How Much Does Custom Software Cost?
A transparent breakdown of what custom software development actually costs — by project type, complexity, and timeline.
Quick Answer
Custom software at Metorox starts at $1,500. Most small business projects: $5,000–$25,000. Complex SaaS: $25,000–$100,000+. Every project gets a fixed-price quote — no hourly billing, no surprises.
Get a Free QuoteCost by Project Type
Every project is different, but these ranges give you a realistic starting point based on complexity and scope.
Simple Website or Plugin
- ✓ Basic design & functionality
- ✓ Mobile responsive
- ✓ Contact forms
- ✓ WordPress plugin
Examples: Landing page, simple WordPress plugin, contact form system
Custom Web Application
- ✓ Database & user auth
- ✓ Custom workflows
- ✓ Third-party integrations
- ✓ Admin dashboard
Examples: Internal tool, customer portal, booking system
SaaS Platform
- ✓ Multi-tenant architecture
- ✓ Payment processing
- ✓ Full admin dashboard
- ✓ REST API
Examples: CurtainCall Ticketing, Realtor Hub, Travel Pro
Enterprise Solution
- ✓ Complex integrations
- ✓ High-volume support
- ✓ Custom infrastructure
- ✓ Dedicated support
Examples: WHMCS integrations, multi-location systems
What Affects the Cost?
Six factors drive most of the variation in custom software pricing.
Complexity
More features and integrations = higher cost. A simple plugin costs less than a multi-tenant SaaS platform.
Timeline
Faster delivery requires more focused resources. Rush projects may cost 20–30% more.
Design
Custom UI/UX design adds cost vs. using a template. Unique branding and animations take more time.
Integrations
Connecting to Stripe, SendGrid, Zapier, or custom APIs adds development time and testing.
Hosting & Infrastructure
Docker containers, cloud servers, and CDN setup are quoted separately. Budget $20–$500/month ongoing.
Post-Launch Support
Maintenance packages are available. Most clients budget $500–$2,000/month for ongoing support.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Most cost overruns come from surprises. Here's what to budget for — and what we protect you from.
Custom vs. SaaS: 5-Year Cost Comparison
Custom software costs more upfront but often pays for itself within 2–3 years compared to recurring SaaS fees.
| Cost Item | Custom Software | SaaS Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $5,000–$25,000 | $0–$500 |
| Monthly fee | $100–$500 | $200–$2,000 |
| Year 1 total | $6,200–$31,000 | $2,400–$24,500 |
| Year 3 total | $8,600–$43,000 | $7,200–$73,500 |
| Year 5 total | $11,000–$55,000 | $12,000–$122,500 |
| You own the software? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom features? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a discount for larger projects?
Larger projects often have more efficient scopes, which can reduce the per-feature cost. We'll discuss this during your discovery call and build it into your fixed-price quote.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We accept payment in installments tied to project milestones — typically 50% upfront and 50% on delivery for smaller projects, or phased payments for larger ones.
What if the project goes over budget?
It won't — because we use fixed-price quotes. Your price is locked in from day one. If scope changes, we discuss it openly before any additional work begins.
Are there ongoing costs after launch?
Optional maintenance packages are available ($500–$2,000/month). You'll also have hosting costs ($20–$500/month) and any third-party service fees (Stripe, SendGrid, etc.).
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote
Schedule a 30-minute discovery call. We'll scope your project and send a fixed-price proposal within 48 hours.
Schedule Discovery Call