Want to launch an e-commerce store but unsure about the costs? You are not alone! The price of developing an e-commerce website varies greatly, from as low as $10,000 to over $250,000 in USA and ₹10,000 to ₹8,50,000 in India.
But why such a huge range? It all comes down to complexity, platform choice, and customization.
In this guide, I will break down every cost factor, from website design to maintenance. Plus, I will share smart ways to save money while building a high-quality online store. Let’s check it out!
What Affects E-commerce Website Development Costs?
Building an e-commerce website involves multiple factors that influence the cost. The complexity of your store, design preferences, platform choice, and additional features all play a significant role in determining the final expenses.
Website Complexity and Size
The more complex your website, the higher the e-commerce website cost. A small store with 50 products will be much cheaper to develop than a large marketplace with thousands of listings. Advanced features like AI-driven search, multi-language support, and custom shipping rules also add to the cost.
Design and Customization
An e-commerce website’s design impacts user experience and branding. Using pre-made templates is more affordable, while custom designs offer full control but require a larger budget. Ensuring mobile responsiveness is another crucial aspect, as a mobile-friendly store improves SEO and user engagement.
Insights: Online shopping will account for 21% of all retail purchases in 2025, marking the highest share ever recorded.
Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform
The choice of platform affects development and maintenance costs. SaaS platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce charge between $20 to $300 per month, offering ease of use but limited customization.
Open-source platforms like WooCommerce and Magento provide greater flexibility but may require additional costs for setup and maintenance. A fully custom-built website gives complete control but is the most expensive option.
Additional Features and Integrations
Integrations such as payment gateways, CRM tools, SEO plugins, and security measures contribute to the total cost. Payment processing fees vary depending on providers like PayPal and Stripe.
Essential security measures, including SSL certificates and fraud detection systems, add another layer of expense.
Maintenance and Support
Keeping your e-commerce site secure and up-to-date requires ongoing investment. Regular updates, backups, and security checks can cost between $15,000 to $30,000 per year for a medium-sized store. Offering customer support via live chat or email also requires additional resources.
Insights: As of 2025, there are 28 million eCommerce sites globally, reflecting a 2.9% growth from the previous year.
Cost Breakdown of E-commerce Website Development
Here’s a quick look at the typical costs to build an e-commerce site:
| Cost Factor | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Domain Registration | $10–$30 per year |
| Web Hosting | $5–$250 per month |
| SSL Certificate | Free–$200 per year |
| E-commerce Platform | $20–$300 per month (SaaS) |
| Website Design & Development | $5,000–$55,000 (100–1000 products) |
| Custom Design & Development | $2,000–$20,000+ |
| Payment Gateway Fees | Varies based on provider |
| Marketing & Advertising | Based on strategy and budget |
| Maintenance & Support | $15,000–$30,000 per year |
Insights: Around 24% of online shopping happens during the holiday season.
Cost of Making an E-Commerce Website in India
The cost of developing an e-commerce website in India can vary widely based on several factors such as the complexity of the site, the number of products, and the choice of platform. Here is a breakdown of typical costs:
- Small E-commerce Website: ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 for a single vendor setup.
- Medium E-commerce Website: ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 for a single vendor setup.
- Large E-commerce Website: ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 for a multi-vendor setup.
- Custom E-commerce Website: ₹1,50,000 to ₹20,00,000 or more, depending on the complexity and customization required.
Platform-Wise Costs
- Shopify: ₹30,000 to ₹2,00,000 for custom development.
- WooCommerce: ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 for custom development.
- Magento: ₹1,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 for custom development.
Additional Costs
- Domain and Hosting: ₹1,500 to ₹10,000 annually.
- Website Maintenance: ₹7,500 to ₹65,000 monthly
Website Design Rates in India
Here is a quick look at the e-commerce cost structure in India:
| Website Type | Cost Range (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Website | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Small Business Website | ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 |
| E-commerce Website | ₹40,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Custom Website | ₹1,75,000 – ₹8,50,000 |
| Static Informative Website | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Dynamic Informative Website | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Free Template | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Customized Free Template | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
Insights: Around 54.7% of online shoppers read at least 4 online reviews before buying a product.
How to Reduce E-commerce Website Development Costs?
Developing an online store does not have to break the bank. Here are a few ways to save money without sacrificing quality:
- Use Pre-designed Templates: If you don’t need heavy customization, go with a pre-built theme. It saves thousands.
- Pick the Right Platform: Shopify is great for small businesses, while WooCommerce offers more flexibility for larger stores.
- Start with Essentials: Focus on must-have features first, then scale up as your business grows.
- Outsource Smartly: Hiring developers from countries with lower costs can save money, but make sure quality is not compromised.
- Plan for Maintenance: Budget for ongoing updates to avoid unexpected expenses later.
Insights: 62% of shoppers make online purchases weekly, while 29% shop online two to three times per week.
Final Thoughts
E-commerce website development costs can range from $10,000 to over $250,000, depending on complexity, features, and platform choice. But with smart planning, you can reduce costs while still building a high-performing online store.
By following the tips above, you can create an e-commerce website that is affordable, functional, and built for success.
So, are you ready to launch your store?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Much Does It Cost to Develop an E-commerce Website in India?
The cost of developing an e-commerce website in India can vary a lot. If you are going for a basic setup, you might spend around ₹15,000. But if you need a highly customized, feature-rich store, it can go up to ₹10,00,000 or even more. The final price depends on things like platform choice, design, and functionality.
Why Choose a SaaS Platform Like Shopify for Your E-commerce Website?
If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to launch your online store, a SaaS platform like Shopify is a great choice. It’s user-friendly, scalable, and doesn’t require heavy upfront investment like custom-built websites. Plus, it takes care of hosting and security, so you don’t have to worry about the technical side.
How Does Website Complexity Affect Development Costs?
The more complex your website, the higher the cost. A simple store with a few products is much cheaper than a large marketplace with thousands of listings, advanced filters, and multiple payment options. More features and customization mean more development time, which increases the price.
How Much Do Custom-Built E-commerce Websites Cost?
If you want a fully custom-built e-commerce website, be ready to invest anywhere from ₹1,50,000 to ₹20,00,000 or more. The cost depends on design, special features, and the level of customization you need. Custom websites give you complete control, but they come at a higher price.
What’s the Cost of a Simple 5-Page Website?
If you are looking for a basic 5-page website, it will cost you between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000. The price varies based on the design, layout, and any extra features you want to include. It is a good option for small businesses or personal brands that need a simple online presence.
