Solana dApp development cost calculator
Estimate what it costs to build your Solana dApp and how long it takes: programs, frontend, backend and the team that builds it. The range updates as you go. No signup, and nothing you enter leaves your browser.
- Developer-days
- 27
- Calendar time
- 2 to 3 weeks
- Maintenance after launch
- $3,000 to $9,500 per year
Not included: an independent audit, which any program holding user funds needs. Estimate the audit →
A planning range, not a quote. A short paid discovery phase turns it into a reliable one.
Get quotes from verified teams →Share this estimate on X ↗Solana dApp cost examples
Build cost only, before the audit.
| Project | Developer-days | Calendar time | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vesting program with a basic interface, freelancer | 8 | 2 to 3 weeks | $3,000 to $5,500 |
| NFT marketplace with a production app, agency | 41 | 3 to 4 weeks | $28,500 to $57,500 |
| Lending protocol, 2 programs, oracle, agency | 105 | 7 to 10 weeks | $73,500 to $147,000 |
| Consumer app on existing protocols, web and mobile, agency | 69 | 5 to 7 weeks | $48,500 to $96,500 |
How the estimate works
Development is priced by time, so the calculator adds up developer-days for each part of the product and applies a day rate for the type of team. Every number below is an assumption you can check against real quotes.
- First program: Simple 3 days, Standard 10 days, DeFi 25 days, Novel or cross-chain 40 days. Each extra program adds 70% of the first.
- Integrations: None ×1, 1-2 ×1.15, 3 or more ×1.3 on program work.
- Frontend: Basic 3 days, Production app 12 days, Polished product 25 days.
- Backend and indexing: Basic 6 days, Full 15 days.
- Extras: Custom UI/UX design 6 days, Mobile app 20 days, Admin dashboard 5 days.
- Testing, QA, deployment and project management: ×1.2 on everything.
- Day rates: Freelancer $350 to $700; Agency or studio $700 to $1,400. Calendar time assumes 1 person for Freelancer and 3 people for Agency or studio.
- Maintenance: 15% to 25% of the build cost per year, a common rule of thumb.
The audit is not included. Estimate it with the Solana audit cost calculator, and read how much a Solana dApp costs for what moves the budget most.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a Solana dApp?
A simple program with a basic interface built by a freelancer comes out at about $3,000 to $5,500 with our method. A full DeFi protocol with several programs, a production app and backend built by an agency commonly runs from tens of thousands to well over $100,000, before the audit. Scope, not the blockchain, moves the number.
How long does it take to build a Solana dApp?
A small, well-scoped MVP can take a few weeks. A production protocol with several programs, an audit and fixes usually takes several months, and audit slots often have a waiting list, so book one early.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer is often cheaper per day and fine for a focused, well-specified piece of work. An agency costs more per day but brings design, frontend, backend, QA and project management, and can work in parallel to ship sooner.
What costs are not included in this estimate?
The independent audit and fix review, RPC and indexing services, token listing and liquidity, marketing, legal work, and the time your own team spends on reviews and decisions.
Turn the estimate into a real quote
Write a short brief with our free template, then compare verified Solana development teams.