The verdict in three sentences
The cost of custom software hinges on three levers: the product type, the team geography (day rate 200 to 700 EUR) and the cost of ownership (15-20 %/yr maintenance) most quotes forget. Two quotes can vary 2x for the same spec depending on seniority, stack and real scope covered. The CIO's job is to objectify these ranges to spot both hollow and inflated quotes.
Cost ranges by project type
Here is a 2026 order of magnitude, initial build cost excluding maintenance.
| Product type | 2026 build cost | Timeline | Man-days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom showcase site | 5,000-15,000 EUR | 3-6 weeks | 15-40 |
| Simple web app | 25,000-60,000 EUR | 2-4 months | 60-150 |
| Business platform | 60,000-150,000 EUR | 4-7 months | 150-350 |
| Full SaaS | 120,000-400,000 EUR | 6-12 months | 300-800 |
| Multi-vendor marketplace | 80,000-250,000 EUR | 5-10 months | 200-550 |
Day rate by geography
Team location is the primary cost driver, at equal skill.
| Geography | 2026 senior day rate | Language | Zone vs Paris |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 550-700 EUR | FR | 0 h |
| Eastern Europe | 350-500 EUR | EN | +1 h |
| Francophone Africa | 300-400 EUR | FR | 0 to -1 h |
| India | 200-350 EUR | EN | +4 to +5 h |
| Maghreb | 300-450 EUR | FR/AR | 0 to -1 h |
Francophone Africa combines a low day rate, French language and an aligned time zone — a rare compromise for a European buyer.
Build vs cost of ownership
The classic trap: budgeting only the build. Software lives 5 to 8 years.
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| Item | 2026 rule | Example on a 100,000 EUR build |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | 15-20 %/yr | 15,000-20,000 EUR/yr |
| Hosting / infra | By load | 3,000-12,000 EUR/yr |
| Functional evolutions | 10-25 %/yr | 10,000-25,000 EUR/yr |
| Total cost over 5 years | Build + run | 250,000-350,000 EUR |
The 5-year cost of ownership often doubles to triples the build cost. Ignoring it means underestimating the real budget by 30 to 40 %.
Mini case study
Claire, CIO of an industrial SME in Lyon, receives three quotes for a business platform: 75,000 EUR, 110,000 EUR and 190,000 EUR. On analysis: the 75,000 EUR quote truncates scope (no tests, no maintenance), the 190,000 EUR one bills full France day rates. She picks a nearshore team at 95,000 EUR build + 17,000 EUR/yr maintenance. Over 5 years: 180,000 EUR versus 265,000 EUR for the France quote — 85,000 EUR saved at the same scope.
FAQ
Why do two quotes vary twofold? Because the day rate (200 to 700 EUR), seniority, stack and real scope differ. A low quote often excludes tests, security or maintenance, which reappear as extra cost later.
What does a full SaaS cost in 2026? Count on 120,000 to 400,000 EUR to build depending on complexity, plus 15-20 %/yr maintenance. An MVP can start far lower (40,000-80,000 EUR) by focusing on one core feature.
What is cost of ownership? Everything after the build: maintenance (15-20 %/yr), hosting, evolutions. Over 5 years it often doubles the initial cost and must be budgeted from the start.
Is the lowest day rate the best choice? Not always. A very low day rate with a non-senior team or no governance generates technical debt. The right ratio is quality/price, not price alone.
How to frame a budget before a tender? Define the product type, volume and integrations, then apply the 2026 ranges. You will be able to spot a quote more than 40 % off the median.
Let's scope your project. Send us your spec or high-level outline: we deliver a quantified benchmark of build + 5-year cost of ownership. 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.
