If you plan to create a mobile app for your business, you’ve probably asked yourself how much mobile app development costs multiple times.
According to current industry studies, developing a mobile application normally costs between $30,000 and $250,000.
It’s important to remember that these are estimations, and the ultimate cost will vary greatly depending on the specifics of your project.
So, if you are concerned about your mobile app development costs and how these costs are calculated, you have nothing to worry about.
I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the mobile app development costs in this article.
Within the next few minutes, you’ll learn how to assess app development costs, the factors that influence the costs, and efficient ways to manage these costs.
Let’s jump right into the area of cost estimation!
Average Mobile App Development Cost
Before I start developing any mobile app, my clients generally ask, “How much will it cost?”
And I reply them by saying, “The average cost of developing a mobile app ranges from $30,000 to $2,50,000.”
This cost can, however, exceed $300,000 for more complicated, specialized applications.
The money you’ll spend on mobile app development depends on a few things; let’s find these out!
Average Costs of Apps Based on App Types
The type you choose for your app will directly impact your development costs:
1. Simple Apps: $10,000 to $40,000 and more. Examples: Basic functions, like a calculator or flashlight.
2. Complex Apps: $30,000 to $500,000 and more. Examples include Apps where you can chat with friends or buy things online.
3. More Complicated Apps: $500,000 and up to millions. Example: Apps created to handle your money or health.
Where Your App Lives
Which operating system you choose for your app will also influence your development costs:
| Development Approach | Cost Range | Example |
| Mix of Android and iOS (Hybrid) | $13,000 to $16,000 | One app for both Android and iPhone users. |
| On the Web (Web App) | $13,000 to $16,000 | Your app lives on the internet, accessible from browsers. |
| Just on Android or iPhone (Single-Platform) | $8,000 to $14,000 | Your app is exclusive to either Android or iPhone users. |
Remember, making an app isn’t a one-time thing. After it’s developed, you’ll need to spend more on updates and fixes.
If you are now wondering how this cost is estimated, let me help you by explaining the calculation process.
The Calculation Process
The calculation process is based on a common formula that entails multiplying the total hours for every development process by the hourly charges.
So the formula is –
But how can you calculate accurately?
Here are some things to get you started:
- App Difficulty: Understand how complex your app is. Find out if it is necessary to have extensive features and complex characteristics.
- Features Wishlist: List what features you want your app to have. The more elaborate the design, the more resources are required.
- Approach to Development: Determine whether you want to create native, hybrid, or cross-platform. Each has financial repercussions.
The Global Market of Mobile Applications
The global mobile app market reached a value of USD 147.2 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to soar to approximately USD 725 billion by 2030.
It is expected to exhibit a rich compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% from 2023 to 2030.
See the image below to understand this better.
With over 3.553 million mobile apps worldwide, the Play Store leads the way, closely followed by the Apple App Store with 2.2 million mobile apps.
Key app categories encompass:
- Gaming
- Retail and e-commerce
- Mobile health and fitness
- Music and entertainment
- Social networking.
The worldwide mobile app development market is experiencing substantial growth across regions, marking a technological and market revolution.
Evolving trends and the utilization of available development tools heavily influence the cost of mobile app development.
Mobile app development companies leverage these market insights to reshape their development and market strategies.
Phases of Mobile App Development Cost
Building your app takes you through a multifaceted financial journey, starting from the early planning stages and leading up to the app’s public release.
Now, you should know at which stage how much you would need to spend to develop your app.
Well, there are four distinct phases, and I’ll explain now what percentage of the total cost you must pay in these different phases.
1. Project Analytics Phase (15% of Development Costs): In the beginning, you analyze your business goals, identify potential users, and set requirements for the app. This helps create a plan for your budget.
2. UI/UX Design Phase (20% of Budget): Before coding, your designers create prototypes to visualize how the app will work. This phase is flexible, requiring constant feedback from the team and you, the client.
3. Development and App Architecture Phase (55-60% of Project): Most costs cover salaries for your developers, testers, and QA specialists. They code your app features, test functionality, and fix any issues.
4. App Launch Phase (5-10% of Development Costs): Launching your app has its own costs, including fees on app stores like Google PlayStore and Apple Store. This marks your app’s entry into the digital market.
8 Factors that Impact Your Mobile App Development Cost
Developing a mobile application involves various factors directly influencing the overall cost.
These factors range from the type of application to the geographical location where development takes place.
Below, I have discussed these aspects in detail for you to gain a comprehensive understanding. So, let’s dive right in!
1. App Type
The type of your application significantly impacts the development costs.
Before hiring an app development company, clients typically ask several crucial questions.
The first question is about the type of mobile app they want to develop.
Let’s simplify this for you.
There are two primary approaches to building a mobile app: native and hybrid app development.
i. Native Apps
In native app development, you request developers create dedicated applications for specific platforms.
Native applications are designed to run exclusively on a particular operating system, utilizing native technologies like Java or Kotlin for Android apps and Swift or Objective-C for iOS apps.
Native Android apps are compiled using Android Studio, while Native iOS apps are compiled using XCode.
A popular native app example is Spotify.
Before determining whether you want to develop a native app or not, if you want to ascertain the benefits and drawbacks of native apps, here is something I can help you with:
ii. Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps are developed using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
These apps can run across multiple platforms, as they are coded in web scripts and packaged within a native shell to mimic native applications.
Hybrid app development can be cost and time-efficient, requiring a similar investment as native apps to create an app compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
Hybrid app developers use frameworks like React Native, Flutter, Ionic, etc.
X (formerly known as Twitter) is an example of a hybrid app.
Though hybrid apps provide numerous advantages, most developers still prefer developing native apps over hybrid apps.
Let’s help you get insight into a poll I found on Reddit about hybrid vs native.
In this poll, you can see most developers voted for native apps for development on both iOS and android platforms.
Regardless of your choice, here’s an approximate cost breakdown for these two application types:
- Native Apps (Android & iOS): $50,000 to $100,000
- Hybrid Apps: $10,000 to $150,000
2. Category of the App
Different app categories require varying complexity levels and resources.
Below, I have discussed some common app types and their estimated development time and cost:
| App Categories | Examples | Estimated Time to Develop | Estimated Cost |
| Social Media Apps | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter | 6-12 months | $50,000-$500,000 |
| E-commerce Apps | Amazon, Sephora, eBay | 4-12 months | $30,000-$500,000 |
| Gaming Apps | PUBG Mobile, Among Us, Candy Crush | 2-12 months or more | $10,000-$500,000 or more |
| Education Apps | Duolingo, Coursera, Udemy | 3-6 months | $25,000-$250,000 |
| Health and Fitness Apps | ZocDoc, Medscape, MyFitnessPal | 4-6 months | $50,000-$250,000 |
| Travel and Hospitality Apps | Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Google Maps | 3-8 months | $25,000-$300,000 |
| Productivity Apps | Trello, Evernote, Asana | 3-6 months | $25,000-$250,000 |
| On-Demand Apps | Uber, Lyft, Postmates | 4-8 months | $50,000-$300,000 |
3. Locations of the Development Team
The location of development is another critical factor affecting costs.
Hourly rates for development teams vary across regions:
- North America and Western Europe: Generally have higher hourly rates.
- Eastern Europe: Offers comparatively lower hourly rates.
- Asia: Countries like India, China, and the Philippines tend to have the lowest hourly rates.
App Development Costs Across Continents
Understanding the average hourly rates for app developers in different continents can provide you insights into budget considerations.
The typical hourly wage for people connected to a mobile app development team by location is shown below.
4. Types of App Developers
Developing a mobile app is a crucial step for any business. The choice of developers plays a focal role in the process.
The decision often involves experience, cost, and the desired end product.
i. In-House Developers
Opting for an in-house development team is synonymous with quality, but it comes at a price.
On average, an app developer in the US commands a salary of approximately $113,125 per year.
This option ensures a dedicated team working closely with your vision but may strain the budget.
ii. Freelancers
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly approach, consider hiring freelance developers, as it is a viable choice.
Freelancers offer specific expertise and flexibility.
According to Upwork, the hourly rate for a freelance mobile app developer ranges from $18 to $39.
This option is suitable for smaller projects or when specific skills are required.
But how can you select any one option from these two?
I would suggest you to consider your budget, project requirements, and your desired level of involvement in the development process.
In-house developers provide a more dependable support system than freelancers. They work solely for you and are accessible to assist you anytime you require it.
On the contrary, when you hire a freelancer, you may encounter unavailability or delayed responses due to their other commitments.
5. Operating System
iOS outperforms Android in market share and performance, but Android excels in customization and pricing.
The choice between them isn’t black and white; it’s about determining what best meets the needs of your app.
Your target users, financial concerns, and desired capabilities influence decision-making.
You can think about making apps for both platforms, but if you want to test new app ideas without spending too much money, it’s wise to start with just one platform—either iOS or Android.
You might be surprised to know that the cost of building an app for iOS or Android is pretty similar. The time it takes to develop for both platforms is also almost the same.
If you have a bigger budget, you can work on both platforms simultaneously and release your app to the market.
6. Features and Functionalities
Various features and complexities influence the final estimation of mobile app development costs.
Let’s check out a detailed breakdown, examining the average development time and cost of an app’s basic and complex features.
Table 1: App Development Cost Breakdown Based On Basic Features
| Features | Description | Average Time | Average Cost |
| User Login | Email Login, Social Media Login, Password Management, User Logout | 30-40 Hours | $500 – $1,500 |
| Profile Set-up | Photo Upload, App Location, User Basic Info | 20-30 Hours | $800 – $1,200 |
| Data Upload | Upload Image, Upload Video | 20-30 Hours | $800 – $1,200 |
| Message/ Notification | Online/ Offline Status, Read/ Send Message, Media Management, Push Notifications, Reminders/ Alerts | 30-40 Hours | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Payment System | Receive Payment, Send Payment, Return/ Refund status | 25-45 Hours | $900 – $1,500 |
| Admin Management | Add/Delete User, User List Management, Custom Notifications | 60-80 Hours | $2,400 – $3,800 |
Table 2: App Development Cost Breakdown Based On Complex Features
| Features | Description | Average Time | Average Cost |
| Maps/Location | User Locations, Search/ Navigation, Detect Current Location | 70-90 Hours | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| Payment Management | Balance/ Ledger, Transaction History, Debit/ Credit Card, API Integrations | 60-80 Hours | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| Calls/ Communication | Audio/ Video Call, Contact Management | 250-400 Hours | $12,000 – $15,000 |
Please note that these are average estimates. The actual costs may vary based on specific project requirements and intricacies.
7. UI/UX Design
The expense of UI/UX for developing mobile apps may differ based on various variables, such as the app’s complexity, the design team’s experience, and the development team’s location.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should budget between $5,000 and $50,000 for UI/UX design for an application for mobile devices.
The following is a summary of the costs associated with UI/UX design for mobile app development:
| Phase | Cost Range |
| Research | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| User Personas | $500 – $2,000 |
| User Journey Maps | $500 – $2,000 |
| Wireframes | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Mockups | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Prototypes | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Usability Testing | $500 – $2,000 |
These are only estimates; the actual cost of your UI/UX design job will depend on your exact requirements.
The average cost for designing the user interface of different types (based on complexities) of apps can be classified as follows:
- Simple UI/UX: $30-$60 per hour
- Medium Design Complexity: $120-$300 per hour
- High Complex App Design: $350-$850 (or more for additional features) per hour
8. App Maintenance
Simply estimating the cost to build an app isn’t sufficient, as expenditures extend beyond deployment and market launch.
It’s crucial to grasp the app maintenance cost and be prepared for ongoing support.
Annual app maintenance can amount to approximately $21,000, according to GoodFirms.
Research indicates that 50% of the app development cost is typically allocated to maintenance in the first year.
Subsequently, for the second year, the expenditure reduces to around 25%; for each subsequent year, it ranges between 15% and 25% (Outsystems, 2018-2019).
App maintenance encompasses various tasks, including:
- Bug fixing and quality assurance
- Enhancements for stability and performance
- Code optimization
- Upgrading to the latest OS versions
- Implementing new features
Mobile App Development Cost Calculators
Suppose you need a guide to help you estimate the costs of your mobile app development project.
But there’s no one around.
In this situation, freaking out is normal, but you should not.
Because you can use some calculators to precisely understand how much you need to spend to develop your mobile app.
Consider using one of these popular app development cost calculators to get a general idea of the expenses involved:
1. App Development Cost
App Development Cost – a free tool that provides a detailed cost breakdown based on your responses to questions. You’ll receive an immediate estimate of the total app development cost, including the required development hours.
This calculator works as follows:
2. Inoxoft
Inoxoft estimates app development costs based on your platform, design, security, and feature choices. It quickly calculates the development price for your app. You just need to choose from the options given there.
3. Buildfire
Buildfire‘s calculator offers a wide range of options and filters to refine your app development cost estimate. It considers factors such as platform, users, features, maintenance & hosting, monetization, integrations, and services.
4. Litslink
Litslink utilizes 27 comprehensive questions to determine app development costs. See this image –
These 27 questions cover product design, key features, communication, interactivity, security & ownership, and promotion. However, the cost estimate remains hidden until you provide your contact information.
Cloud-Provided Cost Calculators
If your app requires cloud infrastructure and data storage, consider using cost calculators like AWS, Azure, and GCP to estimate these expenses.
These calculators provide rough estimates for hosting your app’s infrastructure and data in the cloud.
Hidden Factors to Affect Your Mobile App Development Cost
Have you ever wondered about factors beyond the obvious ones like app complexity, features, and design that can sneakily impact your mobile app development costs?
It’s not just about the apparent stuff.
These factors often can stay hidden during the initial planning phase, only to appear later with unexpected expenses.
Curious to know what they are? Let’s introduce you to these budget surprises!
1. Infrastructural Costs
The app’s backend infrastructure, including servers, cloud storage, and content delivery networks (CDNs), can incur ongoing costs. These costs depend on the app’s traffic volume, data storage requirements, and the complexity of the backend architecture.
2. Functional Costs
Integrating third-party services, such as payment gateways, SMS or push notifications, and geolocation APIs, can add to the development expenses. These integrations often involve licensing fees and usage charges.
3. Maintenance and Support Costs
Maintaining an app post-launch involves bug fixes, updates, and performance enhancements. These ongoing maintenance costs can be substantial, especially for complex apps with a large user base.
4. Marketing and User Acquisition
Promoting your app to attract users can be expensive. Marketing campaigns, app store optimization (ASO), and user acquisition strategies are associated with costs.
5. Admin and Management Costs
Developing an admin panel to manage app content, user profiles, and operations can add to the development burden. These costs can be particularly high for apps with complex user management and content moderation requirements.
6. IT Support Services
Providing ongoing IT support for the app’s infrastructure and backend systems can incur additional costs. These costs depend on the app’s technology stack’s complexity and the required support level.
7. Security Audits and Compliance
Mobile apps often handle sensitive user data, requiring regular security audits and compliance with data privacy regulations. These security measures can add to the overall development costs.
8. Legal and Regulatory Costs
Depending on the app’s functionality and target market, legal and regulatory compliance may require consulting with legal experts or acquiring necessary licenses. These costs can vary depending on the specific regulations applicable to the app.
By carefully considering these hidden cost factors, you can gain a more accurate picture of your mobile app development budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
Why You Need a Mobile App for Your Business
In today’s digital era, businesses of all sizes recognize mobile apps’ transformative power.
Below, you can see the UI of a popular business mobile app, Domino’s Pizza.
I have observed my clients developing mobile apps for businesses they own. They do it for three reasons:
1. Boosting Engagement: Mobile apps pave the way for meaningful customer interactions. Addressing their challenges and needs in real-time enhances customer satisfaction.
2. Driving Conversions: Keeping customers informed about your products and services is key to increasing brand visibility. These are powerful tools, creating opportunities to drive traffic and boost conversions.
3. Enhancing Retention: Integrating features like live chat, push notifications, and gamification fosters an engaging user experience. Mobile apps enhance accessibility, contributing to customer retention.
Ways to Reduce Mobile App Development Costs
Navigating the challenges of app development expenses necessitates skillful spending management strategies.
Here, I have outlined six effective ways to trim those budgetary edges:
1. Choose the Right Platform
Platform choices can sway development costs.
I suggest prioritizing platforms based on your target audience and app nature.
Opting for a cross-platform approach, using tools like React Native or Flutter, can be cost-effective, extending your reach with a single codebase.
2. Keep the Design Simple
While an appealing design is crucial, simplicity is a virtue. Complex design elements can inflate development time and costs.
So, focus on a clean design that meets your audience’s needs.
Leverage pre-built templates or enlist a designer skilled in crafting straightforward designs to save time and money.
3. Use Third-Party APIs
Custom solutions for every feature can be resource-intensive.
Explore third-party APIs or services to add functionality without breaking the bank.
Ensure these solutions align with your needs, boast solid documentation, and have a robust developer community for ongoing support.
4. Optimize for Scalability
Thinking ahead pays off.
Design your app with scalability in mind to handle growth seamlessly.
Scalable technologies, such as cloud-based solutions or microservices architecture, can save you from major rewrites and updates down the road.
5. Work with an Experienced Development Team
Seasoned developers bring valuable insights to the table.
Seek a team with a proven track record in building successful apps within your budget.
A development partner offering end-to-end services, from design to maintenance, can streamline the process and save you time and money.
6. Plan for Updates and Maintenance
The journey doesn’t end with the app launch.
Plan for ongoing updates and maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
Adopt a modular development approach, allowing individual features to be updated without disrupting the entire app.
Cultivate in-house expertise or partner with a development team for ongoing support at a reasonable cost.
Development Costs of Popular Apps
Have you ever wondered how much it costs to create popular apps like Uber, WhatsApp, or Netflix?
The numbers might surprise you!
Let’s dive right into the average development costs for these apps.
- Uber: Uber, the go-to ride-sharing app globally, comes with a development price tag ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.
- Netflix: Developing an app like Netflix could cost you between $25,000 to $200,000.
- Snapchat: Creating a similar app with augmented reality features can cost you between $45,000 to $100,000 for one platform and up to $200,000 for both.
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp, the messaging app everyone relies on, comes with a development cost ranging from $30,000 to $70,000.
- Coursera: Developing a similar app might set you back between $60,000 to $120,000.
While these are average costs, various factors contribute to the final cost.
The complexity of features, platform choice, and development approach all play a role.
Why Opt for Core Devs for Your Mobile App Development?
Initiating the mobile app development journey requires a reliable partner to transform your vision into a seamless digital reality.
At Core Devs, we stand out as your ideal choice, offering many benefits that set us apart in the competitive landscape.
Expertise in Digital Platforms
Navigating the ever-evolving digital sector requires expertise. Our seasoned development team at Core Devs acts as expert navigators across diverse digital platforms.
Our team’s proficiency ensures a smooth journey from concept to deployment.
Innovative UI/UX
User interface and experience are the languages your app speaks. Our team of innovative UI/UX wizards ensures that your app communicates effectively with users.
From captivating visuals to intuitive interactions, we design experiences that meet and exceed user expectations.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Magic shouldn’t break the bank. Our cost-effective enchanters at Core Devs bring your app to life without compromising quality.
With transparent pricing models, we ensure you get exceptional value for your investment.
Timely Delivery
Timely delivery is not magic; it results from agile development skills. At Core Devs, we prioritize punctuality.
Our streamlined processes and deadline commitment ensure your app materializes within the agreed timeframe, ready to dazzle users.
Client Collaboration
Collaboration, not mind-reading, is our strength. At Core Devs, we value your insights. Our collaborative team involves you at every stage, transforming your vision into reality.
Your app reflects your dreams because we believe in making them happen together.
Strong Security
In digital kingdoms, security is unavoidable. Our robust security guardians at Core Devs cast spells to safeguard your users’ data and privacy.
With our measures, rest assured your app stands strong against digital threats.
Support and Maintenance
The journey doesn’t end at deployment. Core Devs offers ongoing support and maintenance for your app.
With timely updates, bug fixes, and proactive measures, your app remains a superhero in the digital universe. So choose Core Devs, where innovation meets reliability.
Let’s begin the mobile app development journey together, turning your dreams into digital realities!
My Final Take
I hope this guide has clarified the complexities of mobile app development costs for you, offering a thorough roadmap for your journey.
Now, it’s your turn to share:
What’s the main insight that stood out to you? Are you thinking about considering factors affecting app development costs differently?
You may consider using mobile app development cost calculators or exploring Core Devs as your partner.
Share your queries with Core Devs. Your input is valuable, and we are eager to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile App Development Costs
1. What factors influence the cost of mobile app development?
The mobile app development cost is influenced by various factors, including the app’s complexity, features, platform(s), design intricacy, and the development team’s location and expertise.
2. How much does developing a basic mobile app typically cost?
The cost of developing a basic mobile app can vary, but on average, it ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. This estimate includes essential features like user log-in, basic UI/UX, and core functionalities.
3. Are there ongoing costs after the initial development?
Yes, there are ongoing costs for app maintenance, updates, and potential feature additions. On average, app maintenance can cost 15% to 25% of the initial development cost per year.
4. Is developing for one platform (iOS or Android) more cost-effective initially?
Yes, developing for one platform initially, either iOS or Android, can be more cost-effective for testing and validation. Once the app gains traction, it can be expanded to another platform.
5. How can I control app development costs?
To control app development costs, define clear project requirements, prioritize features, consider an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) approach, and collaborate closely with the development team throughout the process.
6. What is the average hourly rate for app development?
The average hourly rate for app development varies globally. Rates can range from $30 to $150 per hour, depending on the development team’s location, experience, and expertise.
