How Much Does It Cost to Make an App: Tips, Recommendations, and Calculation

If you're thinking about creating an app, you're probably asking the big question: how much does it cost to develop an app? The answer isn’t as simple as throwing out a single number, since app development cost can vary widely depending on factors like complexity, design, and platform choice. However, with the right information, you can estimate the app development average cost budget and avoid surprises along the way. In this post, we’ll break down the cost of making an app, explore different factors that influence pricing, and give you tips on how to keep your project on track.

How Much Does It Cost to Create an App Worldwide?

The cost of making an app is influenced largely by where your development team is located. Developers' hourly rates can vary a lot depending on the region, which means you could be looking at very different price tags depending on who you hire.

Regional App Creation Cost Breakdown:

• North America: Developers here charge between $100 and $150 per hour. While this can increase your average cost of a mobile app budget, you often get top-notch quality and shorter development times.
• Western Europe: Rates range from $70 to $120 per hour, offering a balance between build app cost and quality.
• Eastern Europe: Known for skilled developers at affordable rates, the average cost of developing an app ranges from $40 to $70 per hour, making it a popular outsourcing destination.
• India/Asia: With rates between $20 and $50 per hour, these regions offer the most economical simple app development cost options, but quality can vary.
• South America: Emerging as a strong contender for outsourcing, cost for creating an app here ranges from $30 to $80 per hour, offering competitive rates with a good level of quality.

These regional differences mean that a simple app development cost can be as little as $5,000 in Asia or as much as $300,000 in North America. So to answer the question—how much does it cost to make a phone app—the price you pay also depends on the complexity and scope of your project.

What Affects Mobile Application Costs?

Ever wondered why the costs of building an app can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands? It all comes down to the details! Whether you're dreaming of creating the next big fitness app or just curious about how much it can cost to create an app, understanding the key factors that influence the costs to create an app can save you from unexpected surprises down the road. Let’s break down why and how much it costs to develop an app together, step by step.

App Complexity: The More Features, The Bigger the Bill

Think of app complexity as the difference between building a simple toy car and a fully loaded sports car. The more bells and whistles you add, the more time, effort, and expertise it takes to create.

For instance, if we are looking at how much does it cost to build an app, a basic app with just a few features (like a simple to-do list or a calculator) will be much cheaper to build compared to something more advanced, like an app that requires real-time data syncing, augmented reality (AR), or sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) features. Each extra feature—whether it's user authentication, geolocation, or in-app purchases—adds to the development time, and naturally, the cost goes up too.

So, when you're brainstorming your app idea, remember: the simpler it is, the less it costs. But if you're looking to wow users with cutting-edge functionality, be prepared for a bigger investment.

Platform: iOS, Android, or Both?

The platform you choose is a big factor in determining cost to build an app. If you’re developing your app for iOS, Android, or both, it will impact how much time and money you’ll need to spend.

Here’s the deal: if you opt for native development (building a separate app for iOS and another for Android), it requires two different codebases, which means more work and higher costs to make an app. On the other hand, you can choose a cross-platform solution like React Native or Flutter, which lets you build an app with a single codebase that works on both platforms. While cross-platform development is generally less expensive and faster, it might not always perform as smoothly as a native app, especially for more complex applications.

Think about your audience and your budget—if your users are split between iOS and Android, cross-platform could be a good middle ground to save some money without sacrificing too much quality.

Design: Why Looks (and Experience) Matter

Design is where the magic happens in app development. It’s not just about how your app looks, but also how it feels to use. Good design can set your app apart, but it’s also one of the pricier aspects of development.

If you want your app to look sleek, modern, and easy to navigate, you’ll likely need custom design work, which costs more but can greatly enhance user engagement. Custom design means every button, transition, and animation is crafted specifically for your app. On the flip side, if you're working with a tight budget, template-based designs are a more affordable option. They get the job done but might not have that unique flair that makes users fall in love with your app.

Ultimately, investing in great design is often worth it—after all, first impressions matter, and a well-designed app can keep users coming back for more despite a higher cost to make a mobile app.

Backend Infrastructure: What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?

Not all apps need a backend, but if yours does, it’s something to consider when calculating the cost of creating an app. The backend is where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens, from storing user data to syncing content across devices.

Apps that require a lot of data processing or real-time updates (think social media apps, cloud-based services, or apps with user accounts) need a more complex backend system. And the more complex the backend, the more expensive the app development average cost becomes.

But if your app doesn’t need to communicate with a server or sync data, you can skip the backend costs altogether, keeping things simpler and more affordable app creation cost.

Third-Party Integrations: Adding Extra Features

We’ve all seen those handy features that let you log in with Facebook or make in-app payments. These features are made possible by integrating third-party services, and while they add a ton of value to your app, they also increase development time and average cost of developing an app.

Whether it’s integrating a payment gateway (like PayPal or Stripe), adding social media logins, or using Google Maps for geolocation, each of these integrations requires extra setup and testing. So, while these features can improve user experience and make your app more functional, they’ll also add to the final typical app development cost bill.

How Much Will Your App Cost? Consider These Factors

So, you're ready to build an app and wondering, "How much does it cost to develop a mobile app?" It's a great question! The cost of making an app can vary widely depending on a few key elements. Let's break them down so you can get a better idea of what to expect from the build app cost.

Functionality: The Heart of Your App

The complexity of your app’s functionality is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost to build an app. Simply put, the more features you add, the more expensive the average cost of a mobile app gets.

• Basic Functionality: Apps that are pretty straightforward, like a simple to-do list or a news feed, might range between $10,000 and $50,000.
• Moderate Complexity: Apps with features like user profiles, social media integration, or geolocation typically cost between $50,000 and $150,000.
• Highly Complex Apps: If you want custom features like real-time syncing, augmented reality (AR), or artificial intelligence (AI), you could be looking at $150,000 or more.

To avoid overspending, prioritize the must-have features for your initial launch, and consider adding advanced features in future updates.

Development Team: Freelancer vs. Agency

Who you hire to build your app also plays a major role in simple app development cost. You can choose between hiring a solo freelancer or going with a full-service agency, and each option has its pros and cons when considering costs of creating an app.

• Freelancers: Typically, freelancers charge less since they don't have the overhead app creation cost of a full team. However, you might need to hire multiple freelancers (e.g., a developer, designer, tester), which can complicate the process. They might charge $50 - $150 per hour, depending on their experience and location.
• Agencies: While more expensive in cost to make a mobile app, agencies come with a dedicated team, including developers, designers, project managers, and quality assurance (QA) testers. Working with an agency often means faster delivery, better project management, and a higher level of polish. Their rates usually range from $150 - $300 per hour, but you’re paying for a smoother process and better long-term support.

Choosing the right team when considering how much does it cost to develop an app depends on your budget, timeline, and how much support you want throughout the project.

Testing and Quality Assurance (QA): The Key to a Smooth User Experience

Nobody likes a buggy app, which is why testing and QA are critical. This step ensures that your app works smoothly across all devices, screen sizes, and scenarios.

Typically, testing can account for up to 20% of your total budget of how much it cost to develop an app. It might seem like an easy area to cut costs, but it’s risky—launching an app filled with bugs can lead to poor reviews, frustrated users, and, ultimately, lost revenue.

QA ensures everything functions as expected, from load times to button clicks, and catches bugs that might crash the app or make it hard to use. Invest wisely here when calculating a cost for creating an app to make sure your users have a seamless experience.

App Maintenance: Don’t Forget the Ongoing Costs

Launching your app is just the beginning. After it’s live, you’ll need to budget your cost of building an app for ongoing maintenance to keep things running smoothly. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, and server maintenance, especially if your app relies on a backend system for storing user data or syncing content.

Plan to allocate about 15-20% of your initial development cost of creating an app annually for maintenance. For example, if your app costs $100,000 to build, you should set aside at least $15,000 to $20,000 per year for maintenance. This will help you ensure the app stays compatible with the latest device updates, squashes any bugs that pop up, and can continue improving with new features.

Marketing and Launch: Getting Your App Seen

Finally, you can’t forget about marketing when thinking about how much does it cost to build an app! No matter how amazing your app is, people won’t download it if they don’t know it exists. A strong marketing strategy can make all the difference when launching your app.

Marketing costs of building an app can take up to 20% of your total budget of how much does it cost to make a phone app. This includes paid ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram), social media campaigns, and influencer marketing. A well-executed campaign can help your app get noticed in a crowded market, driving those all-important downloads and user engagement.

Don’t skimp on marketing when calculating costs of creating an app—without it, even the best app can get lost in the sea of apps out there.

How Much Does It Cost to Make an App on Average?

If you're wondering how much it will costs to create an app, here’s a general breakdown:

• Simple App: $10,000 - $50,000
• Medium Complexity App: $50,000 - $120,000
• High Complexity App: $100,000 - $500,000+

These estimates of cost to create app can fluctuate quite a bit depending on a few key factors, such as the app’s features, the team you choose, and even where the development team is located.

For example, a simple app with just a few core features like a calculator or a to-do list will be at the lower end of the price range. Meanwhile, a complex app that includes advanced capabilities like augmented reality (AR), machine learning, or real-time data syncing could easily exceed $300,000.

If you're aiming to create something more advanced or include a backend system for data storage and processing, the costs to make an app will naturally increase. Additionally, if you hire a team in North America or Europe, expect higher rates compared to teams in regions like Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, where app development average cost can be lower.

These numbers are good starting points, but to get an accurate estimate of how much does it cost to make an app tailored to your project, it’s always best to consult with development teams who can break down costs based on your app’s unique requirements.

App Development Influential Factors

When you're budgeting for app development average cost, several factors can influence the final price tag. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

App Type: Native vs. Cross-Platform

Your first big decision is whether to develop a native app or go for across-platform solution.

• Native apps are built specifically for iOS or Android, offering the best performance and a more seamless user experience. However, developing separate codebases for each platform will raise typical app development cost.
• Cross-platform apps (using frameworks like Flutter or React Native) allow you to create one app for both platforms, saving time and money. The trade-off? You might sacrifice some performance and access to native features.

Integration with Third-Party Services

If your app relies on APIs, cloud storage, or third-party services (like social media logins, payment gateways, or mapping services), you’ll need to budget for extra development time and app creation cost. Each integration adds complexity, requiring additional coding and testing to ensure everything works smoothly.

Security

If your app handles sensitive data—like personal information, financial transactions, or healthcare details—security features are crucial. Implementing robust encryption, two-factor authentication, or compliance with industry standards like GDPR or HIPAA takes extra effort, but it’s a must for protecting user information. The more secure your app needs to be, the higher the app creation cost.

User Experience (UX) Design

A well-thought-out user experience (UX) can make or break your app. Investing in skilled designers who understand how users interact with apps can lead to better engagement and long-term success. However, good design requires time and expertise, which can raise your budget. If your app has a custom interface or complex interactions, expect to invest more in this area when considering how much does it cost to create an app.

Technology Stack

Your choice of technology stack—whether you're going for native development or a cross-platform solution—has a direct impact on both performance and how much does it cost to develop an app.

• Native technologies (like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android) provide superior performance but at a higher cost of building app due to separate development for each platform.
• Cross-platform technologies (like Flutter or React Native) reduce cost of creating an app by sharing code across platforms but may compromise on performance or access to device-specific features.

Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

No app can launch without thorough testing and quality assurance. Comprehensive testing ensures that your app works across different devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. QA can account for up to 20% of your total budget, but it’s worth it to avoid the cost of fixing bugs later, which can hurt your app’s reputation and lead to bad reviews. Testing should cover everything from performance and functionality to security and usability so keep it in mind while calculating your costs of building an app.

App Development Cost Benchmarks

Here are some typical costs of creating an app benchmarks for different app features:

• Basic features: $5,000 - $10,000
• User authentication: $5,000 - $10,000
• In-app purchases: $10,000 - $20,000
• Social media integration: $1,000 - $5,000
• Database: $10,000 - $20,000
• Advanced features (AI, VR, etc.): $20,000 - $50,000+

Development Time Estimates:

• Simple App: 2-3 months
• Medium Complexity App: 4-6 months
• Complex App: 9+ months

App Development Cost Calculators

If you're planning to develop an app and wondering how much does it cost to build an app, several online tools can give you a rough estimate based on your specific requirements. These tools take into account key factors such as the features you want, the complexity of the app, and your design preferences. Here are a few to check out:

Buildfire App Cost Calculator

This tool allows you to input your desired app features to estimate costs of creating an app, such as user accounts, notifications, and e-commerce functionalities. It’s useful for developers or business owners looking for a quick ballpark figure based on what’s currently trending in the app development market.

Estimate My App

Estimate My App asks you detailed questions about the costs to create an app you envision—what features you need, what platforms you're developing for (iOS, Android, or both), and the design choices you prefer. It’s great for customizing your estimate according to your exact needs.

App Development Cost Calculator by GoodFirms

This calculator by GoodFirms helps you understand the cost to create app implications of different design and development choices. You’ll enter details like app complexity, design requirements, and the type of backend infrastructure needed, and receive a detailed estimate of how much does it cost to develop a mobile app.

How These Tools Help with Budgeting

Using online cost calculators to know how much it cost to develop an app is a smart first step in budgeting for your app development. They usually ask simple questions about your app's desired features, such as:

• Platforms (iOS, Android, or both)
• Custom design vs. template-based design
• Required integrations (e.g., social media logins, third-party APIs)
• Security features
• Testing and maintenance needs

After inputting your information, the tools give you an estimate average cost of developing an app based on current industry pricing. This can help you set more realistic expectations for your project and identify areas where you might want to adjust your budget.

App Maintenance Costs

Maintaining your app after launch is crucial to ensuring its long-term functionality, security, and overall success. Just like any other digital product, apps require regular updates and improvements to stay competitive and meet user expectations.

As a general rule, you can expect the annual maintenance average cost of a mobile app to be around 15-20% of your initial development budget. For example, if your app originally cost $100,000 to develop, you should allocate an additional $15,000 to $20,000 per year for ongoing updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.

Cross-Platform Mobile Development Pricing

Choosing cross-platform development is a smart way to save both time and costs to make an app, especially if you’re looking to launch your app on both iOS and Android. Instead of developing two separate native apps with different codebases, cross-platform solutions like React Native or Flutter allow you to build one app that works on both platforms. This can significantly reduce development time and cost to make a mobile app.

For cross-platform apps, the cost typically falls between $30,000 and $150,000, depending on the complexity of your app and the features you want to include. This option is generally more budget-friendly than building separate native apps for each platform when considering how much does it cost to make an app.

Benefits of Cross-Platform Development:

Cost Efficiency: With one codebase for both iOS and Android, development cost of building app are reduced because you don’t need two separate teams for each platform.

Faster Time-to-Market: Since you're building one app for both platforms, development and testing take less time, allowing you to launch sooner.

Consistent User Experience: Users on both platforms will have a similar experience, making your app easier to manage and update.

Considerations:

While cross-platform development is appealing, there are some trade-offs:

Performance: Native apps tend to perform better because they’re optimized specifically for each platform. Cross-platform apps may experience some performance lags, especially with resource-heavy features.

Limited Access to Native Features: Certain platform-specific functionalities, like advanced camera features or device sensors, might not be as easily accessible or may require additional workarounds in a cross-platform environment.

In conclusion, cross-platform development is a great option if you want to reduce the cost of making an app and speed up the launch, but be prepared for some potential compromises in performance and functionality depending on the complexity of your app.

App Patenting Cost

If your app concept stands out with unique or proprietary features, it’s a good idea to consider patenting it to protect your intellectual property. A patent can provide legal protection against competitors who may try to replicate your app’s innovative features, giving you a significant advantage in the market.

The simple app development cost of filing for a patent typically ranges between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the complexity of your app, the legal assistance you require, and the region where you’re filing. More complex apps or those involving advanced technologies (like artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms) may require more detailed patent applications, which could increase the average cost of developing an app.

Why Consider Patenting Your App?

• Protect Your Ideas: A patent prevents others from copying or recreating the unique aspects of your app, securing your market position.
• Increase App Value: Having a patented app can increase its value, making it more attractive to investors or potential buyers.
• Strengthen Your Competitive Edge: With legal protection, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about competitors infringing on your core ideas.

Steps for Patenting:

1. Conduct a Patent Search: Before filing, you’ll need to verify that your app’s concept is truly original and hasn’t been patented by someone else.
2. Prepare Documentation: This includes a detailed description of your app’s unique features, the technology behind it, and any processes that set it apart.
3. File a Provisional or Non-Provisional Patent Application: A provisional patent offers temporary protection (for about a year), giving you time to decide if you want to proceed with a full patent.
4. Work with a Patent Attorney: Patenting can be a complex legal process, so it’s usually best to hire an experienced attorney to guide you through filing and ensure you meet all legal requirements.

In the long run, when considering how much does it cost to develop a mobile app, patenting your app can help protect your ideas and investments, making it a worthwhile consideration for innovative or cutting-edge applications.

Final Thoughts

Creating an app is a significant investment, but with the right approach, the potential rewards can be substantial. The cost of building an app varies widely based on factors such as complexity, platform choice, design, and more. By carefully planning and selecting the right resources, you can effectively manage these costs while delivering a high-quality product that resonates with users.