Cheap Dev False Economy Calculator

This compares effective cost per unit of shipped work. It models slower execution plus rework.

Inputs

Budget (USD)

Lower-rate dev ($/hr)

Senior dev ($/hr)

Lower-rate dev speed (relative to senior)

Rework rate

Context loss

Model: fixed budget → hours purchased → effective shipped work after speed, rework, and context loss.

This is a blunt model, but it explains why lower hourly rates can cost more.

Click “Compare effective output” to see the result.

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