>>"How much is a website?" is not a serious question
I think is a very valid question. And a valid response is "my rate is X and will give you an estimate once I understand better what you want to build".
You mean, how do you price the total price of a website?
The same way that a mechanic, plumber, electrician, contractor, etc.,etc. estimates the total price of the work to be done. i.e. You estimate the total number of hours you think is going to take you, you multiply it by your hourly rate and finally you add whatever additional expenses you incurred when building the site. i.e. hosting service, license fees,...
I think is a very valid question. And a valid response is "my rate is X and will give you an estimate once I understand better what you want to build".