Ioana, Romania is a low economy country? I think 300$-500$ would be about 1000$ in the UK when comparing financial state of each area. It could indeed be more, did you try already to step to firms offering them a website and such things?
500$ is nothing for web designer, In my contry ( serbia next to your - very bad economy too ) web designer earns about 500 - 1500 euros for 30 days.
Offcourse it can be and <500 E.
I clear around $4,600 a month after tax working 37 hours a week. I made more freelancing but it wasn't regular so hopefully this contract will last as long as possible.
Few companies can afford to pay webdesigners full time. Also they are usually not needed full time. Thats why most companies hire them as freelance for projects