How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in 2024 (Full Breakdown)

Quick Summary: What is the actual cost of developing an app? You get overwhelmed with answers. Some say $5,000, others $10,000 or $15,000, or it can be $250,000. But no one says the exact cost of building a mobile app. In fact, no one can tell you the correct number, but we have found a way to understand it so you can calculate the app development cost easily. In this guide, we will explore every factor and price breakdown for app development so you can calculate and get the exact cost estimation for your app. Let’s explore;

As the demand for apps continues to rise, businesses are increasingly curious about the costs involved in app development. If you’re considering bringing your app idea to life, the first question that likely comes to mind is, “How much does it cost to build a mobile app?” Whether it’s an app like Netflix or Uber, the answer has remained consistent over the years: “It depends.” This complexity is what we aim to demystify in this article.

Yes, the cost of mobile app development depends on various factors, such as;

• What you want to build
• How you want to build
• Who do you want to develop it
• Where do you want to get it built

By the end of this article, you’ll not only be equipped to calculate the perfect app development cost estimation for your project requirement, but you’ll also have the knowledge to reduce these costs potentially. Understanding the factors influencing app development costs is the first step toward cost optimization.

But before we begin detailing the factors, let us reveal the average cost of app development.

• If you have a simple app idea with fewer screens, the cost of standard app development would be anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.
• If you want to build an app, like social media platforms, or games, you will have to spend around $10,000 and $30,000. These are just a few examples of the types of apps and their associated costs. The actual cost of your app will depend on its specific features, design, and development requirements.
• If you have moderately complex apps to develop, your budget must be anywhere between $30,000 to $300,000. Moderately complex apps typically have more advanced features and functionalities than simple apps, but they are not as complex as enterprise-grade applications. Examples of moderately complex apps include e-commerce platforms, fitness trackers, and productivity tools.
• Whereas an enterprise-grade application can cost you $300,000- $500,000 or more than that, depending on your project scope and the mobile app development company you choose.

Note: The average cost for mobile app development is $10,000 to $49,000. However, it’s important to note that this is just an average pricing range, and the actual cost can vary significantly depending on various factors. It’s best to consider a range of costs when budgeting for app development.

There are many factors that widely influence app development costs, such as the complexity of the app, the number of features, the design requirements, and the development platform. We shall discuss every factor and give a detailed price breakdown for mobile app development cost factors. Basically, we have included the following points to explore in this article.

App Development Costs Based on Platforms

Costs for app development differ slightly based on the platform you choose, iOS, Android, or cross-platform. We have found data to suggest how much it costs to build a mobile app based on platforms.

Let’s have a look.

iOS Platform

Mobile app development for the iOS platform starts from $25 to $200 per hour, based on your chosen region. For example, if you are developing an iOS application in the USA, you may have to pay $150/hr, while the median cost in India is $30 an hour. These hourly rates reflect the varying costs of living and labor in different regions, which in turn influence the overall cost of app development. The average costs for iOS app development can range between $25,000 and $250,000.

Android Platform

For Android app development, you have to spend around $49 to $199 per hour depending on the region you choose. The median costs for Android app development can be higher or lower depending on the region you choose to outsource your project. For example, North America charges $168/hr while Indian app development companies charge $26/hr. You may have to spend around $20,000 to $250,000 for Android app development.

Cross-Platform

App development cost on the cross-platform can be cost-effective as you may have to spend around $125/hr if you develop the app by hiring a mobile app development company in USA. The cost of developing cross-platform apps, which refers to the ability of an app to run on multiple platforms, may range between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on the locations and hourly app development charges. Cross-platform app development can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to reach a wide audience without incurring the additional costs of developing separate apps for each platform.

Windows Platform

App development costs for the Windows platform are considerably higher than other platforms. While USA charges the highest hourly rate at $150/hr, India has the lowest hourly rate at $25. The average cost for Windows app development will range between $20,000 to $200,000.

What Factors Influencing Mobile App Development Cost?

Along with platform type, technology selection, development company location, team size and experience, and development timeline, there can be various factors affecting the app development costs. As you know the cost of developing apps in each development platform, type, and technology, let us help you explore other important factors that impact mobile app development costs. Knowing these will help you estimate the cost.

Customization of Visual Design

Visual design consists of complex elements, including animations, UI, and graphic design. They are complex and require more resources, time, and work hours. If you need additional interaction requirements, such as third-party databases, services, and APIs, it will increase app development duration hours, and charges, and add layers to the workload. All these things will ultimately increase app development costs.

App Updates and Maintenance

When your app is developed, it needs regular maintenance, bug fixes, and upgrades. As time passes, you may need to consider app redesign and updates. Mobile app maintenance costs will increase the overall app development estimation as you need to hire expert developers or an app development company for your app’s regular update and maintenance services.

Company Size & Development Team

Development costs will differ based on the company’s size and development team. If you have a large project, you need a big team and expertise. A large project requires have dedicated team of app designers, business analysts, app developers, team leaders, project managers, and even a CTO. Hiring these professionals for projects can be costly and will add to overall development costs.

Mobile App Building Platforms

The choice of platform will have a visible impact on app development costs. For example, if you want separate apps for both Android & iOS platforms, it will be costly compared to having a single cross-platform app. If you choose a cross-platform, you can reduce the app development costs as you can get apps for both platforms at a lower cost than developing two separate apps.

Tech Stacks

The choice of app development tech stacks will significantly impact app development costs. While selecting the right technology will reduce development time, and so will the costs. However, if you want to integrate AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, and other latest technologies, the overall app development costs will increase further. Even the wrong choice of tech stacks can increase costs for app development.

App Complexities

The app complexities impact development costs significantly. For example, a more complex app will take a longer time to build and need more resources. Such apps require a large team, in-depth market research, and a number of features and functionalities. These factors increase the budget of the app development.

Number of Features

The number of features and functionalities to be added to the mobile app will directly affect the cost. More the features, the more the development cost. Other than the number, custom feature development and readymade feature addition will also make a difference in cost.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates will have a significant impact on app development costs. It differ as per companies and locations. That means the selection of an app development company to partner with the location of the company will increase or decrease development costs. For example, if you hire app developers from Europe, the charges should be between $49 to $199, $592 to $199 if you have developers from the USA, and $12 to $49 if you have developers from India.

Demographic Location of an App Development Company

Where do you want to develop your app? Choosing a mobile app development company from a particular region will significantly impact the overall app development costs. In India, you can get a mobile app developed for $5000 to $50,000; for the app, you will have to pay $49,000 to $250,000+ when you choose your partner in the USA, UK, Canada, or other European countries.

The demographic location of the mobile app development company will affect the cost of developing an app. Moreover, the location of the IT outsourcing company and remote app developers also matters in your app’s overall budget.

This is because every country or region has its own engagement models. Their currency expenses differ, and so do their hourly rates.

Hiring Models for Mobile App Development Companies

App development costs differ based on the engagement model you choose. Mobile app development companies offer flexible range of pricing models, so you must select the model according to your financial settlement for your project. Here, we have explored the top hiring models. Let’s explore.

• Time and material: Time and material is an elaborate pricing structure that is set on the basis of time and material required for an app development project. It is the best bet for ongoing and complex projects as it gives clients the flexibility of calculating pricing on hourly rates, too.
• Fixed cost: A fixed charge is a payment structure determined by the fee charged for a particular period. It works best for small app development projects with a well-defined and clear scope of work.
• Hourly rate: This hiring model for mobile app development services includes a cost based on dedicated app developers’ time to complete the project requirements. It can vary depending on the region and the requirements of the mobile application.

Hidden Factors Affecting Mobile App Development Cost

While you are all focused on the visible app development costs, there are many hidden cost factors that impact overall development costs as well. We have discovered all those factors you can consider and discuss in detail. Let’s explore the most important ones.

Testing & Debugging

App testing is crucial, especially if you are developing it for your team and customers. You need to ensure the app runs and functions according to the project scope and efficiently solves customers’ problems. Your app development partner designs, develops, tests, and delivers the app to you, but you also need to test it on a variety of devices thoroughly. This will not just consume a lot of time but also cost.

Infrastructure Costs

As your app is developed, you will have to spend money on other resources, such as data storage, hosting, and data delivery. They add a cost burden.

Maintenance and IT Support Costs

Even though your app development company will provide free support and maintenance services for up to 6 months, some companies charge for technical support. It can increase the overall development cost of your project. In some cases, development agencies provide support services for a specific period of time, but you need continuous maintenance and IT support. That means you need a dedicated support team to maintain your IT Services.

App Publishing or App Store Fees

The overall mobile app development cost will include App Store fees and publishing costs. Your app development agency will build your app while meeting the App Store requirements. However, you will have to pay the charges for the app submission to the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. While the former charges $25 per year, Apple App Store will charge $99 per year.

App Security

App security is crucial to keeping your consumer data and your company’s information safe and secure from online robbers. Unless you have intact security in place, your customers or consumers are not going to trust you. You will have to source security for their information. From high-quality security features to standard development processes, including third-party integration, will play their role. In some cases, it will affect the overall development cost.

Mid-project changes

App development costs increase when you have a change in project scope during or in between development. Mid-project changes increase development hours and so the development costs.

Marketing Costs

Once you have an app developed, you need a marketing team to help you market your app. It’s costly as you need to hire marketing experts.

Mobile App Development Pricing by Location

The cost to develop a Mobile app greatly differs based on location. The same app can cost you $10,000 and $100,000 just based on the location (development region) you choose. We have calculated the average cost for some popular places for your app development. Let’s explore.

USA

The United States is the most popular and expensive region in which to develop your app. The average hourly rate charged by app development companies in the USA ranges between $50 to $150. The average cost of building an app in the USA may vary between $5,000 to $400,000.

Australia

Australia is the second most expensive reason to build a mobile app. The average hourly rate of Australian app developers may range between $75 to $300+. Similarly, the average cost of building an app in Australia may vary between $75,00 and $500,00+.

Europe

Western Europe is the most expensive reason to build your app, followed by the USA and Australia. The average hourly rate ranges between $40 to $200+. The median app development costs in Western Europe may range between $40,000 to $300,000+.

India

If you don’t know where to hire a reliable app development company, India is the best region to develop your app from all perspectives. You can get your app developed starting from $5,000 if you hire a mobile app development company in India, which is equal to $1,20,000 when it is developed in the USA. The average hourly cost ranges between $15 to $49+.

South America

South America, compared to North America, is affordable for hiring app developers to build your mobile application. The average hourly rate ranges between $30 to $150+.

Location	Project Complexity	Hourly Rate	Average App Cost
USA	Simple App	$50 – $150	$50,000 – $150,000
USA	Medium Complexity App	$150 – $250	$150,000 – $400,000
USA	Highly Complex App	$250+	$400,000+
Australia	Simple App	$75 – $200	$75,000 – $200,000
Australia	Medium Complexity App	$200 – $300	$200,000 – $500,000
Australia	Highly Complex App	$300+	$500,000+
Europe (Western)	Simple App	$40 – $120	$40,000 – $120,000
Europe (Western)	Medium Complexity App	$120 – $200	$120,000 – $300,000
Europe (Western)	Highly Complex App	$200+	$300,000+
India	Simple App	$20 – $75	$20,000 – $75,000
India	Medium Complexity App	$75 – $120	$75,000 – $200,000
India	Highly Complex App	$120 – $180	$200,000 – $300,000
South America	Simple App	$30 – $100	$30,000 – $100,000
South America	Medium Complexity App	$100 – $150	$100,000 – $250,000
South America	Highly Complex App	$150+	$250,000+

The average hourly rate and the overall app development cost we have mentioned here may differ depending on various factors. For example, app features, development team size and experience, project duration, hourly rates, and the development region.

The Most Popular Global Apps and Their Development Cost

Have you ever wondered how much it cost to build an app like Netflix? Or have you ever tried to explore the overall cost of developing an app like WhatsApp or TikTok? Wait… We have explored the cost estimation for some of the popular apps in the tech arena. Check their prices

Uber

Uber is the most popular ride-sharing app, helping drivers and riders connect and make their journey smooth. If you build an app like Uber, you may have to spend around $50,000 to $350,000.

Snapchat

Snapchat is the most popular social media app, connecting people and helping them share their thoughts, ideas, images, videos, transfer files, etc. The average cost to build an app like Snapchat would range around—$70,000 to $350,000.

WhatsApp

When it comes to online chatting, WhatsApp is the name of the game. Users can seamlessly chat, call, and save files, photos, voice notes, and videos. If you have an app like WhatsApp to build, you may have to spend around $50,000 to $200,000.

TikTok

TikTok is a well-known video-sharing app that allows users to create videos and share them with viewers. It has many features that help creators enhance their creativity and make money. If you want to build a similar app to TikTok, It may cost you approximately $50,000 to $400,000.

Coursera

Coursera is the most popular e-learning app that allows teachers and students to connect and share knowledge. You might have to spend around $25,000 to $1,20,000 to build such an app.

Netflix

When it comes to building an app like entertainment and media streaming, Netflix is a famous name in the sector. It’s one of the most profitable app ideas. Developing a Netflix-like app would range from around USD 50,000 to USD 500,000.

Popular App	Estimated Cost Range
Uber	$50,000 – $350,000+
Snapchat	$70,000 – $350,000+
WhatsApp	$50,000 – $200,000+
TikTok	$50,000 – $400,000+
Coursera	$25,000 – $120,000+
Netflix	$50,000 – $500,000+

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Based on Development Stages?

Apart from the essential aspects, the subsidiary factors that account for adding mobile app development expenses are in the app development procedure. Here is the detailed cost breakdown of the mobile app development process:

Discovery Phase

At the very beginning of mobile app development, the discovery phase always includes in-depth research regarding the application market. The discovery stage includes all the research work, such as analyzing the market, studying the target audience, and gathering industry insights.

You need to decide on the app project requirements and the number of funds allocated for its development. Along with that are the desired development timeline, pricing models, the app-building platforms to run it, and much more. Within two to four weeks, the average cost of the discovery phase for app development processes ranges from $10,000 to $15,000.

Mobile App Design Phase

The mobile app competition is fierce, with over a million apps in the market. The first and foremost aspect people notice about an app is its appearance. Even before the user downloads the application to test and see how it functions, they certainly see its design.

Additionally, UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) are essential to make a unique application. Moreover, minimalism is currently the critical trend attracting users when it comes to the app design process. Designing for simplicity makes the app look modern and appealing.

Creating a subtle yet unique UI/UX design is tough, and it will come with certain additional costs. Its components, such as graphic images, icons, push notifications, and other design customizations, must be added to your mobile app. The app design costs around $5,000 for 20 basic app screens.

Mobile App Development Phase

The development phase is the most crucial step in the application development process. The mobile app development cost estimation varies based on its purpose and the value proportion with the core business function, including the steps to create a mobile app. The app development phase includes demonstrating a supportable, producible, interoperable, and affordable system in an intended environment.

This phase involves two significant efforts: system integration and system demonstration. It includes a lot of documentation built upon the necessary details to design the proposed system. The app development project enters a phase when an affordable increment of functional capability has been identified and demonstrated in the relevant environment, and it can be developed within a short timeframe.

Mobile App Testing and Deployment Phase

Testing and deployment are just other stages every application must go through. Testing the app and its features ensures a hassle-free service. As the app’s complexity increases, the time taken to test and debunk it extends further. Thus, the price of mobile app development increases as well.

For instance, a payment application lends various security features, and a navigation interface, and a food delivery app comes with multiple service integrations such as real-time status, payment gateway, communication, and location. Therefore, the price entailed in the app development process increases as the feature advances in an application.

If we calculate the mobile app development phase cost, it takes up around 30% of the overall cost of building a mobile app spent on the client side and around 10% on the admin panel.

Mobile App Maintenance and Support

It is no secret that mobile applications require maintenance and application updates from time to time. The app developers also need adequate technical assistance to function smoothly. Enterprises need to revamp the app functionalities and integrations as the app platform transforms into advanced technologies.

Periodic app maintenance and support is a lifelong process essential in persistently refining mobile apps. It also improves the user experience as the applications must maintain their APIs regularly. Along with support and maintenance, the cost of app security never goes in vain.

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, you will need a credible cost estimation for your app development. You can use the app development cost calculator to get the estimation. However, they will not reflect the final price for your app development. The best way to get the app development cost is to hire the right app development company in your preferred region and connect with the team regarding your project scope. You will get the correct estimation. We, at TopDevelopers.co, help you find the best mobile app development companies in your selected region. You can also connect with us if you need hiring assistance and a guide for mobile app development.