So, you’ve got this amazing digital business idea…
You’ve figured out what you want to sell…
Who you want to target through intensive research into your ICPs and how you’ll market your business to them.
You have even decided to go for a business app in the next 6 months, with so many exceptions attached to it.
These expectations are fair if we talk about the numbers. In the year 2024, according to Statista, there were 1.6M+ mobile apps on the Google Play Store alone. That’s very understandable because we can see a bunch of different apps for every single thing.
But there’s this important question which you can’t ignore:
How much does it cost to make an app that converts?
There are so many people talking about it. Some say app development cost starts at a few thousand dollars, while others claim it can go up to six figures.
But why is there such a big difference?
Is it about the features?
The platform?
The developers?
To clear all these doubts and uncertainties, this article will guide you in detail today. From app complexity to hidden charges, so you know exactly what to expect.
Factors Affecting Mobile App Development Cost
1. App Complexity
If you want to understand app complexity in a very simple way, you can think of it as ordering coffee. A plain black coffee can be cheap and simple. A caramel macchiato with extra foam can cost more but gives you that premium experience. Now, you might start getting the point from here.
In the same way, a basic app (with minimal features, maybe like a simple to-do list app) costs less. On the other hand, a mid-level one (think food delivery app) may require extra features like real-time tracking. And for high-end apps like Uber or Instagram? They need complex coding, advanced features, and security, positioning them to be the most expensive ones.
The best way to deal with this scenario is to start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). These are smaller applications with the most essential features so that you can test them with your audience. If it brings positive results, you can expand later based on user feedback.
Must Read: 15 Must-Follow Mobile App Development Practices for 2025
2. Platform Choice
Every consumer can have a different choice of smartphone. Some prefer iPhones, others use Android devices. When you start to think about your app, you should clear this thing from the beginning. If your targeted group is iPhone users, then you need iOS app development. If you are targeting Android users, then you’ll need Android app development services.
And there is a third option, too. What if your target audience prefers both? In this case, you can go for a cross-platform app using in-demand frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
The best part of this cross-platform app development service is that it reduces your app’s cost. When you go for developing iOS and Android apps separately, it eventually doubles the cost. But there are consequences associated with this too; it might lack deep customization for each platform.
So, if your budget is tight, launch on one platform first, then expand.
3. UI/UX Design
What’s the one thing that users seek when they use any mobile application?
It’s convenience. An app that’s smooth, fast, and easy to use keeps users hooked and coming back. But as we know, everything comes with its cost. Sleek animations, interactive buttons, and customized designs surely add up to a perfect user journey but impact the app development cost, too.
You might initially go for a basic design that is affordable, but if you want a premium, branded look with animations, expect to pay more.
4. Backend Development
This is where all the technicalities are dealt with precision. Your app’s backend handles user logins, data storage, and live syncs and updates. But like other factors, this also differs from one another; for example, a simple app (like a calculator) may not need a backend. But a more complex app needs secure databases and real-time tracking, which can be a reason for increased cost.
5. Security
If your app reads and stores user data, processes payments, or handles personal info, then its security needs to be top-notch. There are many ways to keep user data secure with methods like encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud detection, but all these also come with their relative costs.
Rough Estimate for Mobile App Development Cost
Sometimes, it gets frustrating to figure out how much it costs to develop an app on your own. And the reason is very much understandable, as there are so many things that you need to consider. But the best way to frame it is through the complexity of your app and to understand it. Here is a breakdown that puts apps into simple categories.
Basic Apps
These mobile applications range from $5,000 to $20,000. These are the most basic ones, with the simplest and most grounded features. Examples of apps falling into this category are calculators, note apps, and other basic informational apps. These apps don’t need heavy backend support, heavy updates, or even API integrations. They usually have static content, simple screens, and basic navigation.
Complex Apps
If your app’s offerings are more complicated, then your budget for app development costs may fall in the range of $50,000 and $150,000. That’s a ballpark figure that could go up or down depending on your requirements. Applications falling into this category need live data processing, AI-driven features, blockchain, or even AR/VR. So, be ready to invest more if your business model falls into this category.
Fully Custom Enterprise Apps
This category has the most costly mobile apps out of all that we’ve discussed so far. An estimated range for their cost could start from $150,000 and may go up to $500,000 and more. What makes them the most price-heavy apps? Their high customization, scalability, and sensitive data handling. You add banking apps, supply chain management tools, or advanced SaaS products in this category.
You may also want to learn: Soft Launch vs Hard Launch: Which One is Right for Your Mobile App?
How to Save Money on App Development Without Compromising Quality
Building an app can get expensive, but it doesn’t always mean you have to spend everything and empty your pockets. There are ways to keep everything monitored and impactful. The best cost-saving method for mobile app development is smart planning. It helps you save thousands of dollars while still providing a high-quality app.
The core consideration of this smart planning is to focus on what matters most and avoid unnecessary spending, which is very common with new business owners as they try to put everything into the app out of their dopamine rush.
So, what you need to do is:
- You should always go for smaller segments of your whole app. Instead of launching a full-fledged app right away, you create a basic version with essential features. In this way, you can test your idea better, get real user feedback, and improve over time – without wasting money on unnecessary add-ons.
- Use pre-built UI kits. Custom designs are great, but they can be expensive. If you choose a well-designed template, you save money on UI/UX without sacrificing user experience.
- If you want to make your app work on both iOS and Android, don’t go for separate apps; consider cross-platform development. One codebase = lower costs and faster development.
- If your plan is to outsource your design and development, then hire an affordable app development company. Someone with skilled developers and seasoned professionals. Also, make sure they have good reviews and a solid portfolio.
- Avoid overcomplicating your app. Every extra feature increases development time and cost. Focus on what’s truly necessary, launch, and then scale gradually.
If you follow these steps religiously, you’ll get a budget-friendly mobile app without compromising on quality.
Conclusion:
So, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for mobile app development cost. You can’t just estimate the cost based on someone else’s app’s cost or do guesswork. Your mobile app creation cost depends on what you need. It may start from a minimum of $5,000 or may go up to $200,000+, depending on what your demands are. The more complex your app, the higher the cost. But if you plan smartly, prioritize must-have features, and pick the right team, you can create a great app without overspending.
FAQs
1- How much time does an app take to build?
It all depends on what you’re trying to build. Mobile applications with smaller scopes can take 2 to 6 months. While those with more complex requirements may take 12 months or more.
2- What are the hidden charges in mobile app development?
Hidden charges can include app store fees, third-party integrations, maintenance, and updates. Extra costs may also come from design changes, security features, or cloud storage. It’s good to plan in advance to avoid not-so-likely surprises.
3- What do you look for when hiring a mobile app development company?
These 5 things are so crucial to look for when hiring any development agency:
- Experience
- Portfolio
- Client reviews
- Transparent pricing
- Ongoing support
