Your comment submitted successfully.
Founder & CTO of Vasundhara Infotech, he pioneers technological solutions. His vision and expertise drive product development, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation.
September 23, 2024
Creating a mobile app can be a rewarding venture, whether you’re a startup founder, a business owner, or an independent developer. However, one of the most common questions that arises during the planning stage is: How much does it actually cost to make an app?
The answer is multifaceted and depends on various factors. In this blog, we’ll break down the key components that influence app development costs, helping you understand the financial landscape of building a mobile app.
In order to determine the cost of app development, we analyze global trends and app development statistics. View some pertinent statistics on the significance of developing your own mobile app by the year 2024.
Consequently, it is clear that the demand for mobile applications is increasing, and the acquisition of one will have a substantial impact on your startup. It is now imperative to proceed with the discussion of the cost of app development.
We will investigate the approximate costs of various categories of applications that you may be interested in developing.
Also read: E-Commerce Mobile App Development: A Comprehensive Guide
Please be advised that the cost of app development is contingent upon the complexity of the solution you are developing.
Based on the number of features, integrations, programming language, and other factors, your application may be classified as basic, simple, or complex.
| App Type | Estimate Cost | Time |
| Simple App Development | $10,000 to $60,000 | 1-3 months |
| Basic App Development | $60,000 to $150,000 | 3-6 months |
| Complex App Development | from $300,000 | 9+ months |
The easiest method to find out how much app development can cost you is to speak with the developers directly. If you have not yet selected a development business, you can use an app cost calculator to receive an estimate.
Suppose you ask a development studio to estimate the cost of an app without providing precise documents and information. In that instance, the app development cost will most likely be an approximate estimate.
Conversely, in order to obtain an accurate estimate using app development cost calculators, it is necessary to evaluate numerous variables. These consist of:
At Vasundhara Infotech, we conduct an exhaustive estimation process to determine the cost of developing an application. For additional information regarding the process, please consult our mobile app development services.
In order to determine the cost of app development, we analyze global trends and app
development statistics.
Also read: A Digital Transformation Journey through App Development
The average mobile app development cost ranges from $30,000 to over $400,000.
The type of application is an important factor that shapes the final price and it should be taken into consideration. Below is a list of the most popular types of apps and the average development cost involved.
| App Type | Estimate Cost | Time |
| Mobile App | $30,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| iPhone App | $55,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| Android App | $50,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| Web App | $60,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| Startup App | $40,000-$400,000 | 1,600h |
| Taxi App (Uber) | $50,000-$400,000 | 1,600h |
| Game App | $60,000-$250,000 | 1,600h |
| Retail App | $50,000-$150,000 | 1,200h |
| Augmented Reality App (AR) | $100,000-$250,000 | 1,600h |
| eCommerce App | $60,000-$250,000 | 1,600h |
| Social Media App (Instagram) | $50,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| Business App | $50,000-$200,000 | 1,200h |
| Learning App (DuoLingo) | $60,000-$225,000 | 900h |
| Video Streaming App | $80,000-$300,000 | 1,600h |
| Restaurant App | $40,000-$150,000 | 900h |
| Community App | $18,000-$150,000 | 900h |
| Shopify App | $30,000-$180,000 | 900h |
| Dating App | $50,000-$350,000 | 1,400h |
| Food Delivery App | $40,000-$150,000 | 900h |
| Hybrid App | $40,000-$200,000 | 1,200h |
| Healthcare App | $55,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
| Typical App | $40,000-$300,000 | 1,200h |
The cost of development may fluctuate depending on the operating system you prefer. The cost of developing an app for hybrid applications, iOS, and Android will be determined.
| OS | Cost |
| iOS app Development | $75,000-$500,000 |
| Android app development | $50,000-$500,000 |
| Hybrid app development | $90,000-$700,000 |
An iOS application is a mobile application that is designed to operate on the iPhone operating system and is intended to interact natively with the device's primary component.
Swift, Objective-C, and XCode are employed to develop these applications.
The cost of iOS app development varies from $75,000 to $500,000, depending on the complexity and intricacy of each concept, as well as the iOS development tools that your team is employing.
Like its name suggests, these are mobile applications that are designed to operate natively on the Android operating system from Google.
They engage with the OS's components to ensure that consumers have the best possible experience. Kotlin and Java are employed to develop these applications.
The cost of developing mobile apps on Android varies between $70,000 and $500,000, contingent upon the app's complexity, compliance laws, and other factors.
A single codebase is utilized to develop a hybrid mobile application that functions seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. React Native, Ionic, Flutter, NativeScript, and other technologies are employed to develop these applications. The cost of developing a cross-platform mobile application is between $90,000 and $700,000.
The cost of app development is contingent upon the country and location of the development team, in addition to the OS type. Now, we will investigate its operation.
Also read: Top Mobile App Development Trends To Watch In 2024
A product's pricing does not always translate into its quality. It merely displays the differences in programmers' salaries across national borders.
Here is a quick comparison of the rates for programmers across several regions:
| Region | Hourly rate, $ |
| United States (USA) | 120-150 |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 100-120 |
| Australia | 100-120 |
| Western Europe | 80-100 |
| Eastern Europe | 30-50 |
| India | 20-30 |
The price variation is substantial, as is evident.
Mobile app development cost in the United States is higher than in any other country, with an hourly rate of $120-150.
In India, the cost of hiring a developer with a comparable skill set typically ranges from $20 to $30.
Nevertheless, India is a nation that is renowned for its substandard software.
Ukrainian developers are the optimal choice for those seeking exceptional cost-effectiveness.
They primarily employ a mathematical approach to their coding process, which enhances the scalability, resilience, and security of the mobile application.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to recognize that the hourly rate will vary based on the following:
These primary cost factors will assist you in developing a fundamental design for an application that fulfills your needs.
Next, we will discuss the cost of developing an application. We will examine a few effective application examples.
The following are examples of mobile applications, along with their respective costs and development times. It provides a price estimation for the development of a mobile app, rather than a precise figure.
Tinder is a dating and geosocial networking application that receives more than 67 million annual downloads.
The application is straightforward and user-friendly. You have the option to swipe images to the right or left in order to identify individuals with whom you may be interested in dating.
Tinder was established in 2012 with an initial investment of $485,000 and has since achieved significant success. In 2021, the organization generated revenues exceeding $1.6 billion, and it is anticipated to surpass this figure in 2023.
The cost of developing a courting application similar to Tinder is approximately $100,000, and it includes the following features:
Ikea is a brand-based application that was created with the assistance of Augmented Reality. The majority of the furniture images in their catalogs are 3D models.
These applications increase the bill but provide a plethora of functionalities as a result of the numerous new features, integrations, and security measures. The product can be constructed in approximately 1,000 hours, and the cost of app development can begin at $45,000.
The mobile app design comprises the following features:
Uber is a ridesharing application that enables users to request a transport from a driver in the vicinity. Uber's inaugural investment was $510,000; however, it has since raised over $25 billion. Currently, the application has a user base of more than 118 million.
Are you interested in developing a comparable product? The average cost of developing an application similar to Uber is $80,000. The development procedure is expected to require approximately 1,200 hours.
Currently, the organization, which was established in 2009, is one of the most valuable in the world, with a valuation exceeding $91 billion. The Uber application comprises the following fundamental capabilities:
TikTok is a widely used social media application that facilitates the sharing of videos. The cost of developing an application such as TikTok may be contingent upon the features and functionalities it provides.
The cost of application development will commence at $70,000 and may require approximately 1,200 hours to complete. The application comprises the following capabilities:
Airbnb is a mobile application that facilitates the connection between individuals in need of lodging and those who have rooms or residences available for rent in a specific location for a specific period.
Airbnb expanded from a $20,000 foundation fund to a valuation of more than $30 billion.
The organization generates revenue by levying platform taxes. Guests are required to pay a booking fee of 5%-15%, while providers are required to pay 3%.
In 2021, this business model generated an income of $6 billion, representing a 78% year-over-year increase. Are you feeling motivated to develop a comparable application? The cost of developing a mobile application for Airbnb is approximately $100,000, and it may necessitate a 1000-hour timeline.
The Airbnb application comprises the following fundamental capabilities:
Prior to developing the mobile application, it is imperative to analyze the target audience and business objectives, comprehend the app launch process, and prioritize platform selection.
The application's buttons, displays, and other components make it distinctive, engaging, and convenient. However, each supplementary component impacts the overall project budget.
Consequently, it is imperative to pre-develop a prototype and meticulously consider the functionality. This functionality influences the following factors that influence the pricing of mobile applications.
Three factors determine the cost of developing a mobile application:
The complexity of these three aspects will be the first topic of discussion.
The application's development time will be reduced as it becomes smaller and simplified. The scope of the forthcoming work must be determined when it comes to the development timing.
How long does it take to develop an application? What is the anticipated number of features that will be integrated into the product? How many displays, buttons, and functions will it have? What is the level of complexity of the business logic in the application?
The app's level of complexity is contingent upon the features and integrations that are selected. The cost of developing a complex application with real-time capabilities will be higher than that of a simpler application.
| Type of complexity | Characteristics |
| Simple apps | They are designed without any additional benefits; however, they will provide the essential features, low-tech displays, and the requisite UI solutions. |
| Mid-level apps | They have more intricate features to offer, such as real-time communications, more screens, custom UI, and API integrations. |
| Complex apps | The applications are multifunctional and offer a variety of advanced and complex features, including real-time synchronization, chatbots, media processing, and UI animation. |
In the event that we select a complete development team of experts for our project:
For each category, the following will be the terms of app development:
Moving forward, we have reached the app design phase in our discussion of the cost of app development.
A critical component of the development phase is the application design procedure. The cost of app development cannot be determined by separating the two.
Development is analogous to design. Increasing the number of features results in a proportional increase in cost. (Further information regarding the expense of app design is available.) The cost estimate will be restricted if you opt for pre-made templates for design purposes. However, if you require additional customizations, the cost will be higher and the process will be more time-consuming.
After discovering the cost of mobile app development in accordance with complexity and design, we proceeded to the platform.
You must select between two alternatives:
In this context, the term "hybrid" denotes that the application will function on Android and iOS devices.
At Vasundhara Infotech https://vasundhara.io/, we prioritize this inquiry during the project discovery phase, which is the primary method by which we determine the cost of an application.
Before narrowing down to a single platform, it is important to observe three factors:
All of these are contingent upon the market that you intend to initially target.
Understanding the market facilitates determining the cost of iOS app development. You must be aware of the areas in which iOS is more prevalent than Android. Android devices are subject to the same theory. The fact that the development process for both platforms is distinct does not affect the ultimate price.
Cross-platform applications are advantageous in that they readily adapt to a variety of devices and function seamlessly. Additionally, they can capitalize on each platform's unique capabilities. This enhances the user experience and reduces an application's "how much cost" response.
The expense of creating a native application is greater than that of a hybrid application. This is for apparent reasons. Developing two applications simultaneously necessitates a doubled amount of human resources and effort.
In contrast to a hybrid application, a native application is exclusively available on one platform: iOS or Android.
Consequently, in order to develop an application for both Android and iOS using native frameworks, it will be necessary to employ two distinct development teams.
One will develop an Android version, while the other will develop an iOS version.
The question that surfaces is: What is the cost of developing an app for iOS and Android separately?
The cost will undoubtedly double as a result of the necessity to employ distinct personnel for each platform.
You may inquire about the cost of an iPhone or Android application. The response is that the expense is equivalent to that of developing an application for iOS and Android.
The price remains consistent, despite the fact that the technologies, SDK, databases, frameworks, and quality assessment systems differ between the two.
When estimating mobile app development costs, it is easy to overlook some hidden charges that can have a significant impact on the overall mobile app development cost.
The most essential of these are marketing and ongoing support charges. Let us discuss what each includes.
The term "marketing expenses" refers to the funds allocated to the promotion of your mobile application to the target audience.Your marketing expenditure for an app development project should be X2-X3 of your initial development price, ideally.
Therefore, if the mobile app development cost is $100,000, it is recommended that you allocate $200,000 to $300,000 annually for marketing expenditures. The following items will be purchased with this money:
These are the funds that are allocated to guarantee that the application functions properly, is free of errors and other complications, is user-friendly, and enhances the user experience over time.
Routine, on-demand, or both may constitute app maintenance. The budget for app maintenance should be equivalent to two times the cost of the initial app development. The following are the primary expenses for maintenance:
The app development team you select is the final factor to consider when determining the cost of your app. The presumption that the type of development one selects is irrelevant is unfounded.
Conversely, selecting the appropriate development collaborator offers numerous advantages. The primary benefits are increased quality and reduced costs.
It is essential to have a distinctive product, despite the fact that your budget is limited as a startup.
Therefore, it is imperative to exercise caution when selecting the team in order to maximize your investment.
Here is some expert advice that will assist you in determining the cost of an application.
The cost of developing an application will be significantly influenced by the selection of a team.
Pro Tip: When recruiting developers for your solution, it is crucial to consider the following three factors:
It is always possible to select a reputable medium-sized local company that offers a variety of services, including SEO optimization.
| Criteria | Description |
| Cost |
|
| Pros and Cons |
|
| Should you go for it? |
|
For more complicated projects, there is another option.
Also read: Best Mobile App Development Company In Surat 2024
An in-house team is a group of app developers who work directly for your company. They get paid a salary by your company and follow instructions from your management team on a daily basis. These developers are the most preferred option for solutions that collect sensitive information.
| Criteria | Description |
| Cost |
|
| Pros and Cons |
|
| Should you go for it? |
|
Option #3: Freelancers
Working with freelancers is an option if you require a rapid hypothesis test or a modest project. If you elect this alternative, it is important to consider that you will be required to allocate a significant amount of time to the project's management and communication with contractors.
| Criteria | Description |
| Cost | There are two methods by which you can proceed with a freelancer.
Additionally, there are numerous platforms available to assist in the recruitment of freelancers. Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Toptal. A freelancer's average hourly rate is contingent upon the country from which they are hired.
These are the initial rates, and they may increase in accordance with the individual's level of experience. Therefore, the hours should be taken into account when determining the cost of developing a high-quality and functional application. |
| Pros and Cons |
|
| Should you go for it? |
|
You may wish to consider outsourcing mobile app development if your project necessitates the availability of high-quality software, the involvement of additional staff and specialists, and experience in app promotion.
Outsourcing application development involves the contracting of a foreign company to assist in the development of your app from the ground up and the oversight of the overall architecture.You are able to concentrate on your business requirements, while a team of professionals manages your technical requirements.
| Criteria | Description |
| Cost |
|
| Pros and Cons | Particularly for MVP development, outsourcing your app development is an advantageous alternative. There are numerous advantages to establishing a partnership with a specialized offshore development team. Which of the following are included
|
| Should you go for it? | The cost of app development will undoubtedly be reduced by outsourcing it to an agency. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you conduct a thorough investigation prior to selecting an agency. Verify all aspects and consult with the team.
The cost of outsourcing mobile application development is generally vastly variable, ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. As previously mentioned, the operating system, minimum viable product, features, type of app, UX/UI design, tools, software, and other factors all play a significant role. |
There are numerous steps involved in the development of a mobile application, such as:
Therefore, it is advisable to be certain about the company you select.
When developing a mobile app, it is necessary to consider features, design, and platform, all of which influence complexity and cost.
Choose the best business to develop your idea into a marketable product. Consider hidden fees, the source of their supplies, and the post-purchase support they provide.
Vasundhara Infotech specializes in producing market-ready mobile apps at cheap pricing. Our rigorous but effective cost analysis ensures your product's success and scalability.
As an industry leader, we have the expertise to transform your idea into a high-quality, cost-effective app.
Contact us today to learn more about our mobile app development services, design, and consulting services.
The cost depends on factors like app complexity, features, platform (iOS, Android), design, and development location.
A simple app can range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on functionality and design.
Yes, ongoing costs include maintenance, updates, hosting, and marketing, which can add 15-20% of the initial development cost annually.
Create a detailed list of features, research development costs, and factor in ongoing expenses to build a realistic budget.
Generally, developing for Android may be slightly more expensive due to the wider range of devices and screen sizes.
Explore the true costs of building a mobile app. Discover what factors influence your budget and how to make informed decisions.
Sign Up to our newsletter to get latest updates staight in your inbox.
Vasundhara respects your privancy. No Spam!
Sign Up to our newsletter to get latest updates staight in your inbox.
Vasundhara respects your privancy. No Spam!
