The verdict in three sentences
A custom BI dashboard (Next.js/Recharts) costs between 12,000 and 28,000 EUR to build in 2026 in Amsterdam, plus 150 to 350 EUR/month for hosting and maintenance. Power BI Pro at 10 EUR/user/month or self-hosted Metabase (free but 4,000-9,000 EUR of integration) stay unbeatable for standard use. Custom pays off above 50-80 users or when UX and business-logic needs outgrow the editor.
The three options compared
| Criterion | Power BI Pro | Metabase (self-hosted) | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| License / user | 10 EUR/month | 0 EUR | 0 EUR |
| Initial integration | 3,000 - 8,000 EUR | 4,000 - 9,000 EUR | 12,000 - 28,000 EUR |
| Data model | 3,000 - 7,000 EUR | 3,000 - 7,000 EUR | Included |
| Connector per source | 1,500 - 4,000 EUR | 1,500 - 4,000 EUR | 1,500 - 4,000 EUR |
| UX customization | Limited | Medium | Total |
| Hosting/maintenance | Included (SaaS) | 80 - 200 EUR/month | 150 - 350 EUR/month |
The hidden costs sit in the data model (3,000-7,000 EUR) and the source connectors (ERP, CRM, Excel) at 1,500-4,000 EUR each, whatever the solution.
3-year TCO by user count
We compare total cost of ownership over 36 months, data model and 2 connectors included (a common 6,000 EUR base).
| Users | Power BI Pro | Custom | Cheapest option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | ~7,800 EUR | ~30,600 EUR | Power BI |
| 25 | ~15,000 EUR | ~30,600 EUR | Power BI |
| 100 | ~42,000 EUR | ~30,600 EUR | Custom |
| 200 | ~78,000 EUR | ~33,000 EUR | Custom |
The break-even point sits around 80 users: below it, the editor wins; above it, custom amortizes its build and removes per-seat licensing. Add the value of a dashboard perfectly fitted to the business, hard to quantify but real.
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Mini case study
Claire, CFO of an industrial SME in Amsterdam (140 staff), tracks margin, cash and stock for 90 internal users. With Power BI: 90 × 10 EUR × 36 months = 32,400 EUR in licenses + 6,000 EUR integration = 38,400 EUR over 3 years. With a custom dashboard: 22,000 EUR build + 250 EUR/month × 36 = 31,000 EUR over 3 years. Saving: 7,400 EUR, plus a tool tuned to her exact KPIs (DSO, margin per line, stock turnover) with no license ceiling as the team grows.
FAQ
Is custom always more expensive? No. Below 50-80 users, Power BI or Metabase are cheaper. Beyond that, per-license cost exceeds the amortization of a custom build.
Can I connect several sources (ERP, CRM, Excel)? Yes, but each connector costs 1,500 to 4,000 EUR depending on API availability. It's the most common hidden line.
How much does hosting a custom dashboard cost? 2026 order of magnitude: 150 to 350 EUR/month depending on data volume and refresh frequency, maintenance included.
Is free Metabase really cost-free? The software is free, but integration (data model, connectors, hosting) costs 4,000 to 9,000 EUR plus 80 to 200 EUR/month of infrastructure.
How long for a custom dashboard? Plan 4 to 8 weeks depending on the number of sources and KPIs, data model included.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your data sources, user count and key KPIs: we'll tell you whether the editor or custom is more cost-effective, with a quantified TCO. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
