A Detailed Guide to Mobile App Development Costs

Salman Lakhani

16 Jul, 2019

.

23 min read

Mobile phones are the closest gadget to users, and now, we have a mobile app for almost everything. From ordering food to requesting a cab, you can download an app for all your needs. Recently, we developed a mobile app for finding restrooms called PeeSpots. The app finds the nearest restrooms to cater to basic human instincts. The point is that the app stores have apps for anything that you can imagine!

And as a mobile app development company, we receive hundreds of queries every day requesting information on building apps. One thing is common in every query; ‘How much does it cost to develop a mobile app?’

We all know and keep saying that the mobile app economy is constantly growing. We have all the metrics in place, and we know the numbers. No doubt. So, what’s different about us leaving behind 2021? How different will 2022 be?

Total revenue in the mobile App market is projected to reach US$437.80bn in 2022. While seeming on track to achieve this, the cost of mobile app development would have to play a role.

Going by the constant progress and consistent growth on the App Store and Google Play, now marking their 10th anniversaries, both are growing by 300 apps per day – that says a lot.

Apart from that, Many factors influence the price, depending on the complexity of the app development, at 40$ per hour, the average cost will be:

  • Simple App Development Cost – $40,000 to $60,000
  • Average App Development Cost – $60,000 to $150,000
  • Complex App Development Cost – from $300,000

The above-mentioned cost projections are consistent with 2022’s ballpark figures for each type of app development, if you send a request to the development studio to estimate the typical cost range of custom app development without proper documentation and terms of reference, the cost will likely be very approximate.

The way I see it, moving into 2022 could have meant higher pricing, more growth, more innovation, and even more competition. However, sustaining work in a situation where everyone was operating remotely, that was an achievement for everyone in this industry. So while we can complain about missed opportunities and how much growth we could have attained, I think the entire app development fraternity has done exceptionally well to remain safe and sustain the market position with stable growth despite an unprecedented challenge.

Apart from that, we continue to work with the same zeal while keeping all cost-defining factors in mind.

How much does it cost to make an app?

The app costs depend on a lot of factors, such as the complexity of the app, platforms, features, and more. For example, a simple app will cost you about $40,000 to $60,000 while the average cost of mobile app development is $60,000 to $150,000.

Smartphone apps offer a complex user interface or require high backend costs between. Uber, the ridesharing giant, started with initial funding of $1,500,000. And a marketplace app, like nTrust, can cost you between $90,000 and $175,000.

Let’s sum it up. App development costs depend on:

  • Type of App – Mobile Game, Social Networking, On-Demand, or so
  • Platform – Android, iOS, Windows, or so
  • Number of Pages
  • Infrastructure
  • Features
  • Design – Basic, Individual, or Custom

It also depends on who you are hiring to develop your app. Freelancers will take almost five times less than a small mobile app development company, especially if they are located in ghost places. And a small development company will charge you half of what a silicon giant will.

A team of developers, designers, programmers, and creative artists work on your project to develop an industry-leading app.

A virtual app development team consists of:

  • Project Manager
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Developer
  • QA Engineer

While a complex app requires the services of:

  • 1 Project Manager
  • 2 Backend Developer
  • 3 or 4 App Developers
  • 2 UI/UX Designers
  • 1 System Administrator
  • 1 QA Engineer

Each member plays a key role in making the app unmatchable. We’ve summarized the responsibilities of the members in the table below:

Member

Hourly Cost

Responsibilities

Member

Project Manager

Hourly Cost

$20+

Responsibilities

Ensures effective communication between the client and the development team. Ensures deadlines are met and help avoid misconduct with the client.

Member

Backend Developer

Hourly Cost

$25+

Responsibilities

Is responsible for the excellent communication between the database, server, and application. Takes care of the app’s flawless functionality

Member

Developer

Hourly Cost

$30+

Responsibilities

Writes the codes and integrates the mobile app with the data source. Is responsible for fixing bugs in the app.

Member

UI/UX Designer

Hourly Cost

$20+

Responsibilities

Takes care of the interface. Ensures that the app’s look and feel resonate with the brand persona. Responsible for app optimization.

Member

QA Engineer

Hourly Cost

$20+

Responsibilities

Ensures that the app meets all requirements, controls design and code quality, and runs flawlessly.

By the end of this article, you will be able to calculate the cost of outsourcing mobile app development. For now, all I will say is that a mobile app development cost will cost between $50,000 and $1,000,000 on average. It takes between 6 to 12 months to complete an app ready to hit the app stores.

Agency Survey by Clutch – Average Cost per App

In a recent survey, Clutch conducted research on over 100 mobile app development companies to explore the costs of building a mobile app. The survey concludes that over 70% of app development companies invest in the discovery stage before jumping to the development phase. The majority of the companies incur $5000 in costs for the discovery stage.

Most app development companies quote that the average cost of mobile app development testing and deployment is $10,000. Also, app maintenance costs $10,000 on average per year, while the most project size is between $5000 and $10,000.

Agency Survey by GoodFirms – Average Cost per App

Agency Survey by GoodFirms

GoodFirms conducted thorough research on several mobile app development companies to explore the app development costs. An Uber or Instagram-like app costs between $70,000 and $100,000. An app like QuizUp or WhatsApp costs between $61,000 and $69,000. A relatively simple app like Periscope or Tinder costs between $40,000 and $60,000.

The Process of App Development

We often ask clients why we don’t reuse the codes, and if we do, why do we charge for it as if it’s custom-built. Read through the section to get the answers if you wonder the same.

Understanding app requirements

The pre-development phase is the most important one. At Cubix, we generously invest our time and efforts in understanding the client’s requirements, exploring the brand essence, and developing an app idea and plan that helps the client achieve its goals. Our extensive team of project managers, developers, designers, and creative-thinker discuss the project with the client. Our team travels to the client for first-hand experience with the company and services if needed. Recently, our team traveled to Oman as part of a project for OOMCO. A thorough understanding of the company and app helps us move forward with the development.

Exploring platforms

Working with startups is different from working with enterprises. An enterprise often comes with its own research, knows the audience well, and decides the platforms and technologies themselves. On the contrary, most startups need our expert opinion. So we start by defining the audience and analyzing their characteristics. It helps us in choosing between iOS and Android. Also, we sit together with the client to finalize the technical aspects of the app.

Developing the app

Our ambitious developers invest endless efforts and infinite hours into developing your dream project. Meanwhile, our project manager keeps the client updated on what’s happening. The client’s suggestions and concerns are incorporated into the app or briefed upon if our experts have reservations. Cubix ensures that all deadlines are met, and the client is in the loop throughout.

Testing the app

We make sure that we deliver a flawless mobile app. Our QA engineers conduct multiple efforts to test the mobile app’s functionality and design. Each feature and aspect of the app is individually tested to avoid any bugs and issues post-release.

App Designing Process

Stages of the app design process

Visual design

While visual design solely blesses your app with a pleasant feel and look, it is one of the most sought-after elements in app design.

Raj Aggarwal, CEO of Localytics said:

"The rich and interactive experiences we have come to expect on mobile apps have created new standards and expectations for all digital media, including the web. The result is websites are evolving to become more app-like in their rich functionality."

UX design

UX design is all about user experience. It’s about how it all works, along with a disciplined structure that uses data and studies user behavior to deliver spot-on results. Results may pertain to successful onboarding, user engagement, or intriguing a product in everyday life.

Branding, icon, and logo

Branding is the real game-changer. In fact, according to Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes Magazine, a brand is the single most important investment one can make in the business. For instance, consider Amazon. Look at their logo, and you will realize the importance of logo design and icons; while icon solely helps to get your brand identified on the app store, an appealing logo design helps in getting your app downloaded.

Copywriting

Impeccable copy, invoking writing style, and communicational tone are all it takes to create the best user experiences along with building your app as a brand. You need a persuasive copy that convinces users to use your app. The copy should depict advantages and motivate users to use your app’s distinctive features.

The average cost of a mobile app development of copy, logo, and icon can be approximately cost you $400 to $2100 each, depending on the quality. For visual design and UX, I hope to pay much more. A professional UX design firm may charge you up to $20,000 per project. Most developer firms can provide you with a pro design team, and your project will get completed from the visual design of an icon to UX design.

App Development Costs for Startups

How much does it really cost to develop an app for startups?

Can a small development company deliver the same results as the big boys? I think yes because small agencies’ reputation is dependent on customers’ satisfaction with the projects, customer support, after-sale services, and more. Thus, small and medium-sized app development companies invest their heart and soul into the projects.

Assigning the best possible talent to achieve the best possible outcome is imperative. That being said, the best talent finds the conditions of working with the "Big Boys" are not as attractive as they were a few years ago. So now the fresh blood prefers its own startup venture or work freelance.

Fueled wrote that many considerations go into pricing an app. Typically $75,000 can get your app up and running barebones. On the other hand, a project can run on average $300,000 with a limit of $1,000,000. Still, with more extensive investment, you allow the development team to act on critical development opportunities, some of which may genuinely aid you in realizing your vision.

Application cost in the main depends on who builds an app:

  • Freelancers
  • Silicon Giants
  • App Development Companies

Let’s give this a closer look.

Comparing App Development Costs: Giants vs. Small App Companies vs. Freelancers

App Development Costs– With Freelancers

Working with freelancers comes with a lot of challenges. Going to a freelancer team always cuts costs but brings obstacles such as different communication cultures, time zones, things lost in translation, the absence of face-to-face meetings, and more.

When you find the right, flexible, and talented freelancer, then negotiate the prices and features effectively. Make sure you have done your homework well to convey your ideas and expectations better to the freelancer team. Define precisely what you want and hire those whom you can trust.

As per IT Outsourcing Statistics, technical services outsourcing covers 52% of industry organizations.

Here is what the costs look like in different regions:

Specialist

Functions

Average salary (hourly rates) as per Upwork

US & Canada

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

Eastern Europe

India

Australia

Specialist

Designer

Functions

Creates all the visual content that is then coded into the project.

US & Canada

$ 53

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 36

Eastern Europe

$ 30

India

$ 17

Australia

$ 46

Specialist

Product manager

Functions

Oversees the app: analyses whether the core features that clients want to include are the right features for the best user experience.

US & Canada

$ 84

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 40

Eastern Europe

$ 37

India

$ 21

Australia

$ 40

Specialist

Developer

Functions

Designs and programs software: operating systems, database systems, embedded systems, and so on.

US & Canada

$ 61

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 52

Eastern Europe

$ 33

India

$ 18

Australia

$ 49

Specialist

DevOps

Functions

Configures and deploys the system.

US & Canada

$ 66

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 40

Eastern Europe

$ 37

India

$ 29

Australia

$ 50

Specialist

Quality Assurance Engineer

Functions

Ensures that the software does what was intended and functions appropriately.

US & Canada

$ 33

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 21

Eastern Europe

$ 31

India

$ 18

Australia

$ 30

Specialist

Technical Writer

Functions

Creates instructions and API documentation.

US & Canada

$ 49

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 41

Eastern Europe

$ 22

India

$ 18

Australia

$ 55

Specialist

Business Analyst

Functions

Creates business requirements.

US & Canada

$ 63

Western Europe, Scandinavia, UK

$ 58

Eastern Europe

$ 35

India

$ 19

Australia

$ 32

App Development Costs- With an Agency

Working with a mobile app development agency like Cubix is a smooth experience. You don’t have to worry about hidden costs or flawed development. Instead, an agency promises robust development, intriguing designs, and clear pricing. So now, let’s explore how much an agency would charge you for a mobile app.

Usually, agencies estimate the costs based on the costs of each unit per week. For example, an average freelancer charges about $50 per hour or $2000 per week for simple projects. And for complex projects, agencies charge $75 per hour or $3000 per week.

App Development Costs- With Silicon Giants

Now, if you wish to work with Silicon Giants like IBM, Oracle, Adobe Systems, LSI Logic, National Semiconductor, SanDisk, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Symantec, and others, then be ready to pay somewhere between $150 per hour to $200 per hour. An average mobile app with the big boys will cost around $500,000

How Much Does a Mobile App Cost?

Which platforms do you want to cater to?

Each platform has its own requirements; thus, the costs vary. Usually, designing for both iOS and Android platforms doubles the costs. So don’t jump into both platforms unless your target audience is active on iOS and Android devices.

Platforms

Cost

Description

Platforms

Apple iOS

Cost

$5,000

Description

The operating system for Apple products such as the iPhone or iPad

Platforms

Google Android

Cost

$5,000

Description

The operating system for Android brands like Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo, and others

Platforms

Apple iOS & Google Android

Cost

$8,750

Description

For Apple and Android brands

How will your users sign-up?

Should your users sign-up before using your service? If your app stores financial data, you may need a two-step authorization. But keep in mind that long sign-ups may irritate customers. Don’t ask for information unless necessary.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple sign-up(email and password)

Cost

$2,000

Description

Simple sign-up lets users log in with an email and password. It supports restoring the password and helps with forgotten passwords, and it also supports the guest mode option.

Features

Login and sign-up via social media accounts

Cost

$3,000

Description

Login with two different social networks such as Instagram and Twitter, as well as guest mode.

Features

Login and sign-up via two-step verification

Cost

$4,000

Description

Classic login plus the unique code sent to users’ phones for additional security.

Will your users need personalized profiles?

Personalized profiles are regularly used, but they are not always required. Storing user data complicates your application and makes your app heavy. Simple profiles include basic user information and an image, while complex ones let users add video, picture galleries, the ability to gain followers, etc.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple profiles

Cost

$4,000

Description

Simple user profiles allow setting up emails, birthdays, pictures, and addresses without interaction with others.

Features

Complex profiles

Cost

$7,000

Description

In addition to the possibilities provided by simple profiles, complex profiles also allow better interaction with other users – following, galleries of images, other users’ views, and so on.

Do you want integration maps or geolocation?

Location statistics and analytics can be extremely useful for catering to the right audience. Online tracking will be necessary for apps dealing with transportation, taxi services, deliveries, etc. Geofencing is helpful for businesses that notify users when they are within a particular business area.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple map

Cost

$3,500

Description

Elementary maps that display a place allowed for pins and a brief description, and a basic calculation of distance.

Features

Geofencing

Cost

$8,000

Description

Maps that support everything a simple map uses but additionally allow sending notifications when a device enters an area near to the outlet.

Features

Real-time tracking

Cost

$15,000

Description

Allows real-time tracking on a map, notifications for devices, and more accurate online distance calculation.

Will your users upload pictures?

Any social media-based application may require working with pictures. For example, capturing and uploading images will allow you to transfer a photo, but you won’t be able to change them.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Capture and upload images

Cost

$3,000

Description

Primary picture uploading option, along with allowing users to take pictures or upload from the phone’s library.

Features

Image editing

Cost

$4,000

Description

Basic picture editing, plus cropping, resizing, changing contrast and brightness, and so on.

Features

Create albums

Cost

$3,000

Description

Create albums, add descriptions, name albums, remove photos, and so on.

Features

Apply pre-made filters

Cost

$4,000

Description

Possibility to use pre-made filters, like Instagram.

Will your users work with videos or audio?

Video and audio add a lot of depth to the communication. Streaming allows you to play and pause videos, but you cannot make any edits to them. Live broadcasting will enable you to broadcast from your phone without the need to upload the video first.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Stream audio or video

Cost

$10,000

Description

Audio/video streaming with simple pause, play, and volume control. The standard and full screenplay will be available.

Features

Live broadcasting

Cost

$15,000

Description

Online broadcasting from a mobile device with all other audio/video controls.

Features

Video editing

Cost

$7,000

Description

Video editing, including inserting content such as text, pictures, or other videos, along with applying existing filters.

Do your users require social features?

Apps can also make profits by implementing social features, as it will engage users, promote the app in users’ circles, and increase overall brand awareness.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Comments, likes, shares

Cost

$3,000

Description

Ability to comment, like, and share content through social networks.

Features

Newsfeed or user wall

Cost

$8,000

Description

Dated display of posts with the ability to publish text and pictures, as well as comment, like, and share posts.

Features

Tagging

Cost

$2,000

Description

Photo tagging functionality allows adding names from a list.

Features

Check-ins

Cost

$4,000

Description

Ability to check in at a particular place using an API.

Do you allow communication between users?

Social media apps are communication-based. For example, the online chat will allow users to send real-time messages to each other. At the same time, a simple inbox serves as a zone where all notifications are stored and a simple list of messages is displayed.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple notification inbox

Cost

$4,000

Description

A simple menu of messages and notifications.

Features

Live text chat

Cost

$14,000

Description

Online text chatting, including push notifications.

Features

Group chat, location sharing, media

Cost

$20,000

Description

Advanced messaging, group video/voice chatting along with push notifications.

Features

Voice and video calls

Cost

$16,000

Description

Making and receiving audio/video calls.

How do you accept payments?

Choosing how to accept payments in your app depends on the technology, customer base, and business needs.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Handle and store card data directly

Cost

$7,000

Description

Customized branded experience for your clients. Includes Payment Card Industry Certification.

Features

Existing mobile POS

Cost

$7,000

Description

We are accepting payments through a mobile point-of-sale app, for example, PayPal.

Features

Mobile payment widgets

Cost

$7,000

DescrThey are using

Using gateways like Stripe or PayPal. Card data is handled by their libraries, restricting your exposure to PCI compliance and effort of implementation.

Features

Using a gateway API

Cost

$7,000

Description

Applying gateway API completes you full control of other user experiences: the advanced-development-complexity expense and gateway lock-in.

What additional app features do you intend to include?

Choose additional features that may enrich your mobile app. Of course, some of them can be added la. However, it’s essential to keep the costs in mind.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Rating or reviews

Cost

$5,000

Description

The ability to add, display, and filter reviews or ratings by specific parameters.

Features

QR scanner and coupons

Cost

$5,000

Description

Issue QR coupons for your clients.

Features

Calendar integration

Cost

$4,000

Description

Built-in calendar features, including daily, monthly, and yearly detailed views of time, place, and event.

Features

Loyalty program

Cost

$7,000

Description

The program proposes rewards for customers in exchange for a long-lasting relationship.

Features

Search

Cost

$3,000

Description

Searching with the use of natural language.

Features

Push notifications

Cost

$3,000

Description

The ability to drop push messages to customers.

Features

E-commerce

Cost

$16,000

Description

The ability to create menus for items (e.g., picture, description, price) and shopping cart options (checkout, email confirmation, purchases). Payments are excluded.

Features

Calculator

Cost

$3,000

Description

The basic calculator with customized design for the most popular used functions like calculating hints or mortgages.

Features

In-app browser

Cost

$3,000

Description

With in-app browsing function. Users don’t need to open a native browser.

Features

Listing

Cost

$4,000

Description

Specifying users, items, and events with filtering.

Features

Blog or newsfeed

Cost

$6,000

Description

Blog posts menu (name, picture, author, description, date), detailed view for the particular article, including the sort-by-value ability.

What devices do you plan to support?

Additional devices need additional design and development time and may require integration with other smart products.

Device

Cost

Description

Device

Smartphone

Cost

0%

Description

Devices like iPhone or LG.

Device

Tablet

Cost

5%

Description

Tablets such as iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Device

Smartwatch

Cost

5%

Description

Watch.

Do you care about the look and feel of your app?

The personalized design allows you to be one of a kind, going beyond template solutions. Custom gestures, buttons, and transitions require a lot of time but create a precise and unique brand positioning in the industry.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Standard default design

Cost

5.00%

Description

Classic design and standard widgets.

Features

Custom design

Cost

7.50%

Description

Personalized design based on unique visual parts.

Features

Animated design

Cost

10%

Description

Custom design with the point on interactions.

How Much Does a Web App Cost?

How will your users sign-up?

Should your users sign-up before using your service? If your app stores financial data, you may need a two-step authorization. But keep in mind that long sign-ups may irritate customers. So don’t ask for information unless necessary.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple sign-up(email and password)

Cost

$4,000

Description

Simple sign-up lets users log in with an email and password; it supports restoring the password and also helps with forgotten passwords. It also supports the guest mode option.

Features

Login and sign-up via social media accounts

Cost

$4,000

Description

Login with two different social networks such as Instagram and Twitter, as well as guest mode.

Features

Login and sign-up via two-step verification

Cost

$5,500

Description

Classic login plus the unique code sent to users’ phones for additional security.

Will your users need personalized profiles?

Personalized profiles are regularly used, but they are not always required. Storing user data complicates your application and makes your app heavy. Simple profiles include basic user information and an image, while complex ones let users add video, picture galleries, the ability to gain followers, etc.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple profiles

Cost

$4,000

Description

Simple user profiles allow setting up emails, birthdays, pictures, and addresses without interaction with others.

Features

Complex profiles

Cost

$7,000

Description

In addition to the possibilities provided by simple profiles, complex profiles also allow better interaction with other users – following, galleries of images, other users’ views, and so on.

Will your users upload pictures?

Any social media-based application may require working with pictures. For example, capturing and uploading images will allow you to transfer a photo, but you won’t be able to change them.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Capture and upload images

Cost

$2,000

Description

Basic picture uploading option, along with allowing users to take pictures or upload from the phone’s library.

Features

Image editing

Cost

$2,000

Description

Basic picture editing, plus cropping, resizing, changing contrast and brightness, and so on.

Features

Create albums

Cost

$2,000

Description

Create albums, add descriptions, name albums, remove photos, and so on.

Features

Apply pre-made filters

Cost

$2,000

Description

Possibility to use pre-made filters, like Instagram.

Do your users require social features?

Apps can also make profits by implementing social features, as it will engage users, promote the app in users’ circles, and increase overall brand awareness.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Comments, likes, shares

Cost

$2,500

Description

Ability to comment, like, and share content through social networks.

Features

Newsfeed or user wall

Cost

$6,500

Description

Dated display of posts with the ability to publish text and pictures, as well as comment, like, and share posts.

Features

Tagging

Cost

$1,500

Description

Photo tagging functionality allows adding names from a list.

Features

Check-ins

Cost

$4,000

Description

Ability to check in at a particular place using an API.

Do you allow communication between users?

Social media apps are communication-based. For example, the online chat will allow users to send real-time messages to each other. At the same time, a simple inbox serves as a zone where all notifications are stored and a simple list of messages is displayed.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Simple notification inbox

Cost

$6,000

Description

A simple menu of messages and notifications.

Features

Live text chat

Cost

$13,000

Description

Online text chatting, including push notifications.

Features

Group chat, location sharing, media

Cost

$20,000

Description

Advanced messaging, group video/voice chatting along with push notifications.

Features

Voice and video calls

Cost

$14,000

Description

Making and receiving audio/video calls.

Will your users work with videos or audio?

Video and audio add a lot of depth to the communication. Streaming allows you to play and pause videos, but you cannot make any edits to them. Live broadcasting will enable you to broadcast from your phone without the need to upload the video first.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Stream audio or video

Cost

$18,000

Description

Audio/video streaming with simple pause, play, and volume control. The standard and full screenplay will be available.

Features

Live broadcasting

Cost

$24,000

Description

Online broadcasting from a mobile device with all other audio/video controls.

Features

Video editing

Cost

$8,000

Description

Video editing, including inserting content such as text, pictures, or other videos, along with applying existing filters.

How do you accept payments?

Choosing how to accept payments in your app depends on the technology, customer base, and business needs.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Handle and store card data directly

Cost

$8,000

Description

Customized branded experience for your clients. Includes Payment Card Industry Certification.

Features

Existing mobile POS

Cost

$5,000

Description

Accepting payments through a mobile point-of-sale app, for example, PayPal.

Features

Mobile payment widgets

Cost

$5,000

Description

Using gateways like Stripe or PayPal. Card data is handled by their libraries, restricting your exposure to PCI compliance and effort of implementation.

Features

Using a gateway API

Cost

$7,000

Description

Applying gateway API gives you complete control over the user experience. The advanced-development-complexity expense and gateway lock-in.

What additional app features do you intend to include?

Choose additional features that may enrich your mobile app. Of course, some of them can be added later; however, it’s essential to keep the costs in mind.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Rating or reviews

Cost

$4,500

Description

The ability to add, display, and filter reviews or ratings by specific parameters.

Features

QR scanner and coupons

Cost

$5,000

Description

Issue QR coupons for your clients.

Features

Calendar integration

Cost

$3,500

Description

Built-in calendar features, including daily, monthly, and yearly detailed views of time, place, and event.

Features

Loyalty program

Cost

$6,000

Description

The program proposes rewards for customers in exchange for a long-lasting relationship.

Features

Search

Cost

$5,000

Description

Searching with the use of natural language.

Features

Push notifications

Cost

$3,500

Description

The ability to drop push messages to customers.

Features

E-commerce

Cost

$15,000

Description

The ability to create menus for items (e.g., picture, description, price) and shopping cart options (checkout, email confirmation, purchases). Payments are excluded.

Features

Calculator

Cost

$2,200

Description

The basic calculator with customized design for the most popular used functions like calculating hints or mortgages.

Features

FAQs

Cost

$1,000

Description

Frequently asked questions with detailed answers.

Features

Listing

Cost

$3,500

Description

Specifying users, items, and events with filtering.

Features

Blog or newsfeed

Cost

$7,000

Description

Blog posts menu (name, picture, author, description, date), detailed view for the particular article, including the sort-by-value ability.

Features

Maps

Cost

$2,000

Description

Elementary maps that display a place allowed for pins and a brief description, and basic distance calculation.

What marketing/sales features do you plan to use?

Marketing and sales statistics help you optimize, receive, and manage your revenue. Adding a well-designed homepage helps you optimize transformation.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Optimized landing page

Cost

$7,000

Description

A pleasant homepage breathtakingly increases conversions to online platforms—direct website visitors to the specially-designed homepage with one particular goal.

Features

Contact us page

Cost

$1,500

Description

A well-framed “Contact us” brings more trust for your product and offers prompt support valuable for your customers.

Features

Portfolio

Cost

$5,000

Description

A portfolio demonstrates your accomplishments, which help your customers explore your success. It provides trust and opens marvelous cross-selling opportunities.

Features

Products or services

Cost

$2,200

Description

A thoughtfully designed products/services page helps users get acquainted with your offerings

Features

Email marketing

Cost

$2,200

Description

Subscribing to your email list, users permit you to mail them.

What admin features do you need in your content management system (cms)?

CMS customizes the content on your web. You can do this without coding, using built-in editors.

Features

Cost

Description

Features

Content management

Cost

$5,500

Description

Using a built-in WYSIWYG editor, you can edit content without coding.

Features

Group and user management

Cost

$1,500

Description

Access rights to your website depending on user role. Administrators manage the website, editors deal with content created by authors and contributors, and subscribers have and manage their profiles.

Features

Media management

Cost

$1,500

Description

The Media Manager tool lets you simply upload, organize, and manage your media.

Features

Multiple language support

Cost

$2,000

Description

Content creators can build a website in different languages.

Features

Contact management

Cost

$1,000

Description

You can add multiple contacts, departments, and categories with contact options, extending the basic contact information and uploading images.

Features

Banner management

Cost

$1,000

Description

With the banner manager, you can add promotions and monetize your website.

Features

Menu manager

Cost

$1,000

Description

Using Menu Manager, you may create as many lists and list items as you wish and totally change the menu structure.

Now, shortlist the features you want in your mobile or web app and easily calculate the costs of your dream project.

How much will an Uber-Like App Cost?

Recently, we have witnessed exciting and breakthrough startups, like Uber, that have changed the business dynamics.

If your startup idea revolves around these startups, then your app will cost:

App

Costs

App

Uber

Cost

$90,000 – $120,000

App

Tinder

Cost

$60,000 – $90,000

App

WhatsApp

Cost

$120,000 – $150,000

App

Instagram

Cost

$100,000 – $300,000

App

Twitter

Cost

$50,000 – $250,000

Factors to Consider Before Hiring an App Development Agency

While hiring an app development agency, make sure you know who you are getting in bed with. Your tech partner can make or break your dream project. So make sure you’ve considered the agency’s prior experience, portfolio, pricing, and so on.

Let’s explore how to select the proper app development company:

Research on the app development company

Meticulously explore the agency’s portfolio. Analyze the projects completed by the company, identify the area of expertise, read verified client reviews, and discuss your project to interpret the development team’s grip. Google their reputation. Ask as many questions as you want before signing the contract. You have to be well-versed with the agency and its working norms in order to avoid any pitfall in the future.

Explore budget and timeline capacities

Behind every successful app is a massive investment of time, effort, and money. Ensure that your chosen app development agency can deliver the desired results within your budget without compromising on quality. Also, your selected agency must have the ability to deliver the project on time.

Legal rights

Discuss all the legal obligations before signing the contract. For example, make sure you reserve all the rights of your project and ensure code licensing.

Project brief

It’s crucial that you give a crystal clear roadmap of your requirements to the agency. Convey everything in detail to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. It will also save you from an undue spike in the budget as well as a delay in development.

MVP – How Much Does it Cost?

An MVP is the pre-variant of a product or an app that is created featuring only the basic features, serving more like an initial release or offering for the audience you aim to target. The idea is to test your assumptions and then scale the features and functions through iterative releases.

Generally, once an app receives feedback from the end-users, it is developed with a combination of features that users love.

Usually, people think of a fiery hackathon when imagining an app development process, but the reality is that much of the tedious work is completed in the first phase. This is when design wireframes and market assumptions are being analyzed. Proper attentiveness here cuts down the cost of mobile app development and workload when developers work with designers and product strategists on an app.

An expected cost for getting an MVP build is between $100,000 to $150,000, varying with the experience and proficiency of the agency.

Cubix’s CEO, Salman Lakhani, gave some insights about the delivery procedure of an MVP:

Generally, a startup breathes well with a seed round or a family funding of around $250,000 to $500,000. This will enable the company to run for 6 months or more. Traditionally, then they need to secure another funding of about $500,000 or more so that they can pick from any prototype they approved in the initial phase, take that to a professional level and polish it up for a perfect consumer release.

Result? Well, a startup powered by a breathtakingly persistent and beautiful app needs about half a million dollars to survive in the first 18 months.

Ready to Develop a Dream Mobile App?

A flawless mobile app with unmatched functionality and intriguing designs is the key to a breakthrough startup. This guide has detailed the costs associated with mobile app development, varying with features, platforms, technologies, and more.

By now, you have a clear idea of how much does it costs to develop a mobile app. Our customer support team is ready to help you further.

Enterprise mobile app development cost

Enterprise apps may be as complicated as they are essential, which raises the stakes to an uncomfortable level. If your team is thinking about creating a new corporate mobile app or replacing an old one, one of the first things you’re undoubtedly asking is, "how much does it cost of outsourcing mobile app development to design?" While several aspects influence the cost of designing and building an app, there are a few broad questions you can ask yourself to help you arrive at a conclusion. To estimate a budget range that will help you create a roadmap for your app, you’ll need to figure out what kind of team you’ll need, what procedure you’ll use, and the total complexity of your app’s features.

E-commerce mobile app development cost

The overall e-commerce mobile app development cost ranges from $30,000 to $170,000 on average. As previously said, the amount of complexity in the creation, the diversity of the design, and the kind of app are the main factors in the cost of mobile app development.

The time it takes to construct an e-commerce mobile app development cost might affect the charging mechanism. When compared to the time it takes to design apps for other platforms, and Android apps are renowned for taking the longest. The Android tax is a well-known term for this difference.

Hidden cost of mobile app development

The primary problem is that development is only the tip of the iceberg. The app lifetime consists of three parts: development, deployment, and maintenance. However, since most people only focus on development, the appearance of Hidden Costs of Mobile App in the latter two phases catches them off guard.

1. Cost of app designing

The UI/UX design cost is determined by the project’s complexity, much as development. In a nutshell, the more time an app designer spends on a task, the more money this stage of app development will cost you.

In general, the time it takes to build a good app ranges from 50 to 200 hours for introductory and complicated apps, respectively. However, if you need an app for both Android and iOS, you’ll need to create two designs because the platforms use different design standards and languages.

2. Functional services cost

Functional services are those required to carry out the app’s functions and features.

While your developer may supply you with a specific capability, you won’t be able to use it until you subscribe to a service that provides a delivery method. These services can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every month, and the amount of services you might require is nearly limitless.

3. App testing cost

I’m sure you want to find and repair all the flaws before your launch. Testing is required to ensure that your program works appropriately across a variety of operating systems, devices, and screen resolutions.

It’s vital to remember that without proper testing, you run the danger of releasing low-quality software, which will have a detrimental impact on the app’s performance and user experience.

4. App maintenance cost

We’re talking about IT-specific infrastructure maintenance costs: data storage, CDN, and picture data will all need some kind of monitoring and upkeep.

App maintenance is essential to address issues and defects that arise over time or that were not discovered before the app’s launch. You must also prepare your program for future operating system releases.

However, how much does app upkeep cost? According to studies, annual maintenance costs might account for up to 20% of an application’s overall expenditure. So, for example, if your application costs $100,000, expect to spend up to $20,000 each year on maintenance.

Mobile app game development cost

It may be more expensive to produce a game with excellent visuals, high-complexity features and functions, and compatibility for various platforms. However, if you have fewer requests, the price will be lower. As previously said, the cost of developing a mobile game is heavily influenced by a variety of factors such as the desired platform, the features and functions included, development technology, and the game’s size. Furthermore, the fee varies by area and location from one organization to the next.

It may be more expensive to produce a game with excellent visuals, high-complexity features and functions, and compatibility for various platforms. However, if you have fewer requests, the price will be lower.

author

Salman Lakhani

Salman Lakhani is the Founder & CEO of Cubix, Inc. He has over 18 years of experience in software development, creative and strategic operations.

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