Guides to software costs
Direct answers with real numbers. Each guide starts with the short answer, then shows the working.
AI agent and chatbot development cost in 2026
In 2026 an AI agent or chatbot costs $30,000-$80,000 to build at a US agency, $1,500-$25,000 from freelancers, and $2,400-$6,500 as a fixed-price build from an AI-native studio like Tantito. Running costs are separate: expect $400-$6,000 per month at agencies, and often under $200 per month for a small-business agent on your own model account.
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Read the guideCustom software development cost in 2026
In 2026 custom business software such as an internal tool, admin panel or CRM costs $25,000-$70,000 at a US agency, $8,000-$28,000 from freelancers and small teams, and from $4,500 as a fixed-price build from an AI-native studio like Tantito. Enterprise-scale systems run $50,000-$200,000 or more. Budget 15-20% of the build cost per year to maintain it.
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Read the guideFixed price vs hourly software development: which is cheaper?
Fixed-price software development sets the total cost before work starts, while hourly (time and materials) billing at $25-$200 per hour leaves the final total open. Fixed price usually costs less in practice when the scope is clear and under about $50,000, and AI-native studios like Tantito publish fixed prices from $1,900 to $11,900 for sites, tools and MVPs. Hourly suits exploratory work where requirements will change.
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Read the guideHow much does it cost to build an app in 2026?
In 2026 a typical app costs $25,000-$150,000 from a US agency, $10,000-$40,000 from an offshore team, and $6,900-$11,900 as a fixed-price web app MVP from an AI-native studio like Tantito (mobile: $9,900). The gap comes from builder location, scope, and how much of the coding AI agents now do under senior-engineer review. Budget another 15-20% of the build cost per year to keep the app running.
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Read the guideMVP development cost in 2026
In 2026 a web app MVP typically costs $25,000-$150,000 from a US agency, $10,000-$40,000 from an offshore team, and $6,900-$11,900 as a fixed-price build from an AI-native studio like Tantito. A SaaS MVP with payments, an admin panel and a few integrations lands in the upper half of each range. Plan for 15-20% of the build cost per year in maintenance.
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Read the guideTell us what you need built.
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