Start with the job the website must do
A one-page site that explains one service has a different scope from a catalogue, booking flow, online store, or staff dashboard. The fastest way to understand cost is to define the customer action first.
What changes the quote
Page count, copywriting, forms, payments, content management, languages, integrations, and custom business rules all affect the work. Ask for these items to be listed separately so you can compare quotes fairly.
Check what happens after launch
Confirm whether domain connection, analytics, search setup, bug fixes, backups, and content updates are included. A lower starting price can cost more later when essential launch work is excluded.