How much does it cost to build an app

The cost to create an app can vary from $10,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on several factors, such as the app’s complexity, the platforms it will run on, the features and functionalities required, in addition to the developers’ location. Here’s an in-depth evaluation:

1. Cost of Mobile App Development Based on Complexity

The cost of developing an app is a dynamic interplay of complexity and design.

1.1. Complexity level of app development

The app's complexity significantly shapes its cost and development timeline. Simple apps, offering essential features, wrap up in 2 to 4 months. Mid-level apps, with integrations and real-time messaging, typically take 6 to 10 months. Meanwhile, complex apps, packed with multi-functions like real-time synchronization and chatbots, can stretch the development process to 8 months or more, leading to higher expenses.

1.2. Complexity of app design

Design is an integral part of the app development process, impacting costs. User Experience (UX) design strives to create an intuitive interface, influencing development expenses. A more engaging and intricate design drives up costs.

User Interface (UI) design shapes the app's visual elements, affecting its appearance and MVP design costs. Diverse app types demand specific design solutions.

Branding, vital for marketability, affects development costs. Initially, controlling branding expenses is prudent, with the option to scale up as the app gains traction.

UX writing, involving compelling copywriting, is crucial for user engagement. The cost of hiring a copywriter should be included in the overall app development budget.

2. Cost of App Development by Type

The type of app you develop affects the final budget.

For example, native apps involve creating an app for a particular platform like Android or iOS. The cost of which can range from $5000 to $500,000. 

Hybrid development creates an app that can run on multiple platforms with minimal changes. As the single-code base reduces the development time and cost, the cost can range from $5000 to $90,000. 

If you’re looking for a PWA development, it may cost you from $5000 to $15000 depending on your requirements. 

Further, the app categories can add additional complexity and costs such as:

3. Cost of App Development by Region

Different regions have different rates for app developers, depending on the level of expertise, demand, and competition. In general, North America and Western Europe are more expensive than Asia and Eastern Europe. Here are the average hourly rates for app developers in different regions:

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• US and Canada: $50 to $200 per hour

• Australia: $50 to $150 per hour

• Western Europe and the UK: $50 to $160 per hour

• Eastern Europe: $35 to $150 per hour

• India: $10 to $80 per hour

However, it is crucial to understand that the hourly rate will differ depending on the complexity, and the specialists’ skills, seniority, and qualifications.

4. App Development Cost Breakdown Based on Hiring Developers

Different hiring options - outsourcing, hiring in-house developers, or working with freelancers, and experience levels, can affect app development costs. 

For instance, experienced and skilled developers are more expensive but ensure higher quality. Less experienced developers are cheaper but may produce less polished apps. 

Here’s how hiring options can affect the development cost of your app: 

• Hiring In-house developers is expensive. The average salary for an app developer in the US is $116,159 per year.

• Freelancers are a cost-effective option for smaller projects or specific expertise. The average hourly rate for a freelance app developer is $25 to $60.

 

5. App Development Cost Based on Feature Set

Hard truth: the more features you want in your mobile app, the higher the cost of developing it will be.

Some examples of feature-specific app development costs include:

• Basic push notifications add $1,500 to $2,500, while custom ones might reach $4,000 - $5,000. 

• User profiles cost around $2,400, social login integration about $500 per network, and localization around $500. 

• Developing chat can range from $2,400 (SDK) to $12,000 (custom). 

• Integrating ads cost $1,600 - $2,000, analytics around $2,000, and feedback platforms vary. 

• Tablet UI optimization can increase expenses by up to 1.5x. Supporting both portrait and landscape modes raises the budget by 30%. 

• Developing outdated OSes or devices can double the app cost. Implementing offline mode with cross-device sync costs $8,000 to $12,000.

6. App Maintenance Costs

The cost of building an app is not a one-time investment. Continuous maintenance, updates, and enhancements will also require extra time and resources. 

The general rule of thumb is that app maintenance can cost around 15 to 20 percent of the total development cost. This means, if your app cost is $100,000, your app maintenance would be around $15000 to $20000.

Here’s the estimated app cost based on maintenance choices: