Still believe a website is just a one-time investment? Think again. Websites are living, breathing tools that need constant care. Ignore updates, security, or backups, and you risk downtime, hacks, or a slow site that drives visitors away. In this blog, we’ll break down the actual cost of running a website so you’ll know what exactly to expect. Understanding these expenses is key to keeping your website online without unnecessary surprises.
How Much Should a Website Cost Per Month?
Many businesses assume once a website is built, it’s done. In reality, websites come with recurring costs to keep them live, secure, and functional. Here’s what to expect:
Essential Monthly Costs:
- Hosting: PHP 5,000–PHP 285,800/year
- SSL Certificate: PHP 4,000-30,000/year
- Security & Maintenance Tools: PHP 10,000–PHP 50,000/year
Hidden Costs to Watch:
- Premium plugins or themes with annual renewal fees
- Extra bandwidth if your website traffic grows suddenly
- Additional security services for e-commerce or payment sites
How Much Does a Website Developer Cost Per Month?
Paying a developer is about peace of mind. Here is what Monthly Developer Support usually includes:
- Content edits (text, images, blogs)
- Bug fixes and troubleshooting
- Monitoring website performance and uptime
- Updating themes, plugins, or CMS versions
Freelancers typically charge PHP 5,000–PHP 15,000/month for basic website maintenance, while agencies offer full support, faster turnaround, and additional services for PHP 15,000–PHP 50,000/month.
Do You Really Need a Developer on Retainer?
Yes, If your website frequently updates content, runs promotions, or handles e-commerce transactions, having a dedicated team ensures your site is secure, optimized, and always performing.
How Much Does Website Development Cost in the Philippines?
The cost of website development depends on the site’s complexity, functionality, and whether you hire a freelancer or an agency. For a simple business website, working with a freelancer usually costs PHP 5,000–PHP 20,000. If you choose an agency, a small business site can run PHP 20,000–PHP 80,000, depending on design and features. E-commerce websites are generally more expensive, ranging from PHP 40,000–PHP 150,000 because they require additional functionality. Features such as product catalogs, shopping carts, payment gateways, inventory management, and security for customer data all add complexity and development time.
Compared to global rates, Philippine developers and agencies offer high-quality services at much lower prices—often just 1/3 to 1/5 of what you’d pay in the US or Europe. This makes the Philippines an attractive option for startups and Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking professional, cost-effective web solutions.
For example, a small café website with a simple gallery and contact form may cost PHP 20,000–PHP 30,000 one-time plus PHP 1,000–PHP 2,000/month for hosting and maintenance. Meanwhile, an online store with 50 products, payment integration, and e-commerce features could range from PHP 60,000–PHP 120,000 one-time plus PHP 3,000–PHP 8,000/month for hosting, security, and ongoing developer support.
That’s why partnering with iManila, the best website development company in the Philippines, gives your business the perfect balance of affordability, innovation, and reliability.
Final Thoughts
A website is a very useful tool for any business—it’s your 24/7 storefront, a marketing platform, and a way to connect with customers. However, its value only comes if it’s properly maintained. Neglect updates, security, or performance, and even the best website can lose visitors, sales, and credibility. For a fully secure, optimized, and smoothly running website, trust the experts so you can focus on growing your business.
Partner with iManila
With 29 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.
iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web systems for businesses in different industries and a top digital marketing agency that provides a wide range of digital marketing services. Talk to us!
