How Much Does It Cost to Build an App for a Small Business?
There is no single price, but there are five things that decide it. Understand them and you can budget with confidence.
Why nobody can quote you in one sentence
Asking what an app costs is like asking what a building costs. A simple booking app and a multi-role platform with payments, maps and reporting are very different projects. What matters is scope, not the word 'app'.
The five factors that move the price
Almost every quote is driven by the same factors.
- How many user types there are (customers, staff, admins)
- How many integrations are needed (payments, CRM, accounting, maps)
- Whether you need web, iOS, Android or all three
- How much custom design and branding is required
- How much automation and reporting sits behind the screens
Starting points that are realistic
At TreeHex, a fixed-scope business website starts at $1,500, an AI intake assistant at $8,000 and an operations MVP at $5,000. A dedicated team starts at $750 a month, which is how many small businesses begin: a part-time developer and project manager working toward an agreed goal.
These are starting prices. The exact figure is quoted in writing after a scoping call.
How to keep the first version affordable
Build the smallest version that solves the most painful problem, put it in front of real users, then extend it. A focused first release is faster, cheaper and teaches you what the second release should be.
What to ask for besides the price
Ask what is included after launch. Every TreeHex project includes six months of post-launch support, so a bug in month three is not a surprise invoice.
FAQ
Can I start with a small budget?
Yes. A single developer at a part-time allocation, or a fixed-scope MVP, is a common way to begin.
Are there ongoing costs after launch?
Hosting and any third-party services, plus optional support or development after the included six months.
Get a written quote for your app
TreeHex helps businesses with custom software, AI services, and website development. Tell us what you need — we will recommend a clear next step.
