There is no single price for Facebook ads. You set the budget; the platform charges per result based on competition, your targeting, and - most of all - how good your ad is.
Here are realistic 2026 numbers for small and local businesses, plus how to spend less per lead.
Typical daily budgets
Local service businesses commonly run $20-$50/day to keep leads flowing in one metro area. E-commerce and multi-location brands spend more. Start where you can sustain 30 days, because consistency lets the algorithm optimize.
Cost per click and cost per lead
Cost per click for most small businesses lands roughly in the $0.30-$2.00 range depending on niche and creative quality. Cost per lead varies far more - anywhere from a few dollars to $50+ - and is driven mostly by your offer and creative.
The headline takeaway: better creative lowers your cost per result more than any targeting trick.
What makes ads cheaper per result
A handful of levers move cost per lead the most:
- Stronger creative and offer (the #1 factor).
- Broad, AI-expanded targeting instead of narrow audiences.
- Optimizing for the right conversion event (a real lead or checkout).
- Refreshing creative before fatigue sets in.
- Giving the campaign time to exit the learning phase.
The hidden cost: your time (or an agency)
The ad spend is only part of the cost. Doing it well usually means an agency retainer ($1,000-$3,000+/month) or many hours of your own time.
AI automation removes that cost. SaaSi runs the whole thing - building, creative, targeting, testing, optimization - for a flat monthly fee, with a free trial so you can see your campaign before paying.
See your campaign built before you pay
SaaSi's AI builds your Meta campaign with 5 ad creatives, then runs and optimizes it 24/7.
Start your 3-day free trialFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum budget for Facebook ads?
You can technically start at $5/day, but $20-$50/day is more realistic for a local business to generate steady, optimizable lead flow.
Why is my cost per lead so high?
Usually weak creative or offer, too-narrow targeting, or optimizing for the wrong event. Improving the ad itself is the fastest way to lower cost per lead.
Does SaaSi charge a percentage of ad spend?
No. SaaSi is a flat monthly subscription (with a 3-day free trial); your ad budget is separate and paid directly to Meta.