Custom software development cost can vary several times over between vendors, even for what looks like the same job. Most of the gap comes from scope, the number of platforms and what the quote actually includes. This guide covers the three pricing models, what drives the price, our 2026 budget bands and how to compare the quotes you receive.
Three pricing models: fixed scope, time & materials, dedicated team
Most software quotes follow one of three models. They differ in when the budget is settled and who carries the risk if the scope changes.
| Model | How it’s billed | Budget settled | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed scope | One total price for a written scope; 30% on start, the rest at delivery milestones | Before work starts | A clear need: an MVP, a module or an integration |
| Time & materials | Hours worked, each person at their role’s rate | As work goes on | A scope that will take shape through user feedback |
| Dedicated team | 2-6 people, worked out from role rates, billed monthly, minimum three months | Month by month | A long-running product that needs steady development |
With a fixed scope you know the total up front, so the scope has to be clear up front too. Time & materials is more flexible, but the total is only settled at the end.
After launch, a fixed monthly retainer covers maintenance and small improvements. A common route is to build the first version on a fixed scope, then move to time & materials or a retainer.
Five things that drive custom software development cost
Two projects that look alike from the outside can be priced very differently. The gap usually comes from one of these five factors.
Scope
The number of core flows, user roles and screens. Admin, staff and customer roles mean noticeably more work than a single role.
Platforms
Web only, or iOS and Android too? A mobile app is separate work, with store publishing and device testing on top.
Integrations
How many systems need connecting, and whether they have an API. An old system without one takes longer than a documented API.
Data migration
Moving existing records across. One spreadsheet is quick; records kept in different places for years take time to map.
Design
Finished screen designs or a brand guide take part of the work off the table. Design from scratch adds to the price.
The most direct way to bring the price down is to narrow the scope: put only the core flow in the first version and add the rest as feedback comes in from real users.
Our budget bands, as of 15 September 2026
These ranges are valid as of 15 September 2026 and exclude VAT. You get an exact figure in writing after the discovery call, based on the written scope.
| Package | Budget (excl. VAT) | Typical time | Example scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-flow business app / web MVP | US$3,500-9,000 | 3-6 weeks | One core flow, sign-up and login, a basic admin panel |
| Comprehensive web platform / enterprise panel | US$9,000-25,000 | 6-12 weeks | Roles, reporting, a customer portal, integrations |
| Simple mobile app (iOS + Android) | US$5,000-10,000 | 4-8 weeks | One codebase, core flows, an admin panel |
| Mid-level mobile app (iOS + Android) | US$10,000-20,000 | Depends on scope | Multi-role flows, offline mode, notifications, integrations |
| ERP / CRM integration or a CRM module | US$2,500-7,000 | 1-5 weeks | Data flow between systems, or one custom module |
Where you land within a range depends on the five factors above. A single-role MVP with no integrations sits near the bottom; integrations and data migration push it up. The first working version of a web app typically arrives in 2-4 weeks, and a full MVP takes 3-6 weeks.
Our prices are set in US dollars. Whenever one of the bands changes, we update the date it is valid from.
Rates by role, and whose hours you pay for
For hourly work, our software development rates are set per role, in US dollars.
| Role | Per person-hour (USD) |
|---|---|
| Junior Developer | $25-30 |
| Mid-level Developer | $35-40 |
| Senior Developer / Tech Lead | $50-60 |
| Senior QA | $35-40 |
| Business Analyst | $38-45 |
| Product Owner (PO) | $45-55 |
A developer on their own, or the whole project?
How the bill is worked out depends on what you are buying. If you run your own product and testing process, developer capacity alone may be enough. If you hand us the whole job, a fixed-scope price already includes these roles.
Developer only
You pay for the developer’s hours only. A product owner, business analyst and QA are optional, each billed at their own rate if you add them.
Fixed-scope project
The product owner, analyst and QA are inside one total price tied to the written scope.
Dedicated team
2-6 people, billed monthly, minimum three months. No package price; the amount follows from the role rates.
Keep this in mind when you compare quotes. A developer-only quote looks cheaper than one that includes analysis and testing, but then your own team does that work, so count those hours too.
How a quote is prepared, from first call to price
- 01
Quote wizard
OptionalOur quote wizard gives you a rough scope and timeline in a few steps, so the call can start on the detail.
- 02
Free discovery call
30 minWe talk through what you want to build, who will use it and what you already have. If you like, we sign your NDA first.
- 03
Written scope
We write up the screens, user roles and integrations. The price is based on this document, so you see exactly what it covers.
- 04
Price or hourly plan
A fixed scope gets one total price; time & materials gets an hourly plan by role. We can work under our own contract or your MSA/SOW.
- 05
Kick-off
30%On a fixed scope, 30% is paid at the start. You meet your product owner, your single point of contact, and see the task list we work from.
If the scope changes mid-project
You see a working version every week. A scope change goes like this:
Pricing
Engagement models, rates by role and contract terms on one page.
Quote wizard
Work out your scope and an estimated timeline in a few steps.
Costs that aren’t in the software price
The quote covers building the software. Fees for the third-party services it runs on are paid directly to those providers, so keep them on a separate budget line.
| Item | Usually charged |
|---|---|
| Hosting and domain names | Monthly or yearly; rises with usage |
| App Store and Google Play accounts | A yearly membership at Apple, a one-off registration fee at Google |
| SMS, maps and payment services | Per message, request or transaction |
| AI usage | By usage |
Maintenance after launch
We fix bugs found in the first 30 days after launch free of charge. After that, we can keep the system updated and secure on a monthly retainer, or your own team can take over with the source code and documentation.
A rough rule often quoted in the industry is to budget around 15-20% of the original build cost per year for maintenance. Treat it as general guidance. The real figure depends on how often the system changes and how many outside services it relies on.
Eight questions for comparing vendor quotes
Differences in custom software pricing usually come down to differences in scope. Before you put the figures side by side, ask each vendor these questions and get the answers in writing:
- Is the price fixed or hourly? If hourly, which roles are billed?
- Are product management, analysis and testing included, or extra?
- Is the scope in writing? Which screens, user roles and integrations does it cover?
- If the scope changes, when will I hear the impact on time and budget?
- How often will I see a working version?
- When do the source code and intellectual property pass to me?
- How long are bugs fixed free after launch, and how is work charged after that?
- Does the price include VAT, and who pays for third-party services?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simple web app cost?
A single-flow business app or web MVP typically costs US$3,500-9,000 excluding VAT and takes 3-6 weeks. Each extra role, platform or integration moves the price up the range.
How and when do I pay?
On a fixed scope, 30% is paid on start and the rest across delivery milestones. A dedicated team is billed monthly. Invoices come from our registered business in Türkiye, in USD or EUR for clients abroad, and we accept SWIFT, Wise and Payoneer.
Is there a fixed monthly price for a dedicated team?
No. The team is 2-6 people, billed monthly for a minimum of three months. The amount is worked out from each role’s person-hour rate, so adding or removing a role changes the total.
Do you take on small jobs?
Yes. Projects start from US$1,000, and that includes maintenance, a single feature or a small integration. If the job is clearly defined, we give you a fixed price.
Who owns the source code once it’s paid for?
You do. Source code and IP transfer to you on final payment, along with documentation and setup instructions.