Web and software
How much does custom software cost for a small business?
By Javier Fernández. Published
Custom software for a small business typically costs $15,000 to $50,000 for an MVP and $25,000 to $300,000 overall, depending on scope, according to 2026 surveys. With Sylvara Creative, a web app MVP starts at USD 10,000 and a custom CRM or internal system at USD 12,000, built in stages with a fixed price for each.
Custom software development cost ranges
Published 2026 estimates put a custom CRM or software MVP between $15,000 and $50,000, and full custom systems anywhere from $25,000 to $300,000. The spread is wide because "custom software" covers everything from an internal tool for five people to a platform with thousands of users.
Our prices: an MVP or first version of a web app from USD 10,000, a custom CRM, ERP or internal system from USD 12,000, and hourly work on existing systems from USD 35 / hour.
Fixed price or hourly?
Fixed price works when scope is clear, which is why we start with a short diagnosis and then quote each stage at a fixed price. Hourly suits ongoing improvements and support where the work can't be defined upfront.
Build or buy?
Buy when your process is standard and a SaaS tool covers 80% of it. Build when your process is your advantage, when per-seat fees outgrow your revenue, or when you're gluing together tools with spreadsheets. Often the answer is both: keep the SaaS and build the missing piece around it.
Custom software pricing
| Service | From | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| MVP or first version of a web appThe core features to validate the idea or solve the main problem, built to grow. | USD 10,000 | USD 10,000 - USD 25,000 |
| Custom CRM, ERP or internal systemCustomers, sales, inventory, scheduling or billing, built in modules with integrations. | USD 12,000 | USD 15,000 - USD 25,000 |
| Project hourly rateFor improvements, one-off integrations and support on existing systems. | USD 35 / hour | USD 35 - USD 50 / hour |
Guide prices in US dollars for the US and Canada, before any taxes. The final quote depends on scope and is fixed after the diagnosis. Updated October 3, 2026.