In 2024, mobile apps continue to be an integral part of business success and revenue generation. As a CEO, CTO or business leader exploring an app for your company, one of the first questions is – how much does it cost to create an app? With apps ranging from simple to complex and factors like features, design and platform affecting app development cost, getting an accurate estimate is important before you embark on your mobile app journey.
As a leading app development company, we have created over 500 apps across platforms. In this detailed guide, I will share insights on:
- Factors that influence cost to create an app
- Breakdown of app development costs
- Ways to reduce app development costs
- Choosing the right app development partner
I will also provide ballpark figures for app builds of varying complexity so you have a better sense of potential app development costs as you plan your mobile initiatives for 2024 and beyond.
Key factors that determine cost to create an app
While each app is unique, there are some overarching factors that significantly impact cost to create an app across app projects, such as:
1. Platform (iOS, Android, Cross-platform)
Developing for just one platform (iOS or Android only) is cheaper than building across platforms.
Native iOS apps tend to be more expensive than Android. Cross-platform app development using frameworks like React Native balance cost with reaching users across iOS, Android & websites.
2. App features and functionality
From simple calculator apps to immersive gaming apps, cost to create an app directly corresponds to features and functionality built into your app. Factors like admin panels, integrations, security measures, visual elements, real-time capabilities etc. add to complexity and development efforts.
3. App design
The visual design, branding elements (logo, style guide) and UX/UI design of your app plays a big role in cost to create an app. Custom illustrations, complex animations and interactive app walkthroughs require additional design time and skills.
4. Developer/designer rates
Depending on location and skills, app developer rates can vary widely across the globe. Typically, US-based app developers charge higher rates compared to Eastern European or Asian app dev teams. Expertise in advanced skills (like AI/ML, AR/VR) also command higher rates.
5. Maintenance & post-launch support costs
Post app launch and release, costs are incurred for maintenance activities like bug fixes, ensuring app performance, addressing user feedback and publishing app updates. These recurring costs for sustaining your app over months and years need to be accounted for.
Now that we’ve covered the key factors impacting app development costs, let’s look at a detailed breakdown of cost components.
Breakdown of cost to create an app
Broadly, the cost to create an app is made up of:
- App strategy and scoping
- UX/UI design
- App development/engineering
- Testing and QA
- App store publishing
- Post-launch costs like support and maintenance
Here is a detailed cost breakdown within each bucket:
1. App strategy and scoping
- Market research ($1,500 – $5,000)
- Competitor analysis ($1,000 – $3,000)
- Personas, user journeys, MVP definition ($2,500 -$5,000)
- Functional specifications ($3,000 – $10,000)
2. UX/UI app design
- Wireframing and user flows ($5,000 – $10,000)
- Visual brand identity and style guide ($2,500 – $7,500)
- High fidelity UI screens and prototypes ($8,000 – $25,000)
3. App development/engineering
- Back-end development ($25,000 – $75,000+)
- Front-end development ($18,000 – $50,000+)
- DB design and infrastructure ($5,000 – $15,000)
- Third-party integrations ($3,500+ per integration)
- Animation and multimedia ($5,000+)
4. Testing and QA
- Creating test cases and scripts ($5,000 – $10,000)
- Manual testing across devices ($5,000 – $15,000)
- Automation testing ($8,000 – $30,000)
- User acceptance testing ($2,500 – $5,000)
5. App store publishing and release
- Publishing costs per platform (free to $500)
- Writing app descriptions ($250 upwards per platform)
6. Post-launch maintenance and support
- Technical support ($1,500+ per month)
- Monitoring performance ($250+ per month)
- Monthly costs for cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud etc. ($100+ per month)
- Add-on features, new functionality ($5,000+ per release)
- Bug fixes, improvements etc. ($3,000+ per release cycle)
As you can see, all the different facets involved in cost to create an app starts adding up. A simple app can cost $20,000+ and complex apps with custom designs, administrative portals and special features can cost over $100,000+.
But the good news is, there are ways to control these app development costs which I have covered next.
Ways to reduce cost to create an app
Here are some smart tips to reduce cost to create an app without compromising on quality:
Start with an MVP
An MVP or minimum viable product focuses only on the core app features that deliver the primary value proposition to end users. Developing an MVP first instead of cramming every possible feature drastically reduces initial development efforts and cost to create an app.
Choose the right platform(s)
Limit app development to only platforms that address your target demographic to avoid unnecessary engineering costs. For example, an iPad-exclusive business analytics app need not build Android and web versions.
Take a phased rollout approach
A staged app release lets you launch core features first and then progressively roll out advanced functionality in phases. It helps demonstrate traction to investors for funding further app development.
Use ready app templates and no-code tools
Configuring ready-made app templates and using no-code development platforms can significantly cut down on coding efforts involved in creating an app.
Build in-house skills
Having a technical co-founder or in-house app development skills to handle minor enhancements, updates beyond launch reduces dependence on external agencies.
Choose app developer/designer strategically
Choosing app developers in regions with lower hourly rates – Eastern Europe, India, Southeast Asia – can help lower engineering costs without compromising on technical expertise. Also leverage developers who specialize in technologies aligned to your app needs.
App development cost – Ballpark figures
While each app is different, based on our 500+ app development experiences, here are some ballpark figures of cost to create an app across categories:
As depicted above, an app can range anywhere from $10,000 for simpler apps to $100,000+ for complex apps on the higher end. The exact cost for your app would depend on the specific features, design complexity, number of integrations and post-launch support needs.
One recommendation is not to look at app development costs alone. Weigh it alongside the long term business gains and ROI driven by product innovation and increased customer engagement that a well-built app delivers. Building the right app with the best partner justifies the investment.
Speaking of which, let’s look at how to pick the right technology partner to bring your app idea to life.
How to choose the right app development company
As app technologies continue to evolve in 2024, finding the right app development partner is key to creating a high-performing, future-ready app customized for your needs across web, mobile and emerging platforms. Here are some best practices on evaluating and choosing an app development provider:
1. Look for technical depth and specialization
Examine their technical competencies across app platforms, frameworks and methodologies to assess fitment with your app requirements. Seek specialization in areas like AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT etc. if required.
2. Review their app portfolio
A portfolio with relevant industry experience and app types indicates ability to deliver on your unique needs. For instance, gaming app experience for building a gaming app.
3. Ensure user-centric design focus
Beyond technical skills, the ability to deeply understand users and craft intuitive app experiences is vital. Review their design portfolio for evidence of human-centered design skills.
4. Evaluate their communication processes
Frequent project status updates, transparency and collaborative communication is crucial for seamless app creation. Ensure these best practices are committed to.
5. Leverage delivery flexibility
Options for dedicated project teams or hiring expert developers on demand provides development model flexibility to meet exact needs.
6. Plan for long-term partnership
Finding an app partner invested in sustaining success beyond launch with maintenance support and incremental enhancements is invaluable.
As an app development company that has delivered 500+ apps for global brands and startups across categories, we excel on these parameters to be your ideal technology partner. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can translate your app vision into reality.
Key Takeaways
To conclude, developing an app in 2024 is a smart way to boost business revenue and customer engagement. While several factors impact cost to create an app causing confusion, carefully scoping app requirements, following best practices and choosing the right app partner sets you up for maximizing gains via product innovation.
Connect with us for a detailed assessment and estimate tailored to your specific app needs. Our expertise ensures you get quality engineering and design focused on user needs – within budget and timelines. Let’s build the next big app success story together.
FAQ’s
What is the average cost to create a basic app?
A basic app with simple functionality, limited screens and basic design typically costs around $20,000 to $40,000. Reducing unnecessary complexity is the best way to lower base development costs.
How much does it cost to build an app like Uber or other complex apps?
For a complex app like Uber with advanced functionality, custom interfaces and specialized integration needs, development costs start at $100,000 and go up to $500,000 based on features. Significant investments are justified by the revenue potential for certain types of apps.
Does developing for iOS cost more than Android app development?
Yes, typically iOS app development is around 15-20% more expensive on average compared to Android. This is because of higher complexity involved in coding for iOS apps,Fragmentation issues etc. However, optimized approaches can reduce this gap.
How can I get an accurate estimate of my app development costs?
To receive an accurate quotation customized for your specific app concept and scope, it is ideal to approach an app development firm and provide detailed requirements on features, design needs, post-launch support expectations etc. They can provide estimates factoring in all aspects.
How long does it take to build an app typically?
Excluding ideation and design phases earlier on, if a team of 2-3 developers is working full time, a simple app can be built within 2-3 months. More complex enterprise-grade apps take 4-6 months depending upon scope. Proper project planning and phased rollouts also impact timelines.
Should I pay hourly rates or fixed cost for app development contracts?
Hourly engagements provide flexibility but less cost predictability. Fixed price projects ensure you stay within budget but allow less flexibility. Evaluate all pricing model options during your initial discussion with potential app partners.
