How Much Does Software Development Cost?

The cost of software development is calculated based on several key factors:

• Project complexity: More features and integrations mean more development time and higher cost.

• Team composition: Hiring senior developers, designers, QA engineers, and project managers adds to the budget.

• Technology stack: Some frameworks or programming languages (e.g., React Native vs. native Android/iOS) may require more effort or specialized skills.

• Development hours: Most development is billed hourly, so total cost = hourly rate × estimated hours.

• Region: Offshore teams (e.g., in Eastern Europe or India) may offer lower rates than developers in North America or Western Europe.

The main pricing drivers include:

• Platform: Web, iOS, Android, or cross-platform. Each platform may double development time.

• Design requirements: Custom UI/UX design takes longer and costs more than using pre-made templates.

• User authentication and roles: Adding login systems, user types, and permissions increases backend complexity.

• Third-party integrations: APIs, payment gateways, CRMs, or chat tools can increase development hours.

• Maintenance & updates: Ongoing support and future feature updates also affect total cost.

These factors vary widely between projects, which is why a dynamic calculator is helpful.

Our software cost calculator provides an estimate based on industry-standard hourly rates and historical data from hundreds of past projects. While it gives a solid ballpark figure, the actual cost may vary depending on the exact scope, tech stack, and any hidden complexity.
For best results, use the calculator to estimate, then consult with our team for a customized quote and timeline.

Here are proven ways to cut down your development budget:

• Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to validate your idea before building every feature.

• Use open-source libraries or pre-built components instead of custom development for every module.

• Outsource smartly: Partner with experienced offshore or nearshore teams that offer high-quality work at lower rates.

• Plan thoroughly: A well-defined scope avoids expensive mid-project changes.

• Automate testing and use agile methods to increase efficiency.

Our calculator helps you identify the most cost-intensive parts of your idea – so you can plan smarter.

Development time depends on your project’s size and complexity:

• Simple apps (e.g., a calculator or checklist): 2–4 weeks

• MVPs (e.g., basic SaaS or marketplace): 2–3 months

• Full-scale platforms (e.g., Uber-like apps, ERPs): 4–9 months or more

Our calculator estimates not only the cost but also an approximate timeline based on your inputs. Keep in mind that design, QA, and revisions can extend this timeline.

Yes. Once you complete the estimate using our software development cost calculator, you’ll have the option to book a free discovery call with our experts. During this session:

• We’ll review your project goals, technical requirements, and feature priorities.

• You’ll receive a customized cost breakdown across design, development, testing, and project management.

• We’ll also provide a detailed scope of work (SOW) outlining timelines, tech stack, and delivery milestones tailored to your needs.

This process ensures you’re not just getting a rough estimate, but a realistic and actionable roadmap for bringing your software idea to life.