Cost To Build A Mobile App In 2024? A Guide For Planning Your Mobile App Development Budget
By: Sagar Bhatnagar
What's the cost to build a mobile app?
As you are here, you are surely devising to build an app for your business.
According to industry experts, the cost to create a mobile application ranges between $20,000 to $300,000. But, there's a tipping point here. You should know that these figures fluctuate depending on varied factors (we will discuss them later in this post).
Yes, the cost to make a mobile app goes up and down based on the industries, development phases, and more. While you keep aside the budget for your app development, you should know every such factor to avoid unanticipated expenses that may arise in the future.
This post will help you learn how to perform app development cost calculation, even unveil the hidden factors that impact the cost, and every relevant information you need to create the right budget.
Let’s gear it up!
Average Cost Estimation Of Mobile App Development
Here's the breakdown of the approximate cost to develop an app.
| Complexity Level | Cost Range (USD) | Description |
| Simple App | $20,000 - $100,000 | Such apps usually include limited features with basic functionalities, and a single platform (Android or iOS). |
| Medium Complexity App | $100,000 - $200,000 | Medium-complexity mobile apps emerge with comparatively more features and functionalities than simple apps. They may incorporate user logins, basic data storage, and third-party integration, and potentially cover Android and iOS platforms. |
| Complex App | $200,000 - $300,000+ | Complex apps include extensive functionality, and advanced features, and possibly need complex back-end infrastructure. They may include features such as offline functionality, real-time chat, integration with multiple third-party services, GPS integration, and support for Android and iOS platforms. |
1. Simple Apps
When developing a simple app, the development lifecycle is potentially quicker because of the inclusion of limited features. They demand a small team of developers and less design work, which leads to lower development costs.
2. Medium Complexity Apps
With the increasing features and functionalities, the development time and resources escalate. Besides, the third-party integration or choosing multiple platforms for app development adds complexity that impacts the cost.
3. Complex Apps
Such apps need professional development skills, strong backend infrastructure, and a large team of designers, developers, and testers. The incorporation of advanced features and functionalities contributes to the increased price range.
Before you approach a mobile app development company to build your app, you should be clear about the app's needs and functionalities, which provides a more accurate price estimate.
How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Mobile App Based On Industries?
As we have discussed, mobile app development costs may vary significantly based on the industry.
Here, we have created a table with a cost estimate and development time (in weeks) with examples of the top apps of the specific industry.
Let’s have a look.
| Industry | Approx. Cost (USD) | Development Time (Weeks) | Examples |
| eCommerce | $50,000 - $200,000+ | 12-30+ | eBay App, Amazon App |
| Travel & Hospitality | $60,000 - $200,000+ | 14-30+ | Booking.com App, Airbnb App |
| Food Delivery | $75,000 - $250,000+ | 16-40+ | Uber Eats App, DoorDash App |
| Real Estate | $30,000 - $150,000+ | 8-24 | Trulia App, Zillow App |
| Healthcare & Fitness | $40,000 - $120,000+ | 10-20+ | Calm App, MyFitnessPal App |
| Automotive | $40,000 - $150,000+ | 10-24+ | Tesla App, CarMax App |
| Transportation & Logistics | $50,000 - $175,000+ | 12-28+ | FedEx Mobile App, Uber App |
| Media & Entertainment | $75,000 - $225,000+ | 16-36+ | Spotify App, Netflix App |
| Education & eLearning | $30,000 - $100,000+ | 8-20+ | MasterClass App, Duolingo App |
| Ticketing & Event | $40,000 - $125,000+ | 10-22+ | Ticketmaster App, Eventbrite App |
| Banking & Financial | $100,000 - $300,000+ | 20-40+ | Mint.com App, Chase Mobile App |
| Sports | $50,000 - $150,000+ | 12-24+ | NBA App, ESPN App |
These are the approx. cost ranges and development time, and as we talked about above, both factors may change depending on varied factors, like the app’s complexity, features, development platform, etc. In the next section, we will pick this for discussion.
What Are The 8 Factors That Affect The Mobile Application Development Costs?
A mobile app development with a successful run needs careful planning. But this is not enough, you should keep in mind varied factors that influence the overall mobile app development budget.
Let’s check out a few that have a huge impact.
1. Mobile App Platform (iOS, Android, Cross-Platform)
Building a mobile app for Android and iOS costs more compared to a single platform because of various programming languages and the possible requirements for a dedicated development team.
If you choose to build a cross-platform app, it may save you the cost but might emerge with restrictions in functionalities that impact user experience.
2. Features and Functionality
The number of features and their complexity directly affect the development cost and time. Advanced features such as GPS integration, offline functionality, and real-time chat demand more development effort than basic features, like simple user interactions or static content. Third-party integration services, such as payment gateways or social media increased the complexity and licensing fees.
3. Design and User Experience
A visually complex and custom user interface of an app with unique interactions and animations will need more design time and resources than a standard design that arrives with pre-built elements. A perfectly crafted user experience aiming at intuitiveness and user flow also adds to the development effort.
4. Development Team
Hiring an in-house development team provides direct control over the members, but charges an amount, including overhead costs, salary, and the need for specialized developers.
On the contrary, outsourcing a development agency may be more cost-effective but offers clear communication and proper project management. The team’s expertise in particular technology and size also affects the app development cost.
5. Testing and Quality Assurance
One should conduct rigorous testing across distinctive scenarios and devices, but it adds to the app development cost and timeline. The picked testing approach (manual or automated), and various devices used for testing again affect the overall pricing.
6. Maintenance and Updates
After the launch, app maintenance encompasses security updates, bug fixes, and the development of new features. The process of maintaining an app involves addressing these issues and implementing enhancements. The frequency of updates and the complexity of ongoing maintenance significantly impact the overall cost of app ownership.
7. Security
Implementation of robust security measures, such as data encryption and adhering to industry compliance regulations demands extra development effort and may increase the cost also. The data sensitivity the app handles will figure out the level of required security.
8. Project Management
With effective project management, the app development sticks to the track and reduces delays. Besides, the perfectly defined project scope, efficient communication tools, and practical timelines used by development teams may contribute to the mobile app development cost.
So, by learning these factors, you can plan accordingly your app’s design, features, and development process and surface with a realistic app development budget.
What Are The 5 Hidden Factors That Impact The Cost Of Mobile App Development?
We have talked about the factors affecting the app development cost based on industries and project requirements. You would be amazed to know there exists some hidden parameters that need your attention.
1. Mobile App Publishing Cost
While app stores, such as Apple App Store or Google Play Store facilitate a basic, free listing, there may be some extra charges for premium placements, app category submissions, and in-app purchases.
You can consider such costs based on your visibility goals and the app’s monetization strategy.
2. Infrastructure Services
Developing an app doesn’t end your job, you may need to save some for ongoing maintenance costs for server, bandwidth, and data storage depending on your user base and app’s functionality.
You should prefer some cloud-based solutions or managed services to emerge with optimized pricing for these.
3. Mobile App Marketing and Distribution Cost
Your app’s success also relies on your user base, so building one is essential. This may include app store optimization (ASO), user acquisition strategies, or marketing campaigns.
Consider such ongoing costs to drive user engagement and downloads.
4. Mobile App Performance Cost
Avoid building a slow, unresponsive mobile app that can leave your users frustrated and increase the churn rate. Ensure you optimize your app performance for the required speed, its responsiveness across various network conditions, and reduce battery and memory usage needs.
But, remember that such requirements will need more ongoing effort and can affect the app development budget.
5. External Dependencies
With the ever-evolving mobile app landscape, staying updated with the dynamic technology trends urges the need to adapt to industry standards and meet constantly growing user expectations.
This adds to the app development efforts or features update, which impact the development budget. Besides, external factors, such as economic fluctuations and market competition can impact development costs.
At this point, as you are set with a complete understanding of aspects influencing mobile app development cost, let’s move ahead into multiple app development phases and the required budget for each.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Mobile App Based On Multiple Phases?
Every app development stage makes us achieve every relevant essential, it consumes an amount for this.
Here, we will review what help every phase brings to us and how much percentage each grabs.
| Phase | Description | Cost Percentage (Approx.) |
| Pre-Development | Deep market research, project planning, competitor analysis, and defining application requirements. | 5-10% |
| Design | User interface (UI), user experience (UX) design, and prototyping for usability testing. | 10-20% |
| Development | Creating the app's front-end (user interface) and back-end (including, server-side logic and functionalities). | 40-60% |
| Testing | Rigorous testing for performance, functionality, and security to ensure the development of a high-quality app. | 10-15% |
| Deployment | App store submission fees, deployment to app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play Store), and initial marketing efforts. | 5-10% |
| Post-Launch | Ongoing maintenance, performance monitoring, bug fixing, and potential new feature development according to user feedback. | Ongoing (depending on the brand’s needs) |
Now, let’s dive deeper into every app development phase to learn better.
1. Pre-Development Phase
This phase is the building block for the app’s success and includes deep market research that helps understand your competition and target audience, planning the app’s features and functionalities, and defining your project’s scope.
This app development phase may seem demanding light work, but it marks the right direction and keeps you away from expensive rework ahead.
2. Design Phase
Here, the app’s user interface and user experience gain life, which means designers craft mockups and high-fidelity prototypes that ensure the development of visually appealing and user-friendly apps. With target users, usability testing assists in refining the design before the development starts.
3. Development Phase
As the tag says, in this phase the app is created. The developers perform coding considering the decided designs and functionalities to emerge a well-performing app, including front-end and back-end that strengthens the app’s features. Typically, this phase grabs a significant part of the complete app development budget.
4. Testing Phase
Deep testing is necessary to launch a high-quality app. The testers address and fix the bugs, ensure the app functions as expected across various platforms and devices, and assess the app’s scalability and performance.
5. Deployment Phase
Post testing the app thoroughly, the developers submit it to the app stores paying the associated fees. This phase may include initial marketing efforts that lead to downloads and awareness.
6. Post-Launch Phase
The app development journey doesn’t end post launching your app. Ongoing maintenance is crucial to identify security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and enhance the app’s performance per the user feedback. Besides, based on user requirements and market trends, new features need development that adds to the ongoing costs.
This section might have helped you know how much it costs to build an app based on multiple phases of app development.
What Are The 5 Ways To Reduce Your Mobile App Development Cost?
At this point of the post, you might be finding the app development cost tough to afford. Well, you know what, you can reduce this price. Yes, you heard it right. How?
Let’s uncover the secret.
1. Use Cross-Platform Development
You can build a single codebase that can be suitable for Android and iOS and emerge to be a cost-effective way to develop an app compared to building native apps separately for each platform. This approach can save you resources and time, besides making you exposed to a wider audience.
2. Outsource Development Work
Despite hiring an in-house team, you can go for outsourcing to an app development company that can provide competitive rates. However, you may need careful consideration for project management, open communication, and team expertise, to make this work per the expectations.
3. Use Open-Source Technologies
Harnessing the power of open-source frameworks and libraries, you can reap the benefits of pre-built tools and functionalities that lead to reduced development costs and time.
4. Minimize Scope and Features
Pay more attention to the app’s core functionalities and a Minimum Viable Product to quickly launch your app and accumulate user feedback. So forth, you can refine the features and stay far from unnecessary expenses on functionalities that don't meet the users’ requirements.
5. Optimize Communication and Project Management
Clear and open communication, a well-defined project scope, and useful project management tools diminish delays and rework. This makes the development process flawless and assists in controlling the costs.
So, by following the above-mentioned ways, you can reduce your app development cost and lead to the launch of a useful mobile app.
Also Read: 115 Innovative Mobile App Ideas for New Business to Launch
Role Of Mobile App Cost Calculator To Estimate Your Mobile App Development Spending
You can get an approximate estimate of the possible cost of developing a mobile app by using mobile app cost calculators. They first gather basic details about the app’s complexity, features, and target platform and then start with the evaluation.
Let’s check how mobile app cost calculators are helpful.
1. Initial Budget Planning
You get the initial figure of app development cost that helps you understand the prospects of financial investment. This way you can determine if your app development project aligns with your budget.
2. Feature Prioritization
Using a calculator, you can dive deeper to explore the impact of different functionalities on the cost. This way, you can prioritize the necessary features for your initial launch.
3. Platform Selection Insights
Some calculators consider providing cost suggestions for building a single platform in contrast to developing a cross-platform app.
4. Formula To Calculate Mobile App Cost
Number Of Hours For Building A Mobile App x Hourly rate = Total Cost
So, if you are also planning to use app development cost calculators to surface with varied helpful directions for your project, you should do this.
How Can PixelBrainy Help You With Mobile App Development Cost Estimation?
The professionals at PixelBrainy understand the significance of transparent cost estimation for your app development project. The company has a proven record of designing and developing revolutionary apps for a global clientele.
Here's how we can assist you:
1. Detailed Requirement Analysis
We work closely with the clientele to understand their app’s concept, desired features, target audience, and functionalities. By performing in-depth analysis, we showcase more precise cost assessments than generic calculators.
2. Transparent Cost Breakdown
Our team of adroit developers offers a detailed breakdown of mobile app development costs, considering varied factors, such as team expertise, and development hours, possible ongoing maintenance costs, and technology preferences.
3. Expert Guidance on Features & Scope
Our professional developers holding years of experience provide expert advice on prioritizing app features for MVP adhering to market needs and budget limitations. This leads to a quick app launch and optimized app development costs.
4. Hourly or Fixed-Cost Engagement Models
PixelBrainy offers flexible engagement models that suit your project requirements. You can pick a fixed-cost project for an expected budget or an hourly rate for deep control over app development expenses.
5. Custom Project Estimation
We hold the caliber to customize your cost estimate according to your unique app needs where a generic calculator lacks. This ensures the development of a more accurate image of your development expenses.
From concept development and design to development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance, we support our clients throughout their mobile app development journey.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact PixelBrainy now for a free consultation. We will help you make sound decisions for your app development project.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to build an app? Well, after reading this post, it’s clearly understood that there’s no accurate figure to show, regardless of an estimation. Considering every parameter affecting app development, you can get close to the exact figures for converting your innovative app idea into a real product.
Still, if you are seeking to know the exact cost of creating a mobile app, connect with a reliable mobile app development company, like PixelBrainy that guides the right pathway to the best mobile app development services. Here, the experts are specialized in developing and launching scalable mobile apps including futuristic features and functionalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average the cost to build an app ranges between $20,000 To $300,000. The cost may fluctuate depending on varied factors. To know the exact cost of building an app, you can connect with a mobile app development company to get an accurate estimate.
On average, mobile app development takes 6 to 9 months, depending on distinctive parameters, like app complexity, features to include, etc.
It ranges from $20,000 to $65,000 and can go up to $2,00,000 and beyond.
The number of hours multiplied by the hourly rate will be given with the cost of app development.
PixelBrainy provides detailed cost analysis, flexible engagement models, expert advice, and an estimate customized to your app.
About The Author
Sagar Bhatnagar
Sagar Sahay Bhatnagar brings over a decade of IT industry experience to his role as Marketing Head at PixelBrainy. He's known for his knack in devising creative marketing strategies that boost brand visibility and market influence. Sagar's strategic thinking, coupled with his innovative vision and focus on results, sets him apart. His track record of successful campaigns proves his ability to utilize digital platforms effectively for impactful marketing efforts. With a genuine passion for both technology and marketing, Sagar continuously pushes PixelBrainy's marketing initiatives to greater success.
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