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Let’s say a startup founder has a groundbreak idea that would be perfect for a mobile app. But now, the first question or query they struggle with is, how much does it cost to develop a mobile app.
Well, first you need to understand the multifaceted nature of mobile app development. Factors like complexity, platform choice (iOS, Android, or both), and the development team play a key role in the final cost. But on average, the cost to develop a mobile app can be anywhere from $30,000 to $350,000 and beyond.
Through this blog, I’ll explain how mobile app developers decide the cost of a custom app and the kind of hidden costs you need to consider. Let’s begin.
Overview of Mobile App Development Costs
Mobile app development costs can range significantly depending on the scope, complexity, and specific requirements of the project.
On average, a basic app with minimal features might cost between 10,000 and 50,000. However, more complex apps with advanced functionalities like AI integration, real-time data synchronization, or custom APIs can range from 50,000 to 250,000 or more.
Enterprise-grade applications can exceed $500,000. They often require scalable infrastructure, high-end security, and multi-platform compatibility.
Now, let’s see the key factors that dictate the cost to develop a mobile app.
Top Factors That Impact Mobile App Development Costs
The cost of developing a mobile app is influenced by a variety of factors, each contributing to the overall budget. Here are the top factors that impact mobile app development costs:
App Complexity and Features
The more advanced the app, the higher the cost. A basic app with minimal functionality may cost around $40,000. But a feature-rich app with AI integration, real-time data syncing, or AR/VR capabilities can exceed $200,000.
Platform Selection (iOS, Android, or Both)
Developing an app for a single platform (iOS or Android) is generally cheaper than building for both. Cross-platform development tools like Flutter or React Native can reduce costs, but native apps often offer better performance.
UI/UX Design and Customization
A simple, template-based design is cost-effective, but a highly customized interface with animations, illustrations, and micro-interactions increases design and development costs.
Backend Development and Database Infrastructure
If the app requires a backend to store and manage data, the complexity of servers, APIs, and cloud solutions significantly impacts the budget. Apps relying on third-party integrations also incur additional costs.
Development Team Location and Expertise
Hiring developers in North America or Western Europe is more expensive than working with teams in Eastern Europe or South Asia. However, experience and expertise play a crucial role in determining final costs.
Maintenance and Updates
Post-launch support, bug fixes, and feature updates require ongoing investment, typically 15-20% of the initial development cost annually.
What you need to do is consult with a professional mobile app development company to understand the full extent of these factors and their impact on the costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Mobile App? (Stage Breakdown)
You can better understand the mobile app development cost when it’s broken down into different stages. Each stage involves specific tasks and expertise, contributing to the overall financial outlay.
(Rather than actual costs, we’ll give you an idea on the percentage of total costs taken by the stage.)
Discovery and Planning Phase
Stage Cost: 5-15% of Total Cost
This initial stage lays the foundation for the entire project. It involves in-depth market research, competitor analysis, defining the app’s purpose and target audience, outlining core features, creating user stories, and developing a project roadmap.
Business analysts, project managers, and sometimes UX researchers are heavily involved. This phase is crucial for avoiding costly rework later and typically accounts for 5-15% of the total development cost.
Development Phase
Stage Cost: 30-50% of Total Cost
This is the core of the project where the actual coding takes place. Frontend developers build the user interface, backend developers create the server-side logic and database, and mobile developers integrate the various components.
This phase is the most time-consuming and resource-intensive, typically representing 30-50% of the total cost. Factors like app complexity, platform choice, and the development team’s expertise significantly impact this stage’s expenses.
Testing and Quality Assurance (QA) Phase
Stage Cost: 10-15% of Total Cost
Rigorous testing is essential to identify and fix bugs, ensure performance, and guarantee a smooth user experience. QA engineers perform various types of testing, including functional, usability, performance, and security testing.
This phase, often accounting for 10-15% of the budget, is critical for a successful launch and positive user feedback.
Deployment Phase
Stage Cost: 5-10% of Total Cost
This involves preparing the app for launch on app stores (Apple App Store and Google Play Store), setting up server infrastructure, and handling the submission process.
While seemingly straightforward, this phase requires technical expertise and careful attention to detail, typically representing 5-10% of the total cost.
Beyond these phases and completion of the process, there will be maintenance and updates. It includes bug fixes, security updates, performance monitoring, server maintenance, and implementing new features based on user feedback and market trends.
The cost for this phase can vary significantly depending on the app’s complexity and the frequency of updates. For that, you can consult with our mobile app experts. We’ll explain how much each phase will cost you.
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Types of Mobile Apps & Costs
The type of mobile application being developed is a significant determinant of its cost. Different categories of apps require varying levels of complexity in design, features, and backend infrastructure, directly impacting the development budget.
Basic Utility Apps
Examples: Calculators, weather apps, to-do lists, clocks.
Cost: $10,000 to $40,000
These are the simplest forms of mobile applications, often performing a single, focused task. Examples include calculators, timers, or simple note-taking apps. They typically have minimal UI complexity and require little to no backend infrastructure.
Database Apps
Examples: Airtable, Zapier Tables, MySQL.
Cost: $20,000 to $80,000
These apps revolve around managing and displaying information from a database. They might include user profiles, product catalogs, or event listings. They require a more robust backend to handle data storage and retrieval, along with a user-friendly interface for interaction.
Social Media Apps
Examples: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok.
Cost: $50,000 to $250,000+
Applications focused on connecting users, like internal communication tools or niche social platforms. They involve features such as user profiles, messaging, news feeds, and notifications. They necessitate significant backend development to manage user data and real-time interactions.
eCommerce Apps
Examples: Amazon, Etsy, Shopify.
Cost: $40,000 to $200,000+
These apps facilitate online buying and selling of goods or services. They require features like product listings, shopping carts, payment gateway integration, user account management, and order tracking. Security is a critical concern, adding to the complexity.
On-demand Service Apps
Examples: Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit.
Cost: $60,000 to $300,000+
These apps connect users with service providers, like ride-sharing or food delivery platforms. They involve real-time location tracking, payment processing, notification systems, and often separate interfaces for users and service providers.
Marketplace Apps
Examples: Airbnb, eBay, Fiverr.
Cost: $70,000 to $350,000+
These are similar to eCommerce apps. But they involve connecting multiple buyers and sellers. You also need sophisticated features for managing listings, user interactions, reviews, and transactions.
Gaming Apps
Examples: Candy Crush, PUBG, Among Us.
Cost: $50,000 to $500,000+
The cost of developing gaming apps varies widely based on the game’s complexity, graphics, and platform. Simple 2D games might fall in the lower range. But complex 3D games with multiplayer functionality can cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
But no matter the type of app, there are a few drivers that will govern the cost. These include platform type, design, features, team, and maintenance.
For a good idea on how much your desired type of app will cost, have a consultation with our dedicated mobile app development company.
Want professional help with your mobile app project?
FAQs on Cost to Develop a Mobile App
What’s the cheapest way to develop a mobile app?
Utilizing no-code or low-code platforms can be the most budget-friendly option for very basic apps with limited customization. However, these platforms often have restrictions on functionality and scalability. Another approach is to start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with core features and iterate based on user feedback.
Does the platform (iOS vs. Android) significantly impact the cost?
Developing native apps for both iOS and Android can nearly double the development cost as they require separate codebases and platform-specific expertise. Cross-platform development can be more cost-effective for reaching both audiences initially, but might have limitations in accessing certain native features or performance.
What are the ongoing costs associated with a mobile app?
Beyond the initial development, ongoing costs include server maintenance, bug fixes, security updates, app store fees, marketing, and potentially adding new features. It’s often estimated that maintenance and updates can cost around 15-20% of the initial development cost annually.
Let’s Summarize
Ultimately, the cost of developing a mobile app is a nuanced equation. It’s heavily influenced by complexity and the choices made throughout the development journey. While the initial investment can seem substantial, viewing it as a strategic endeavor with potential for significant returns is key.
While basic apps might start in the lower thousands, feature-rich, platform-diverse applications can easily climb into six-figure investments.
So, want help with developing an affordable mobile app? Then consult with our mobile app professionals today!
