Mobile App Development Costs: Complete Breakdown
Picture your business successfully engaging the customers, managing operations, and generating good revenue. How did it happen? Simple—you built a custom mobile application aligned with your goals.
Whether you are a retail business or someone in healthcare, a dedicated mobile application can be a complete game-changer for you. The global mobile app market size, valued at $407.31 billion in 2022, showcases the growing reliance on app-based services and solutions.
Businesses are hesitant to invest in mobile applications despite their growing success. They believe mobile applications are extremely expensive and only for large enterprises. These misconceptions have cost businesses lost opportunities.
Mobile app development need not be expensive and can be done within your budget. If you don't want to lose opportunities, you must read this guide and understand the truth about mobile app development costs.
Explore how much app development costs and the right approach to make it cost-effective with us. We will also show how budgeting can help set the pace for long-term success with your application.
Understanding App Development Costs
The average cost to develop an app with basic to moderate complexity is between $50,000 to $250,000. Advanced and highly complex apps can cost you $500,000 or more.
But, how much does it cost to develop an app? There are several factors impacting the app development cost, and we will look at them in detail.
✓ Factors Affecting Development Costs
Here are all the factors that can help you make an informed cost estimate for mobile app development.
#1. App Complexity and Features
The true cost of your application lies in the design complexities and features chosen. It is critical to understand how complex app development can influence the cost.
A simple application comprises features like user registration that are less expensive to build. You will need to increase the budget as you add more complex features to the application.
You must choose features aligned with your app's purpose to ensure you stay within the budget and maximize the app's potential.
| App Complexity | Description | Examples | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Application | Includes basic functionality like user registration or profile creation | Notes taking app, weather app | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Intermediate | Includes features like push notification and APIs for third-party integrations | eCommerce apps with product listing | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Advanced | Real-time chat and in-app purchases are allowed | Social media, fitness solutions | $40,000 to $80,000 |
#2. Platform Choice
The platform you select will influence the reach, performance and cost of developing the application. When you select the right platform, you can reach the relevant audience and match the app requirements. It is important to note that your choice will influence the development time and process.
| Platform Choice | Pros | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Development |
| $20,000 to $150,000+ |
| Android Development |
| $20,000 to $200,000 |
| Cross-platform Development |
| $25,000 to $150,000 |
#3. Design and UI/UX
Your application design is more than just the aesthetics of the application. It is the bridge that closes the gap between functionality and user satisfaction.
A well-defined UI/UX can help you build a successful application. When you invest in a well designed application, you can ensure the users stay engaged and retained. The UI/UX cost depends on the app complexity and customizations.
If you want to know how much does app development cost, you should consider the cost of UI/UX design, including design complexity and total number of screens.
| Factors Influencing the UI/UX Cost | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Design Complexity | $5,000 to $100,000+ |
| Number of Screens | $500 to $2,500 per screen |
| Customization/Branding | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Prototyping/Testing | $2,000 to $10,000 |
| Platform-specific Design | $10,000 to $50,000+ |
#4. Development Team Location
Your choice of development team impacts the cost, quality and timeline of app development significantly. The rate of the development team depends on the region. You must also consider the labor costs, technical expertise and market demand.
Location also impacts the communication, cultural alignment and time zone overlaps that influence the collaboration.
| Region | Pros | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Expert teams, seamless communication | $100 to $250 |
| Western Europe | Strong regulations + skilled teams | $75 to $200 |
| Eastern Europe | Affordable and quality work | $30 to $75 |
| Asia | Budget friendly teams plus large talent pool | $20 to $50 |
| Latin America | Time zone alignment | $30 to $70 |
| Africa | Competitive pricing | $35 to $50 |
#5. Third-Party Integration
Third-party integrations are a great way to improve the functionality and efficiency of your app without reinventing the wheel. You can use the existing applications, services, tools and APIs to elevate the features in your application.
You can easily save time and resources with this method. However, you may influence the overall cost estimates for mobile app development with this method.
The factors like complexity of integration, licensing or subscription fees and scalability requirements can help you answer the question how much does app development cost.
| Integration Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Social Media | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Payment Gateway | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Maps/Geolocation | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Analytics | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Push Notifications | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Cloud Storage | $5,000 to $20,000 |
#6. Maintenance and Updates
You must also consider the expenses you will incur once you have built the application. It is equally important to maintain and update the app regularly to ensure it stays relevant and secure.
The app maintenance or update includes bug fixes, performance enhancements and feature updates. Each of these aspect costs you a certain amount. You can estimate about 15-20% of the total cost for app maintenance.
| App Maintenance Type | Description | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Bug Fixes | Resolves the glitches, crashes and unexpected app behaviour | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Performance Optimization | Boosts the loading speed and reduces battery usage | $2,000 to $15,000 |
| Feature Updates | Add/modify the features | $5,000 to $50,000 |
| Compatibility Updates | Check for compatibility with new OS versions, devices or screens | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Security Updates | Protects the app against new vulnerabilities or rising cyber threats | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| User Support and Continuous Monitoring | Addresses the user issues and monitors the app's performance | $2,000 to $10,000 |
✓ Phase-wise Cost Breakdown
When you enter the financial planning phase, you must know which phase requires most budget allocation. You may need understand the expertise, tools and time needed to move through each phase.
Here is a detailed phase-wise breakdown for the perfect cost estimate.
| Phase | Key Activities | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery and Research | Market research, competitor analysis, user persona creation | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Wireframing and Prototyping | Wireframe design, prototype development, feedback sessions | $5,000 to $25,000 |
| UI/UX Design | Design mockup, style guide, animation, user testing | $10,000 to $100,000 |
| Development | Frontend and backend development, database setup, API integration | $20,000 to $500,000 |
| Testing and QA | Manual and automated testing, usability testing, performance and security testing | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| Deployment | App store submission, compliance checks, server setup | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Maintenance and Updates | Bug fixes, compatibility updates, and performance monitoring | 15-20% of the total cost |
✓ Platform-Specific App Development Costs
Here is a detailed breakdown of platform-specific app development costs. We have considered Android, iOS, Flutter, React Native, AI and AR platforms to arrive at this estimate.
#1. Android App Development Cost
You must build the Android application for multiple screens and resolutions. As it is a fragmented operating systems, you may notice a certain increase in complexity and development cost.
The factors influencing the Android app development cost include fragmentation of devices, need for thorough testing across versions and integration with Google Play services.
The cost estimate for a simple application is about $20,000 to $50,000. As the app complexity rises, the cost of development will also increase. The cost of developing an Android application goes as high as $300,000+.
#2. iOS App Development Cost
iOS applications are designed using the Human Interface Guidelines devised by Apple. It helps ensure that the interface design meets the stringent standards.
You need to develop the application for specific devices, which reduces the efforts involved. You need to comply with the app store submission guidelines.
The simple app will cost around $20,000 to $50,000. The highly complex application can go up to $300,000+.
#3. Flutter App Development Cost
Flutter is a cross-platform framework that enables the developer to build solutions for both iOS and Android platforms with a single codebase. It reduces the time to develop and overall cost.
You must create a single codebase for multiple platforms. It is possible to improve the app with customizations and animations with platform-specific tweaks.
The overall cost of Flutter app development is between $25,000 to $300,000.
#4. Web App Development Cost
Web apps are flexible as they can be accessed across devices and browsers without downloading them. While they are easy to access, they lack the native app's functionality.
The cost of development is heavily influenced by the complexity of frontend and backend. Moreover, the frameworks you use to build the applications is also an important factor. Lastly, the hosting and domain costs are also responsible for web app development estimates.
The total cost of developing web apps is anywhere between $10,000 to $500,000.
#5. AI App Development Cost
AI can help make your application intelligent using technologies like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision.
The factors influencing the cost of development include training and deploying the ML models. It also includes the integration of third-party services, data collection and cleaning.
The overall cost of developing AI application is between $50,000 to $1,000,000+.
#6. AR App Development Cost
You can build immersive applications by overlaying the virtual elements on real world with AR technology. Your user will need to use devices like their smartphones or AR glasses to enable this technology.
The AR platforms you will use, the 3D rendering processes and compatibility with hardware can influence the cost of development.
AR app development cost can range from $50,000 to $1,000,000+.
| Platform | Cost |
|---|---|
| Android | $20,000 to $300,000+ |
| iOS | $20,000 to $300,000+ |
| Flutter | $25,000 to $300,000+ |
| Web | $10,000 to $500,000+ |
| AI | $50,000 to $1,000,000+ |
| AR | $50,000 to $1,000,000+ |
✓ Industry-Specific App Development Costs
By building industry-specific applications you can ensure that the solutions cater to the unique needs of the business. The development costs depend on the overall features, complexity and regulations that are aligned with the domain.
#1. Food Delivery App Development Cost
There are applications like Uber Eats and DoorDash that have transformed the food delivery industry. Instead of visiting the restaurant, your users can order the food from their mobile phones.
With features like payment gateways, real-time tracking and integrations, these apps ensure complete engagement. The food delivery app delivery cost depends on the features like user registration and real-time tracking plus push notifications.
It also depends on the complexity of the application. The overall Food Delivery App Development Costs is approximately $30,000 to $300,000+.
#2. Grocery App Development Cost
The grocery applications like Instacart and BigBasket can improve the delivery of groceries. From same-day to 10-minute deliveries, these applications have increased the comfort and convenience of the users.
The key features included in the app are product catalog, search filters, inventory management, integration with multiple payment gateways and delivery scheduling. The overall Grocery App Development Cost is $15000 to $400,000.
#3. Healthcare App Development Cost
The healthcare applications like MyChart and Zocdoc enable better appointment scheduling and patient-doctor connectivity. It is crucial to ensure HIPAA compliance to maintain complete security. This will also add to the overall cost of development.
The key features like telemedicine, video consultations, appointment scheduling and EHR integration help dictate the overall cost. The healthcare app development cost is between $40,000 and $500,000.
#4. Fitness App Development Cost
Fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal or Fitbit, can improve activity tracking and workout plans. At the same time, you can also ensure social sharing to improve user engagement. there are applications like activity and fitness tracking with wearable integration. Subscription models can help users get premium content.
Depending on the features and the complexity, the total cost estimate of the Fitness App Development Cost is between $30000 to $100,000.
#5. Real Estate App Development Cost
Popular apps like Zillow and Realtor.com have changed the way people search for and buy property. It includes features like property listing, map integration and robust filtering. Each feature can add to the cost estimate of the application.
The Real Estate App Development Cost is approximately between $30,000 to $250,000+.
#6. eCommerce Mobile App Development Cost
Amazon and Shopify transformed the way people shopped for things. Gone are the days when people had to step out to buy things. With the integration of AR and AI, the apps have become smarter and more capable. Features like smooth navigation and personalized recommendations have improved the experience and engagement of users.
The total eCommerce Mobile App Development Cost is between $50,000 to $300,000+.
#7. Fintech App Development Cost
Fintech applications like PayPal and others have made way for secure transactions. The analytics can also improve the insights and ensure intelligent solutions. The Fintech applications require complete compliance with financial regulations, which can increase the cost of development.
Each feature is important in ensuring complete security. For instance, two-factor authentication will take resources and time, thus adding to the cost estimates. The total Fintech App Development Cost is about $50,000 to $500,000+.
#8. Banking App Development Cost
Banks have created customer-facing applications that offer excellent experiences while prioritizing security. The features like balance checks, immediate transfers and payments have enabled the banking apps to cost a bit more than usual.
The banking apps cost about $70,000 to $600,000+ depending on the complexity and features included.
| Industry | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Food Delivery Application | $40,000 to $300,000+ |
| Grocery Delivery Application | $30,000 to $250,000+ |
| Healthcare App Development | $50,000 to $400,000+ |
| Fitness App Development | $20,000 to $200,000+ |
| Real Estate App Development | $30,000 to $250,000+ |
| eCommerce App Development | $40,000 to $300,000+ |
| Banking App Development | $70,000 to $500,000+ |
Average Cost to Develop an App
The average cost to develop an application depends on several factors like the development team location, the engagement model, platform selection, integrations, complexity and features. Let's take a look at the location-wise cost of developing an application.
✓ Location-wise App Development Costs
When you build an application, you need a developer/team to execute your vision properly. Location is pivotal in making the choice. If you choose from a nearby location, you may get the same timezone. However, the hourly costs may be higher or lower.
| Region | Hourly Rate | Cost of App Development |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $100 to $200 | $50,000 to $500,000 |
| Western Europe | $80 to $150 | $40,000 to $400,000 |
| Eastern Europe | $30 to $80 | $100,000 to $300,000 |
| India/Southeast Asia | $20 to $50 | $80,000 to $250,000 |
| South America | $30 to $70 | $100,000 to $300,000 |
When you hire developers from India or Eastern Europe, you can get cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. However, when you outsource to countries like North America and Western Europe, you must pay premium rates for the expertise.
✓ Real Life Examples of App Development Costs
We have identified a few real-world mobile app solutions along with the features and a rough cost estimate.
→ eCommerce applications like Amazon
The success story of the Amazon application has led several startups to invest in a similar application. The solution includes features like Payment Gateway, Order Tracking and User Reviews along with a product catalog and videos.
If you have outsourced to Eastern European markets, you will get the app on Flutter framework for $60,000 to $150,000. In case you are planning to outsource to North America region, you need to pay anywhere between $150,000 to $300,000.
→ Uber-like App for Ride Sharing
This real-time ride booking application can help avail cabs on-demand. With features like real-time GPS tracking and payment integration, these apps can make it easier for you to book, track and pay for the cabs from within the application. The total cost of developing the app in Eastern Europe region is about $60,000 to $150,000. It costs about $150,000 to $300,000 in North America.
Custom App Development Cost
There are times when the ready-to-use software doesn't prove to be useful to you. You need features that aren't available in the current software. That's when you can develop a custom app solution that are tailored to your specifications.
Custom solutions are built from the scratch to provide unique features and scalable services. By integrating with the existing systems, you can personalize the user experience.
✓ Factors Impacting Custom App Development Cost
Several factors can impact the overall cost of developing a mobile application for your business. We will look at the top factors to get an understanding of what you need to pay for custom mobile application.
#1. App Complexity
The complexity of your mobile application can influence the total cost estimate. A simple mobile app comprising basic features and fewer screens don't take a lot of your time or investment. However, your app cost increases as you add more complex features.
For example, integrating AI into the app requires a specialist, the right infrastructure and time, thus adding to the cost of development.
#2. Platform Choice
You impact the overall cost estimates when you choose between native and cross-platform development. You need separate codebases and specialists in the case of native app development. This will add to the overall budget set aside for mobile applications.
You need either a Flutter or React Native team and can use a single codebase when you build a cross-platform application. This will reduce your overall budget and timeline.
#3. UI/UX Design
You need to invest in expert UI/UX designers and detailed user testing to ensure the interface is intuitive and aesthetic. As you add custom animations, branding and other design-specific solutions, you will increase the cost of development. Custom designs are often more polished and unique as compared to template-based designs, thus increasing the cost of development.
#4. Team Expertise
Your app development cost also depends on the experience and location of the development team. Highly skilled teams from low-cost regions can become affordable for development. They would lower the budget without compromising the quality of development.
On the other hand, freshers from high-cost regions can increase the cost of development without offering quality. You need to do a cost-benefit-experience analysis before proceeding with the hiring.
#5. Third-party Integration
Third-party integrations can elevate the functionality of your application. However, it can also increase the cost in some ways. The cost of app development will depend on the type of integration you are planning.
Licensing fees and API usage expenses can also increase the overall cost of development.
#6. Testing and QA
Testing is important to release a bug-free and usable application on the app store. It requires a lot of time and resources. Automated testing requires specific tools as well that cost. From manual testing to multiple iterations, you need to plan for everything when testing the solution.
You may need to add these factors while planning the custom mobile application development budget.
#7. Post-launch Support
The app requires continuous maintenance and regular updates even after the launch. You may even need to enhance the features to stay relevant.
You might need to factor in regular support as well when planning the budget. Maintenance and support accounts for 15-20% of the total mobile app cost.
#8. Development Timeline
Your team needs to work overtime and with larger teams when you have a tight deadline. This can increase the cost estimate for your mobile app project. A flexible timeline will allow you to be cost-effective with development, and lower the team size as well.
#9. Scalability Requirements
Apps must be able to handle large user bases or be ready for the future expansions. If you invest in scalable designs at an early stage, you can save a lot of your money. However, if you are not planning for scalability, you might increase the cost of development.
#10. Regulatory Compliance
You must ensure your mobile app adheres to the regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and PCI DSS. You should know the industry-specific regulations so that you follow the regulations and practices mentioned by the industry.
Adhering to compliance also requires more testing, security measures and documentation, which can increase the cost of developing the application.
✓ Estimated Costs for Custom App Development
Here is a complexity-wise cost breakdown for custom mobile app development.
#1. Simple Apps
The simple apps come with basic functionality, such as contact forms and static content. It is ideal for small businesses. These apps cost you about $5,000 to $20,000.
#2. Moderately Complex Apps
The moderately complex apps include features like user authentication, database integration and custom UI/UX. These apps are best suited for startups and businesses that need additional functionality in the apps. These apps cost about $20,000 to $80,000.
#3. Highly Complex Apps
The advanced applications come with features like real-time updates, AI integration and cross-platform support. They are essentially designed to offer high performance and scalability. These apps can cost you about $80,000 to $300,000.
| App Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Simple Application | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Moderately Complex App | $20,000 to $80,000 |
| Highly Complex App | $80,000 to $300,000+ |
Hire App Developer Cost
When you hire a dedicated app developer, you get a skilled professional fully committed to your project. Hiring the application developer can ensure consistent quality and timely app delivery.
The developers can work on diverse tasks, from coding and testing to integrating APIs and bug fixes.
Having a dedicated app developer offers several benefits to you as a business.
- You can access the specialized skills that you need to build the custom application.
- The flexible engagement models allow you to hire the developers on a part-time, full-time, or contractual basis, depending on your needs.
- It can reduce the overheads that come with full-time hiring. Choosing to hire remote developers or freelancers can reduce your cost estimate.
- As they work on your application dedicatedly, it increases productivity and ensures complete alignment with your project.
✓ Factors Affecting Hire App Developer Cost
Here are all the factors that impact the cost of hiring a developer for your mobile app project.
#1. Experience Level
The developer’s expertise can impact the cost estimate. Junior developers have basic skills and charge less, but may require more supervision. Senior developers, who have mastered the technologies and problem-solving abilities, tend to charge higher rates. Mid-level developers offer relevant experience and are best suited for complex projects that require independent execution and immediate delivery.
#2. Location
The location can impact the cost due to varying living costs. Developers in Western Europe or North America charge about $50 to $150 per hour, whereas developers in Asia and Eastern Europe charge about $20 to $50 per hour. Consider quality, communication, and expertise when hiring.
#3. Project Scope
The size and complexity of the application influence hiring costs. For complex development, you might need specialists who charge more, which can also extend the timeline and add to the budget. Define the project scope beforehand to have a clear budget.
✓ Estimated Costs for Hiring an App Developer
The average salary for a mobile app developer in the US is around $100,000 per year.
| Role | Description | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| UI/UX Designer | They create intuitive and aesthetic user interfaces | $30-$80 | $60,000 to $120,000 |
| Graphic Designer | Responsible for logo creation, app graphics and branding elements | $25 to $70 | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| Mobile Developer | Coding the native and cross-platform applications | $40 to $150 | $80,000 to $150,000 |
| Web Developer | Specializes in backend API development, admin panel creation, and responsive web apps | $25 to $100 | $70,000 to $130,000 |
| Business Analyst | Requirement gathering, market trend analysis, and project alignment | $30 to $90 | $60,000 to $120,000 |
| QA Engineer | Tests the application for quality, reliability, and bugs | $25 to $70 | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| Project Manager | Manages the project, monitors progress, and allocates resources | $40 to $120 | $80,000 to $150,000 |
| Marketing Specialist | Plans and executes marketing strategies for user acquisition and retention | $30 to $90 | $60,000 to $120,000 |
Note: Hourly rates and salaries may vary depending on location, experience, and project scope.
App Development Cost Calculator
An app development cost calculator is an online tool that helps you get an estimate based on inputs such as app complexity, platform choice, features, and design. Adjusting the details will provide a rough cost range tailored to your needs.
✓ How to Use a Cost Calculator?
Choose a reliable calculator, input details like app type, target platforms, and desired features, and specify the complexity. The tool will analyze these inputs and provide an estimated cost range. You can further refine the estimate by adding details such as maintenance and scalability needs.
✓ Top Cost Calculators to Consider
Here are three cost calculators to help estimate your mobile application project budget:
#1. Clutch
A trusted platform where you can find app development companies and tools to estimate development costs. It also offers detailed project cost comparisons.
#2. GoodFirms
Provides a comprehensive cost calculator along with a database of top mobile app development companies, allowing you to compare costs effectively.
#3. App Cost Calculator by Cleveroad
This tool considers features, platform selection, and design to give you an overall cost estimate, useful for scenario-based or platform-specific estimates.
Conclusion
App development is a significant investment that aligns with your business vision and growth. Understanding the factors affecting the development cost can help you allocate resources efficiently and make an informed budget decision. Cost calculators like Clutch and GoodFirms provide valuable insights and detailed comparisons to help reduce hidden costs.
Expert App Devs is a leading mobile app development company offering skilled professionals and cost-efficient rates. Connect with our team for rough cost estimation, idea validation, and end-to-end development.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What is the importance of a cost-benefit analysis in app development?
✅ A cost-benefit analysis helps determine if the benefits outweigh the costs, ensuring proper resource allocation, defined milestones, and maximized ROI.
#2. How do emerging technologies impact app development costs?
✅ Integrating technologies like AI, AR, and VR requires specialized skills and advanced infrastructure, which can increase development costs.
#3. Why choose expert app devs for app development cost estimates?
✅ They provide precise cost estimates, the right team for development, and streamlined processes for accelerated project launches.
#4. Should I choose a native, hybrid, or web app for my project?
✅ The choice depends on your target market, budget, and performance needs. Native apps offer better performance, while cross-platform apps reach a wider audience.
#5. Is it better to hire in-house developers or outsource app development?
✅ Outsourcing can be cost-effective without compromising quality, while in-house development offers better control and faster communication.
Maximize Your App Investment
Our development experts help you optimize costs through:
- Strategic feature prioritization
- Cross-platform development solutions
- Efficient team allocation
- Long-term maintenance planning
Ready to build your cost-effective app? Get a free cost estimate or call +91-96019 10055
