How much does an app cost in 2026? Planning your budget

Building the app is only part of the bill. A worked example and the expenses to compare for an agency, a freelancer or a project built with AI.

A schedule for three colleagues and a payment app for hundreds of customers do not require the same work. To plan your budget, describe one clear use first, then separate construction from the expenses needed to keep the app running.

A fictional example to explain the bill

Imagine a small tool for tracking customer requests, without online payments. The following amounts are teaching assumptions, not market prices or a Maestro quote. All exclude tax and cover the twelve months after the app goes into use.

The fictional quote allows 12 days of work at €500, totalling €6,000. It includes screens, construction and the agreed tests. Add €1,000 to move existing files and train the team: the initial expense reaches €7,000.

Hosting and related services cost €50 a month here, or €600 over the year. A fictional package for fixes costs €100 a month, or €1,200. The planned total is therefore €8,800, excluding new features and your team’s time.

This calculation helps identify missing items. It does not prove that your project will take twelve days or that a package will cover every incident. The quote must describe what is included and what triggers an additional charge.

Agency or freelancer: compare the same work

Send each provider the same description of your needs. Ask for separate amounts for design, construction, testing, moving data and putting the app into use.

Then ask who fixes problems and for how long. Also check who pays for outside services and who controls their accounts. Our guide to agencies, freelancers and AI tools helps you choose suitable support.

With AI, count your time too

An AI subscription does not buy the same service as a delivery quote. You still need to explain the rules, try the results and organise maintenance. Outside help may remain necessary to check or complete particular parts.

Maestro is free during its invitation-only beta on Mac. The AI assistant is paid for separately under the plan you use. Our agent invoices concern documented trials; they do not set the price of a complete app.

The budget to request before starting

Ask for two totals: the amount needed to put the agreed first version into use, then its expected running expenses for twelve months. Include the exclusions and a contingency amount you choose. You can then compare proposals without confusing an initial screen with an app that will be maintained.