Kentico Development Cost & Pricing: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding the Kentico development cost is crucial for businesses planning to invest in a powerful digital experience platform.

On average, the cost to develop a Kentico CMS solution ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on project complexity and specific requirements.

Factors influencing this cost include licensing fees, customization, hosting, maintenance, and training.

By gaining a clear understanding of these elements, businesses can effectively budget for their Kentico projects and ensure a successful implementation that meets their digital goals.

Understanding Kentico Pricing

When considering the Kentico development cost, it’s essential to understand the pricing structure of Kentico's various products and services.

Kentico offers two main solutions: Kentico Xperience (DXP) and Kentico CMS. Each has its own pricing model tailored to different business needs.

• Kentico Xperience Pricing

  Kentico Xperience is a robust Digital Experience Platform (DXP) that integrates content management, digital marketing, and e-commerce functionalities. The Kentico DXP cost is typically higher due to its comprehensive features and advanced capabilities. Pricing for Kentico Xperience is subscription-based, starting at approximately $12,000 per year for the base license. This includes access to core features, with additional costs for higher-tier plans offering more advanced functionalities and increased user capacity.

• Kentico CMS Pricing

  Kentico CMS is designed for content management needs and is generally more affordable than the DXP. The Kentico CMS development cost starts at around $7,000 per year for the base license. This cost covers essential CMS functionalities suitable for small to medium-sized websites. For larger enterprises or those requiring more advanced features, higher-tier plans are available at increased costs.

• Additional Costs

  In addition to the base license fees, the total cost to develop Kentico solutions can include several other factors:

  • Customization and Development: Customizing and developing a Kentico solution to meet specific business requirements can significantly impact the overall cost to build Kentico. Development costs vary based on project complexity, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
  • Maintenance and Support: Annual maintenance and support services can add to the Kentico development price, typically costing 20% of the license fee. This ensures ongoing updates, security patches, and technical support.
  • Hosting: Hosting costs vary depending on whether you choose on-premise or cloud-based hosting solutions. Cloud hosting through platforms like Azure or AWS can add to the DXP development cost but offers scalability and flexibility.
  • Training and Onboarding: Investing in training for your team to effectively use and manage Kentico can also affect the overall Kentico cost. Training programs and onboarding services ensure your team can maximize the platform’s capabilities.

Understanding these components helps in estimating the total cost to make Kentico solution and ensures that businesses can budget effectively for their digital transformation projects.

Average Kentico Development Cost

Estimating the average Kentico development cost involves considering various components, including licensing, customization, and ongoing maintenance.

On average, businesses can expect to invest between $25,000 to $100,000 for a comprehensive Kentico development project.

This range covers the initial cost to develop Kentico CMS or DXP solutions, encompassing both basic and more advanced implementations.

For a standard Kentico CMS development cost, the base license typically starts at around $7,000 annually.

Adding customization and development efforts, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on project complexity, brings the total to an average of $25,000 to $50,000 for small to medium-sized projects.

For more extensive projects using Kentico Xperience, which integrates digital marketing and e-commerce functionalities, the Kentico DXP cost starts at approximately $12,000 annually for the base license. With additional customization, development, and integration services, the total cost for larger enterprises can reach up to $100,000 or more. This estimate includes advanced features, enhanced security, and extensive user capacity.

Moreover, ongoing costs such as maintenance, support, hosting, and training contribute to the overall Kentico development price, ensuring the solution remains robust and up-to-date. Understanding these average figures helps businesses budget effectively for their Kentico development projects and achieve their digital transformation goals.

Factors That Affect Kentico Development Cost

The Kentico development cost can vary significantly depending on several key factors.

Understanding these factors can help businesses plan their budget more effectively and ensure a successful implementation.

Here are the primary factors that affect the cost to develop Kentico solutions:

1. Licensing and Subscription Fees

   The cost of licensing and subscriptions for Kentico products is a primary factor. The pricing model for Kentico CMS and Kentico Xperience (DXP) includes annual fees based on the selected plan and features. Here’s a quick comparison:

   Product	Base License Cost (Annually)	Advanced License Cost
   Kentico CMS	$7,000	Up to $20,000
   Kentico Xperience	$12,000	Up to $50,000

   
   The choice between CMS and DXP will depend on the specific needs of your business, with DXP generally being more expensive due to its additional capabilities.

2. Customization and Development

   Customization needs greatly impact the overall Kentico development price. The complexity of your requirements, including unique functionalities, integrations, and custom modules, will determine the development efforts and costs involved.

   Project Complexity	Estimated Cost
   Basic Customization	$10,000 - $20,000
   Moderate Customization	$20,000 - $40,000
   Extensive Customization	$40,000 - $80,000+

   
   More complex projects requiring extensive custom development and integrations with other systems will incur higher costs.

3. Maintenance and Support

   Ongoing maintenance and support are essential to keep your Kentico solution running smoothly. This includes regular updates, security patches, and technical support, typically costing around 20% of the license fee annually.

   Service	Cost Estimate
   Annual Maintenance	20% of license fee
   Support Services	$2,000 - $10,000+

   
   Maintenance ensures that the platform is secure and up-to-date, preventing potential issues that could disrupt business operations.

4. Hosting

   The choice of hosting can also affect the cost to make Kentico solution. Businesses can opt for on-premise hosting or cloud-based solutions through providers like Azure or AWS.

   Hosting Type	Cost Estimate (Annually)
   On-Premise	$5,000 - $15,000
   Cloud-Based (Azure/AWS)	$10,000 - $30,000

   
   Cloud-based hosting tends to be more flexible and scalable, often preferred by businesses anticipating growth or needing high availability.

5. Training and Onboarding

   Effective use of Kentico requires proper training and onboarding for your team. Investing in training programs ensures that your staff can utilize the platform’s features efficiently.

   Training Type	Cost Estimate
   Basic Training	$2,000 - $5,000
   Advanced Training	$5,000 - $10,000

   
   Training costs will depend on the depth and duration of the training programs, as well as the number of staff being trained.

6. Third-Party Integrations

   Integrating Kentico with third-party tools and systems can enhance functionality but also add to the overall cost to develop Kentico CMS. These integrations might include CRM systems, ERP solutions, payment gateways, and marketing automation tools.

   Integration Type	Cost Estimate
   Simple Integrations	$5,000 - $10,000
   Complex Integrations	$10,000 - $30,000+

   
   Complex integrations that require custom API development or significant modifications will be more costly.

7. Content Migration

   Migrating existing content to Kentico can also affect the Kentico development cost. The complexity and volume of content to be migrated will determine the time and effort required.

   Content Volume	Cost Estimate
   Small Volume	$2,000 - $5,000
   Medium Volume	$5,000 - $15,000
   Large Volume	$15,000 - $30,000+

   
   Content migration involves ensuring data integrity, formatting, and functionality within the new Kentico environment.

8. Design and User Experience (UX)

   Custom design and user experience enhancements can significantly impact the overall cost to build Kentico. Creating unique, user-friendly interfaces that align with your brand identity requires specialized skills and time.

   Design Complexity	Cost Estimate
   Basic Design	$5,000 - $10,000
   Custom Design	$10,000 - $30,000
   Advanced UX Enhancements	$30,000 - $50,000+

   
   High-quality design and UX can improve user engagement and satisfaction, providing long-term value.

Several factors influence the cost to build Kentico solutions, including licensing fees, customization needs, maintenance and support, hosting, training, third-party integrations, content migration, and design and UX enhancements. By understanding these factors and their impact on the overall cost, businesses can better plan and budget for their Kentico development projects, ensuring a successful implementation that meets their specific needs.

Cost Estimation for Different Project Types

Estimating the Kentico development cost can vary widely depending on the complexity and scope of the project.

Below are ballpark cost ranges for different types of projects, from simple websites to complex portals.

These estimates include licensing fees, development, customization, hosting, and ongoing maintenance.

The costs can be influenced by the specific requirements and the development company's rates, typically ranging from $75 to $150 per hour.

1. Simple Website

   A simple website with basic content management needs, minimal customization, and a straightforward design typically involves lower costs. These projects usually include:

   • Basic licensing fees for Kentico CMS
   • Simple template customization
   • Basic hosting and support
     
     
   • ComponentCost EstimateLicensing Fees$7,000 - $10,000Customization and Development$10,000 - $20,000Hosting and Maintenance$5,000 - $10,000Total Cost$22,000 - $40,000

   
   

2. Medium-Sized Business Website

   A medium-sized business website with more complex requirements, including advanced content management, moderate customization, and integration with third-party tools. These projects might include:

   • Advanced licensing fees for Kentico CMS
   • Moderate customization and integration
   • Enhanced hosting and support
     
     
   • ComponentCost EstimateLicensing Fees$10,000 - $15,000Customization and Development$20,000 - $40,000Hosting and Maintenance$10,000 - $15,000Total Cost$40,000 - $70,000

   
   

3. Large Enterprise Website

   A large enterprise website with extensive customization, advanced functionalities, multiple integrations, and enhanced security requirements. These projects involve:

   • Premium licensing fees for Kentico Xperience
   • Extensive customization and integration
   • Advanced hosting solutions and comprehensive support
     
     
   • ComponentCost EstimateLicensing Fees$15,000 - $25,000Customization and Development$40,000 - $80,000Hosting and Maintenance$15,000 - $25,000Total Cost$70,000 - $130,000

   
   

4. Complex Portal or E-commerce Platform

   A complex portal or e-commerce platform with high user interactivity, multiple user roles, extensive data management, and sophisticated integrations. These projects require:

   • High-tier licensing fees for Kentico Xperience
   • Extensive development and customization
   • Scalable hosting and robust support
     
     
   • ComponentCost EstimateLicensing Fees$20,000 - $30,000Customization and Development$80,000 - $150,000Hosting and Maintenance$20,000 - $30,000Total Cost$120,000 - $210,000

   
   

5. Example Cost Calculation:

   To provide a clearer picture, let's assume an hourly rate of $100 for a development company. Here’s an example breakdown for a medium-sized business website:

   • Licensing Fees: $12,000
   • Customization and Development: 200 hours x $100/hour = $20,000
   • Integration: 50 hours x $100/hour = $5,000
   • Hosting and Maintenance: $12,000 annually
   • Total Cost: $49,000 for the first year, with ongoing annual costs for hosting, maintenance, and support.
   
   

   The cost to develop Kentico solutions varies based on project complexity, customization needs, and specific requirements. By understanding the cost components and estimating based on project size, businesses can better plan and budget for their Kentico development projects, ensuring a successful and cost-effective implementation.

Cost-Saving Tips for Kentico Development

Developing a Kentico solution can be a significant investment, but there are several strategies businesses can employ to manage and reduce costs effectively. Here are some practical cost-saving tips for Kentico development:

1. Define Clear Requirements

   Before starting the project, clearly define your business needs and project requirements. A well-defined scope helps avoid scope creep, which can lead to additional costs.

   Tip: Create detailed project documentation outlining all functionalities, design requirements, and integration needs. Engage stakeholders early to ensure all requirements are captured accurately.

2. Use Out-of-the-Box Features

   Kentico offers a wide range of out-of-the-box features that can meet many business needs without extensive customization. Leveraging these built-in functionalities can save time and development costs.

   Tip: Explore Kentico’s default features and identify which ones can be used as-is to meet your requirements. Only opt for custom development when absolutely necessary.

3. Opt for a Phased Approach

   Implement your Kentico project in phases to spread out costs and manage budget more effectively. Start with essential features and functionalities, then gradually add more complex elements in later phases.

   Tip: Prioritize the most critical features for the initial launch and plan additional phases based on user feedback and business growth.

4. Leverage Pre-built Templates and Modules

   Using pre-built templates and modules can significantly reduce development time and costs. Kentico Marketplace offers various templates and modules that can be customized to fit your needs.

   Tip: Browse the Kentico Marketplace for pre-built templates and modules that align with your project requirements. Customize these templates to match your brand and functionality needs.

5. Choose the Right Hosting Solution

   Selecting the appropriate hosting solution can impact your overall costs. Consider cloud-based hosting options like Azure or AWS, which offer scalability and cost-efficiency compared to on-premise hosting.

   Tip: Evaluate your hosting needs based on current and projected traffic. Cloud hosting can offer flexibility and scalability, allowing you to pay only for the resources you use.

6. Utilize Kentico's Training Resources

   Investing in training for your team can enhance their ability to manage and optimize the Kentico platform effectively, reducing the need for external support and maintenance.

   Tip: Take advantage of Kentico's online training resources, webinars, and documentation to upskill your internal team. This can reduce dependency on external developers for routine tasks.

7. Monitor and Optimize Performance

   Regularly monitoring and optimizing your Kentico solution can prevent performance issues and reduce maintenance costs. Efficient performance management can also enhance user experience, driving better business outcomes.

   Tip: Implement monitoring tools and perform regular audits to identify and address performance bottlenecks. Optimize code, streamline processes, and ensure efficient resource utilization.

8. Engage with an Experienced Development Partner

   Partnering with an experienced Kentico development company can provide expert guidance and efficient implementation, helping avoid costly mistakes and ensuring best practices are followed.

   Tip: Choose a development partner with a proven track record in Kentico projects. Their expertise can streamline the development process and offer valuable cost-saving insights.

9. Take Advantage of Discounts and Offers

   Kentico and its partners often provide discounts and special offers for licensing and services. Keeping an eye on these opportunities can result in significant savings.

   Tip: Regularly check Kentico’s website and partner offers for any discounts or promotions that can reduce your overall project costs.

10. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

    Consider long-term maintenance and support costs when planning your project. Investing in a comprehensive maintenance plan can prevent costly issues down the line.

    Tip: Opt for a maintenance plan that includes regular updates, security patches, and technical support to keep your Kentico solution running smoothly.

By implementing these cost-saving tips for Kentico development, businesses can manage their project budgets more effectively and achieve a successful, cost-efficient Kentico implementation. From leveraging out-of-the-box features to engaging with experienced development partners, these strategies can help optimize your investment in Kentico and drive better business outcomes.

Connect With Experts And Turn Ideas into Reality

At DotStark, we understand that investing in a robust digital experience platform like Kentico is a significant decision for any business.

As a leading Kentico development company, we specialize in providing tailored solutions that maximize your return on investment while ensuring a seamless and efficient implementation process.

Our team of certified Kentico experts brings extensive experience and deep technical knowledge, helping you navigate the complexities of Kentico development with ease

We offer comprehensive services, from initial consultation and requirement analysis to development, customization, and ongoing support.

Whether you need a simple website, a complex portal, or a feature-rich e-commerce platform, we have the skills and expertise to deliver a solution that meets your specific needs and budget.

By leveraging our proven methodologies and best practices, we ensure that your Kentico CMS development cost remains manageable without compromising on quality or functionality.

Conclusion

Investing in a Kentico solution offers businesses a robust and scalable platform to enhance their digital presence. By considering factors such as licensing, customization, and ongoing support, companies can effectively manage the Kentico development cost. Leveraging cost-saving strategies and partnering with experienced developers like DotStark ensures a successful implementation that delivers long-term value. Ready to take your digital strategy to the next level? Explore the benefits of Kentico and make an informed decision for your business's future.