Database solution costs: budget new builds, migration and optimisation
Estimate the budget for your database solution – from a clean new build to Access migration and performance optimisation.
Database solutions cost calculator
Costs for Database Solutions depend on scope, risk, and quality expectations. The calculator provides an initial range.
Sizing costs for Database Solutions
- Binding quotes follow a short scope alignment
- Include operations, maintenance, and potential grants
- Many mid-market digitalization projects may qualify for funding
Transparent quoting
- Milestones and documented assumptions
- Clear exclusions in the quote
- Consulting and development delivered from Germany
We quote transparently with dedicated contacts from East Frisia.
Sample calculations & scenarios
Concrete project profiles with assumptions and indicative budgets—useful for internal alignment before the calculator.
Use the calculator right below for an instant first estimate – no sign-up and no fixed-price commitment. We align scope, risks, and assumptions in a conversation before a binding quote.
Cost calculator
FAQ
Database solution costs
Database budget
What does a custom database solution cost?
A new build with a clean data model starts at around EUR 12,000–25,000 excl. VAT. Migrations from Access or Excel run EUR 15,000–40,000 depending on data quality; large solutions with reporting, interfaces and high availability sit above that. The calculator narrows the range by project type, data volume and user count.
What does a pure database optimisation cost?
Optimisation projects (slow queries, missing indexes, growing data volumes) run at roughly 60% of a new build – often EUR 7,000–15,000 covers analysis, index strategy, query tuning and a solid archiving concept.
Why are Access or Excel migrations often underestimated?
The challenge is rarely technical – it lies in grown data: duplicates, inconsistent formats, hidden logic in forms and macros. That is why we price legacy data cleansing as its own work package, keeping the budget realistic.
Discuss your database project
We review data model, legacy data and interfaces and recommend the most economical path.
Technology & operations
Which database technology is right?
For most mid-market projects, PostgreSQL or MySQL/MariaDB are the most economical choice: powerful, licence-free and with a large ecosystem. SQL Server remains sensible where the Microsoft landscape dictates it. We choose based on data volume, integrations and operating model.
What does high availability (replication, failover) cost?
A high-availability setup with replication and automatic failover is priced from about EUR 7,500. It pays off when downtime directly costs revenue – production control or online shops. For internal reporting solutions, a solid backup concept is usually enough.
How does GDPR factor into database projects?
A GDPR concept (deletion policies, access roles, pseudonymisation, data processing agreements) is included as a work package from around EUR 3,500. With personal data it is mandatory – retrofitting is more expensive than structures planned from the start.
Typical pricing models (overview)
| Model | When it fits | Budget & flexibility | Typical risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed price (fixed scope) | Clearly defined scope, stable requirements, repeatable delivery. | Predictable total cost; little room for change without a change order. | Scope creep leads to change orders or quality trade-offs. |
| Time & Material | Discovery, legacy, evolving requirements, or close collaboration. | Maximum flexibility; budget transparent via hourly or daily rates. | Without prioritisation, effort can grow—backlog and reviews matter. |
| Retainer / maintenance package | Ongoing operations, updates, small features, and support. | Agreed capacity per month; predictable follow-on cost. | Large changes may still need a separate estimate. |
| Hybrid (milestone + T&M) | MVP or phased releases with clear go-lives, then iterate. | Core delivery fixed price; extensions on a time-and-materials basis. | Define contractually what is in scope vs. extra work. |
Calculators on this page provide indicative ranges; we choose the right model with you based on risk, scope, and planning horizon.
Costs & next steps
The ranges shown are indicative. For a binding quote we discuss scope, priorities and funding options in a free intro call. Many digitalization projects qualify for grants – try our funding calculator.
Browse all cost calculators, explore services and typical solutions. Questions about Database Solutions? Contact us.
After using the Database Solutions calculator, validate assumptions in a short intro call.
What we align in the call
- Scope, risks, and funding options
- Milestones and documented exclusions
- Transparent quote without hidden line items
Costs for Database Solutions in context
- Scope, risk, and quality expectations drive the range
- Include operations, maintenance, and grants
- Dedicated contacts and short paths from East Frisia
Browse all cost calculators in the costs overview.