How Much Does App Development Cost?
“How much does it cost to build an app?” is one of the first questions every business asks — and the answer depends on what you want to achieve.
In this guide, we break down average app costs, timelines, and stages, so you can estimate your project and take the first step toward bringing your idea to life.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile app development generally includes six stages: discovery, UI/UX design, development, QA testing, release, and project management.
- Building a cross-platform MVP can significantly reduce cost and speed up time-to-market.
- A basic app typically costs around $50,000–$60,000 and takes about 4 months to build.
- Complexity, features, and design quality are the biggest factors affecting cost.
Average App Development Costs
Apps generally fall into three categories: simple, medium complexity, and complex.
Simple Apps
A simple app focuses on core functionality and ease of use, with a clean, standard interface.
Examples:
- Task or habit trackers
- Informational apps
- Meditation or journaling apps
Estimated cost: $30,000 – $60,000
Simple apps are perfect for testing a business idea quickly or creating an MVP to validate your concept.
Medium-Complexity Apps
Medium apps offer more features and polish, and most consumer apps fall into this category.
Examples:
- Delivery or booking apps
- Fitness or wellness apps
- Subscription-based services
Estimated cost: $60,000 – $100,000
These apps may include user authentication, API integrations, maps, payments, and analytics.
Complex Apps
Complex apps are fully customized solutions with advanced features, unique workflows, or real-time systems.
Examples:
- Ride-sharing platforms
- Social media apps
- Marketplaces or fintech platforms
Estimated cost: $100,000+
Complex apps are investments in long-term business growth, and costs scale with features, design, and infrastructure.
Typical Development Stages & Costs
Here’s a high-level view of what goes into app development:
1. Discovery & Project Analysis — $500–$1,500
- Define the app’s purpose, goals, and target audience
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis
- Prioritize features and plan an MVP
Skipping discovery often leads to wasted time and cost. A proper plan now saves thousands later.
2. UI/UX Design — $5,000–$8,000
- Map user journeys and create wireframes
- Develop full-screen designs and a UI kit
- Ensure design consistency across the app
3. App Development — $40,000–$50,000+
- Turn designs into a functional app
- Choose between native or cross-platform development
- Build core features and integrate APIs
Tip: Cross-platform development can save time and cost by using a single codebase for both iOS and Android.
4. QA Testing — $8,000–$10,000
- Manual and automated testing
- Identify bugs and fix them
- Ensure smooth user experience across devices
5. Release & Maintenance — from $10,000
- Submit the app to app stores
- Fix post-launch issues and gather user feedback
- Add updates and new features based on analytics
6. Project Management — $5,000–$8,000
- Keeps the team on track and deadlines met
- Acts as the main point of contact
- Guides strategy and decision-making throughout development
Why Now Is the Right Time to Build Your App
The mobile market is growing fast, and businesses that act quickly gain an edge. Even starting with an MVP allows you to validate your idea, test features, and reach users early.
Your app can start generating value sooner than you think.
Ready to Start Your App?
Whether you’re building a simple MVP or a feature-rich platform, the first step is easy: submit a request today.