Question 1

How much does it cost to build custom software?

Accepted Answer

In the US, an internal tool typically runs $8,000-$25,000, a web or mobile app MVP $25,000-$90,000, a SaaS platform $40,000-$150,000 or more, and a full enterprise system $120,000 and up. The biggest drivers are what you're building, how complex the logic and data are, the number of screens, and the features behind it - accounts, billing, integrations, real-time, AI. The calculator above stacks those inputs into a transparent range.

Question 2

What drives the price of a software build?

Accepted Answer

Four things move the number most: the type of product (an internal tool is far cheaper than a SaaS platform or enterprise system), the complexity of the logic and data, the screen count (each screen is design plus build plus testing), and the heavy features - user accounts, payments and billing, admin dashboards, third-party integrations, real-time, and AI/ML. Design depth and a rushed timeline push it up further. The model above prices each of these separately so the range reflects your actual project.

Question 3

Should I use a freelancer, a studio, or an agency?

Accepted Answer

A freelancer is cheapest and fine for a small, well-defined piece, but you carry the risk if they disappear or the scope grows. A studio gives you a small senior team that owns design, build, and delivery end-to-end - usually the best value for an MVP or product build. A large agency costs the most and suits enterprise programs that need formal process, account management, and many roles. The calculator's ranges reflect typical studio/agency pricing.

Question 4

Is this estimate a real quote?

Accepted Answer

No - it is a transparent ballpark built from typical US studio ranges, meant to set expectations before you talk to anyone. Your real number depends on the exact scope, the integrations involved, your data and compliance needs, and the design ambition. Share the estimate, then start a brief and we'll come back with a fixed, itemized quote and a build plan.

Question 5

What are the ongoing costs after launch?

Accepted Answer

The build is a one-time cost; running software is not. Budget for cloud hosting and infrastructure, third-party API and service usage, app store fees if it's mobile, monitoring, and maintenance plus new features after launch - which typically run 15-20% of the build cost per year. We break all of that out in the real quote so there are no surprises.

Question 6

How long does a software build take?

Accepted Answer

An internal tool can ship in 3-6 weeks, a web or mobile MVP in 2-4 months, and a SaaS platform or enterprise system in 4-9 months or more, depending on scope and how fast feedback and decisions come back. A rushed timeline compresses that but usually costs more, since it needs more people working in parallel.

Project type	Typical range
Internal tool / utilityWorkflow, data, automation	$8,000 - $25,000
Web app (MVP)Accounts, logic, dashboard	$25,000 - $80,000
Mobile app (MVP)iOS / Android + backend	$30,000 - $90,000
SaaS platformBilling, roles, admin	$40,000 - $150,000+
Enterprise systemIntegrated, compliant, at scale	$120,000 - $500,000+
Per screen (design + build)On custom builds	$900 - $3,000 / screen

Software development cost calculator - what your build should cost.

What goes into a software cost

Typical software costs by type

Price the build, then get a fixed quote.

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