Guide · 6 min read

How much do Google Ads cost in 2026?

Real numbers on cost per click, budgets, and management fees — and how to tell if you're overpaying.

You pay per click, not per view

Search ads charge only when someone clicks. The price is set in a live auction every time a search happens, based on your bid and your ad's quality.

Typical cost per click

Most local service businesses pay between $2 and $30 per click. Legal and insurance can exceed $100.

  • E-commerce: $0.50–$3
  • Home services: $6–$30
  • Legal: $20–$150

What management should cost

Our model is simple: a $500 monthly retainer plus 10% of what you actually spend. Ad spend is billed by Google directly to your card — we never mark it up.

Ready to start the engine?

$50 per AI-built campaign. Or full management from $500/month.

See pricing