How Much Does Custom Software Development Cost in 2026? [Real Prices + Guide]
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How Much Does Custom Software Development Cost in 2026? [Real Prices + Guide]
Last updated: January 2026
> Quick summary: Custom software costs between $8,000 (simple projects) and $100,000+ (enterprise systems). Price depends on: complexity, number of screens/features, integrations, and timeline. In this guide, I share real prices we charge at Aegis AI after building 47+ custom systems.
📊 Price Table: Custom Software Development in 2026
| Project Size | Screens/Features | Price Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10-25 screens | $8,000 - $30,000 | 2-4 months |
| Medium | 25-40 screens | $30,000 - $100,000 | 4-8 months |
| Large/Enterprise | 40+ screens | $100,000 - $400,000+ | 8-18 months |
Prices for LATAM-based development. US/EU agencies typically charge 2-3x more.
What's Included in Each Tier?
Small Project ($8k-30k)
- MVP web or mobile app
- 1-2 basic integrations (e.g., payment API)
- Simple admin panel
- Basic cloud deployment
- Technical documentation
Medium Project ($30k-100k)
- Complete system with multiple modules
- 3-5 integrations (ERP, CRM, payments, etc.)
- Advanced admin dashboard
- Reports and analytics
- User training
- Post-launch support (3 months)
Large Project ($100k+)
- Multi-tenant enterprise system
- 5+ complex integrations
- AI/Machine Learning modules
- Scalability for thousands of users
- Availability SLA
- Ongoing support (12+ months)
🔍 What Determines Your Software Price?
1. Project Complexity
Complexity is the #1 factor defining cost. It's not just the number of screens, but what each screen needs to do.
Real example:
- Simple registration (name, email, password): ~$400
- Registration with ID validation + document upload + OCR: ~$3,000
The difference? Integrations, validations, and business logic.
2. Number of Features and Screens
Each feature adds cost. At Aegis AI, we estimate:
| Feature Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple screen (CRUD) | $300 - 600 |
| Dashboard with charts | $1,000 - 3,000 |
| Complete authentication system | $1,600 - 4,000 |
| External API integration | $600 - 3,000 each |
| Real-time chat | $2,000 - 5,000 |
| Payment system | $1,600 - 6,000 |
| AI/ML module | $4,000 - 20,000+ |
3. Technologies Used
Tech stack choice directly impacts cost:
More economical stack:
- React/Next.js + Node.js + PostgreSQL
- Deploy on Vercel/Railway
- Development hour: $25-40
Enterprise stack:
- Microservices + Kubernetes
- AWS/Azure with high availability
- Development hour: $40-70
4. Integrations with Other Systems
Integrations are frequently underestimated. Each integration adds:
| System | Integration Cost |
|---|---|
| SAP/Oracle | $3,000 - 10,000 |
| Salesforce | $2,000 - 6,000 |
| WhatsApp Business API | $1,000 - 3,000 |
| Payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal) | $1,600 - 4,000 |
| Generic ERP via API | $1,000 - 4,000 |
5. Delivery Timeline
Urgency costs more. The reason is simple: requires reallocating team or hiring freelancers.
| Urgency | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Normal (adequate timeline) | Base price |
| Accelerated (50% less time) | +30-50% |
| Urgent (less than 30 days) | +80-150% |
6. Team Size and Seniority
A typical project involves:
| Professional | Hourly Cost (LATAM) |
|---|---|
| Junior Dev | $15 - 25 |
| Mid-level Dev | $30 - 45 |
| Senior Dev | $50 - 80 |
| Tech Lead | $70 - 100 |
| UX/UI Designer | $30 - 55 |
| Project Manager | $40 - 70 |
💰 Hiring Models: Which to Choose?
Fixed Scope (Fixed Price)
How it works: You define all features upfront, receive a fixed quote.
Pros:
- Cost predictability
- Well-defined scope
- Fewer surprises at the end
Cons:
- Less flexibility for changes
- Changes incur additional costs
- May limit innovation
Ideal for: Well-defined MVP, simple systems, tight budget.
Dedicated Team (Hourly/Monthly)
How it works: You hire a team by hour or month.
Pros:
- Maximum flexibility
- Scope changes without drama
- Team dedicated to your project
Cons:
- Less predictable cost
- Requires active management on your side
- No "final price" defined
Ideal for: Evolving products, funded startups, long-term projects.
Hybrid
How it works: Initial phases with fixed scope, maintenance by hour.
Pros:
- Balance between predictability and flexibility
- Good for MVP + iterations
Ideal for: Most projects in practice.
📉 How to Reduce Costs Without Losing Quality
1. Start with MVP
Don't build the dream system first. Identify the 3-5 essential features and launch.
Typical savings: 40-60% of initial cost
2. Use Standardized Technologies
Avoid exotic stacks requiring rare (and expensive) developers.
Our recommendation:
- Frontend: React/Next.js
- Backend: Node.js or Python
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Cloud: Vercel, Railway or AWS
3. Prioritize Essential Integrations
Each integration adds $1,000-10,000. Ask: "Is this essential for launch?"
4. Consider No-Code for Validation
To validate an idea, consider tools like:
- Bubble (web apps)
- Glide (simple mobile apps)
- Airtable + Zapier (automations)
Then migrate to custom code.
5. Hire LATAM Development Team
Hiring US/EU agencies seems standard, but:
- 2-3x higher hourly rates
- Same quality from global teams
- Time zone challenges with offshore (India, etc.)
LATAM team (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia): English-fluent, competitive rates, compatible timezone.
❌ Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
1. Infrastructure (Cloud)
Your software needs to run somewhere. Typical costs:
| Size | Monthly Cloud Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (< 1,000 users) | $40 - 100/month |
| Medium (1,000-10,000 users) | $100 - 400/month |
| Large (10,000+ users) | $400 - 4,000+/month |
2. Maintenance and Updates
Software isn't "one and done." Expect to spend 15-25% of initial cost per year on:
- Bug fixes
- Security updates
- Small improvements
- New version compatibility
3. Third-Party APIs
Many APIs charge by usage:
- WhatsApp Business API: $0.10-0.40 per conversation
- OpenAI (GPT-4): $0.03-0.12 per 1K tokens
- Twilio SMS: $0.02-0.06 per message
- Google Maps: Free up to limit, then $2-7 per 1,000 requests
4. Training and Onboarding
Users need to learn the system:
- Documentation: $600-2,000
- Training videos: $1,000-3,000
- Intensive initial support: $1,000-4,000
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Depends on complexity:
- Simple MVP: 2-3 months
- Medium system: 4-8 months
- Enterprise platform: 8-18 months
At Aegis AI, we use 2-week sprints with incremental deliveries.
Yes! It's the recommended path. Start with MVP, validate with real users, and add features based on feedback. This avoids spending on features nobody uses.
Require in the contract:
- Source code delivered each sprint
- Complete technical documentation
- Access to infrastructure (AWS, database)
At Aegis AI, all clients receive code and documentation.
Ask about:
- Security practices (OWASP)
- Penetration testing
- GDPR/data compliance
- Backup and disaster recovery
At Aegis AI, we include security audit in all projects.
Depends:
- Freelancer: Cheaper for small projects, but higher risk (abandonment, inconsistent quality)
- Company: Defined process, multidisciplinary team, guaranteed continuity
For projects over $10,000, we recommend a company.
🚀 Next Steps
Want a Real Quote for Your Project?
At Aegis AI, we offer:
- ✅ Free initial consultation (30 minutes)
- ✅ Detailed quote within 5 business days
- ✅ Technical proposal with timeline and deliverables
- ✅ Scope meeting with no obligation
Author: Aegis AI Team at Aegis AI. Has led 47+ software development projects for companies across Brazil and LATAM, from startups to enterprises.
Last updated: January 2026
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