A minimum viable product budget should fund the build, store fees, hosting, and a maintenance buffer — not just the development invoice. For focused apps, plan build near $12k–$18k plus 15–20% for year-one upkeep.
Budget formula
Build + tools/hosting + ~15–20% maintenance + small launch buffer. Skip the buffer and you will feel “done” then stuck. Full budget model · Quote.
Natalie Oppenheimer
Founder & CEO, Equestro Labs — building mobile apps with western grit and modern craft.