A mobile app is now necessary for businesses, since the world moves so fast online. If you have a cool app idea, launching an app can help you move forward, regardless of if you’re a startup or growing business. But the main question on everyone’s mind as they start is:
Is mobile app development a big expense or is it more affordable?
If the number of possible ways to solve sounds overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, that’s normal. We’ll explain the cost of building a mobile app here without using confusing tech terms, so you can understand it easily.
Why It’s Worth Your Time to Learn About App Development Cost
Making an app is not a free process. Like when constructing a house, the final expense will be determined by what amenities you choose: only standard ones or extra features. An App development cost breakdown allows you to make sure there are no hidden surprises, keep the costs within range and find the best support or tools.
Let’s examine what determines the price and look at what is likely to happen in 2025.
What factors influence how much mobile app development costs?
Let’s review the key things that effect how much you have to pay
1. Type of App
Simple apps (like calculators or basic to-do lists) cost less.
Medium complexity apps (like fitness trackers or eCommerce apps) need more time and features.
Complex apps (like Uber, Instagram) include real-time features, GPS, or payment systems—so they cost more.
2. Features and Functionality
Want login systems, push notifications, or in-app purchases? Every feature adds to the cost. The more custom stuff you need, the more time and money it takes.
3. Design Requirements
Great UI/UX design isn’t just pretty—it keeps users coming back. But custom designs also add to the development hours and total cost.
4. Platform Choice (iOS, Android, or Both?)
iOS-only or Android-only is cheaper.
Building for both costs more, unless you use cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native.
5. Location of Your Development Team
Where your developers are based can change everything:
US, Canada, UK: $100–$250/hour
Eastern Europe: $40–$100/hour
India, Southeast Asia: $20–$60/hour
So yes, who you hire matters—a lot!
App Development Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)
Here’s a rough idea of how the App development cost breakdown looks:
|
App Type |
Estimated Cost |
Time Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic App |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
1–3 months |
|
Medium Complexity |
$15,000 – $50,000 |
3–6 months |
|
Complex App |
$50,000 – $150,000+ |
6+ months |
Keep in mind these are just ballpark figures. Every app is unique, and things like revisions, updates, or third-party integrations can shift the budget.
Mobile App Development Cost Per Year
Building the app is just the start—you’ll also have ongoing yearly costs for:
Hosting and servers: $300 – $1,200/year
Maintenance and bug fixes: 15–20% of initial cost
App store fees: $99/year (Apple), $25 one-time (Google)
Marketing and updates: Varies based on your strategy
So even after launch, you’ll need to budget for the mobile app development cost per year to keep things running smoothly.
Can You Build a Cheap App?
Yes, but be careful. Cutting corners may save money now but cost more later in poor performance, bad design, or security issues.
A better approach? Prioritize must-have features and launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). You can always improve it over time.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the full App development cost breakdown helps you make smarter choices. From feature planning to choosing the right team, every step counts. The investment in your mobile app development, even if it’s costly every year, proves to be valuable when your app supports more customers and improves your brand.
Want to Build an App in 2025?
Will your app be for games, tools or services? What’s your limit for spending money? Please don’t hesitate to let us know what you think. We are here to help you decide what to do next
