Prices are random when people mix requests for Design with requests for Development. They're two different things. Designers, do just that - Create Designs for sites. Developers CODE websites to add functionality and make them do things that require custom coding. Sometimes, you're lucky and get someone who knows both. So, if you have a site that just needs a good look added to it and maybe a few plugins , if it's a WordPress site, then a DESIGNER will be what you need. If you want your site to work some magik, like parse webpages or documents, and you also want it to look pretty, then you're going to need a DEVELOPER. The pricing structures are way different.
I charge retail clients $25 - $50/hr for design. and $35 - $75/hr for development. A site quote will depend on a few factors.
1. The amount and quality of design
2. Number of pages (yes even with WordPress Sites)
3. Custom coding requirements (includes plugin mods and builds)
4. Addition of custom jQuery / PHP / AJAX design elements
and, those are just a few.
This is BHW, and it's not uncommon to find good deals. However, keep the following in mind.
1. you ALWAYS get EXACTLY what you pay for
2. Overseas developers may work cheaper, but if you're a "hands-on" or "micromanager" you'll be easily pissed off as most of those guys don't work the same hours as you
3. Just because someone can install WordPress, does by no means mean that they're an expert and can build your custom theme for $200
)
Just my two cents... but what do I know, I custom build CMS systems in my spare time.
