How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mobile App?

According to my research, one of the most common questions people ask when starting a mobile app journey is, "How much does it cost to build a mobile app?" It's a valid concern because the cost can vary widely depending on a lot of factors, like the complexity of the app, the platform it's being built for, and the team you hire. Based on my experience, understanding these factors can give you a clearer idea of how to budget your project.

In this article, I'll walk you through the primary cost drivers and different stages of mobile app development, giving you a rough estimate of how much it might cost to build your dream app.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Mobile App Development

1. Type of App

One of the first questions you need to answer is, "What kind of app are you building?" The complexity of your app plays a significant role in determining the cost.

• Simple Apps: These are typically apps with basic functionality, such as a to-do list, calculator, or simple calendar. Typically, these apps don't require backend servers or APIs, allowing for faster development. Based on what I’ve found, the cost of developing simple apps is around $10,000 to $50,000.

• Moderately Complex Apps: These apps include user logins, databases, and integration with APIs or third-party services. Examples are e-commerce apps, fitness tracking apps, or food delivery apps. The cost here ranges from $50,000 to $150,000.

• Highly Complex Apps: Complex apps like social networks, streaming platforms, or real-time messaging apps can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000 or even more. These apps typically require custom backend systems, advanced security features, and extensive testing.

2. Platform: iOS, Android, or Both?

As I discovered through my research, whether you’re developing for iOS, Android, or both platforms affects the overall cost. Developing for both platforms can cost nearly twice as much because developers need to work with different codebases.

• iOS-only: Developing apps for iOS is typically faster, especially with Apple’s more uniform hardware and operating system versions. On average, an iOS app can cost between $30,000 and $100,000.

• Android-only: Developing for Android is usually more expensive and time-consuming because there are many different devices and operating systems. versions to consider. Android apps can cost anywhere between $50,000 and $120,000.

• Cross-platform Development: If you’re developing for both iOS and Android, you have the option of going with native apps or using cross-platform tools like React Native or Flutter. Cross-platform development can reduce costs slightly, but not as much as people might expect. The price range here is from $100,000 to $300,000.

3. Features and Functionality

According to the data available, the number and complexity of features are major cost drivers in mobile app development. For instance:

• Basic Features: Login functionality, push notifications, and social media integration will cost less compared to more advanced features.

• Advanced Features: If your app requires real-time data synchronization, advanced security protocols, or AI-driven recommendations, you can expect higher costs.

The more custom features you want, the higher the mobile app development cost will be. One reason you should know what features you need and which you can skip before starting your project is this.

4. The Mobile App Development Company's Location

According to my experience and research data, the location of your mobile app development company can have a significant impact on the cost. Here’s a rough estimate:

• USA (California, for instance): Developers in the USA, especially in places like California, charge between $100 and $250 per hour. A mobile app development company in California might charge higher but also deliver high-quality work, meaning you might get more value for your money.

• Eastern Europe: In countries like Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, hourly rates for developers range from $30 to $70. The quality of work is generally high, but communication barriers can sometimes be a challenge.

• Asia (India, Philippines, etc.): The cost of mobile app development in these regions can be as low as $20 to $50 per hour. However, you need to carefully vet the developers to ensure the quality of the code.

5. Development Team Composition

According to my research, the cost also depends on who is developing your app. Typically, a full-service mobile app development company comprises the following team members:

• Project Manager

• UI/UX Designer

• iOS/Android Developer

• Backend Developer

• Quality Assurance Specialist

Hiring a full-service mobile app development company will typically cost more than assembling a freelance team, but it often leads to a smoother process. Freelancers, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective, but they require more management on your part.

6. Maintenance and Updates

Building the app is just the first step; maintaining and updating it is an ongoing cost that many people overlook. According to available data, yearly maintenance can account for 15% to 20% of the total app development cost. That includes fixing bugs, making updates for new iOS or Android versions, and adding new features.

For example, if your initial mobile app development cost was $100,000, expect to pay between $15,000 and $20,000 annually in maintenance.

Breakdown of Costs in Mobile App Development

To give you a more detailed understanding, here's a rough estimate of how costs are distributed across different stages of mobile app development:

1. Planning and Research: 10–15% of the total cost

2. Design (UI/UX): 15-20% of total cost

3. Development: 50-60% of total cost

4. Testing and QA: 10-15% of total cost

5. Deployment and Support: 5-10% of the total cost.

So, if you're looking to develop a moderately complex app with an initial budget of $100,000, expect to spend about $10,000 to $15,000 on research and planning, $15,000 to $20,000 on design, $50,000 to $60,000 on actual development, and around $10,000 to $15,000 on testing and deployment.

Ways to Save on Mobile App Development Costs

According to my experience, while mobile app development can be expensive, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality.

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Rather than building a feature-rich app right away, you can start with an MVP that includes only the core functionalities. This reduces your upfront costs and allows you to test the market before investing more.

2. Use Cross-platform Development: Instead of building two separate apps for iOS and Android, using cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter can reduce costs.

3. Outsource Development: You can save money by hiring a mobile app development company outside of high-cost areas, such as California. For example, many top-notch developers in Eastern Europe or Asia charge significantly less than those in the US.

4. Pre-built Solutions: Using pre-built templates or solutions can save a significant amount of development time and money if you don't need to build your app idea from scratch.

Conclusion

Building a mobile app is a big investment, but as per my research, it's essential to know where your money is going. All of these factors, from the app's complexity to the platform, development team, and location of the mobile app development company in California or elsewhere, play a role in determining the cost.

On average, a simple app could cost between $10,000 and $50,000, while more complex apps can easily reach $300,000 or more. Make sure you also budget for ongoing maintenance and updates, as these are part of keeping your app successful in the long run.

According to my research, working with a professional mobile app development company provides peace of mind and frequently results in a higher-quality product. However, if you're on a tight budget, exploring outsourcing options or using pre-built solutions can also be a viable alternative.

In the end, the cost of mobile app development isn’t just a number; it’s an investment in bringing your idea to life. So plan carefully and choose the right mobile app development services that fit your budget and needs.