What does it cost to create an app? This is one of the most common questions among those who have an idea or a specific need and have decided to develop an app.
The cost of an app depends on many factors: the technology chosen to build it (native, cross-platform, web...); the features it includes; the design requirements... In this article, we will look at some of these variables.
How much do you think a mobile app costs?
The answer we give to this question is usually always the same: the price of a mobile app can range from $1,000 to $120,000 (or more!). It all depends on the app specifications.
In short, there is no single cost for developing an app. To explain this very wide cost range, we could compare an app to a car. We know that costs vary greatly depending on a series of factors, such as quality, model, options, or size. To give you an idea, the cost of creating an Android app, for example, is usually lower than for an iOS app.
Therefore, it seems logical that an SUV model with GPS tracking and voice control costs more than a standard Dacia.
In the case of mobile apps, the principle is the same... or almost. Instead of paying for materials, you invest in the time needed to develop the app. While some apps can be created in fifty hours, others may require five hundred.
To achieve a profitable app development, it is essential to have a team that knows how to build it and to define the project in detail. Knowing which path you want to follow is extremely important before you start.
Any professional in the mobile app field, whether from a digital agency or an independent app developer, will ask for this information before preparing a quote, that is, they will need to know what the user is looking for.
One more tip if you want to know how much it costs to design an app: do not hesitate to request a quote from multiple app developers. You will be surprised to see how much the price can vary for the same mobile app.
How much does it cost to make a mobile app: which factors influence it As mentioned above, the cost of a mobile app depends on the combination of multiple factors. These are the most important ones.
1. Features
Some app features require a certain amount of development time. Some can be “easy” to set up and will not take much time from the app developer.
However, if you want to know how much an app costs, you should know that other aspects will require more effort and, therefore, will be more expensive. For example, a contact form can be added to the app quickly, but a geolocation tracking system will require more effort.
2. User interface and app design
The user interface and app design are two essential elements for the app to succeed. At this point, it is also important for the user and the developer to agree on the goals to be achieved.
Clearly share your ideas with the app developer so that they can dedicate effort to what you truly consider important.
Do you want us to send you a tailored, no-obligation quote? Find out how much your app costs
3. Platforms
To know how much it costs to make an app, it is also important to know which platforms it will be available on. Do you want to create an app for iOS or Android? This question is important, since there are differences between Android and iOS when creating a mobile app.
Another question you should ask yourself is: am I looking for a native, hybrid, or web app?
A native app will always be more expensive than a web or hybrid app.
But be careful: a native app does not have to be the best solution. Hybrid and web technologies are more suitable for certain types of projects. Keep in mind that if you want to develop an app on multiple platforms, the cost will clearly be higher.
To know how much an app costs, you should not only consider the platforms for which you want to develop the app. On different operating systems there are different product lines with different features. This is one of the factors we tend to forget when defining a mobile app project.
For example, the iOS range includes up to the iPhone 11, and each model has different software and features. The goal is to create an app with performance graphics on each device to ensure optimal access.
4. Additional costs
When analyzing how much it costs to make an app, you should not overlook expenses such as the investment in marketing or the cost of uploading the app to the different app stores.
- How much does it cost to have an app on Google Play Store? The developer registration costs $25 (one-time payment). For each app uploaded, a new one-time payment of $25 will be made.
- How much does it cost to publish an app on Apple Store? The developer registration cost is $99 with annual renewal. With this license you can upload apps to the App Store.
Data storage costs must also be taken into account in the financial plan forecast. Finally, do not forget maintenance costs, such as updates and bug fixes.
How much does it cost to create an app depending on the type of app
Before an app developer can give you an accurate quote to know how much it costs to program an app, you will need to define the functional specifications. The following guidelines can help you get a general idea of the budget if the app has to be developed from scratch:
- Marketplace app: between $12,000 and $20,000. The price of this mobile app will depend on factors such as the number of users and roles, features (chat, payments, etc.) and buyer interactions during the sales process.
- E-commerce app: between $15,000 and $25,000. The price depends on the number of items that will be sold through the app and the required management software, as well as discount systems, affiliate programs, and payment options.
- Game app: the answer to how much it costs to make a mobile app, in this case, is between $30,000 and $50,000. In these apps, design drives the price up. Elements related to game dynamics also play a role, such as whether it is for a single player or supports a multiplayer option.
- Marketing app: between $2,000 and $5,000. This app could be, for example, used to promote events and, in many cases, is only used for a specific period of time.
- Social network app: between $15,000 and $25,000. The price depends on the design, features, and privacy and security software.
- Internal management apps: between $12,000 and $20,000. In this last case, how much the app costs depends on the number of interaction possibilities between employees and the administrator. For example, signing contracts through the app, assigning tasks to an employee, chat function, etc.
By technology and operating system How much does it cost to create an Android app? And to develop an iOS app? The answer is not exactly the same! The study also includes data on hourly cost depending on the technology and operating system for which the app is developed.
To reach these conclusions, the opinions of freelance professionals and companies that are experts in that specific operating system were taken into account.
The best-paid professionals are those who develop for iOS. They charge an average of forty-four euros per hour, since it is a technology that generally offers products for users with higher purchasing power and that require more detail and quality in the app.
The cost of an Android app is lower if the developer is freelance (27 $/hour).
The least expensive developers are freelancers who develop with hybrid technologies, with an average of twenty-five euros per hour.
The breakdown derived from the study, according to the average hourly cost, is as follows:
Native Android Freelance: twenty-seven euros fifty cents Native iOS Freelance: thirty-seven euros fifty cents Cross-platform Freelance: twenty-five euros Native Android Company: thirty-five euros Native iOS Company: forty-three euros seventy-five cents Cross-platform: forty-one euros twenty-five cents Do you want a quote for a custom app? We will send it to you!
To receive a quote to create your mobile app, you can contact us, and we will bring your idea to life!
