How Much Does It Cost to Make an App? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever had that lightbulb moment where you thought, “This could be the next big app!” Maybe you have a brilliant business idea or want to streamline services with a mobile solution. The next thought is always, “But how much does it cost to make an app?”

You're not alone—figuring out the costs of app development is one of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs, startups, and even established businesses. The answer to this question depends on several factors: the app’s complexity, design, the team you hire, and much more. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through all the critical details.

Let’s break down how much it costs to make an app and give you a clearer idea of what you’re signing up for.

The Biggest Factor: What Type of App Do You Want to Build?

The type of app you want to develop plays the most significant role in determining cost. Apps can be simple, moderate, or complex. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Simple Apps

Simple apps have basic functions and a straightforward user interface. Think of apps like a calculator, a to-do list, or maybe a small content feed. These are relatively quick to develop and cost between $5,000 and $20,000. They’re perfect if you want to start with something lightweight and add features later.

2. Moderately Complex Apps

Moderate apps offer more functionality, like user logins, basic databases, push notifications, and integration with third-party APIs (like social media or payment gateways). Examples include e-commerce platforms, booking apps, or fitness tracking. The price tag here typically ranges from $20,000 to $70,000.

3. Complex Apps

This is where things get exciting—and expensive. Highly complex apps include platforms like Uber, Instagram, or any app that requires real-time data processing, geolocation services, advanced animations, and robust backends. Developing these kinds of apps will set you back anywhere from $70,000 to $300,000+, depending on the features.

What Factors Influence App Development Costs?

Let’s dig deeper into what makes app development costs vary. A lot goes into creating a mobile app, and each decision impacts your budget.

1. Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both?

One of the first things you’ll need to decide is which platform to build for.

• iOS Apps: Developing for iPhones and iPads can be quicker because there are fewer devices and screen sizes to consider. However, Apple’s App Store has stringent quality checks, which may increase development time.

• Android Apps: Android apps often require more testing due to the wide variety of devices (different screen sizes, operating systems, etc.), making it slightly more expensive.

• Both iOS and Android: If you want to reach both markets, you’ll either build separate apps for each platform or use cross-platform development tools like Flutter or React Native. Cross-platform apps allow developers to write code once and deploy it on both platforms, saving time and money. However, even this can push up costs depending on your requirements.

Expect to pay roughly $15,000 to $50,000 for one platform and $50,000+ for both.

2. Features and Functionalities: The More, the Merrier (and Pricier!)

Every feature you add can increase the development cost. Here’s how some common features impact pricing:

• User Login (via email or social media): $1,000 – $5,000
• Push Notifications: $2,000 – $5,000
• In-App Purchases: $5,000 – $10,000
• Geolocation/GPS: $10,000 – $25,000
• Real-Time Chat: $7,000 – $20,000
• Payment Integration: $3,000 – $10,000

Advanced features like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain tech can push the development costs to the $100,000+ range.

3. Design: Functionality is Important, but So is Beauty

A sleek, user-friendly design can make or break your app. Users love apps that look great and are easy to navigate. Here's a look at how different design approaches can affect the cost:

• Basic Design: Minimalist design with pre-made templates is cheaper, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

• Custom Design: If you want a fully tailored user interface with custom icons, animations, and illustrations, you’ll need a bigger budget. Expect to spend $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

Good design is worth the investment since it directly impacts user retention and overall satisfaction.

4. Development Team: In-House or Outsourced?

The cost of hiring a development team can vary significantly depending on their location and expertise. Here’s a breakdown of average hourly rates based on regions:

• North America: $100 – $200/hour
• Western Europe: $70 – $150/hour
• Eastern Europe: $40 – $75/hour
• India/Southeast Asia: $20 – $50/hour

Hiring a team in the U.S. or Western Europe will certainly give you high-quality work, but it comes at a premium. If you're working with a tighter budget, outsourcing to Eastern Europe or India can be a more cost-effective option without sacrificing quality—provided you thoroughly vet the developers.

5. Backend Infrastructure and APIs

If your app relies on storing user data or interacting with third-party services, you’ll need a strong backend infrastructure. Developing and maintaining databases, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and cloud servers can cost you around $10,000 to $30,000 depending on your app's needs.

How Long Does It Take to Develop an App?

Time is money—literally. The longer your app takes to develop, the more you’ll pay, especially if you’re working with hourly rates.

• Simple Apps: 2 – 3 months
• Moderately Complex Apps: 4 – 9 months
• Highly Complex Apps: 9+ months

You’ll also need to factor in extra time for testing, especially if you want to launch your app on multiple platforms. Testing can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the app's complexity and the number of features that need to be debugged.

The Real Cost of App Maintenance

Launching your app is just the beginning. You’ll need to budget for ongoing maintenance, which includes bug fixes, updates for new OS versions, security patches, and introducing new features as your user base grows.

Typically, maintenance costs are around 15-20% of the original development cost per year. For example, if you spend $50,000 developing your app, expect to pay around $7,500 to $10,000 annually for upkeep.

How Can You Save on App Development?

App development costs can be overwhelming, but there are smart ways to save money without sacrificing quality:

1. Build an MVP First

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a version of your app with just enough features to attract early adopters. Start with the core features, gather user feedback, and improve from there. Building an MVP can cost between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on the app type. It’s a great way to test the market without blowing your budget.

2. Opt for Cross-Platform Development

If you want to build for both iOS and Android but can’t afford separate apps, cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native are perfect. You’ll get one app for two platforms, cutting down on development time and cost.

3. Outsource Development

If your budget is tight, outsourcing to an experienced offshore team can significantly lower costs while still getting high-quality results. Just ensure that the team has a strong portfolio and positive client reviews.

Final Thoughts: How Much Will Your App Cost?

So, how much does it cost to make an app? The truth is, it depends entirely on your vision. A basic app might cost you as little as $5,000, while a full-featured app can go well beyond $100,000. By understanding the factors that impact development costs, you can plan accordingly, prioritize features, and set a budget that aligns with your goals.

No matter what type of app you’re looking to build, remember that it’s an investment. Whether it’s boosting your business, creating a new revenue stream, or launching the next big thing, your app is a valuable tool that can deliver long-term benefits.