Short answer: a simple web app runs $500-$1,500, a mid-range SaaS MVP runs $1,500-$5,000, and a full-featured or enterprise build starts around $5,000 and climbs from there, depending on scope, integrations, and design complexity. One of the first questions every client asks is: "How much is this going to cost?" The honest answer is, it depends. But we can give you a useful framework.
What Drives Cost?
Three factors account for 90% of the price difference between projects:
- Scope and features: A simple CRUD app is fundamentally different from a multi-tenant SaaS platform with subscription billing.
- Design complexity: A standard Bootstrap layout costs far less than a pixel-perfect custom UI with animations.
- Integrations: Every third-party API (payment gateway, CRM, messaging) adds time and complexity.
Typical Price Ranges
Here is how most projects break down:
- Simple web app or business site (4-8 weeks): $500 - $1,500
- Mid-range SaaS MVP (2-4 months): $1,500 - $5,000
- Full-featured SaaS or enterprise app: $5,000 - $20,000+
What's Included vs. Extras
At Apps Built Right, our standard scope includes backend architecture, REST API, database design, frontend (React or Vue), auth, and deployment. Extras that add cost include:
- Custom UI/UX design from scratch
- Third-party API integrations (each one adds 1-3 days)
- Real-time features (WebSockets, live dashboards)
- Advanced admin panels and reporting
Milestone-Based Billing
We work on a milestone model: an upfront deposit, payments at each key deliverable, and a final payment on launch. This keeps the project accountable on both sides and means you never pay for work you have not seen.
A Note on 2026 Rates
Published 2026 industry benchmarks put US senior developer rates at $125-250/hour, with full custom MVP builds starting around $25,000 at traditional agencies. Those numbers are for hourly-billed agencies. We work differently: fixed-price, milestone-based, and our standard web app pricing starts at $500 because we scope tightly before we quote.
If the app you are building also needs to talk to other systems, factor in what business automation costs in 2026 too. A lot of "web app" quotes turn into "web app plus five integrations" once the real workflow gets mapped out.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The best way to get a real number is to write a brief: list the core features, describe who uses it, and tell us your timeline. We respond within 24 hours with a free estimate. No obligation. If you are not sure whether to hire in-house or work with an agency like ours, our in-house vs. outsource cost breakdown walks through the real numbers on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom web app cost in 2026?
Most simple business web apps run $500-$1,500. Mid-range SaaS MVPs run $1,500-$5,000. Full-featured or enterprise builds start around $5,000-$20,000+, depending on integrations, custom design, and real-time features.
What is included in a typical web app quote?
Our standard scope covers backend architecture, a REST API, database design, frontend build, authentication, and deployment. Custom UI/UX from scratch, third-party integrations, real-time features, and advanced reporting are priced as extras.
Why do agencies quote so differently for the same app?
Rate model is the biggest driver. Hourly agencies bill $125-250/hour with uncertain total hours; fixed-price shops quote a total after scoping the work up front. Team location, seniority, and whether design is included also shift the number significantly.
How long does it take to build a custom web app?
A simple business app typically takes 4-8 weeks. A mid-range SaaS MVP takes 2-4 months. Scope creep, not raw complexity, is the most common reason projects run long.
Can I get a fixed price instead of paying hourly?
Yes, if the scope is written down clearly first. We quote fixed prices tied to milestones once we know the features, integrations, and timeline, so you know the total cost before work starts.