MVP Development Cost for Startups: Complete Guide 2026

You have a tech startup idea and you're wondering how much it costs to turn it into a working MVP? You're not alone: 67% of founders I talk to have a completely distorted perception of development costs, often overestimating by 3-4x or dangerously underestimating.

The problem isn't just "how much does it cost", but what that cost includes and how to avoid wasting budget on useless features that no one will ever use.

After developing MVPs for over 7 tech startups and working for 10 years with various types of clients (from very large companies like Gucci, to startups like Egojob or Aurea), I can tell you that the cost range varies dramatically based on one crucial initial choice: going web-first or mobile-first. In the European market in 2026, an ultra-lean MVP can start from around EUR 5,000, while mobile solutions or more structured platforms can easily exceed EUR 60,000 and go beyond EUR 100,000 in the most complex cases.

The difference? Developer working methodologies and strategic choices that most founders don't know they need to make.

What "MVP Cost" Really Means

Before talking numbers, let's define what the development cost of an MVP for a tech startup includes. An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is not "the cheap version of your app". It's the leanest version of your product that allows you to validate key business hypotheses with real users, collecting data to decide whether to continue, pivot, or stop.

What MVP Development Cost Includes

The budget for a tech MVP typically includes:

1. Discovery and Planning (5-10% of total budget)

• User stories definition and feature prioritization
• Wireframes and user flow
• Tech stack selection
• Architecture planning

In this phase, you define together with the client what they want to create, what features the product should have, and in what order to develop them. Wireframes are created (schematic sketches showing where various elements go on the screen) and the most suitable technologies for the project are chosen.

2. UI/UX Design (15-25% of budget)

• Design system or template usage
• High-fidelity mockups of core screens
• Interactive prototype (optional but recommended)

Here you design the visual appearance and user experience of your application. Mockups are created (images showing exactly how the finished product will look) and you decide whether to use ready-made templates or create a completely custom design. The interactive prototype allows you to "try" the app before even programming it.

3. Development (50-65% of budget)

• Frontend development
• Backend development and API
• Database design and setup
• Authentication and user management
• Essential third-party integrations

This is the actual programming phase. The frontend is the visible part that users see and interact with, while the backend is the "hidden engine" that processes data and makes everything work behind the scenes. The database (where all data is saved) is also created and external services like payment systems or email sending are integrated.

4. Testing and Deploy (10-15% of budget)

• Manual testing of core functionality
• Production environment setup
• Cloud deployment (AWS, Vercel, Railway, etc.)
• Basic monitoring and analytics

Here you verify that everything works correctly, find and fix any errors, and publish the application online making it accessible to real users. Deploy literally means "going live" with the product, while monitoring allows you to keep track of how it's working and how many people are using it.

5. Essential Post-Launch (5-10% of budget)

• Immediate post-launch bug fixing (2-4 weeks)
• Small feedback-based optimizations

In the first weeks after launch, it's normal to discover small problems that didn't emerge during testing. This phase covers quick fixing of these bugs and the first improvements suggested by real users, ensuring the product is stable and functional before proceeding with new features.

What It Does NOT Include (And Shouldn't)

A strategic MVP does not include:

• Complex automations you can do manually in the first 100 transactions
• "Nice to have" features that don't validate core hypotheses
• Scalability for millions of users (optimize it if and when needed)
• Native mobile apps if a PWA can suffice

(ADV) Our Method

Before talking about MVP cost ranges, I want to introduce you to the Luca Di Domenico Studio Method: a development and design process designed for early-stage startups that leverages Artificial Intelligence to reduce time and costs. No unnecessary structural costs, no bureaucracy, no activities that don't add value: only what's truly needed to validate your MVP in the market.

This method, already validated by several startups, allows you to get the same quality level you would have by relying on a traditional software house, but in less time and with an investment up to half.

If you want to discover how to apply this method to your specific case, contact us here

Now we can get back to the article!

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The Real Breakdown: How Much Does MVP Development Cost in 2026 (Web vs Mobile)

Here you'll find cost ranges more aligned with typical quotes and price lists from European software houses and agencies. The most important point is this: a web-first MVP and a mobile MVP don't start from the same investment level. If you want to validate quickly with controlled budget, in most cases it makes sense to start with web.

Web-First MVP (SaaS, dashboard, B2B tools, simple marketplaces)

Entry Web Tier: EUR 5,000 - EUR 15,000

Ideal for:

• Advanced landing page + waitlist
• Ultra-lean MVP with 2-3 core features
• Concept validation before investing larger amounts

What you get:

• Template-based UI with branding customization
• 5-10 functional screens
• Simplified backend
• Basic database
• Deployment on lean, low-cost platforms

In simple terms: An essential but market-testable web app, built to quickly learn if the problem you want to solve is real and if users are willing to use (or pay for) the solution.

Typical timeline: 3-6 weeks

Standard Web Tier: EUR 15,000 - EUR 35,000

Ideal for:

• SaaS with well-defined core features
• Simple two-sided marketplace
• Web app with dashboard and data management

What you get:

• More polished UI/UX design on main screens
• 20-30 functional screens
• Robust backend with API
• Advanced authentication
• 2-5 essential integrations
• Basic analytics dashboard
• Complete CRUD and simple workflows

In simple terms: A web MVP ready to become a solid V1: complete enough to test pricing, retention, and onboarding with real data, without paying enterprise platform costs right away.

Typical timeline: 6-10 weeks

Advanced Web Tier: EUR 35,000 - EUR 60,000+

Ideal for:

• Platforms with complex business logic
• Marketplaces with transactions and payments
• B2B SaaS with multi-tenancy
• Products with multiple integrations or advanced automations

What you get:

• More extensive design system
• 50+ screens or main modules
• Growth-ready architecture
• Complete admin panel
• More structured testing and performance optimization

In simple terms: Here you enter the range where the MVP is no longer just "quick validation", but a very solid and credible first version in the market. You get a web platform with technical and design foundations designed to grow: more modules, more complex user flows, a backend capable of handling real cases (payments, advanced roles, targeted automations) and an architectural base that reduces the risk of having to rewrite everything after the first signs of traction.

Typical timeline: 12-20 weeks

Mobile MVP (iOS/Android)

Entry Mobile Tier (Prototype/PoC): EUR 5,000 - EUR 10,000

Ideal for:

• Clickable prototypes or proof-of-concept
• UX and core flow testing with real users
• Validating the need before a real mobile investment

In simple terms: It's not yet "the complete MVP app", but a concrete test of value and main flows.

Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks

Standard Mobile Tier (true MVP): EUR 20,000 - EUR 40,000

Ideal for:

• Apps with authentication, core features and essential backend
• Products where mobile is truly the main channel
• Experiences requiring native features or frequent smartphone use

What you get:

• UI/UX designed for mobile
• Integration with a solid but lean backend
• Complete core features for initial retention and monetization testing

In simple terms: This is the range where you have a true mobile MVP app ready to test the market with real users: login, complete core flows, UX designed for smartphones and a backend solid enough to support onboarding, daily usage, and first retention metrics. It's the minimum realistic investment when mobile is your main channel and you want to seriously validate product and monetization.

Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks

Advanced Mobile Tier: EUR 60,000 - EUR 120,000

Ideal for:

• Apps with complex logic, payments, real-time or numerous integrations
• Multi-role products or ecosystems with admin and advanced management
• High performance and UX quality requirements

In simple terms: Here you're building a mobile product very close to a "market-ready" V1. Beyond core features, you have more complex logic, multiple integrations, a more complete admin and greater attention to performance, stability and user experience quality. It's the right range when the app needs to handle real processes, transactions or a multi-role ecosystem without collapsing as soon as traction arrives.

Typical timeline: 16-24+ weeks

How to Optimize MVP Budget Without Compromising Quality

The difference between an EUR 18,000 MVP and an EUR 45,000 one often lies not in code quality, but in the strategic choices you make at the beginning.

Strategy 1: Distinguish Between Essential and Desirable

For every feature you want to include, ask yourself: "If this feature isn't there, can the user still complete the main action they would use the product for?"

Practical example:

• Essential features: Management system and basic filters, main statistics, connections with fundamental external services - Cost: EUR 18,000
• Eliminated desirable features: Draggable advanced dashboard, automatic AI suggestions, automatic export in all formats - Savings: EUR 12,000

In other words: focus only on what allows users to solve the main problem. Everything else can wait for version 2.

Strategy 2: Automate Only When Truly Needed

In the early stages, not everything needs to work automatically. Some processes can be managed manually until you have a significant number of users.

Concrete example:

• Expensive solution: Automatic system that sends personalized welcome emails and progressive guides to new users - Cost: EUR 6,000
• Smart solution: Individual phone call or video call with the first 20 customers - Cost: EUR 0, but you get invaluable information about what works and what doesn't

When you manually manage the first users, you truly understand what their needs are. You can automate later, the right way, without wasting money on automations no one will use.

Strategy 3: Use Modern and Efficient Technologies

Choosing the right technologies can drastically reduce time and costs without compromising quality. Here are the technologies we use with our clients:

For the visible part of the application:

• Modern technologies that accelerate development and include search engine optimizations
• Free publishing on reliable platforms

For the "engine" part of the application:

• Using a single programming language for both the visible and hidden parts
• This reduces complexity and speeds up both development and publishing

For data storage:

• Professional databases with very generous free plans
• They grow with your product without needing complex migrations

For login and security:

• Specialized services that reduce implementation time from weeks to days
• Guaranteed security without having to build it from scratch

For hosting (where your application lives):

• Modern platforms with contained costs: about EUR 7-50 per month to start

Total infrastructure cost in the first 6 months: EUR 100-300

Savings compared to traditional complex configurations: EUR 2,000-4,000

In practice: choosing modern and efficient technologies allows you to have a professional product spending a fraction of the cost of more traditional approaches.

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Now that you know the real MVP cost breakdown, here's how to proceed:

Immediate Action (this week):

1. Write in a document what features your web or mobile app should have according to you, which users will use it and why. The more detailed you are in this phase, the better the estimate for your MVP will be.
2. List your 10-20 desired features and categorize them as Essential and Desirable
3. Identify 3-5 developers/agencies to interview and request portfolio and references

Next 2-4 weeks:

4. Conduct 3 interviews with questions about: MVP approach, proposed tech stack, feature change management
5. Request detailed quotes with phase and milestone breakdown
6. Validate your MVP assumptions with 15-20 potential users

Want a personalized estimate?

Book a free 30-minute strategic call where we'll analyze your concept, feature set, and realistic budget for your specific case together.

In the last 20 calls, I've helped founders save between EUR 8,500 and EUR 27,500 thanks to the Luca Di Domenico Studio Method.

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FAQ: MVP Startup Development Cost

How much does it cost on average to develop an MVP for a startup in 2026?

In 2026, MVP costs depend heavily on the launch channel. For a web-first MVP, the market range starts at around EUR 5,000-15,000 for ultra-lean projects and goes up to EUR 15,000-35,000 for a complete standard MVP; more complex solutions can reach EUR 35,000-60,000+. For a mobile MVP, a true functional MVP often falls between EUR 20,000 and EUR 40,000, while more robust apps can exceed EUR 60,000.

Is it better to hire a freelancer or an agency to develop the MVP?

For pre-seed startups with limited budgets, a senior full-stack freelancer or a small agile team can be the most efficient choice: in Europe rates are often typically between EUR 40 and EUR 80/h. Structured agencies and software houses often move between EUR 80 and EUR 150/h, including PM and multi-disciplinary coverage.

How long does it take to develop a working MVP?

A standard MVP often requires 6-10 weeks of actual development. Ultra-lean MVPs can be ready in 3-4 weeks, while complex platforms require 12-24+ weeks. Note: these are weeks of actual work, not calendar. A part-time freelancer (20h/week) will require double the calendar time.

Can I develop an MVP with a budget under EUR 5,000?

Yes, but with significant compromises. With a budget under EUR 5k, options are: 1) Advanced landing page with waitlist and pre-order form (not a real MVP), 2) No-code MVP using Bubble, Webflow, or Lovable (functional and scalability limitations), 3) Technical co-founder who develops in exchange for equity (zero cash cost, but equity dilution), 4) You learn to code and develop it yourself (3-6 month time investment). To validate a concept, a "smoke test" for EUR 2-3k can be more effective than an underfunded MVP.

What are the hidden costs in MVP development?

The most common hidden costs are: 1) Infrastructure and services (EUR 50-200/month): hosting, database, email service, storage, 2) API integrations with variable costs, 3) Post-launch maintenance (15-20% initial budget): bug fixing, small iterations, technical customer support, 4) Legal and compliance (EUR 500-2k): privacy policy, cookie consent, GDPR if applicable.

How can I reduce MVP development costs without compromising quality?

The most effective strategies to optimize MVP budget:

1. Use the essential vs desirable features framework: eliminate everything that doesn't validate core hypotheses (average savings: 30-40%)
2. UI templates instead of completely custom design: often the best choice in the validation phase
3. BaaS instead of custom backend: Supabase, Firebase (saves weeks of work)
4. Progressive automation: manually manage processes for the first 50-100 users
5. Modern tech stack: reduces the need for separate teams and components

Absolute priority: don't save on a competent developer, it costs much more to redo a poorly made MVP.

Should I build a mobile app or web app for my MVP?

For 90% of MVPs, start with a responsive web app or PWA (Progressive Web App). Advantages: 1) 20-40% lower cost vs native iOS + Android apps, 2) Immediate deploy without Apple/Google review, 3) Iteration and bug fixing in hours, not days, 4) Single codebase to maintain, 5) Better SEO and discoverability. Build native mobile apps only if: the app requires native hardware features, you want App Store distribution as the primary channel, or main competitors are mobile-only and you need to reach feature parity.