DesignRush Reveals Most Affordable States to Hire Digital Marketing Agencies in 2024

The average hourly cost for digital marketing services in the U.S. ranges between $100 to $149 this year. 

However, these rates vary by state.

To help businesses optimize their budgets, B2B marketplace DesignRush conducted a state-by-state analysis revealing where digital marketing services are most and least expensive.

For brands operating across multiple locations, as well as businesses open to collaborating remotely with agencies, this market research will provide actionable insights into pinpointing more cost-effective solutions for their digital marketing needs.

Alaska came out on top as the most affordable state for digital marketing services in 2024, with an incredibly low average hourly rate of $14.55.  

With only 96 agencies across the state, competition is limited, allowing brands to secure high-quality services without breaking the bank. 

Taking second place is the state of Wyoming, which offers digital marketing services at a budget-friendly rate of $43.88 per hour.  

The northern state, known for its wide-open spaces and small population, doesn’t have the bustling, high-pressure business environment of larger states.  

This means there’s less demand driving up prices, so businesses can find more competitive deals among the 272 agencies available. 

On the third spot is Montana, where the average hourly rate for digital marketing services is $45.57. 

The state’s economy is heavily influenced by agriculture and tourism, and with 199 agencies operating in the region, businesses can conveniently find affordable marketing services that fit their needs. 

Next is the state of West Virginia with an average hourly rate of $53.00, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious businesses seeking to digitally market their products or services.  

With only 75 agencies in the market, the state’s smaller economy means there’s less demand for digital services, making competition manageable.

It is worth noting that a separate DesignRush study identified West Virginia as the best state for digital business growth in 2024.

Capping the top five is the state of New Mexico. Combining its rich cultural heritage with modern business practices, it reflects an average hourly rate of $59.38 for digital marketing services.  

With just 169 agencies, there’s enough room for competitive pricing, giving businesses a chance to secure effective services without overspending.

A Sound Methodology 

In conducting the study, DesignRush ranked each state based on its average hourly rate for digital marketing services. 

To do this, we analyzed data from agencies nationwide, focusing on those where digital marketing is a primary service. Then, we summed the hourly rates and divided them by the number of agencies to find the average. 

States were ranked from highest to lowest based on these averages before data was cross-checked with industry benchmarks to ensure accuracy. 

Our study hopes to offer businesses exclusive insights into the cost landscape across the U.S., helping them make informed and cost-effective decisions. 

Access the full dataset for Digital Marketing Average Hourly Rates in 2024 here.