Why website design pricing varies so much
Two websites can look identical to customers but cost completely different amounts behind the scenes. Price differences come from things like how customised the design is, the number of pages, whether you need an online store, content creation, and ongoing maintenance. Below we explain the common variables so you know what you’re paying for.
Factors that affect website design cost in Malaysia
- Type of website: landing page, corporate site, eCommerce, booking portal, or custom web app.
- Design approach: template vs fully custom design.
- Page count & structure: a 1-page site costs much less than a 20-page corporate site.
- Functionality & integrations: payment gateways (FPX, e-wallets), booking systems, live chat, multi-language, CRM integration.
- Content & media: copywriting, photography, product uploads, or video editing.
- Hosting, SSL & maintenance: ongoing costs that are usually charged monthly or yearly.
- Support & localisation: Bahasa Malaysia support, local payment and tax compliance.
Tip: Always ask vendors for a clear list of inclusions and exclusions — this avoids surprise add-ons later.
Price ranges — Malaysia (RM)
These ranges are realistic benchmarks many Malaysian SMEs and agencies see. Use them to set expectations when requesting quotes.
| Type of Website | Typical Price Range (RM) | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Landing Page / 1-page site | RM500 – RM1,200 | Micro-businesses, promos, event pages |
| Corporate / SME Website (5–10 pages) | RM1,500 – RM4,000 | Service providers, consultants, small companies |
| eCommerce Website | RM3,000 – RM8,000+ | Online stores, product sellers (depends on SKUs & integrations) |
| Custom Web App / Portal | RM5,000 – RM15,000+ | Marketplaces, booking portals, large businesses |
Note: Prices increase if you require custom design, custom development, many product uploads, or complex integrations (e.g., ERP, marketplace connectors).
Common add-ons and recurring costs
- Domain name: RM40–RM200/year (depending on .com/.com.my).
- Hosting: RM100–RM1,200/year (shared vs managed VPS/cloud).
- SSL certificate: often RM0–RM200/year (many hosts include free SSL).
- Maintenance & updates: RM100–RM600/month depending on support level.
- Content updates or product uploads: hourly or per-task charges.
How to choose the right web design package
- Define your goal: brand presence, lead generation, or online sales?
- Check for mobile-first and SEO-friendly design: this reduces future costs.
- Compare inclusions: hosting, SSL, backups, CMS training, and support hours.
- Ask about timeline: delivery milestones and review stages.
- Avoid the bargain trap: very low offers may hide poor quality or missing features.
Why many Malaysian businesses prefer local web agencies
Local agencies understand Malaysian payment gateways (FPX, DuitNow, eWallets), local SEO, Bahasa Malaysia language requirements, and the need for WhatsApp integration — which speeds up onboarding and reduces friction for customers.
Example packages (sample only)
- Starter – RM1,200: 1-page responsive site, basic contact form, 1 round of edits.
- Business – RM2,500: Up to 10 pages, contact form, blog setup, basic on-page SEO.
- Ecommerce – RM4,800: Online store, payment gateway setup, product import (up to X SKUs), SSL & hosting setup.
These are example packages — customise to match your business needs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to maintain a website in Malaysia?
Maintenance usually ranges from RM100–RM600/month depending on updates, backups, security scans and support level.
Is RM1,000 enough for a business website?
RM1,000 can cover a simple, template-based 1–3 page site. For a polished, multi-page SME site with custom branding and SEO, expect to budget more (RM1,500+).
Should I choose template or custom design?
Template design is cost-effective and fast. Custom design gives a unique brand experience and is recommended when differentiation and advanced UX are important.
Ready to get a transparent quote?
If you want a customised quote based on your needs (pages, eCommerce, integrations), Get a free quote from Cybergate
Prefer WhatsApp? Add ‘Website Quote’ and your basic requirements — we’ll reply with a clear breakdown in RM.
