Let’s be real for a second here. If you’re building an app without knowing the actual costs involved, how do you know what’s going on? You’re basically driving blindfolded on a highway full of development agencies. Risky much?
Mobile app development in 2025 isn’t just about having a cool idea. It’s about making budget-conscious decisions from day one. And the cost to build an app isn’t one-size-fits-all. The price can swing wildly depending on what you’re building. It’s about other factors too, like who you’re developing it with and how much you actually know before you sign that contract.
So, before diving straight in, discover more about how much does it cost to develop a mobile app. Too many businesses get caught in a web of over-promised timelines and last-minute “hidden” costs. Meanwhile, the clever ones, those who understand what affects the price tag, are launching apps that perform and stay within budget.
So if you don’t want to be the startup that’s stuck halfway through development with a drained budget, read this first.
We’re breaking down the real costs of developing an app in 2025. We’ll show you what really impacts that final number.
Spoiler: It’s not just about the features.
So, How Much Does It Cost To Create An App In 2025?
As a business, having an app can do a lot for you. It has more benefits than you think. In 2025, when people hear your business name, they’re searching on the internet. When you’re not there, it’s a red flag. Now, your app could serve any purpose, maybe it’s a retail app or perhaps a productivity tool. That’s just your goal and what your app will provide. But What about what it may cost? Let’s see:
Basic App
A basic app is similar to an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). But the app is fully developed. It may have a few screens with an elegant user interface. The main focus is on a single purpose, such as note-taking or calculations with data stored on the device only.
This app could initially cost $10,000 or more. However, as requirements would increase, such as cloud storage and additional features, the app building cost can go up to $50,000.
Medium Complexity App
A Medium complexity app may have multiple features. It could be an e-commerce app that allows users to do a lot on the platform. The app would naturally have a lot of screens, and it would allow for login/registration options.
This app could initially cost $50,000 or more. Yet, as the demands increase, and you want more features, the app making cost can go up to $120,000.
Enterprise Grade App
Enterprise grade apps have extensive functions. They can integrate with multiple systems like ERs or CRMs. Think of accessible and intuitive user interfaces with load balance. This app may have high security with legacy systems or more.
This app could initially cost $120,000 or more. The more complicated the features get, the higher the costs go, alongside better performance. This will take the app development costs to $300,000.
What are the Factors that affect the Average Cost of developing an App?
It’s true that Android app development cost and iOS app development cost also differ because of the platform differences. But that’s not all. There are other factors that affect your app’s final costs, too:
Mobile platforms and devices supported
The more platforms you target, e.g, iOS, Android, etc, the more dev time and testing you’ll need. Each platform has its own design rules and SDKs. They even have specific testing requirements.
- Building for both iOS and Android nearly doubles development time
- Optimizing for multiple screen sizes requires extra effort
- Native vs cross-platform frameworks also affect dev costs
Team’s Location
Where your development team is based makes a huge difference in hourly rates. The quality may be similar, but the pricing? Not even close. It could actually vary a lot.
- Good in-house teams in the US can charge up to $300 per hour!
- Outsourcing can help you save on costs and also ensure quality.
- Cheap doesn’t always mean bad, and expensive doesn’t always mean good.
App features and Functions
Your app’s functions are one of the most significant reasons that affect app creation cost. The more complex and interactive it is, the more time and dev dollars it takes.
- Basic features: Login, basic navigation
- Mid-level: Payments, push notifications
- Advanced: AI, AR, offline mode
App Category
Different app categories require different levels of complexity. A photo-editing app needs more effort than a simple to-do list app. The price of mobile app development is naturally affected by this.
- Healthcare and Fintech apps need compliance features
- Ecommerce apps need inventory systems, payment gateways
- Social media apps require live interactions and media handling
Use of hardware features
If your app uses device hardware like the GPS or camera, the development process can get tougher. Hence, it will make things expensive on your end.
- Apps using AR/VR need advanced camera and motion handling
- GPS-based services require continuous location tracking
- Biometric authentication (like Face ID) adds security layers
Backend Infrastructure and APIs
Apps that rely on a server-side backend for storing data or syncing content need solid infrastructure. This takes time to build, so it results in higher mobile application development costs.
- Firebase or custom backend setups
- API integration for third-party services
- Admin dashboards for content or user management
Maintenance Plan
Even after launch, your app isn’t done. Maintenance includes bug fixes and feature improvements. Of course, this isn’t free, yet it’s compulsory.
- Plan for 15–25% of your initial dev budget annually
- Regular updates ensure compatibility with new OS versions
- Ongoing costs also include server hosting and monitoring tools
What does each step in the app development process cost?
Here, we’ll understand the process that most dev agencies follow for app development. You should know this if you’re planning to build an app, alongside how the costs are distributed in each step.
We’ll tell you how much does it cost to develop a mobile app and how it’s distributed at each stage:
Discovery and Planning
Before your developers start writing lines of code, there’s research. This phase will set the foundation for the whole project, helping you avoid costly mistakes later.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
It includes:
- Market and competitor analysis
- App goal definition and tech stack selection
- Flowcharts and user journey maps
UI/UX Design
This is the step where your app starts taking shape visually. The idea isn’t just in your mind anymore. It has a shape and it’s very real. A good design isn’t just pretty; it keeps users hooked.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $20,000
It includes:
- Wireframing and visual mockups
- Interactive prototypes
- Design systems and brand guidelines
App Development – Frontend and Backend
Here’s where the magic happens. At this stage, the actual building of your app begins. The cost here varies wildly depending on features and complexity.
Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $150,000+
It includes:
- Frontend (UI interactions, navigation, responsiveness)
- Backend (APIs, databases, user authentication)
- Integration with third-party services (like Stripe, Firebase, etc.)
Testing and QA
Even the best apps have bugs and crash at times. Remember how Instagram suddenly hangs and crashes while you’re using it? Yeah, that’s the best example. So, this step ensures your app runs smoothly across devices before it hits the app stores.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
It includes:
- Manual and automated testing
- Usability and security testing
- Multi-device and OS compatibility checks
Deployment and Launch
Getting your app into users’ hands takes more than just hitting “upload.” If it were that easy, you wouldn’t need a dev to launch your app. This phase ensures smooth entry into app stores.
Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $5,000
It includes:
- App Store and Google Play submission
- App listing optimization (ASO)
- Handling rejections and store guidelines
Maintenance and Updates
The real hustle begins after the launch. You’ll need to fix bugs and add features over time. That’s how you keep the app compatible with new OS updates.
Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $10,000/month (or 15–25% of original dev cost annually)
It includes:
- Regular bug fixes and feature rollouts
- OS and library updates
- Server and third-party API monitoring
How can you optimize the app costs?
TL;DR: What Affects App Cost the Most?
Complexity + Platforms + Design + Dev Team Location = The Biggest Reasons. Analyze where you can save here to optimize the costs.
Optimizing costs is easy as long as you’re okay with making a few sacrifices. Below, we’ve mentioned the aspects that affect your app development charges. Want to save money? Adjust these:
The App’s Complexity and Its Features
More features = more time. And what does that equal? It means more money. The point? Don’t build a spaceship if all you need is a bike.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Prioritize essential features for version 1
- Add fancy stuff (like AI, offline sync, etc.) later
The Platforms: iOS, Android, or Both?
Yes, building for both is tempting. But there’s a reason why so many apps are Android/iOS only. That’s because it also doubles your cost if you’re going native for each platform.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Choose one platform for your MVP (usually Android, if targeting global users)
- Consider cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native to cut development time
- iOS is generally more expensive
The Level of Customization in Design
Everyone wants a stunning User Interface. It affects many things, too. Sadly, custom design work adds hours (and $$$) fast. You can go minimal instead. You’ll get more for less.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Use existing design libraries or UI kits
- Keep animations purposeful and straightforward
- Focus on user flow, not flashy visuals (at least at first)
The Backend Infrastructure
Custom backend = full control. Sounds nice? The budget won’t. Sometimes you don’t need to do everything from the beginning.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Use BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) like Firebase or Supabase
- Limit data syncing and automation in the early stages
- Go serverless for small-to-medium apps
Your Team’s Location: In-House or Outsourced?
Development rates vary a lot across the globe. A U.S.-based developer could cost 5x more than someone in South Asia for the same output.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Outsource to experienced offshore teams with proven portfolios
- Use hybrid models: local PM + remote devs
- Work with agile teams that offer fixed-cost sprints
The Security and Compliance Requirements
Extra security isn’t always optional, but you don’t need to go full Fort Knox if your app doesn’t handle sensitive data. If it’s a simple productivity tool, you don’t need enterprise-level security.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Avoid overengineering if you’re not dealing with medical or government data
- Add security measures as your app scales
- Use existing security plugins or SDKs where possible
Think Big, Build Wisely
The truth is, building an app in 2025 isn’t just about gathering some code together. This time, it’s about strategy. From choosing the right platform to deciding how custom you want your features, every decision you make has an impact on your budget and your product’s success.
The most clever businesses don’t just ask, “How much does it cost to build a mobile app?”
They ask, “Where can I invest wisely to get the most out of this app?”
And that’s exactly what we help you do at Linkitsoft.
We’re the tech partners who actually want you to succeed instead of taking just another project. We’ll help you balance your features with realistic budgets. Our team will make sure you get a scalable app that looks good and performs great.
The best part? We listen. We provide affordable solutions and don’t surprise you with hidden costs along the way. We’ll guide you through every decision, from MVP to launch (and beyond).
So, Ready to build and launch with confidence? Let Linkitsoft turn your app idea into a high-performing app that your users and budget will love. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to make an app?
The cost to make an app can vary based on the functions, category, platforms, and more:
- Basic app: Estimated to be between $10,000 – $50,000
- Medium complexity app: Estimated to be between $50,000 – $120,000
- Enterprise Grade app: Estimated to be between $120,000 – $300,000
What does it cost to create an app for Android?
Android apps are generally more affordable to develop. The cost to develop mobile app for Android generally ranges between $20,000 and $250,000.
How much does it cost to develop an iOS app?
iOS apps have stricter guidelines and requirements that developers need to be careful about. Hence, iOS apps cost a bit more than Android apps, so the estimated cost can be anywhere between $25,000 and $300,000.
What is the cost of maintaining an app?
The app maintenance costs are generally around 15% – 20% of the total cost that goes into building an app. Therefore, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to $5,000 per year for maintenance.
How long does it take to develop a basic app?
A simple app with a few basic features will be ready in 1 month. If it’s a bit more complex, the development time could go up to 3 months, too.
