How much does a web app cost in 2025? A complete breakdown

With businesses going digital faster than ever, the demand for web apps is skyrocketing. Startups, small businesses, and solopreneurs all want custom solutions, but the big question is: how much does it cost to actually build one?

In this guide, we’ll break down web app development costs across different methods: traditional, no-code, and AI-powered—so you can choose the best (and most budget-friendly) approach for your project.

Understanding web app development

Before we break down the costs, let’s take a closer look at what web app development entails.

Not all web apps are created equal — some are straightforward applications, similar to dynamic websites with interactive elements, while others are complex platforms with extensive features. What unifies them is that they all run in a web browser, unlike a custom mobile app development. Here are the main types you may want to build:

• Basic web tools – calculators, form builders or note-taking apps, for example.
• Business applications – CRMs, inventory management or booking systems.
• E-learning platforms – online courses, interactive quizzes and learning management systems.
• Social platforms – forums, messaging apps, gaming websites or niche community networks.
• Ecommerce solutions: online stores, multi-vendor marketplaces or subscription-based platforms.

Naturally, the more features and complexity an app has, the higher the cost.

Also, when it comes to building a web app, you have a few different routes to choose from. The most traditional method involves hiring developers or web app development agency to build the app from scratch. This offers complete control over the app’s design and functionality, but can be expensive and time-consuming.

Alternatively, no-code platforms provide an easier and faster solution. With drag-and-drop tools, you can build a basic web app without needing to write any code. These platforms are more budget-friendly and quick to set up, but they do have some limitations in terms of customization and scalability.

A newer, more innovative option is AI-powered web app development — including tools like Hostinger Horizons that allows you to describe your idea using natural language, after which it generates a working web app for you. This approach combines speed, affordability, and a great degree of customization, making it a great option for those looking to get their ideas off the ground without hiring a full team of developers.

In terms of web app development cost, several factors can influence your investment, from initial development to long-term maintenance. Here’s a quick overview:

Cost factor	What it covers	Price range
Development Method	Traditional, no-code, or AI-powered	$0 – $150,000+
Complexity	Ranging from simple tools to feature-rich platforms	Varies
Design and UI/UX	Custom designs, animations, user experience testing	$500 – $20,000
Hosting and infrastructure	Servers, databases, domain names, security	$5 – $500/month
Third-party integrations	APIs, payment gateways, external services	$0 – $5,000+
Maintenance	Bug fixes, updates, security patches	$50 – $5,000/month

The choice of development approach depends on your budget, timeline, and technical needs. Let’s break down the costs of each method so you can make the best choice for your project.

Development methods and costs

Choosing the right development method is essential for balancing your project’s budget, timeline, and the desired complexity of your web application. Here’s a closer look at the costs and considerations for each development method:

Traditional development

Traditional development is one of the most comprehensive approaches to building a web app, but it comes at a higher price point. When you go this route, you’re usually working with either an agency or freelancers.

Hiring an agency is the most expensive option: the costs can range anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the complexity of your project. Agencies offer a full range of services, including design, software development, testing, and post-launch support, so you don’t have to worry about managing separate specialists.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you might consider working with freelancers. Freelancers typically charge between $10,000 and $40,000, depending on their expertise and the scope of the project. This option is more budget-friendly, but you might need to hire multiple freelancers for different roles, making management more challenging.

If you have strong programming skills, consider coding the web app yourself. This approach eliminates external costs, but it can still be expensive. You’ll need to invest in thinks like tools and software licenses. Additionally, if you’re building a complex web application, you might end up spending months developing it, which can delay your business goals and affect your other sources of income. So, while the upfront cost might seem lower, the investment can be substantial.

When it comes to timelines, traditional development can take several months, or even a full year, depending on the complexity of your web app. That’s because you’ll need to account for time spent on planning, design, development, and thorough testing to ensure everything works as expected.

With all that said, let’s summarize the pros and cons of developing a web app the traditional way:

Pros:

• Highly customizable – you can build a web app tailored to your exact business needs, without limitations from pre-built templates or features.
• Access to experienced professionals – agencies and freelancers bring specialized skills in terms of design, development, and security, ensuring a high-quality product.
• Full control – you have complete authority over your app’s design, functionality, and infrastructure, allowing for unique branding and advanced features.
• Seamless integrations – custom development allows smooth integration with complex systems, third-party APIs, and enterprise software.

Cons:

• Higher upfront costs – development costs can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it a significant investment.
• Longer development time – custom apps take months to develop, requiring thorough planning, coding, testing, and deployment.
• Ongoing maintenance – regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches add to long-term costs and require technical oversight.
• Complex project management – coordinating between developers, designers, and testers can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with technical workflows.

No-code platforms

Traditional no-code platforms are great for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to build web apps without writing code. Instead of hiring developers or spending months coding, you can use intuitive drag-and-drop tools to create functional applications in a matter of days.

These platforms typically operate on a monthly subscription model, with costs ranging from $10 to $30 per month for basic plans, while more advanced options with custom integrations and higher capacity can go up to $500 per month.

While no-code tools simplify the web app development process, they come with some limitations. Customization can be restricted, certain integrations may not be available, and performance might not match that of a fully coded solution. For small projects, these platforms are a great fit, but if you need highly specific or advanced functionality, they may not be the best long-term solution.

There are several no-code platforms available, each with its own strengths. Here are a few examples:

• Bubble – highly flexible for building dynamic web apps.
• Webflow – ideal for visually rich and highly customized websites.
• Glide – quickly turns Google Sheets into functional web apps.
• Appgyver – focused on building scalable mobile and web applications.
• Softr – transforms Airtable databases into full-fledged web apps.

When considering the total ownership cost of a no-code solution, it’s important to factor in not just the platform’s subscription fee, but also expenses for hosting, domain registration, and any additional third-party services.

Although no-code platforms can be more affordable than hiring a developer, costs can add up over time, especially if you scale up. However, the time and money saved on development make them an attractive option for startups and business owners who need to launch quickly without a large upfront investment. Let’s summarize their main pros and cons:

Pros:

• Lower cost – monthly subscriptions are significantly cheaper than hiring developers.
• Faster development – apps can be built and launched within days or weeks instead of months.
• No coding required – perfect for non-technical users who want to create functional applications.
• Built-in hosting & security – most platforms handle hosting, security, and maintenance.
• Scalability – many platforms offer plans that grow with your business needs.

Cons:

• Feature limitations – customization is restricted to what the platform allows.
• Subscription costs add up – monthly fees can become expensive over time, especially for premium features.
• Less control – you’re dependent on the platform’s infrastructure and policies.
• Performance constraints – no-code apps may not be as optimized as custom-built applications.
• Ownership concerns – some platforms limit data portability, making migration difficult.

AI-powered development

AI-powered web app development is an exciting alternative to traditional coding and no-code platforms. Hostinger Horizons is at the forefront of this innovation, allowing users to create fully functional web apps in minutes, with no coding required.

With Horizons, all you need is a simple text prompt describing your idea. The AI takes care of the rest, generating the app’s structure, design, and functionality. The more details you provide, the better the results. You can refine your web application step by step, making changes through an AI-powered chat.

One of the biggest advantages of using Horizons is cost efficiency. While hiring a developer or using no-code platforms can be expensive, Horizons provides an affordable way to build a web app, starting at just $20 per month. Plus, every new user gets one month of Business web hosting to launch their app online.

Another key benefit is speed. Traditional development can take months, while traditional no-code platforms still require time to configure and troubleshoot. With Hostinger Horizons, you can generate, test, and launch an app in a fraction of the time.

Hostinger Horizons also excels in flexibility. You can build various types of applications, from business tools to interactive dashboards, and even integrate specific technologies by simply specifying them in your prompts. While it excels at generating functional apps quickly, more complex applications may require strategic prompting and a basic understanding of web development concepts.

You should also note that Hostinger Horizons is currently in early access, meaning it is still being improved based on user feedback. However, you can try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cost breakdown by component

When it comes to building a web application, each approach — whether it’s using freelancers, agencies, no-code tools, or AI-powered platforms — affects the overall costs. Below, we break down the key cost components for each approach to help you understand what to expect in the development process.

Essential development costs

Each development method requires essential steps like planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. Let’s take a closer look at how each stage stacks up across different approaches.

Planning includes mapping out web app features, user experience (UX), and technical requirements.

• Freelancer/agency – high upfront cost due to consulting with experts and strategizing, often included in the overall development package.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000
• No-code tools – minimal cost for planning, usually internal work with a basic project brief.
  Cost: 0 – $200
• AI tools – planning is included in the AI setup where you define the web app’s requirements, often with assistance from AI.
  Cost: 0 – $100

Design costs cover UI/UX, wireframes, and visual elements of the app to improve web usability.

• Freelancer/agency – custom-designed solutions with more design time and detailed iterations.
  Cost: $1,000 – $10,000
• No-code tools – pre-built templates and customization options are available, making it easier and cheaper to design without having to start from scratch.
  Cost: 0 – $500/year
• AI tools – basic design elements are handled by the platform’s built-in tools. Some customization might incur additional costs for more complex features.
  Cost: 0 – $100/month

Frontend development involves creating the part of the web app that users directly interact with (e.g. user interface).

• Freelancer/agency – full frontend development, ensuring responsiveness and cross-device compatibility.
  Cost: $2,000 – $20,000
• No-code tools – drag-and-drop builders help you create the frontend quickly, with less technical complexity.
  Cost: 0 – $1,000/year
• AI tools – AI automates frontend development, creating dynamic interfaces based on prompts.
  Cost: 0 – $200/month

Backend development refers to the server-side of your web app (databases, APIs, user authentication).

• Freelancer/agency – developers build custom backend solutions tailored to your app’s needs, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
  Cost: $3,000 – $30,000
• No-code tools – many no-code platforms include pre-configured backends, limiting the need for custom coding.
  Cost: 0 – $500/year
• AI tools: AI handles the backend setup based on your web app’s needs, such as managing databases and APIs.
  Cost: 0 – $200/month

Web app testing ensures the app functions correctly across all devices and browsers and is free of bugs.

• Freelancer/agency – dedicated QA testers run multiple rounds of testing for performance and usability.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000
• No-code tools – built-in testing features in no-code platforms, though more complex testing may require additional tools.
  Cost: 0 – $200
• AI tools – AI handles most testing automatically, although you can fine-tune the web app through manual testing if needed.
  Cost: 0 – $100/month

Deployment is the final step, in which your web app goes live on the internet.

• Freelancer/agency – includes setting up servers, deploying on the cloud, and ensuring the app is accessible to users.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000
• No-code tools – automated deployment; no need to worry about setting up servers, domains, or hosting.
  Cost: 0 – $300/year
• AI Tools – deployment is automatic in most AI platforms, with one-click publish functionality.
  Cost: free – $100/month

In total, the basic development of your web app could cost you anywhere from $4,000 to $75,000 using a freelancer/agency, or from $0 to $2,400 annually using no-code or AI tools.

Infrastructure costs

Regardless of your approach, you’ll need a solid infrastructure to support your web app. This includes hosting, domain, SSL certificates, and any third-party integrations. Let’s break it down.

Hosting services – hosting is where your web app lives on the internet, and your choice of hosting provider influences speed, uptime, and overall performance.

• Freelancer/agency: custom hosting solutions for large-scale apps with high traffic demands, often at a higher price.
  Cost: $100 – $1,000/year
• No-code tools – hosting is typically included in the subscription fee for no-code platforms, with basic plans offering sufficient resources for most web apps.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year
• AI tools – hosting is usually bundled with the service, and additional costs are only incurred for increased usage.
  Cost: 0 – $100/year

Domain name is your web app’s address on the internet (e.g. www.yourapp.com), and you need to register it.

• Freelancer/agency – custom domain setup included, often with a higher-end package.
  Cost: $10 – $50/year
• No-code tools – you can usually connect a custom domain for a small fee or use a subdomain provided by the platform.
  Cost: 0 – $50/year
• AI tools – domain registration may be part of the service, or you may need to purchase it separately.
  Cost: 0 – $50/year

SSL certificates encrypt data between the server and the user, ensuring secure connections.

• Freelancer/agency – SSL certificates may be offered as part of the development package.
  Cost: 0 – $100/year
• No-code tools – SSL certificates are usually included in your subscription, as no-code platforms often manage security.
  Cost: 0 – $50/year
• AI tools – SSL is typically included in the service package.
  Cost: 0 – $50/year

Databases store app data, such as user information and content.

• Freelancer/agency – custom databases may be built, with varying costs based on storage needs.
  Cost: $100 – $500/year
• No-code tools – no-code platforms typically offer built-in databases, though more complex data management might require additional features.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year
• AI tools – AI tools typically come with integrated databases, but pricing can depend on the level of storage needed.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year

API integrations can include payment gateways, social media APIs, or other external services.

• Freelancer/agency – API integration costs vary based on complexity and the number of services connected to the web app.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000
• No-code tools – many no-code platforms offer built-in integrations with popular APIs.
  Cost: 0 – $300/year
• AI tools – integration is often included but may come with limitations. Some APIs may require additional development or configuration.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year

In total, this part could cost you anywhere from $1,200 to $15,000/year for a freelancer/agency, or from $0 to $2,000 annually with no-code or AI tools.

Other ongoing expenses

Even after your web app goes live, you’ll incur ongoing expenses related to maintenance, updates, and support. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for each approach:

Maintenance fees include costs to ensure your app continues to function smoothly after launch.

• Freelancer/agency – freelancers or agencies typically charge ongoing fees for updates and technical support.
  Cost: $1,000 – $10,000/year
• No-code tools – platforms usually handle maintenance for you, but custom updates may incur additional fees.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year
• AI tools – most AI platforms include regular updates and maintenance as part of their subscription.
  Cost: 0 – $100/year

Updates and improvements – as your web app grows, you may need to add features, improve performance or fix bugs.

• Freelancer/agency – updates and improvements often require an hourly rate or a project-based fee.
  Cost: $1,000 – $5,000/year
• No-code tools – some platforms offer free updates, but custom improvements or new integrations could be paid features.
  Cost: 0 – $500/year
• AI tools – automatic updates and improvements are included in the platform’s service. For more complex changes, additional costs may apply.
  Cost: 0 – $100/year

Technical support is required for any web app in case of issues or user inquiries.

• Freelancer/agency – agencies may offer support plans, or freelancers may charge on a per-hour basis.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000/year
• No-code tools – support is typically included, but more personalized help could incur extra charges.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year
• AI tools – most AI platforms include customer support in their subscription plans.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year

Security measures are essential as they protect your web app from data breaches and attacks, representing an ongoing task – and cost.

• Freelancer/agency – custom security features and monitoring may be set up for an additional cost.
  Cost: $500 – $5,000/year
• No-code tools – built-in security features may cover most needs, but additional measures could incur extra fees.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year
• AI tools – security is generally handled by the platform, but specialized measures may require higher-tier plans.
  Cost: 0 – $200/year

In total, this part could cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000/year for a freelancer/agency, or from $0 to $1,000 annually using no-code or AI tools.

Cost by web app type

Each type of web app has its particular level of complexity, feature requirements, integration options, etc. This directly influences the variability of costs. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for different types of web apps, depending on your chosen development approach.

Web app type	Freelancer/agency (range)	No-code tools (range)	AI tools (range)
Simple web app (calculators, converters)	$2,000 – $10,000	$0 – $500/year	$0 – $1,000/year
Business applications (CRM, inventory)	$5,000 – $50,000	$0 – $2,000/year	$0 – $2,000/year
E-learning platforms	$10,000 – $100,000	$0 – $5,000/year	$0 – $5,000/year
Social platforms	$15,000 – $100,000+	$0 – $5,000/year	$0 – $5,000/year
Ecommerce solutions	$5,000 – $75,000	$0 – $3,000/year	$0 – $2,000/year

Hidden costs to consider

When building a web app, the costs don’t always end with development and deployment: several hidden costs can creep up throughout the project’s lifecycle. These often overlooked expenses can have a significant impact on your overall budget, so it’s important to factor them in from the start.

Security requirements

Web apps need to be protected from various security threats, which may require investment in firewalls, data encryption, regular security audits, and more. Ensuring your web app’s data protection and compliance with regulations (like GDPR) may come with ongoing costs for tools, experts, and services.

Scalability needs

As your web app grows, it will need to handle more users, data, and traffic. This often involves upgrading your hosting plan, adding more resources, using scalable cloud services or even hiring a dedicated development team. These costs can increase significantly as your business scales, depending on the complexity of your app.

Training and documentation

Training your team to use the web app effectively and creating comprehensive user documentation can add costs to your project. This is especially true if your app is complex and requires specialized knowledge or if your team needs to be trained in new technologies.

Marketing expenses

Once your web app is live, you’ll need to market it to attract users. This may include digital advertising, influencer partnerships, SEO, content marketing and social media efforts. Depending on the scale of your marketing campaign, these costs can quickly add up.

Cost-saving strategies

Building a web app can require a hefty investment, but there are ways to manage and reduce costs without sacrificing quality. By implementing a few smart strategies, you can keep your web development budget under control while still creating a functional and effective product. Let’s take a look at some cost-saving strategies that can help you get the most value out of your development efforts.

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of building every feature you can think of right from the start, focus on creating an MVP. This means launching with only the essential features that solve the core problem for your users. You can always expand and improve over time based on feedback and demand, which helps avoid wasted resources on features that users don’t need or use.

2. Prioritize key features

It’s easy to get carried away with an idea and want to include every possible feature, but this can significantly increase your costs. Instead, prioritize the most important features that will have the biggest impact on your users. By focusing on what really matters, you’ll be able to keep development time and costs down.

3. Choose the right technology

Choosing the right technology stack can have a major impact on your costs. Open-source frameworks and no-code/low-code platforms, like Hostinger Horizons, can help cut down on development time and expenses. Opting for proven technologies that are scalable and well-supported can also save you from costly rework down the road.

4. Select the right development method

The method you choose for development – whether you go the traditional route with an agency or freelancer, or use no-code platforms or AI-powered tools – can dramatically affect your budget. While traditional development often comes with higher upfront costs, no-code and AI tools can save you money by streamlining the process and reducing the need for extensive coding expertise. Evaluate the complexity of your app and choose the most cost-effective method that meets your needs.

Conclusion

As we saw, there are several viable approaches to web app development, each with its own strengths depending on your project needs, budget, and timeline. The web application development cost will vary depending on the path you choose and the specific requirements of your project.

• Traditional development is ideal for complex, highly customized web apps that require full control over design and functionality. However, it comes with a higher cost and longer development time.
• No-code platforms offer a faster and more cost-effective way to build simpler apps, especially if you want to test an idea quickly. While limited in flexibility, they’re perfect for those with minimal coding experience.
• AI-powered development tools, like Hostinger Horizons, combine the benefits of both worlds – speed and customization – by using AI to generate code based on your description. It’s a great solution for those who want to build a more advanced web app without deep technical knowledge.

No matter which path you choose, it’s important to start small and scale as your web app grows: focus on the core features first and refine your idea as you progress.

With Hostinger Horizons, you can quickly get started on your web app development journey, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to give you a peace of mind. Ready to get started on your project?

How much does a web app cost: FAQ