One of the most common questions that businesses, agencies or individuals have when they looking for an investment in UI/UX design is: “How much does UI UX design cost?” We know It’s a valid question, as budgeting is a key part of any project.

In this blog post, we aim to shed some light on this topic. So you can get a wholesome idea about ui ux design cost in 2024. We will explore the:

• Which factors affect the cost of UI/UX design, 
• Provide researched data on the pricing structure,
• How much ui ux design will cost and how to calculate it,
• What should be the cost when you hire an agency or freelancer,
• Aspects like the complexity of the project, 
• The experience level of the designers, 
• Whom you should hire? freelancer or an agency.

Whether you are a startup, small or medium-sized agency, enterprise-level business or individual, We will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your business or personal projects. 

Why Hiring a Good UI UX Design Agency is Important?

• User-Centric Approach
• Business Growth
• Strong Brand Image
• Improved Efficiency
• Reduced Costs

Sketchish, with its team of passionate artists and designers, is known for delivering the best design solutions. Their unique and dynamic approach to visual storytelling can be a valuable asset to any business looking to improve its UI/UX design. By hiring the best UI UX design services agency like Sketchish, businesses can be assured of providing the best possible experience to their users.

Good UI/UX design is more important than ever at the current time. 

What Affects UI UX Design Cost?

The cost of UI/UX design can be affected by who is doing the work. Experienced designers or agencies often charge more for their services due to their expertise and reputation. However, they can also provide higher quality work and may be more reliable and efficient. On the other hand, less experienced designers or freelancers may charge less, but the quality of their work may not be as high.

The UI UX design cost may also be affected by the need for user research, prototyping, user testing, and iterations based on feedback. 

You need to consider the below factors when budgeting for a UI/UX design project.

1. Complexity of the Project: Such as the number of features, interactions, and screens, can impact the overall cost of UI/UX design.

2. Scope of Work: Research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing, can influence the cost of UI/UX design.

3. Design Revisions: Multiple iterations can increase the cost of UI/UX design.

4. Team Expertise: The expertise and experience of the design team can affect the cost of UI/UX design, as more skilled professionals may charge higher rates.

5. Client Involvement: The level of client involvement in the design process can impact the cost, as more feedback and revisions may lead to increased expenses.

6. Platform Compatibility: Designing for multiple platforms, such as web, mobile, and desktop, can affect the cost of UI/UX design due to additional considerations and testing.

7. Customization Requirements: Unique animations, illustrations, or branding elements, can increase the cost of UI/UX design.

8. Accessibility and Compliance: Ensuring industry standards such as ADA or GDPR, can impact the cost of UI/UX design.

9. Timeline and Deadlines: Tight timelines and short deadlines can affect the cost of UI/UX design, as rush projects may require additional resources and overtime.

10. Post-Launch Support: Ongoing maintenance, updates, and user feedback can influence the overall UI UX design cost.

How Much Does UI UX Design Cost?

While cost is an important factor to any business, it’s also important to focus on the value that good UI/UX design can bring to your product or service. A well-designed user interface and user experience can lead to increased user satisfaction, higher engagement, and ultimately, greater success for your product or service. So, it’s often worth investing in good UI/UX design.

1. UI UX Cost of Simple Websites

A simple website's average cost ranges between $1,000 - $10,000 (83k - 830k) per project with basic design elements, a few pages, and standard functionality.

2. Mobile Apps UI UX Design Cost

Mobile app design can range from $11,000 to $43,500 for simple applications with basic functionality to more complex apps with multiple features and user flows.

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3. E-commerce Websites UI UX Design Cost

The cost of E-commerce websites are usually $12,500 - $50,000+. It requires a more intricate design to accommodate various product pages, user accounts, and payment systems.

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4. Enterprise-Level Software Design

Enterprise-level software design will range between $30,000 to $1,50,000+ as it is the most complex, involving comprehensive user research, multiple user roles, extensive features, and integration with other systems.

How Much Does UI UX Cost When You Hire a Freelancer?

Entry-level freelancer designers with 1-2 years of experience usually charge from $20 to $40 per hour as per Upwork and Fiverr.

Mid-level freelancers designers with 2-4 years of experience charge around $35 to $80 per hour.

Senior-level freelancers can charge $80 to $150 or more per hour.

Freelancers from regions with a higher cost of living, such as North America or Western Europe, generally charge more.

Freelancers from regions with a lower cost of living, like Eastern Europe, Asia, or Latin America, might offer lower rates while still providing high-quality work.

How Much Does UI UX Design Cost When You Hire An Agency?

For projects with well-defined requirements, agencies may offer a fixed price. This could range from $3000 for simpler projects to $30000 or more for complex projects, depending on the complexity.

Many agencies charge on an hourly basis, with rates ranging from $50 to $200 or more per hour. This model is suitable for projects with a flexible scope or ongoing maintenance needs.

For ongoing design needs, some agencies offer retainer agreements where you pay a set monthly fee for a certain number of hours or services. 

In rare cases, agencies may base their pricing on the value they provide to your business. This could be 20 - 30% of the revenue generated by the redesigned product or a fixed fee tied to specific business outcomes.

77% of agencies believe that a bad website User Experience (UX) is a weakness for their clients.

UI UX Design Using a Template (DYI)

Creating a UI/UX design using a template can be a cost-effective and efficient way to design a website or app, especially if you’re doing it yourself (DIY). Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Choose a Template: Pick a template that suits your project’s needs. There are many resources where you can find UI/UX templates, such as Figma, Unblast, and Xtensio. These platforms offer a variety of templates for different types of projects.
2. Customize the Template: Once you’ve chosen a template, you can start customizing it to fit your specific requirements. This could involve changing colors, fonts, layouts, and adding or removing elements. Remember to keep user experience in mind while making these changes.
3. Test the Design: After you’ve customized the template, it’s important to test the design to ensure it provides a good user experience. This could involve usability testing, A/B testing, and getting feedback from potential users.
4. Iterate Based on Feedback: Based on the feedback and test results, you may need to make further adjustments to the design. This process of iteration is common in UI/UX design to ensure the final product meets the needs of the users.
5. Implement the Design: Once you’re satisfied with the design, you can start implementing it into your website or app. This could involve coding the design yourself or using a website builder or development platform.

How To Calculate UI UX Design Cost?

If you're looking to hire a freelancer on a monthly basis, you'll need to estimate the number of hours they'll work each week and multiply that by their hourly rate. For example, if a freelancer works 40 hours per week and charges $50 per hour, the monthly cost would be:

Monthly Cost=Hourly Rate×Number of Weekly Hours×4 weeks

Monthly Cost=$50/hour×40 hours/week×4 weeks=$8,000

Hiring a freelancer with an average of $50 per hour it will cost you monthly $8000.

UI UX Design Pricing Models

In the field of UI/UX design, there are several common pricing models used to structure how clients are charged for design services. Each model has its benefits and considerations for both the designer and the client. The most common pricing models are hourly rates, fixed project rates, and retainer-based pricing.

1. Hourly UI UX Design Pricing Model

The hourly UI UX design pricing model is best for projects with unclear or evolving scopes or ongoing work where tasks are unpredictable.

This model charges clients based on the actual time spent working on the project. It’s transparent and flexible, allowing for adjustments as the project scope evolves. However, it can lead to unpredictability in final costs for the client.

United States & Canada - $50 to $150/per hour

Australia - $150/per hour

UK & Western Europe - $50 to $100/per hour

Ukraine & Eastern Europe - $25 to $50/per hour

Asia Pacific $20 to $49/per hour

Benefits

• Flexibility: Allows for adjustments and changes in the project scope without the need for renegotiation.
• Transparency: Clients can see exactly where their money is going, with detailed breakdowns of time spent on various tasks.
• Fair Compensation: Designers are compensated for every hour they work, ensuring they are paid for all their effort.

Challenges

• Uncertain Budget: Clients may find it difficult to predict the total cost of the project.
• Incentive Misalignment: Designers might take longer to complete tasks, leading to higher costs for the client.
• Management Overhead: Both clients and designers need to keep track of hours worked and tasks completed, which can add to administrative burdens.

2. Fixed Project Pricing Rates

The fixed project UI UX design cost is best when projects with well-defined scopes and deliverables and clients who prefer a clear, upfront cost.

A flat fee is charged for the entire project, based on an estimate of the work involved. This model is beneficial when the project scope is well-defined and unlikely to change. It provides a clear budget for the client but can be risky for designers if the project requires more work than anticipated.

Benefits

• Predictable Costs: Clients know the total cost upfront, which helps in budgeting and financial planning.
• Incentive for Efficiency: Designers are motivated to work efficiently and complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
• Simplified Billing: Reduces administrative work related to tracking hours and managing timesheets.

Challenges

• Scope Creep Risk: Any changes or additions to the project scope can lead to disputes or require renegotiation.
• Underestimation Risk: Designers may underestimate the time and effort required, potentially leading to lower profit margins or rushed work.
• Rigid Structure: Less flexibility to accommodate changes or unforeseen challenges during the project.

3. Project Based UI UX Pricing

This pricing model suits ongoing projects or continuous work, such as website maintenance or regular updates. And Clients needing regular design work and ongoing support.

Clients pay a recurring fee, often monthly, for ongoing services. This model ensures a steady income for the designer and consistent availability for the client. It’s ideal for long-term partnerships but may require clear boundaries to prevent scope creep.

Benefits:

• Higher Potential Earnings: Designers can charge more if their work significantly enhances the client's business or product.
• Client Focus: Encourages designers to align their work with the client's goals and deliver high-value outcomes.
• Differentiation: Helps designers stand out by showcasing their ability to deliver measurable results and high ROI.

Challenges:

• Complex Pricing: Determining the value of design work can be subjective and challenging to quantify.
• Client Buy-In: Clients may need convincing to agree to a pricing model based on perceived value rather than concrete metrics like hours worked.
• Risk of Overpromising: Designers must ensure they can deliver the promised value, as failure to do so can harm their reputation and client relationships.

Additional UI UX Design Costs to Consider

Here are some key areas where extra costs may arise:

• Prototyping tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and InVision often require monthly or annual payments, which can add up throughout a project.

• User testing platforms like user testing, Lookback, and Optimal Workshop charge for their usage, either based on the number of tests conducted or through subscription models.

• Licensing fees for stock images and icons websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Opensrokeicons provide access to extensive libraries but often require either per-item payments or subscription plans.

• Using unique fonts can make your design stand out, but custom fonts and typefaces may also come with licensing fees, especially if they are from premium font foundries.

• Collaboration and project management tools like Asana, Trello, Slack, and Jira help streamline communication and task management but may also require subscription fees for access to premium features.

• Integrating design systems or development to ensure compatibility with various frameworks and platforms might require additional integration costs.

• Keeping your design team up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies might involve investing in training programs, workshops, or certifications. While this is an investment in the long-term quality of your designs.

Budgeting for Additional Costs

To ensure your UI/UX design project is adequately funded, it's important to:

• Assess the tools, platforms, and resources you’ll need at the outset of your project.
• Set aside a portion of your budget for unforeseen expenses.
• Monitor your spending throughout the project to stay within budget and make adjustments as necessary.

By acknowledging and planning for these additional costs, you can create a more realistic budget that covers all aspects of your UI/UX design project, leading to a smoother, more efficient workflow and a higher-quality end product.

FAQs on UI UX Design Cost

How many hours does it take to design a website?

Designing a website can take anywhere from 30 to 100+ hours. The time it takes depends on the kind of site you want to create and the tools you use. For example, you can make a single-page site using a webpage builder within a day. On the other hand, coding a complex multi-page website can take weeks to finish.

How much does it cost to create UI/UX Design from scratch?

For a small to medium-sized website or app, you can expect a cost of $3,000 to $10,000. However, for larger and more intricate projects, the price can soar to $10,000 or more.

How much does it cost to hire a UX designer for your product?

You can hire a UX designer on freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and Sketchish within the range of $15 to $75 per hour. Most times, the price difference is reflected in the quality delivered.

How do I choose the right budget for my UI/UX project?

When setting a budget for your UI/UX project, consider the following steps:

• Assess Your Current UX/UI Design
• Define Any Design Problems
• Determine Project Goals
• Hire a UX Designer

UI UX design activities checklist

• Understand the project’s goals and target audience
• Conduct user research and create user personas
• Create wireframes and prototypes
• Conduct usability testing
• Finalize the design based on feedback
• Implement the design
• Continuously analyze and improve the design based on user feedback

Final Verdict

The cost of UI/UX design in 2024 is influenced by a multitude of factors including project complexity, scope of work, designer experience, and the platform's requirements. Whether you are hiring a freelancer or an agency, the key is to balance cost with value—investing in good design can grow user satisfaction and drive business success. The choice between freelancers and agencies often depends on your project's scale, budget, and need for specialized skills.

We tried to provide a full detailed cost idea so you can make your decision easily. By evaluating your project needs, you can make informed decisions that ensure your UI/UX design project delivers both aesthetically pleasing and functional outcomes, aligned with your business goals.

Hire Sketchish's expert UI/UX designers today and transform your vision into reality.