Startup Costs · SaaS
The main cost categories, a fill-in budget worksheet, a worked runway example and ways to keep early costs low.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
The cost of starting a SaaS company depends on scope and location, but the categories are consistent: validation, planning, product build, platform and tools, website and brand, legal and compliance, payments, marketing and sales, support, accounting and a contingency. Calculate runway as cash available divided by monthly burn. Builds at Simple Automation Solutions start at $3,500, and a $345 Discovery Sprint gives an exact scope and estimate.
Key takeaways
- List one-off and recurring costs separately.
- Runway = cash available divided by monthly burn.
- Do not forget platform fees, support, payment fees, legal and your own living costs.
- Keep costs down by validating first, scoping lean and earning early revenue.
- Add a 10 to 20 percent contingency.
In this guide
“How much does it cost to start a SaaS company?” has no single answer, because costs depend on what you build, who builds it and where you operate. Founders who skip the question get surprised. Founders who list the cost categories, put numbers on each and plan their runway make better decisions and last longer.
This guide breaks down the costs of starting a SaaS company, gives a budget worksheet you can fill in, explains how to calculate your runway, and shows how to keep early costs low. Figures here are structure, not quotes. Use your own numbers and local advice.
The main cost categories
| Category | What it includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Validation | Research, interviews, landing page, early prototypes | Often low-cost if you do it yourself |
| Product build | Planning, design, development and testing | Biggest line for most founders. Builds with Simple Automation Solutions start at $3,500 |
| Planning | PRD, scope and architecture | A Discovery Sprint costs $345 and is credited toward the build |
| Platform and tools | Product platform plan, usage fees, plugins, email, analytics | Recurring. See our workload units guide |
| Website and brand | Domain, marketing website, logo and basic design | One-off plus small recurring costs |
| Legal and compliance | Company formation, terms, privacy documents, contracts | Varies widely by country. Take advice |
| Payments | Payment provider fees, tax handling | Usually a percentage of revenue plus fixed fees |
| Marketing and sales | Content, outreach, events, advertising | Start lean. Direct outreach is cheap |
| Support | Help desk tools, your time or a hire | Grows with customers |
| Accounting | Bookkeeping, tax filing | Monthly or annual |
| Contingency | Buffer for the unexpected | Many founders add 10 to 20 percent |
Budget worksheet
One-off costs
Validation: ________ Discovery and planning: ________ Product build: ________ Design and brand: ________ Website: ________ Legal setup: ________ Other: ________ Total one-off: ________
Monthly recurring costs
Product platform plan and usage: ________ Email and communication tools: ________ Analytics: ________ Support tools: ________ Software subscriptions: ________ Accounting: ________ Marketing: ________ Support and improvements: ________ Total monthly: ________
Runway
Cash available: ________ Monthly burn (recurring costs plus any salaries or living costs you must cover): ________ Runway in months = cash available divided by monthly burn. Months of runway: ________
A simple illustrative example
These numbers are made up to show the method. Use your own.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-off: discovery, build, brand, website and legal setup | $12,000 |
| Monthly recurring: platform, tools, support and accounting | $600 |
| Monthly marketing and outreach | $400 |
| Cash available | $20,000 |
| Cash after one-off costs | $8,000 |
| Monthly burn | $1,000 |
| Runway after launch | 8 months |
With $8,000 left and $1,000 of monthly costs, the runway is eight months, assuming no revenue. Any revenue extends it, and any extra spending shortens it.
How can you keep costs down?
- Validate before you build, so you do not build the wrong thing.
- Scope a lean first version. See what to cut before you build.
- Use a no-code platform for the MVP.
- Start with a small tool stack and cancel unused trials.
- Generate revenue early with founding-customer pricing or pilots.
- Use free or low-cost options for design and early marketing.
- Keep ownership of your accounts, so you can change suppliers.
- Do not hire before you need to.
What costs are most often forgotten?
- Ongoing platform and usage fees.
- Support and improvements after launch. See what Bubble.io maintenance involves.
- Payment provider fees and tax.
- Legal documents and professional advice.
- Your own living costs while you build.
- Accounting and tax compliance.
- Time spent on customer calls and support.
How do you get a reliable build cost?
Define the scope first. A written PRD makes quotes accurate and comparable. We start with a free 30-minute Idea Audit, then a Discovery Sprint ($345, delivered in 24 hours, credited toward the build). Typical launches take 2 to 6 weeks. See what an MVP really costs and our Bubble.io cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a SaaS company?
It depends on scope, who builds it and where you operate. The main categories are validation, product build, platform and tools, legal, marketing, support, accounting and a contingency. Builds with Simple Automation Solutions start at $3,500.
How do I calculate runway?
Divide the cash you have available by your monthly burn, the amount you spend each month beyond any revenue.
What is the cheapest way to start a SaaS?
Validate first, build a lean no-code MVP, keep your tool stack small and earn early revenue through pilots.
Should I add a contingency?
Yes. Many founders add 10 to 20 percent for unexpected costs and scope changes.
What ongoing costs should I expect after launch?
Platform and usage fees, tools, support and improvements, payment fees, accounting and marketing.
Want a real budget for your SaaS?
Email us your idea. We will help you scope the first version and estimate build and running costs.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
