One of the first steps in app development is estimating the cost of the process. Every company looking to develop an app wants to know how much it costs to develop an app in India.
While the question is simple. The answer isn’t that straightforward. The cost to develop an app in India is less than the cost to develop an app in the UK. However, the expenses depend upon several key factors.
An Overview of Average Mobile App Development Cost
The estimated mobile app development cost can range from $5,000 to $25,000. In the case of complex custom apps, the limit can go beyond $30,000 as well. The mentioned estimates are scalable and can go above and beyond the demands of the app.
The cost of developing an app can rise and fall, depending on crucial factors like complexity, design, platform, and development location. Collaborating with expert developers and planning from the implementation to post-launch are essential steps to ensure the success of an app.
Businesses must clearly define their goals and features to get an accurate estimate and analyze their budget. Once the steps are clear, the cost can be calculated based on the work hours and amount dedicated to the particular factors.
The formula to calculate the app development cost includes dedicated hours for particular functions:
(UI/UX designs + Platform wise app development + backend development) X (developers)
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The Cost to Develop an App Depends on the Following Factors
1. App Design :
Developing a mobile application that looks very appealing and intuitive mostly needs complex design works like app icon making, user interface & graphics design, prototyping, etc. These factors play a significant role in increasing the overall app development cost.
2. App Type and Target Platforms:
The type of app you need will be the primary determinant of the cost. For example, a gallery, calendar, and notes apps are simple mobile applications. They will cost less than developing a fully functional eCommerce store app.
If you want to build an app just for the web, it will cost less than building a hybrid app that runs on all platforms. Developing a native app for Android or iOS may be more expensive.
3. Offline Access:
Many apps are offering offline access to their users to offer enhanced UX. Cloud computing and local caching allow all users to access multiple features without internet connectivity. Offline access adds to how much it costs to make an app.
4. Architecture and Backend:
Every app requires a secure backend as well as data security. However, banking, finances, and eCommerce apps require critical security measures. Integration of an existing CRM, along with the encryption of consumer data can significantly increase the app development cost.
5. Third-Party Integrations:
Most apps opt for third-party APIs to enhance user experience. These APIs are typically social login features, payment gateways, and chatbots. These third-party APIs can contribute to the costs to develop an app in India or any other location.
6. Hiring Developers:
Most businesses require the help of professional app developers. The cost of hiring app developers in India is significantly lower than the cost of hiring developers in the US or UK. However, it is wise to not go for the cheapest mobile app development team or services you find. Check reviews and projects before hiring an app development team.
7. App Maintenance Costs:
The responsibility of app maintenance lies with the development team. However, the cost of maintenance will depend significantly upon the hosting services you choose, such as Amazon AWS, MS Azure, or Google Cloud.
Check Android app hosting costs before you pick a hosting solution. Many of these hosting solutions only bill for the bandwidth and services used by the app.
- A good mobile app development company takes charge of the app development from the ideation step.
- They will partner with you to give you a near-accurate estimation of how much does it cost to develop an app
- The team will create a prototype of the app for your consideration.
- After you approve the prototype (wireframes), the team will get the UX/UI experts involved to craft a unique app.
- They will consider your concerns and inputs at every step. They will keep you in the loop during each step of app development.
- The development step will begin simultaneously with the design. The team will get your approval on the designs before moving to the testing phase.
- A reliable mobile app development team will assess the app, test the parameters and troubleshoot issues before the launch.
- The team will monitor the app, track the changes, and provide constant support during upgrades and bug fixing.
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8. Application Testing:
Testing & QA plays an important role in custom mobile app development. It helps to check the usability and performance of newly-made applications. The process of testing & QA involves a number of steps such as debugging and usability checking. Thorough testing may increase overall app development costs.
9. Support and Updates:
After launching a mobile app, it needs proper support and maintenance to stay updated and error-free. Ongoing support and maintenance include fixing bugs or errors to adding new features. You may consider additional app development costs for your app maintenance and ongoing support services.
10. Marketing & Promotion:
Getting your app recognized needs top-notch marketing strategies like social media promotion, ad campaigns, etc. Proper recognition makes your app popular and boosts its downloads. Implementing marketing techniques and strategies may increase the overall app development cost.
11. App Store Fees:
You need to pay some amounts to successfully publish your app to the app store. For instance, the Google Play Store charges you $25 (one-time registration fee) for app release, whereas, for the Apple App Store, you need to pay an annual fee of $99 to release your application.
App Development Cost Breakdown: Stages of Development
The total cost to develop an app usually starts from $5000 & goes up to $1,20,000. Clearly, the price range of custom app development is huge. According to the experts, this app development cost mostly depends on a number of factors such as app complexity levels, choice of development platforms, features & functionalities, size of development team, developer’s hourly rates, geographical location, and so on. Let’s have a look at the average app development development based on different stages.
| Different Stages | Tasks | Estimated Costs | Average Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning & Research | Ideation Market research Market trend analysis Competitor analysis Making roadmaps |
$100 to $350 | Based on available resources |
| User Interface Design | UI mockup samples UI design Final UI mockups |
$10,000 to $40,000 | Simple design – 14 to 20 hours Medium design – 80 to 90 hours Complex design – more than 100 hours |
| UX Design | Rough sketches High fidelity wireframes Low fidelity wireframes |
$2000 to $8000 | Simple design – 10 to 14 hours Medium design – 50 to 60 hours Complex design – more than 150 hours |
| Testing | Usability testing Performance testing Quality assurance test |
$5,000 and $10,000 | 1 to 3 weeks (Based on app size) |
| Maintenance & Support | App updates Bug fixing Features adding |
$100 to $2,000 | Ongoing process |
| Branding & Promotion | Social media promotion Ad campaign Brand identity creation |
$5,000 to $20,000 | 1 to 2 months |
Hidden Factors Affecting Mobile App Development Cost
The estimated costs discussed above are the upfront costs of mobile app development. However, several hidden costs can affect the price of a mobile app development. These hidden factors can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Testing & Quality Assurance
A high-quality mobile app requires continuous testing to fix the bugs and issues, which can be fulfilled and handled by a qualified person (project manager or quality assurance agent). Testing the app on various devices and operating system versions will increase the development duration and cost.
Backend Infrastructure
The infrastructure cost of setting up and maintaining a server, database, and cloud services (like AWS or Google Cloud) can be expensive. Scaling the backend for the growing user base can add to the expense.
Support & Maintenance
Even after the app launch, ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and app updates (Android & iOS) for compatibility will be ongoing. This can add up to 20-30% of the initial development cost annually, which requires further investment.
App Publishing
The Google Play Store charges $25 annually, whereas the Apple App Store charges $99 for one-time submissions. Both platforms, however, have strict regulations that must be adhered to; failure to do so may create delays in launch and unforeseen costs.
In the Apple App Store, there is a payment cost of $299 if you wish to circulate your app within your organization and with your employees. The costs add to the budget of the app launch phases.
Security & Compliance
Mobile apps handle sensitive data (personal information, financial transactions, health records, etc.). Implementing encryption, secure data storage, two-factor authentication, and regular vulnerability testing will increase costs.
If the mentioned reasons are taken care of earlier while discussing the budget, it can normalise the expenses; if not, the security flaws or data breaches can add to the cost financially and legally.
App Development Cost Breakdown
When clients come to us with an app idea, they often have no idea how the development process works or how much it will cost. They may know their desired features, but that alone isn’t enough for an accurate price estimate.
Some agencies might price you upfront, but that’s just part of the picture. App development is a detailed and complex process, and the real cost depends on careful research and a clear understanding of how apps work.
What Determines the Cost of Building an App?
The cost of developing an app depends on these five key factors:
- App Functionality – What does your app do? What problems does it solve for users?
- Feature Complexity – A simple to-do list app will cost much less than a feature-rich telemedicine app. The more complex the features, the higher the development cost.
- Platforms & Devices – Will your app be for iOS, Android, or both? Choosing native development (specific to one platform) or cross-platform development will impact costs.
- Maintenance & Updates – Apps need ongoing support and improvements after launch, which adds to long-term costs.
- Third-Party Integrations – Development costs will increase if your app needs extra services like payment gateways or location tracking.
How to Reduce App Development Costs?
If you’re starting to develop a custom mobile app from scratch, you must consider different costs associated with design & development, testing & quality assurance, maintenance, etc. Optimizing all these associated costs will effectively help you manage your total budget. Let’s have a look at the key tips to reduce the cost of app development.
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1. Proper Planning:
Before embarking on your app development journey, define all your project objectives and focus on proper planning. This will allow you to thoroughly manage all steps & keep you safe from budget overruns.
2. Choose Open-source Technology:
Experts suggest leveraging open-source technologies while developing any mobile application from scratch. This helps you save licensing fees and streamline your total project budget.
3. Hire Reliable Developers:
Hire dedicated app developers or a reliable app development company for your project. A good team not only offers a range of services but also helps with clear budget estimates. They also help you save extra costs during app development.
4. Prioritize Core Features:
Whether you make an app from scratch or modify your existing one, prioritizing core features will help you stay within your budget. This also helps you save money on unnecessary design features and characteristics.
5. Focus on Testing:
Testing and quality assurance help to find performance-related issues or bugs in your app. Though testing may add extra costs, it will save money in the long run by improving the app’s performance.
6. Select Agile Method:
Use Agile method for your app development. This is a popular methodology that helps you build your app in iterative steps. With the Agile method, you can minimize your overall cost to develop an app.
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What Are Some App Development Companies?
Choosing the right app development company isn’t going to be easy. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to predict the quality of services by the charges.
Instead, look at companies that have high customer satisfaction rates and reliable testimonials.
- Sphinx Solutions offers transparent charges for every step of the development process complete with a mobile app development cost calculator.
- Niblechapps promises bespoke design. However, they mostly work on larger projects valued at $10,000 or more.
- Emizen Tech is a team that works on larger corporate projects leaning towards eCommerce development.
- Dot Com Infoway is a big name among developers. They have some big clients like Motorola, Sony Music and Amazon on their roster.
While going with big names may seem like the smarter solution. It may not be the best choice for your business and app development needs. The team you choose should be able to cater to your needs. They should support two-way communication between you and the developers.
Hidden Costs of Hiring an App Developer
When hiring an app developer, understand the actual cost beyond just hourly rates or salaries. Several hidden costs can significantly influence the overall cost of hiring, which many businesses may overlook during their initial budgeting. Here are some critical factors of the expenses to keep in mind before hiring an app developer:
Project Management Prices
A mobile app development project uses various tools and technologies to make the development easier. The project management tools can ensure smooth and efficient collaboration, communication, and oversight.
- Documentation Software: The software like Google Workspace Confluence, etc., used to store and manage project documentation, requirements, and design specifications, can cost around $50-$200 per month.
- Communication Platforms: Communication platforms for messaging, video conferencing, and project management software like Zoom, Skype, Slack, etc. will cost around $20-$100 per user.
- Project Management Tools: Software like Jira, Trello, Asana, etc., tracks the tasks, deadlines, and progress of the projects. They also manage the developers and allot budgets for the functions. This can cost around $10 – $50 for a user.
- Support Personnel: Project managers, tech writers, and IT support specialists handle essential tasks like project coordination, data security, and technical support. Their hiring cost varies based on their expertise and job scope.
Equipments & Licenses
Developing a mobile app requires high-performing equipment like laptops/desktops, mobile devices and smaller ones like monitors, keyboards, etc. In addition to these software licenses, security tools training and certifications are an add-on to the list of expenses. These costs aren’t directly listed but must be addressed, as they impact the overall budget for various tools.
| Category | Details | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Development Equipment | High-performance laptops/desktops | $1,000 – $3,000 each |
| Mobile devices for testing | $300 – $1,000 each | |
| Peripheral equipment (monitors, keyboards, etc.) | $200 – $1,000 | |
| Software Licenses | IDEs and development tools | $500 – $2,000 per year | Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) | $600 – $1,200 annually |
| Collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Slack) | $10 – $50 per user/month | |
| Security Tools | Security software (anti-virus, firewalls) | $100 – $500 annually |
| Compliance tools for regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) | $1,000 – $5,000 per year | |
| Training & Certification | Online courses and certifications | $200 – $2,000 |
| Workshops and conferences | $500 – $3,000 per employee |
Onboarding Costs
New developer’s onboarding costs can vary differently based on their skills, experience, hourly rates, project complexity and company’s onboarding rules. When calculating the onboarding costs, it generally rounds off to $1000 – $5000, including the training on company tools and processes, project requirements and paid programming sessions.
Security Costs
Security measures are an essential factor for any mobile app development. Be mindful of the security costs as they require expertise, security testing, compliance requirements, data protection, threat modelling, and ongoing maintenance. Set the budget according to the factors to protect the app and user data.
App Development Cost Based on Its Type and Platform and Technology
When creating a mobile app, it’s important to think carefully about what type of app you want, which platform it will run on, and the technology you’ll use to build it. These choices directly affect how much your app will cost to develop.
How App Type Affects Development Costs
The type of app you build plays a big role in the overall cost. For example, if you want your app to work on iOS and Android, development becomes more complex and expensive. Let’s break down the costs based on different types of apps:
Native App Development (For iOS and Android)
A native app is built specifically for one platform, like iOS or Android. Developers use platform-specific coding languages like Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. Since separate apps must be built for each platform, development takes more time and costs more.
Cost Range: $10,000 – $250,000 (depends on features, complexity, and developer rates)
Cross-platform App Development (For Both iOS and Android)
With cross-platform development, a single codebase is used to build an app that works on iOS and Android. Technologies like Flutter and React Native make this possible, reducing development time and cost.
Cost Range: $20,000 – $150,000 (cheaper than native since you don’t need two separate apps)
Hybrid App Development (A mix of Native & Web Technologies)
Hybrid apps work on Android and iOS but allow more flexibility in adding native features. They are similar to cross-platform apps but with additional customization options.
Cost Range: $15,000 – $150,000 (saves time and money by using a shared codebase)
Web App Development (Runs on Web Bowser)
A web app is designed to work through a browser instead of being installed on a device. These apps work on mobile and desktop browsers without needing downloads. However, they require hosting and ongoing maintenance.
Cost Range: $10,000 – $100,000+ (plus hosting and maintenance costs)
Progressive Web App (PEA) Development (Best of Web and Mobile)
A PWA is a web-based app that offers a mobile app-like experience, including offline functionality and smooth performance. PWAs are accessible through browsers but feel like native apps.
Cost Range: $15,000 – $200,000 (cost varies based on offline features and app-like capabilities)
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App Development Costs Based on Operating System
The cost of creating an app depends on the platform it will run on. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs based on different operating systems:
iOS App Development
Developing an iOS app means building applications for Apple devices using Swift or Objective-C programming languages. The cost can range from $25,000 to $250,000, depending on the app’s complexity, features, and developer rates.
Android App Development
Android apps are built for devices running the Android operating system using languages like Java or Kotlin. Advanced applications typically cost between $20,000 and $250,000 or more.
Windows App Development
Windows apps are designed for devices running Microsoft Windows. The development cost usually starts at $20,000 and can go up to $200,000, depending on the app’s size and functionality.
App Development Costs Based on Technology
The cost of developing an app depends on the technology used. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated expenses for different app development frameworks:
React Native App Development
React Native is used to build apps that work on both iOS and Android. Developing a React Native app can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on features and complexity.
Flutter App Development
Flutter is another popular choice for cross-platform apps. The cost varies based on the complexity of the app:
- Basic Flutter apps: $8,000 – $60,000
- Mid-level complexity apps: $60,000 – $120,000
- Advanced apps with multiple integrations: $140,000 – $200,000
On average, Flutter app development costs range from $15,000 to $200,000.
Swift App Development (for iOS)
Swift is used to create native iOS applications. The Swift app development costs $10,000 and can go up to $250,000 or more, especially for complex apps with advanced features.
Kotlin/Java App Development (For Android)
Kotlin and Java are the main programming languages for Android apps. Building an app in Kotlin or Java is typically $10,000 to over $250,000, depending on the app’s features and integrations. The price difference between Kotlin and Java development is usually minimal.
Xamarin App Development
Xamarin allows developers to create iOS, Android, and Windows apps using a shared codebase. Based on the app’s complexity, developing an app with Xamarin can cost $10,000 to $150,000.
Ionic App Development
Ionic is a framework that uses web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create hybrid apps. The cost varies based on complexity:
- Basic Ionic apps: $8,000 – $40,000
- Mid-level complexity apps: $40,000 – $100,000
- Advanced apps with multiple integrations: $150,000+
Average Cost to Develop an App
In simple terms, the cost to develop an app can range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on factors like the platform (iOS or Android), the features and complexity of the app, the number of users, and more. In some cases, it could even exceed $350,000. Generally, building apps for both iOS and Android costs more than developing apps for multiple platforms at once.
For example, according to Business Apps, a basic app with simple features could cost up to $32,000. A medium-complexity app might cost around $48,000, while more complex apps start at $72,000.
GoodFirms also shared a report stating that popular apps with many features, like Tinder, Uber, or Instagram, can cost between $100,000 and $185,000 to develop.
UpCity was surveyed to break down the average costs for different stages of app development. The discovery phase might cost $10,000-$15,000, while designing the app could cost another $10,000-$15,000. Developing apps with advanced features like notifications or analytics could cost around $5,000. Testing, maintenance, and support cost $5,000-$10,000.
How Much Does It Cost To Develop an App In India?
| Type of App | Approximate Cost | Development Time |
|---|---|---|
| Social Chat App | $5000 – $7000 | 2-6 months |
| Fintech App | $7000 – $12000 | 2-6 months |
| eLearning App | $7000 – $12000 | 2-8 months |
| Enterprise App | $12000 – $20000 | 3-8 months | Healthtech App | $12000 – $20000 | 2-6 months |
| Food Aggregator App | $5000 – $7000 | 1-4 months |
| Mobile Commerce App | $5000 – $7000 | 1-7 months |
| Media Streaming App | $5000 – $7000 | 1-6 months |
| Cab Booking App | $5000 – $7000 | 2-6 months |
| NFT Market Place | $7000 – $12000 | 2-7 months |
| Fleet Management App | $5000 – $7000 | 1-5 months |
| Mental Health Wellbeing App | $5000 – $7000 | 1-5 months |
| Tourism App | $7000 – $12000 | 2-6 months |
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FAQ’s
1. How much does it cost to develop an app for your business?
The average app development cost of feature-packed business applications mostly ranges from $20,000 to $120,000. However, finding the exact cost to develop an app is quite difficult as it mostly depends on a number of factors like project objectives, complexity levels, app developers’ hourly rates, developer’s location, project type, etc. Here is a table that will show app development costs based on business sizes:
| Business type | Average costs |
| Small scale business apps | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Medium scale business apps | $25,000 to $70,000 |
| Large scale business apps | $70,000 to $1,50,000+ |
2. How much does a landing page cost?
The average cost of a landing page usually ranges from $500 to $3,000. This landing page cost usually varies depending on a number of factors such as design complexity levels, features & functionalities, developers’ charges, geographic locations, etc.
3. What is the average cost to start an app?
The average cost to start an app is between $20,000 to $2,00,000, depending on features and complexity. Try our app cost calculator to get an estimated cost.
4. How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
Building a mobile app can range from $20,000 to $350,000, depending on the platform and features. Try our app cost calculator to get an estimated cost.
Anand Mahajan
Shivraj Dhaygude