professional, personalized site that fits your brand — without breaking the bank.
This price range often includes:
A custom design on a platform like Squarespace or WordPress
A few pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, etc.)
Mobile-friendly setup
Basic SEO
Launch support and light training
It’s perfect for small businesses that want a site that looks professional, loads fast, and helps bring in customers — but doesn’t need a ton of fancy features.
🏢 3. Agency-Level Websites: $3,000–$10,000+
If your business needs custom coding, online booking, advanced eCommerce, or integrations with tools like CRMs or membership systems, you’re moving into agency territory.
In Des Moines, local marketing and web design agencies tend to start around $3,000 and go up depending on:
Project complexity
Number of pages
Copywriting or branding work
Custom functionality
This level is ideal for established businesses that want a comprehensive, done-for-you experience — often including strategy, copywriting, and long-term support.
💡 What Impacts the Cost of a Website?
Several factors affect how much your website will cost, no matter who builds it:
Number of pages (a 3-page site is cheaper than a 10-page site)
Custom design vs. template
Features (eCommerce, forms, scheduling tools, etc.)
Content creation (writing and photography add cost if you don’t provide them)
Ongoing maintenance or SEO support
Expedited build and launch time
🏙️ Des Moines Website Pricing in Context
Here in the Des Moines metro, web design prices are sometimes lower than bigger cities with a higher cost of living.
That means you can often get a beautiful, custom-built website at a more affordable rate while still working with experienced designers who understand local small businesses.
✨ So, What Should You Expect to Pay for a website in Des Moines?
For most small businesses in central Iowa, a realistic range is:
Starter site (1 to 3 pages): around $1,000–$2,000
Professional site (4 or more pages) : around $2,000–$5,000
Advanced or eCommerce site: $5,000+
Unfortunately I can’t give a comprehensive list of every Web Designer’s prices in the area but I can tell you the type of pricing you can expect from Urbandale Web Design as of November 2025. A custom one page website for Iowa residents costs $1,000 and a 7 page custom website costs $1,800. Urbandale Web Design pricing is transparent with no confusing tech jargon. You can find the most up to date pricing here.
If you’re not sure where to start, contact me and I’ll happily walk you through options based on your goals and budget.
📨 Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re launching your first site or redesigning an old one, I’d love to help you create something you’re proud to share.
👉 Contact Urbandale Web Design for a free consultation and quote.
