What's the Cheapest Way to Build a Website with AI?
The cheapest way to build a website with AI is using a pay-as-you-go platform like ChilledSites, which starts at £10 per website with no monthly subscription fees. Unlike traditional website builders that charge £12-£29/month (£144-£348/year), pay-as-you-go AI builders let you create professional websites without ongoing costs. This makes AI website building accessible to anyone on a budget.
Last updated: December 2025
AI Website Builder Price Comparison
Here's how the most popular AI website builders compare on price. We've included both the advertised price and the real cost once you factor in hosting and essential features.
| Platform | Starting Price | Annual Cost | Pricing Model | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChilledSites | £10/site | £10 (one-time) | Pay-as-you-go | ✓ Yes |
| Wix ADI | £13/month | £156/year | Subscription | Limited (ads) |
| Squarespace | £12/month | £144/year | Subscription | ✗ No |
| Framer | $5/month | $60/year | Subscription | Limited |
| Hostinger AI | £2.99/month | £36/year | Subscription | ✗ No |
| Traditional Agency | £2,000+ | £2,000-10,000+ | Project-based | ✗ No |
Key Insight
Over 3 years, a Wix subscription costs £468 while a ChilledSites website costs £10-£50 total. That's a potential savings of over £400 - enough to invest in marketing your business instead.
Pay-As-You-Go vs Subscription Models
Pay-As-You-Go
You only pay when you create a website. No ongoing fees, no commitments.
- No monthly subscriptions
- Pay only when you build
- No lock-in contracts
- Predictable one-time costs
Best for: Budget-conscious users, one-off projects, testing ideas, small businesses that don't need constant updates.
Subscription Model
Monthly or annual fees regardless of how much you use the platform.
- Ongoing monthly costs
- Pay even when not using
- Often require annual commitments
- Includes hosting & updates
Best for: Businesses needing constant updates, e-commerce sites, agencies managing multiple clients.
Total Cost of Ownership: 3-Year Comparison
Here's what you'll actually pay over 3 years, including all the extras most businesses need.
ChilledSites
Pay-as-you-go
Wix
Subscription
Web Agency
Project + Maintenance
Over 3 years, ChilledSites can save you £340+ vs Wix and £5,000+ vs agencies.
Start Building for £10Best AI Website Builders for Your Budget
Zero Budget
Testing ideas, personal projects
Use ChilledSites' free tier to generate and preview websites, or try Wix/Weebly free plans (with platform branding). Good for testing but not professional use.
Recommended: ChilledSites Free (preview unlimited sites before paying)
Starter Budget
Small businesses, freelancers, MVPs
Perfect for getting a professional website without ongoing costs. ChilledSites at £10/site gives you everything needed for a complete business presence.
Recommended: ChilledSites Pay-as-you-go (best value, no commitments)
Standard Budget
Growing businesses, regular updates needed
If you need frequent updates or e-commerce features, subscription platforms like Squarespace or Wix make sense. You'll get ongoing support and regular feature updates.
Recommended: Squarespace Business (good templates, solid e-commerce)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest AI website builder?
ChilledSites is one of the cheapest AI website builders, starting at £10 per website with no monthly subscriptions. Unlike Wix or Squarespace which charge £12-£29/month, you only pay when you build.
Are there free AI website builders?
Yes, ChilledSites offers a free tier where you can generate and preview AI websites. You only pay when you want to publish and host your site. Other free options include Wix ADI's free plan (with ads) and Hostinger's trial.
How much does an AI website cost per year?
With subscription-based builders like Wix or Squarespace, expect to pay £144-£348 per year. With pay-as-you-go models like ChilledSites, a single website costs as little as £10 total, plus optional hosting at £3/month.
Is it cheaper to use AI or hire a developer?
AI website builders are dramatically cheaper. A developer typically charges £500-£5,000+ for a basic website, while AI builders create professional sites for £10-£50. For simple business websites, AI is 50-100x more cost-effective.
What hidden costs do AI website builders have?
Common hidden costs include: custom domains (£10-15/year), premium templates (£50-200), removing platform branding (upgrade required), and e-commerce features (premium plans only). ChilledSites has transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
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