Our Estimates vs Agency Quotes — Real Data
We compared the calculator's output against agency pricing published across the 8 rate sources we track, plus quotes we've reviewed for clients over the years. The pattern is consistent: agencies charge 30-50% more due to PM overhead, sales costs, and profit margins — not because the work costs more.
Quick Answer
Agency quotes run 47–58% higher than our estimates because of PM overhead, sales costs and profit margins — not extra work. Side-by-side: landing page $800–$2.5K vs agency $2K–$5K, business site $2K–$6K vs $5K–$15K, ecommerce $4K–$15K vs $10K–$35K, marketplace $15K–$45K vs $30K–$80K, custom web app $10K–$40K vs $25K–$75K. Based on our dataset of 600+ project quotes and public rate benchmarks across 6 markets.
Our estimate against published agency pricing
USD on a log scale, because the bands span more than one order of magnitude. Bar runs from the stated minimum to the stated maximum.
| Project type | Our estimate min | Our estimate max | Agency quote min | Agency quote max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landing Page | $800 | $2,500 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Business Website | $2,000 | $6,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Ecommerce Store | $4,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $35,000 |
| Marketplace | $15,000 | $45,000 | $30,000 | $80,000 |
| Custom Web App | $10,000 | $40,000 | $25,000 | $75,000 |
| Project Type | Our Estimate | Typical Agency | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landing Page | $800 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $5,000 | ~55% |
| Business Website | $2,000 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 | ~58% |
| Ecommerce Store | $4,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $35,000 | ~57% |
| Marketplace | $15,000 – $45,000 | $30,000 – $80,000 | ~47% |
| Custom Web App | $10,000 – $40,000 | $25,000 – $75,000 | ~52% |
Why the difference?
- Our estimates are calibrated against 600+ project quotes and rate benchmarks, refreshed from 8 public pricing sources.
- Agency quotes include 30-50% markup for project management, account managers, and office overhead.
- The calculator factors in platform, features, and complexity — the same variables that drive real cost.
- The rate data covers freelancers, small studios, and mid-size teams across 6 markets.
Skip the quote cycle? Three ways to get it built
The right path depends on budget, not preference. These bands come from our own published cost data.
Do it yourself
$0–$500
WordPress on cheap hosting like SiteGround — enough for a simple site you maintain yourself.
Hire a freelancer
$500–$5,000
Custom design and setup without agency overhead — the sweet spot for most small-business sites.
Browse Fiverrdevelopers →Custom project
$5,000+
Scope it properly before you talk to anyone — our calculator prices your exact feature list so quotes can't inflate.
Price my project →Disclosure: some links above are partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Recommendations come from our cost data, not from who pays us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are agency quotes higher than your estimates?
Agency quotes typically include 30-50% overhead for project management, sales teams, office costs, and profit margins. Our estimates reflect the underlying development cost, calibrated against 600+ project quotes and rate benchmarks from 8 public pricing sources.
Are your estimates accurate for hiring freelancers?
Yes. Our estimates are calibrated against real freelancer and small-team pricing across 6 markets. They represent what you should expect to pay a qualified independent developer or small studio.
Should I always choose the cheaper option?
Not necessarily. Agencies offer project management, dedicated support, and accountability. Our tool helps you understand the true development cost so you can evaluate whether the agency premium is worth it for your situation.