How much does it cost to build a web application?

Are you asking yourself: “How much does it actually cost to build a web application?” That’s usually the first question that comes to mind for any entrepreneur planning to move their business online. You approach a software house with a ready idea, and the answer you hear is the classic: “it depends.” Frustrating, right?

Although it may sound evasive at first, that response reflects the complexity of the development process. The truth is, the cost of building an application is multi-layered. The final price depends on dozens of variables - from simple functionalities to complex integrations and the experience level of the team.

Instead of leaving you with a vague answer, this article will walk you through all the key factors. We’ll show you what makes up the final cost and help you understand what you’re really paying for. Ready to turn “it depends” into concrete numbers and an informed decision?

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Key factors that influence the cost of a web application

The final cost of an application is like building a house - it depends on the size, materials used, and finishing standard. In IT, it works the same way. Here are the core elements that shape your project’s valuation:

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1. Complexity and functionality

This is the most important factor. The more advanced the features, the more time and resources are required to design and implement them. A simple registration form will be significantly cheaper than integrating external payment systems, handling real-time booking functionality, or implementing AI-driven algorithms.

From the very beginning, it’s crucial to determine whether you need a small, single-purpose application or a complex system designed to become the core of your business operations.

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2. UX/UI design

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design are the foundation of a successful application. An experienced UX/UI designer can create an intuitive and visually appealing product that keeps users engaged longer.

While hiring an expert may seem like an additional expense, their work translates directly into measurable business results - lower bounce rates and higher customer satisfaction. Investing in wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing always pays off.

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3. Technology stack and architecture

Technology choices significantly impact performance, security, and future costs. Popular and well-established solutions - such as leading JavaScript frameworks - often mean better specialist availability and stronger community support.

Architecture is equally important. Are you building a simple monolith or flexible microservices? A well-chosen tech stack is an investment in the future, making scaling and further development much easier.

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4. Team experience and size

Pricing is closely tied to the experience level of the development team. More experienced developers work faster, write cleaner code, and anticipate potential challenges.

Their rates are higher, but in the context of the entire project, they can actually reduce costs by minimizing errors and delays. Cutting corners on quality rarely pays off - there’s a reason people say, “we can’t afford cheap solutions.”

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Estimated web application costs (based on the polish market)

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Simple web application (e.g., a landing page with a form, basic business website):

PLN 10,000 – 18,000 (~USD 2,200 – 4,000)

Perfect for a quick launch and testing your idea.

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MVP (Minimum Viable Product):

PLN 30,000 – 50,000 (~USD 6,600 – 11,000)

A product with core functionalities, ready to enter the market and gather early user feedback.

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Medium-complexity application (e.g., e-learning platform, custom-feature e-commerce store):

PLN 130,000 – 300,000 (~USD 28,600 – 66,000)

Requires integrations, advanced admin panels, and extended UX/UI design.

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Advanced, large-scale application (e.g., ERP system, social platform):

PLN 300,000 – 500,000+ (~USD 66,000 – 110,000+)

Complex projects requiring months of work by a larger team. Building a mobile or web application at this scale is a serious investment—but one with potentially substantial returns.

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Note: Prices are indicative and based on the Polish market; final costs depend on the exact project specifications.

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Step-by-step web application development process

Web application development is a complex, multi-stage process. Understanding it will help you see exactly where your budget goes.

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Planning and Analysis

This is the foundation of the entire project. At this stage, requirements are gathered, business goals are defined, technologies are selected, and detailed documentation is created. Proper analysis helps avoid costly mistakes later.

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UX/UI Design

Wireframes and prototypes are created to visualize how the application will function. The focus is on designing an intuitive interface that ensures a positive user experience.

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Development

Developers write the code, dividing work into front-end (what users see) and back-end (server-side logic). This is also where integrations with external systems are implemented.

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Testing

A critical quality assurance stage. All features are verified to ensure they function properly, and the application is tested for security and performance.

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Deployment

The application is launched on a production server and made available to users. This stage often includes training your team on how to use the system.

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Maintenance and further development

Work doesn’t end on launch day. Ongoing support, monitoring, updates, and further feature development are essential for long-term success.

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Development is not the only cost – what else should you consider?

The initial development budget is just one part of the equation. There are also post-launch costs to keep in mind.

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Maintenance and updates

An application must be regularly updated to remain secure and compatible with evolving technologies. Annual maintenance costs are typically estimated at 15–20% of the initial project budget.

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Hosting and servers

Your application needs infrastructure. Hosting costs depend on its size and traffic volume. Initially, this might mean a relatively low monthly fee, but as your business grows and scaling requires cloud hosting or clustering solutions, expenses may increase significantly.

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Marketing and promotion

Even the best application won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Allocate a budget for marketing activities to ensure proper market visibility.

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How to invest wisely in a web application

As you can see, the answer to the cost question is complex. Most importantly, however, you should treat it not as an expense - but as an investment.

Choosing the cheapest offer often leads to frustration, underperforming products, and the need to rebuild everything from scratch. A data breach caused by security vulnerabilities can generate losses far exceeding any savings made on development.

By selecting the right software development company, you invest in experience, security, and scalability - assets that will pay off in the long run.

Want an accurate estimate for your idea?
Contact us. We’ll analyze your needs and prepare a free, no-obligation proposal that addresses all your questions.

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