How to Price Your Freelance Services in 2026

Pricing is one of the hardest decisions freelancers face. Charge too little and you burn out. Charge too much and you lose clients. Here's how to find the sweet spot.

Understand your costs first. Calculate your monthly expenses (rent, tools, insurance, taxes) and figure out how much you need to earn just to break even. This is your floor.

Hourly vs. project-based. Hourly rates are simple but cap your earnings. Project-based pricing rewards efficiency and lets clients know the total cost upfront. Most experienced freelancers prefer project-based.

Value-based pricing. Instead of pricing based on time, price based on the value you deliver. A website that generates $100K in sales is worth more than the hours you spent building it.

Research your market. Look at what others in your niche and experience level are charging. Don't copy them — use it as a reference point.

Raise your prices regularly. If you haven't raised your rates in a year, you're effectively earning less due to inflation. Raise prices for new clients first, then gradually for existing ones.

Remember: the right price is one where you feel fairly compensated and your clients feel they're getting great value. Both sides should win.