60% of startups overspend on MVP development by building features users don’t need. Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is not just a stripped-down app—it’s a strategic tool to validate your idea, attract early adopters, and secure funding. However, the costs associated with building an MVP stand out as one of the pressing concerns for entrepreneurs. The solution is not a one-size-fits-all. Instead, it depends on varying factors.
This article gives a walkthrough of the cost of every step of MVP development and the factors that influence this price breakdown.
The Cost of MVP Development: A Breakdown
Budget estimation is a pivotal step when planning to make a product launch. If you’re stuck at estimating MVP development costs, we’ve got you covered. However, there is no definite and fixed price, as the prices may vary based on the app’s complexity and the service provider/company.
The following is a breakdown of the price of every step of the process, according to Glorium Technologies:
| Development Stage | Key Processes | Cost Range (USD) | Timeline |
| Pre-Development | Market Research & Validation, Wireframing & Prototyping, UI/UX Design | $1,000 – $2,000 | 2 – 8 weeks |
| Development | Front-End (Web/Mob), Back-End & APIs, Integrations | $10,000 – $40,000 | 3–6 months |
| Post-Development | Testing & QA, Maintenance (ongoing), Marketing & Launch, Iteration & updates | $5,000 – $30,000 | Varies (depends on bug complexity, feature priority and feedback iteration) |
Pre-Development Costs
1. Market Research and Validation ($1000 – $10000)
Prior to commencing your MVP development, thorough market research is imperative. This includes conducting surveys and interviews and making a competitor analysis, which ensures an MVP’s alignment with market demands. The timeline and costs vary depending on the depth of research required.
- Timeline: Varies
2. Prototyping and Wireframing ($2000 – $10000)
Crafting initial sketches and blueprints of the product makes the next step of the process. It offers an interactive way to visualize user experience and functionality prior to development. The costs can vary based on the iteration needs and feature complexity.
- Timeline: 1–4 weeks
3. Product Design (UI/UX) ($5000 – $20000)
A user-friendly and seamless interface enhances the user experience, keeping them engaged for a long time. But personalization in MVP can be a little costly as it requires the expertise of skilled designers.
- Timeline: 2–6 weeks
The price ranges are subject to change as the expenses can also depend on design requirements and the number of iterations.
Development Costs
The web app development costs are all about an MVP’s core functionalities, the type of application, and the front-end and back-end development expenses.
1. Front-End Development
This development is inclusive of the development of the interface that’s visible to the users.
Web Application MVP
- Cost Range: $10,000 — $30,000
- Timeline: 2 to 4 months
- Tech Stack: React.js, Next.js, HTML, CSS, TypeScript
The costs can increase in numbers based on the app’s functionality, complexity, and technology stack.
Mobile Applications MVP ($15,000 — $50,000)
- Timeline: 3 to 6 months
- Tech Stack: React Native and Flutter
2. Back-End Development ($10,000 — $40,000)
This development is inclusive of the server-side development, involving business logics, APIs, databases, and user authentication. The cost could increase substantially if your MVP incorporates sophisticated features, such as real-time data or payment gateways.
- Timeline: 3 to 4 months
- Tech Stack: Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, GraphQL
3. Third-Party Integrations and Licensing
Bespoke software development goes beyond just the product version. An MVP’s integration with third-party tools is also vital, as they help enhance its functionality. The integrations have licensing fees, which cannot be ignored since you require integrations for smooth functionality.
Post-Development Costs
To ensure a bug-free MVP with proper functionality, quality assurance implementation is a must. It helps with early bug identification and addressing usability issues.
1. QA and Testing ($3,000 — $15,000)
The process of MVP development does not stop with the development of the product version. Its testing, prior to its launch, is necessary for the early identification of bugs and to meet quality standards and user expectations. It can be done manually or by using tools and scripts.
- Timeline: A few days to several weeks
2. Maintenance Costs
Post-launch maintenance can take up 15–20% of the initial development budget. Regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches are necessary to maintain product quality and compliance, especially in regulated industries.
3. Marketing and Launch Expenses
For any product, advertising is what brings visibility to it in the market. This involves running digital campaigns on multiple platforms and PR services, enhancing the startup’s visibility in the market.
- Cost Range: $2,000 — $10,000 (digital campaigns)
$1,000 — $10,000 (PR services) - Timeline: Campaign dependent
4. Iterations and Updates
Iterations in MVP based on user feedback are an ongoing process. The costs for this are based on the complexity of the product and the number of updates required.
- Cost Range: $5,000 — $30,000
- Timeline: Varies
Factors Influencing the MVP Development Costs
Having understood the price breakdown for MVP development, let’s explore some factors that influence these costs.
1. App Complexity
The level of app complexity—basic, medium, or high—directly affects development costs.
- A basic MVP with limited features and simple functionality is more affordable.
- Moderately complex apps may include user authentication, dashboards, or API integrations.
- Apps involving advanced features like real-time updates, third-party services, or AI, increasing both time and cost.
2. Design Complexity
An MVP’s design is the next big factor contributing to the estimated budget. A simple design is cost-effective and easy to implement. On the other hand, more responsive and interactive applications increase the upfront costs as they require extra effort and time to develop.
Moving on, while custom-designed apps are best aligned with business goals, these significantly add numbers to the overall prices due to the integration of third-party APIs, security checkpoints, payment gateways, etc.
3. Development Team Structure
Costs vary significantly based on who develops the MVP. Freelancers are usually the most cost-effective option, but they may exhibit reliability concerns. Startups and SMEs often go for outsourcing providers that offer expertise and structure.
In this case, the development costs vary based on the service provider and their demographics. Certain businesses also prefer in-house teams for better control and alignment, but this remains the most expensive choice due to full-time salaries and operational overhead.
4. Tech Stack
The choice of technologies also impacts both upfront and ongoing costs.
- Open-source tools and frameworks help reduce licensing fees.
- Cross-platform development (e.g., using Flutter or React Native) can be cost-effective compared to building separate native apps for iOS and Android.
- Infrastructure integrations, such as cloud services, hosting platforms, and database solutions, do refine an MVP but also add to the upfront costs.
Final Words
MVP development isn’t just a line item on your startup’s budget—it’s your first real investment in solving a problem. The cost reflects more than code, covering multiple areas such as research, design, testing, and the agility to adapt fast. While estimates for every step do vary based on several factors, what truly matters is value.
A lean, well-built MVP can open windows of opportunity for startups, boosting growth and scalability. So, the core question changes from “How much will it cost?” to “How much is it worth to get it right?” In the startup race, a smart MVP is your launchpad—not a shortcut. Build wisely, grow confidently!
