How Much Does It Cost to Develop Software for a Small Business
Real prices, factors that affect cost, and how to make it more accessible.
You need to develop software but have no idea how much it costs. You\'ve heard very different numbers: from $5,000 to $500,000. You don\'t know what\'s realistic for a small business like yours.
The truth is that cost varies a lot depending on what you need, who you work with, and how you structure the project. But there are realistic ranges you can expect.
Why This Happens
Software development doesn\'t have a fixed price. It depends on multiple factors that make cost vary significantly between projects.
System complexity
A basic system costs less than a complex one with many features.
Impact: 2-5x difference in price
Type of development
Local development in USA is more expensive than nearshore. Offshore can be cheaper but with timezone problems.
Impact: 40-70% difference in cost
Delivery timeline
Urgent projects usually cost more. Planning ahead reduces costs.
Impact: 20-30% more expensive if urgent
Team experience
More experienced teams charge more, but deliver better quality and fewer errors.
Impact: 30-50% difference
Real Price Ranges
Basic system (MVP)
Essential features, simple design, to validate idea
Complete system
All features, professional design, production ready
Advanced system
Complex features, integrations, scalability
* Prices for nearshore development. Local development in USA can be 2-3x more expensive.
How to Save on Development
Start with MVP
Develop only the essential first. Validate it works, then add more.
Use nearshore development
Teams in Latin America offer same quality at 40-60% less cost.
Plan well from the start
Clearly define what you need. Changes during development increase costs.
Iterative development
Build in phases, not all at once. Allows adjusting budget based on results.
Common Mistakes
- Not asking for detailed quotes
- Choosing only by lowest price
- Not considering maintenance costs
- Not planning future changes
For a small business, start with an MVP ($15,000-$40,000). This allows you to validate your idea without investing too much. If it works, you can invest more to expand it.
Use nearshore development to save 40-60% without sacrificing quality. And plan well from the start: each change during development can cost 20-40% more.
Don\'t choose only by lowest price. A cheap developer can cost you more long-term in errors and rework.
Connect with EB SolTech and create innovation together
Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Our team is ready to help you. Request a free consultation and discover how we can boost your business with world-class technology solutions.