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$437.80bn in 2022. While seeming on track to achieve this, the cost of mobile app development would have to play a role.
Apart from that, Many factors influence the price, depending on the complexity of the app development, at 40$ per hour, the average cost will be:
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.
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:
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:
While a complex app requires the services of:
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 Buraq IT Station, 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. Buraq IT Station 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.
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 |
Cost $120,000 – $150,000 |
|
App |
Cost $100,000 – $300,000 |
|
App |
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.
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.
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.
