Build a Full Stack App for Under $5 Per Month

Starting a new project often feels expensive. Hosting, databases, servers, domains it all adds up quickly. That is why many beginners never move beyond tutorials.

But things have changed.

Today, you can build and deploy a complete full stack application for almost nothing. In this guide, you will learn how to set up a modern stack that costs around $4 per year and scales when you need it.

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Why This Stack Works

Instead of managing servers, this setup uses managed platforms with generous free tiers. That means:

• No infrastructure headaches
• Fast deployments
• Built-in scaling
• Minimal cost

You focus on building your app, not maintaining servers.

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The Stack You Will Use

This setup combines four tools that work well together:

• Frontend: Next.js deployed on Vercel
• Database and Auth: Supabase
• Backend API: FastAPI deployed on Railway
• Domain and Security: Namecheap plus Cloudflare

Each tool handles one part of your app, keeping things simple and modular.

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Cost Breakdown

Here is what you actually pay:

Service	Purpose	Cost
Vercel	Frontend hosting	Free
Supabase	Database and auth	Free
Railway	Backend server	Free
Cloudflare	CDN and security	Free
Domain	Custom domain	~$4/year

Total monthly cost is close to zero.

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Step 1: Build and Deploy the Frontend

Start by creating a Next.js app:

npx create-next-app@latest myapp

Push your project to GitHub.

Now connect your repository to Vercel. Once connected:

• Every push triggers deployment
• Your app gets a live URL instantly
• No configuration needed

You now have a live frontend.

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Step 2: Set Up Database and Authentication

Create an account on Supabase and start a new project.

Supabase gives you:

• PostgreSQL database
• Built-in authentication
• Easy table editor

You can create tables without writing SQL.

Install the client:

npm install @supabase/supabase-js

Use your API keys to connect your app to the database.

You can enable login with email, Google, or GitHub in minutes.