Budgeting for Success: How Much Does It Really Cost to Develop an App? 

How much does it cost to create an app? How to calculate app development costs?

This is often the first question that pops up when thinking about bringing an idea to reality. Why apps? Because they are the most convenient way of reaching more people in lesser time. According to a 2023 Statistia report, the number of app downloads in 2022 crossed 255 billion. However, there’s a catch – the app needs to be good! Other than that, in-app spending is forecasted to reach $288 billion by 2030, marking a 267% increase compared to the previous decade. 

And well, contrary to popular belief, the costs of building an app, that is both feature-rich and user-friendly, need not be sky-high. To make sure you do not make the hasty decision of overpaying for an app, it is important that you understand app development costs and the factors that drive these costs. 

In this blog, we address app development costs while providing a comprehensive overview of the factors affecting app development costs. We also discuss various strategies for optimizing your budget. 

Factors Affecting App Development Cost 

Average cost of app development varies depending upon several factors. Let us discuss each of these factors in detail. 

Complexity and Scope of the App  

The complexity and scope of an app directly affect its development cost. An app that is feature-rich would require more time, expertise, and resources, ultimately resulting in higher app building cost. 

Mobile App Development Timeframe 

App Complexity	Basic (1-3 months)	Medium (3-6 months)	Complex (6-12+ months)
Features	Simple UI/UX	Advanced UI/UX	Highly customized UI/UX
Integration	Minimal	Moderate	Extensive
Backend Development	None	Basic	Complex
Real-time Capabilities	None	Limited	Extensive
Platforms	Single	Single or Multiple	Multiple

1. Features and Functionality  

An app may require more or less features depending upon the purpose it is intended to serve. Basic elements, such as, UI optimization for various devices, modes of operation, support for multiple devices and iOS models, push notifications, social logins, chat, multilanguage support, and the like, alone can take app development cost towards a higher end.  

More extensive features, including transactions, intelligent product feedback, animations, and more, may even burn a hole in your pocket if you are not careful when selecting a reliable app development company.  

Implementing advanced security features and adhering to industry standards are more factors that add to the development cost. 

To put things into perspective, you may categorize apps into three categories – simple apps, mid-level apps, and complex apps – with complex apps costing the most. 

2. Integrations with Third-Party Services  

You might need to integrate third-party services, such as location trackers and payment engines. So, when you step out to analyze how much does it cost to make an app, emphasize integrating only the necessary services. A good way to go about this is focusing on the core features of the app in the MVP and incorporating more features with further updates. 

3. Custom vs. Template-Based Design  

Choosing how to develop an app can significantly impact the overall development cost. When it comes to custom app design, the approach requires more time and effort from designers, as they need to develop the app's visual elements, layout, and navigation from scratch. This results in higher app development costs. Template-based design, on the other hand, utilizes pre-built design templates or themes that can be customized to match your brand and desired functionality. This approach is usually more cost-effective than custom design, as it requires less time and effort from designers. 

Platform Choice  

How much does it cost to build an app depends significantly on the choice of development platform too. Let us look at how costs may vary for iOS, Android, and cross-platform development:

1. iOS  

Developing an app for iOS often involves using Apple's development tools and languages, such as Swift or Objective-C. Typically, iOS app development costs can be lower than Android development cost, as there are fewer devices and screen sizes to consider, making testing and optimization easier. However, keep in mind that the iOS application development costs may increase if you need to develop features specific to Apple devices or comply with strict App Store guidelines.  

2. Android  

Android app development generally requires working with Java or Kotlin and Android-specific tools. Android application development cost can be higher than the cost of building iOS apps, as there is a wider range of devices and screen sizes to accommodate, leading to increased testing and optimization efforts. Additionally, Android development may require more customization due to the varying hardware and software specifications of different devices. 

3. Cross-Platform Development 

Cross-platform development involves creating an app that can run on both iOS and Android devices, usually using frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin. This approach can potentially reduce app making costs, as a single codebase can be shared across both platforms. However, cross-platform development may also require additional effort to ensure the app's performance, appearance, and functionality are consistent across different devices and operating systems. Cross-platform mobile app development cost may vary depending upon your expectations from the app. 

App Development Cost by Platform 

Platform	Average Development Cost
iOS	$30,000 - $150,000
Android	$20,000 - $100,000
Cross-Platform	$40,000 - $200,000

Development Approach  

When developing an app, the approach determines the overall mobile application development cost and that is precisely why this could be a tough call to make. In-house teams, freelancers, and development agencies come with their own set of benefits and concerns.   

Cost of Mobile Application Development in US vs in India  

Outsourcing app development has its own perks and challenges, and each perk comes at a cost. Here are some cost estimates on the expenses involved depending upon the type of app to be developed. 

App Type	US-Based Agency	Offshore Team
Offline Standalone App	~$50,000	~$5,000
Moderate Online Connectivity App	~$80,000	~$12,000
Chatbot App	~$90,000	~$19,000
IoT/Wearable App	~$1,350,000	~$28,000
Messaging App	~$300,000	~$35,000
AR/VR App	~$400,000	~$45,000
On-demand App	~$800,000	~$50,000
M-commerce App	~$600,000	~$40,000
Mobile Social Networking App	~$350,000	~$50,000
Enterprise Mobile App	~$500,000	~$60,000

Maintenance and Updates  

Once you are done with the initial development phase, the next aspect that affects the cost of apps is ongoing maintenance. It includes bug fixes, new features and improvements, and ongoing support.  

1. Bug Fixes  

After an app is launched, it's common for bugs and issues to arise that require fixing. Addressing these bugs typically incurs additional app development costs, as developers need to spend time identifying, diagnosing, and resolving these issues. The cost of bug fixes can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the problems encountered, as well as the time and resources required to address them. 

2. New Features and Improvements  

As your app evolves and user needs change, you may want to introduce new features or improvements to enhance the app's functionality and user experience. Developing and implementing these updates can increase app development costs, as they require additional design, development, and testing efforts. The extent of the cost increase depends on the complexity of the new features and the resources required to implement them effectively. 

3. Ongoing Support 

Providing ongoing support for your app, such as answering user queries, addressing technical issues, or offering guidance on app usage, can also impact app making costs. This support may require dedicated personnel, such as customer service representatives or technical support specialists, which can add to the overall expenses of maintaining the app. The cost of ongoing support can vary depending on the level of assistance required and the resources needed to provide it. 

So, the next time you think about how much does it cost to develop an app, don’t forget to factor in all these aspects. 

Maintenance Cost 

Maintenance Task	Annual Cost (% of Development Cost)
Updates & Upgrades	15% - 20%
Bug Fixes	5% - 10%
Performance Monitoring	10% - 15%
App Store Optimization	5% - 10%

Estimating App Development Costs 

Estimating the cost of app development involves considering various factors and components that contribute to the overall expenses. The process typically includes: 

1. Identifying project scope and requirements: Clearly defining the app's features, functionality, and target audience helps in determining the resources and efforts required for the development. 

2. Deciding on the platform and technology: Choose between iOS, Android, or cross-platform development, and select the appropriate technology stack based on your app's requirements. 

3. Selecting the development approach: Decide whether to use an in-house team, freelancers or outsource to a development agency, each with its cost implications. 

4. Estimating design, development, and testing efforts: Estimate the time and resources required for designing, coding, and testing the app, taking into account the complexity and scope of the project. 

5. Considering maintenance and updates: Factor in the costs of bug fixes, new features and improvements, and ongoing support. 

Breakdown of Common Cost Components  

Other common cost components include: 

• Design and Development: This includes costs for UI/UX design, coding, and platform-specific adjustments. 

• Project Management: These comprise costs associated with coordinating, planning, and overseeing the development process. 
• Testing and Quality Assurance: These phases include the costs for testing the app's functionality, performance, and compatibility across devices. 
• Deployment and Launch: All the expenses related to submitting the app-to-app stores and launching marketing campaigns are covered during this phase. 
• Maintenance and Support: Ongoing costs for bug fixes, new feature development, and user support. 

By carefully considering all relevant factors and cost components, you should be able to find a more accurate and realistic answer to ‘how much does it cost to build a mobile app’. 

Strategies to Optimize Your App Development Budget  

Here are a few strategies you can adopt to make sure your app development budget suits your expectations. 

Prioritize features based on value and complexity 

You can get started by creating a list of all the desired features for your app. Then, prioritize these features based on their value to users and the complexity of implementation. Focus on developing the high-value, low-complexity features first, as they provide the most return on investment. By implementing a phased approach, you can optimize your budget and allocate resources more effectively. 

Choose the Right Development Approach 

Carefully consider whether to use an in-house team, or freelancers, or outsource to a development agency. Each approach has its pros and cons in terms of cost, quality, and control. Weigh the options based on your specific project requirements, available resources, and long-term maintenance plans to optimize your budget. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSiaIBiBEAM

Leverage existing tools and frameworks 

Instead of building everything from scratch, take advantage of existing tools, libraries, and frameworks that can speed up the development process and reduce costs. Open-source resources and third-party services can help you save time and money, but ensure they meet your quality and security standards. 

Plan for scalability and maintenance 

Design your app with scalability and future maintenance in mind from the beginning. A modular and flexible architecture allows for easier updates, feature additions, and scaling, reducing long-term costs. By investing in a robust and maintainable architecture upfront, you can avoid costly rework and optimization efforts down the line. 

Test Early and Often 

Implement a robust testing and quality assurance process throughout the development cycle. Early detection and resolution of bugs and issues can save time and resources, reducing overall development costs. By adopting a proactive testing approach, you can ensure a higher quality final product and minimize the expenses associated with post-launch bug fixes and updates. 

Choosing the Best App Development Company – The Ultimate Checklist 

Selecting the right app development company can be a daunting task, but it's essential for the success of your app project. To help you make an informed decision, we've created an ultimate checklist that covers the critical aspects you should consider when choosing an app development partner as it will also impact custom mobile app development pricing: 

1. Portfolio and Experience 

• Check their previous work and the variety of projects they have completed. 
• Look for experience in developing apps similar to yours or within your industry. 
• Check the quality of their apps and read user reviews in app stores. 

2. Technical Expertise 

• Ensure they have a strong technical team with the necessary skills to develop your app. 
• Check if they have experience in your preferred development platform (iOS, Android, or cross-platform). 
• Ask about their technology stack and how they stay up-to-date with industry trends. 

3. Communication and Collaboration 

• Make sure the company has strong communication skills and is willing to collaborate closely with you throughout the project. 
• Assess their responsiveness and availability for meetings, updates, and discussions. 
• Inquire about their project management tools and reporting methods. 

4. Development Process and Methodologies 

• Understand the company's development process, including its approach to Agile or other methodologies. 

• Ask about their quality assurance practices and how they handle testing and bug fixing. 
• Discuss their approach to project documentation and source code management. 

5. Timeline and Budget 

• Get an estimate of the project timeline and ensure the company can meet your deadlines. 
• Discuss the project budget and payment terms. 

• Understand any potential hidden costs or extra charges that may arise during development. 

6. Security and Compliance 

• Ensure the company follows industry-standard security practices and data protection protocols. 
• Check if they have experience working with apps that require compliance with specific regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). 

7. Post-Development Support and Maintenance 

• Ask about their support and maintenance plans after the app's launch. 
• Discuss the availability of regular updates, bug fixes, and performance optimization. 
• Inquire about any additional costs for ongoing support and maintenance. 

8. Client Testimonials and References 

• Look for client testimonials and case studies on the company's website or other platforms. 

• Ask for client references to get insights into the company's performance and work culture. 

9. Company Culture and Values 

• Assess the company's culture and values to ensure they align with your own. 
• Ensure the company is open to feedback and committed to delivering a high-quality product. 

10. Legal Aspects and Contracts 

• Review the company's contracts, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), intellectual property (IP) ownership, and service level agreements (SLAs). 
• Ensure the contracts are clear and protect your interests. 

By considering these factors and using this ultimate checklist as a guide, you can confidently choose the best app development company for your project and pave the way for a successful app launch. 

Our Case Studies: Successful App Development Projects on a Budget  

The question ‘how much does it cost to make an app’ will stop bothering you when you choose an experienced and reputable company like Seasia Infotech for your next app development project.  

Over the years, we have worked with several companies to help bring their visions to life in the form of feature-rich and user-friendly apps. These include: 

TrackNinja Motorsport App 

TrackNinja is a state-of-the-art motorsport app for racing enthusiasts. It helps users measure their driving skills with precision and accuracy, and track metrics and lap times for suggesting performance improvements.

The app has useful and engaging features, such as :

• Lap timing and tracking 
• Telemetry analysis 
• Leaderboards and challenges 
• Racetrack database 
• Multi-platform support 
• Performance insights 

The app was developed within a very reasonable budget. 

Artha – Salon Booking App 

Our experienced developers created a comprehensive salon booking app for Artha. The app provides cross-device booking convenience for clients anytime, anywhere, empowering staff, and connecting them with clients. 

Some key features are: 

• Seamless bookings and rebooking
• Auto check-in and self-check-out 
• Direct messaging with the therapists 

Here’s what the client had to say about working with us on a minimal app development cost. 

“We intended to have a mobile app strategy before we started working with Seasia. Seasia was with us from the very beginning, developing our mobile application development strategy from the ground zero.” 

Harley Davidson – Bike Riding App 

Harley-Davidson, one of the most iconic American brands, wanted a close-knit network of owner groups, and they chose the skilled app developers at Seasia to execute this vision for them. 

The dedicated app allows HOGs to create rides, share itineraries, connect with more riders, and do more. More key features include: 

• Ride Planning 
• Record your ride with the GPS navigator 
• Upcoming events and trip stories
• Rider ratings 
• Chat 

E-locations – Real Estate App 

We created a real estate app for E-locations to help them solve the number one question in marketing – location!  

Some of the key features of the app are: 

• Easy to use global search 
• Important data at a glance 
• Quick live mapping 
• Data management 

Through this app, one can access over 3000 cities in 130 countries seamlessly.

Based on your requirements and expectations, your partner mobile app development company will decide how much to charge for a mobile app.  

Conclusion 

Now that you’ve made it to the end of the blog, we hope you have some clarity on how much does it cost to develop an mobile app. 

As mentioned above, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when determining the app development cost for your next project. From narrowing down on one development approach to choosing the most appropriate relevant platform, you will need plenty of research to ensure you make the best decision. 

Choosing an experienced and trusted mobile app development company, however, will take a huge burden off your shoulders. When you pick Seasia as your app development partner, we’ll offer you the best results at the most reasonable app development cost! 

FAQs 

How much does it cost to create a mobile app? 

The mobile app cost varies depending on its complexity, features, and platform. Basic apps may cost between $10,000 to $50,000, while more complex apps can range from $50,000 to $200,000. 

How long does it take to create a mobile app?

The development time for a mobile app depends on its complexity, design, and the team's expertise. Highly complex apps can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even more than a year.

Can you make changes to a mobile app after its launch? 

Yes, you can make changes to a mobile app after its launch. Regular updates and maintenance are essential to address user feedback, fix bugs, and add new features. 

How much does it cost to publish an app on the app stores? 

The cost to publish an app on the app stores varies. Apple's App Store has an annual developer fee of $99, while Google Play Store charges a one-time fee of $25. These fees do not include additional app development, marketing, or maintenance costs. 

How do you make money creating an app? 

You can make money creating an app through various methods, including in-app purchases, subscription models, in-app advertising, and paid downloads. The monetization strategy depends on the app's purpose and target audience. 

What kind of apps are most popular? 

The popular app categories include social media, communication, gaming, productivity, health and fitness, and e-commerce. Popularity varies based on market trends and user preferences. 

How do I start an app business? 

You may follow a series of steps to start an app business. These are: 

• Identify a niche or problem that your app can address.  

• Conduct market research and validate your app idea. 

• Develop a solid business plan and monetization strategy.  

• Assemble a skilled development team or find a reliable development partner. 

• Design, develop, test, and launch your app.  

• Market your app and gather user feedback to make improvements. 

How do you make money creating an app? 

You can make money creating an app through various methods, including in-app purchases, subscription models, in-app advertising, and paid downloads. The monetization strategy depends on the app's purpose and target audience. 

What kind of apps is most popular? 

The popular app categories include social media, communication, gaming, productivity, health and fitness, and e-commerce. Popularity varies based on market trends and user preferences. 

Do you need an app? 

You may need an app if it can provide a better user experience, improve customer engagement, or offer a unique service that sets your business apart. Consider the potential return on investment, the target audience, and your business objectives before deciding to develop an app.