How Much Does Mobile App Development Cost?

Are you thinking about creating a mobile app for your business or a startup idea? One of the first questions you might ask is: How much does mobile app development cost? The answer depends on many factors, but don’t worry, we’ll break everything down in simple terms.

In this post, you’ll learn what affects the cost of mobile apps and how to spend your money wisely.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Mobile App Development?

Developing a mobile app takes time, planning, and teamwork. Here are the main things that affect the cost:

1. Type of App (Native vs. Hybrid)

Native Apps

• Built for either iOS or Android
   
• Offer better performance and user experience
   
• More expensive if you build for both platforms separately
   

Hybrid Apps

• Work on both iOS and Android from one codebase
   
• Faster and cheaper to build
   
• May have lower performance in some cases
   

Tip: Native apps usually cost more due to double development.

2. App Complexity

The more features and screens your app has, the more time and money it takes to build.

• Simple App: To-do list, basic calculator — starts at $5,000
   
• Moderate App: Login, chat, basic API integration — $12,500 to $25,000
   
• Complex App: Payments, real-time features, advanced integrations — $25,000 to $75,000+
   

3. Design and User Experience (UX)

Design includes how your app looks and how easy it is to use.

• Basic Design: Using standard templates — $1,000 to $2,500
   
• Custom Design: Unique layouts and animations — $5,000 or more
   

Good design helps keep users engaged and improves app ratings.

4. Platform (iOS vs. Android)

You can build your app for:

• iOS (Apple devices)
   
• Android (most smartphones)
   
• Or both platforms
   

Tip: Starting with one platform helps reduce cost and time. Later, you can expand to the second platform.

5. Developer Location

Where your development team is located affects their rates.

• Local Teams: $37 – $75 per hour
   
• Offshore Teams (e.g., India, Eastern Europe): $12 – $25 per hour
   

Hiring offshore teams can save money, but may need extra effort for communication and project management.

6. Maintenance and Updates

Even after launching your app, you’ll need to keep it updated and bug-free.

• Fixing bugs
   
• Adding new features
   
• Supporting new OS versions
   

Tip: Plan to spend 7% to 10% of the original development cost each year on maintenance.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Mobile App?

Here’s a general cost breakdown:

These are average industry rates and may vary depending on your project’s unique needs.

Breaking Down the Cost by Development Stages

Each step in the development process has its own cost:

1. Discovery and Planning

Define features, goals, and audience
 Cost: $1,000 – $2,500

2. Design

Wireframes, mockups, and final UI/UX
 Cost: $2,500 – $10,000

3. Development

Building the app’s actual features
 Cost: $5,000 – $50,000

4. Testing and Launch

Checking for bugs, app store submission
 Cost: $2,500 – $7,500

5. Maintenance and Updates

Ongoing support and improvements
 Cost: $2,500 – $7,500 per year

How to Save Money on App Development?

Looking to stay on budget? Here are some tips:

• Start with an MVP: Focus on the must-have features first
   
• Use open-source tools: Can reduce development time
   
• Choose hybrid apps: Reach more users at lower cost
   
• Hire experienced offshore teams: Lower rates with solid results
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to develop a basic mobile app?

A basic mobile app like a to-do list or calculator can cost between $5,000 and $12,500, depending on features, design, and the developer’s location.

2. What factors affect the cost of mobile app development?

Key factors include:

• Type of app (native or hybrid)
   
• Number of features
   
• UI/UX design complexity
   
• Platform (iOS, Android, or both)
   
• Developer’s location
   
• Maintenance needs after launch
   

3. What’s the difference in cost between native and hybrid apps?

Native apps cost more because they’re built separately for iOS and Android. Hybrid apps use a single codebase for both platforms, making them faster and cheaper to develop.

4. How does app complexity influence the cost?

• Simple apps start around $5,000
   
• Moderately complex apps cost between $12,500 and $25,000
   
• Complex apps with features like payments or real-time updates can range from $25,000 to $75,000+
   

5. Does hiring offshore developers really save money?

Yes. Offshore developers, especially from India or Eastern Europe, typically charge $12–$25/hour, compared to $37–$75/hour for local teams, which can significantly reduce your project cost.

6. What are the ongoing costs after launching a mobile app?

Expect to spend 7%–10% of the original development cost annually on:

• Bug fixes
   
• OS updates
   
• Feature upgrades
   

7. How can I reduce mobile app development costs without compromising quality?

Tips include:

• Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
   
• Use hybrid development frameworks
   
• Choose open-source tools
   
• Work with experienced offshore teams
   

8. How much does each stage of app development cost?

• Discovery & Planning: $1,000 – $2,500
   
• Design: $2,500 – $10,000
   
• Development: $5,000 – $50,000
   
• Testing & Launch: $2,500 – $7,500
   
• Maintenance: $2,500 – $7,500 per year

Final Thoughts

Developing a mobile app is a big step, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When you understand the factors that affect cost and make smart choices, you can create a high-quality app that fits your goals and your budget.

Have an app idea in mind?

Contact us for a free consultation and a custom cost estimate.
Let’s build something great — affordably and effectively!