Custom software cost depends less on the number of screens than on workflow complexity, permissions, data, integrations, quality requirements, and the amount of uncertainty the team must resolve.
Planning ranges by type of release
A focused internal tool or proof of value may begin around $7,500 to $25,000. A multi-role operational system with integrations and migration often moves into the $25,000 to $75,000 range. Larger products, regulated workflows, or platforms can exceed that substantially.
These ranges are directional. A clear workflow with ten screens can be safer than a three-screen product that coordinates payments, permissions, sensitive data, and several unreliable APIs.
The largest cost drivers
Discovery effort, data quality, third-party integrations, roles and permissions, audit history, migration, complex business rules, offline behavior, and uptime expectations can change the delivery model.
Design and engineering are not the only work. Testing, deployment, observability, documentation, security updates, and ownership determine whether the software remains useful after launch.
Reduce cost by reducing uncertainty
Begin with a short discovery that maps users, states, exceptions, integrations, and the smallest valuable result. Prototype risky interactions and verify access to external systems before promising a complete roadmap.
Prioritize one operational path and defer speculative administration features. Real users will reveal which controls, reports, and exceptions deserve investment.
Evaluate the proposal, not only the estimate
A responsible proposal should explain assumptions, exclusions, milestones, acceptance, hosting, maintenance, security responsibilities, data ownership, and how scope changes are handled.
Compare expected value and operating cost over time. The lowest initial estimate can be the most expensive choice when it hides migration, support, or rebuild risk.