How much does it cost to develop software? 2026 price guide

How much does it cost to develop an app or other software? Short answer: typical ranges in 2026 are 100,000–300,000 SEK for simpler apps and MVPs, 250,000–600,000 SEK for medium-complexity apps, and beyond that for advanced systems with integrations, AI or higher security requirements.

Earlier versions of this guide listed lower ranges. We have removed them — projects under 100,000 SEK are in practice prototypes, not production-ready software. All figures are in Swedish kronor (SEK); as a rough rule of thumb, 100,000 SEK is about 9,000 EUR.

As a general rule, the price is driven primarily by features, integrations, security requirements and how quickly you need to deliver.

In this article, we go through how costs are calculated, concrete price examples for different project types, and how you can keep costs down without compromising on quality.

How is the cost of software development calculated?

The cost of software development is calculated in several steps that take into account the project's complexity, technical requirements and time required. Here is a systematic guide to estimating the cost of app development and other software projects:

Identify project requirements

The first step is to define exactly what your software should do. Map out all features, user groups and technical specifications.

Choose a tech stack

Software technologies and their impact on cost vary considerably. Native mobile development (separate apps for iOS and Android) costs more than cross-platform solutions such as React Native or Flutter. At the same time, some technology choices require specialist skills that raise the hourly rate.

Calculate labor costs

The size and skill level of the development team affect both speed and quality. An experienced senior developer costs 950–1,400 SEK per hour in Gothenburg, while junior profiles cost 650–900 SEK per hour. AI and ML specialists typically cost 1,300–1,800 SEK per hour because demand exceeds supply.

Also distinguish between hourly rate and effective price. A senior consultant who solves the problem in 200 hours is cheaper overall than a junior who needs 350 hours for the same task. What it ultimately costs also depends on whether you build in-house or hire a tech agency.

Add extra costs

Don't forget costs for design, project management, testing, documentation and maintenance. These can make up 30–50% of the total development cost.

Estimated price ranges for different project types:

What affects the cost of software?

The cost of software is affected primarily by the project's scope, technical complexity, design and UX requirements, number of platforms, integration needs, security and compliance requirements, and the team's location and skills. Here are the decisive factors in detail:

Factors that affect cost:

• Project scope - The number of features and user groups that need to be supported.
• Technical complexity - Advanced features such as AI, real-time data or complex algorithms.
• Design and user experience - Extensive UI/UX design and custom graphic elements.
• Choice of platforms - Web, iOS, Android or several platforms at once.
• Integration requirements - Connections to external systems and APIs.
• Security and compliance requirements - GDPR, medical standards or financial regulations.
• Team location - Where the development team is based can make a big difference to your budget. Teams in countries with lower living costs can often offer lower prices, but it is important to also consider cultural differences and communication that can affect the project.
• Team skills - Experience and expertise affect both timelines and costs. Hiring people with higher skill levels usually means higher initial costs but can also result in more efficient work and better quality in the end product.
• Unexpected events - Always keep a buffer for unexpected costs. It is not unusual for a project to take longer than planned or for problems to appear that require extra resources.

If you are considering developing a technical solution, we at Fiive offer professional software development based on your needs and budget.

Different solutions and their costs

Different software solutions cost different amounts: mobile apps and MVPs from 100,000 SEK, web applications from 75,000 SEK, system integrations from 50,000 SEK, AI solutions from 150,000 SEK and SaaS platforms from around 500,000 SEK — depending on features, complexity and use case.

Here is a closer look at common software solutions and an estimate of their development costs:

Mobile apps and MVPs: A well-defined mobile app or MVP with limited functionality typically costs 100,000–300,000 SEK to develop. With more advanced features such as real-time communication, integrations with external systems or support for multiple platforms, the cost lands in the 250,000–600,000 SEK range. Complex app development with high security or scalability requirements can exceed 2,000,000 SEK.

Web applications: A simpler web application with standard functionality costs from 75,000 SEK. A more thorough solution with integrations, custom logic and responsive design typically lands at 200,000–500,000 SEK. Complex platforms — e-commerce solutions, internal portals or customer management systems — start at 500,000 SEK and up.

SaaS platforms: Developing a complete SaaS solution (frontend, backend and database), for example a CRM system for customer management, usually starts at around 500,000 SEK. For smaller projects, such as a simple booking app, costs can be considerably lower. At the same time, more advanced solutions that require extended functionality and higher scalability and security can result in significantly higher costs.

System integration: A simple one-way sync between two systems — for example an ERP connected to an e-commerce platform — costs from 50,000 SEK. Two-way sync with transformation logic typically lands at 150,000–300,000 SEK. Integrations that tie together more than two systems, with error handling and monitoring, cost 300,000–500,000 SEK or more.

AI agents and RAG solutions: A pilot with an AI agent or a document-based RAG solution (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) typically costs 150,000–350,000 SEK. A production-ready solution with access control, logging and an operations SLA lands at 350,000–800,000 SEK or more.

Embedded systems: Embedded systems are specialized software, often used in industrial or medical applications, and they can vary quite a lot in price. A simpler system can cost from 100,000 SEK, while more complex systems that require high precision and reliability can cost several million kronor.

Keep in mind that the build cost of an AI solution is typically only 25–35% of the three-year cost. Ongoing LLM consumption, hosting costs and prompt maintenance dominate over time — something to factor in already at the budgeting stage.

How can you reduce the cost of software projects?

You reduce the cost of a software project primarily by starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — focus on the core features needed to get feedback from your first users. You can then lower the cost further with prototypes/PoCs, agile methods and automated testing.

The cost of MVP development is considerably lower than building a full-fledged product from the start.

Another way to keep costs down is to build prototypes or a Proof of Concept (PoC) to test your idea before starting full-scale development. Unlike an MVP, a PoC focuses on validating the technical aspect, which is well suited for highly technical projects. This makes it possible to internally verify that a technical solution is feasible before larger investments are made.

Agile development methods are also important — you prioritize high-value features and adapt the project continuously based on feedback. The cost may initially seem higher, but it often results in a lower total cost through less rework and better focus on users' real needs.

Automated testing and continuous integration and delivery processes (CI/CD) reduce the time it takes to discover and fix errors. That means lower costs over time.

If you have a startup or scaleup, we at Fiive also offer a unique arrangement where we sometimes take part-ownership in companies. This means you can reduce the cost of software development in exchange for a share in the company. As your partner, we then help you develop and scale your product to launch and beyond.

Do prices differ between Gothenburg and Stockholm?

Yes. Gothenburg and Malmö are typically 15–25% below Stockholm prices for comparable skills. It is not about lower quality — rather lower overhead and a different salary level. For a project costing 600,000 SEK in Stockholm, the equivalent solution can land at 450,000–510,000 SEK with a Gothenburg-based team.

One factor that rarely shows up in comparisons is consultant brokers. Public broker indexes and industry guides from 2025–2026 report markups of up to 30–50% on top of the consultant's price. Hiring an agency directly removes that layer.

Want to know what your project would cost with a Gothenburg-based team? Get in touch and we will give you a cost indication with no obligations.

How much does it cost to maintain and develop software over time?

The build cost is only part of the total investment. A good rule of thumb is to budget 10–20% of the build cost per year for maintenance and ongoing development. For an app that cost 500,000 SEK to build, that means 50,000–100,000 SEK per year for bug fixes, security updates, dependency upgrades and minor improvements.

The maintenance cost is affected by how well-structured the codebase is from the start and how well documented dependencies and integrations are. Projects that started with a clear architecture and automated testing cost noticeably less to maintain in years three and four.

Should you build now or wait?

Start development right away when the problem is clear and you can scope a first version with measurable value; wait and start with a pre-study when the scope is unclear or the technical uncertainty is high. Either way, the question is about scoping the right first step: extend, modernize, replace parts — or test at a small scale before investing fully.

It is usually right to start development directly when:

• the problem is clear and recurring
• you can scope a first version with measurable value
• you have a responsible owner for prioritization and decisions

Wait or start with a pre-study when:

• the scope is unclear and grows in every meeting
• you lack critical information about integrations, data or security requirements
• there is high technical uncertainty in the proposed solution

A small investment in clarity early on is often what keeps the total cost down later.

If you already have an existing product, a good rule of thumb is to start with the parts that give the greatest effect per invested krona, for example bottlenecks in business-critical flows, integration problems or areas with a high support load.

Frequently asked questions about software development costs

How much does it cost to develop an app?

The cost of developing an app ranges from 100,000 SEK for simpler apps and MVPs up to 2,000,000 SEK or more for complex platforms with integrations and high security requirements. Factors that affect the price include the number of features, design, platforms (iOS/Android) and integration requirements. What it costs to develop an app also depends on whether you choose native or cross-platform development.

What factors affect the price of software development?

The main factors that affect software development cost are the scope of the project, technical complexity, the team's skills and location, choice of technologies, design and UX requirements, and integration needs. Time constraints and quality level also play a major role in the final price.

What is the cost of developing an MVP?

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) typically costs 100,000–300,000 SEK and usually represents 25–50% of the cost of a complete product. The MVP focuses on core functionality and helps you validate your idea at a lower cost.

How can I reduce software development costs?

To reduce costs, you can start with an MVP, use agile development methods, choose the right tech stack, implement automated testing and prioritize core features. Cross-platform development can also reduce costs compared to separate native apps. The cost of building an app can be reduced significantly through smart planning and technology choices.

How much does it cost to maintain an app or software?

A good rule of thumb is 10–20% of the build cost per year for maintenance and ongoing development. For an app that cost 500,000 SEK to build, that means 50,000–100,000 SEK per year for bug fixes, security updates and minor improvements.

How much does a custom CRM system cost to develop?

A custom CRM system typically costs between 300,000–1,500,000 SEK depending on functionality and complexity. Simple CRM solutions with basic features start at around 300,000 SEK, while advanced systems with AI features, advanced reporting and integrations can cost over a million kronor.

Ready to turn your idea into reality? Contact us for a quote at Fiive and get a tailored solution that fits your needs.