How Much Does it Cost to Make an APP?

Published: February 14, 2017 3 min. read
Svitla Team
By Svitla Team
Mobile Development
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One of the most serious questions that concerns any entrepreneur is what would be the cost of an application development. Without an understanding of the components any project consists of, it is hard to calculate the budget and mitigate risks. Here is our vision on this issue.

Before starting any project, Svitla’s experts should estimate the amount of effort, in accordance with data provided by a potential customer. The price will depend on the complexity of the app features as determined by our analysts. Generally, when calculating costs, experts will take into account the following components.

Team costs

Basically, the team should include at least two developers, one quality assurance engineer and project manager. But for small applications, one of the developers can take up the role of a team lead or a project manager.  For big projects, we strongly recommend to have a dedicated project manager for better team coordination (read why here: http://svitla.com/blog/why-outsourcing-company-insists-on-hiring-a-project-manager). In addition, such specialists as UX/UI designers, technical writers could also be involved in the process of building an app.

Deeper investigation costs

Some projects require much deeper research and investigation. For example, the project may need a third-party assistance, platforms, or licenses. These costs also should be incorporated in the final estimate.

Maintenance costs

Technical teams know that any project doesn’t stop after the release date. In the first several months, it is extremely important to controlan apps’ sustainability, fix critical bugs, and maintain backend servers. Besides, almost any application needs updating, adding new features, and  compatibility with new versions of software. For this purpose, you may want to leave one or two developers on the project after the release period.

UI design costs

As customers perceive an application’s interface, it is obvious that the coding process itself won’t be sufficient enough. Usability and user experience are essential things to think of for any mid-size and big applications. Creating a unique style and design elements may take some time and effort.

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All these things are difficult to estimate if a customer doesn’t have a definite technical expertise. In Svitla, our analysts are working on estimating incoming requirements, such as a project description, examples of the products that the customer may like, and documentation. As a rough estimate,, the analysts can provide the customer with information of approximate number of hours, team members, and the rates for the project. On the neхt iteration, the analysts collaborate closer with the customer on the requirements and wireframes.

Due to the fact that the rates and other conditions change from year to year, it is hard to say what the final cost would be. Yet, a rough estimate for most projects may look the following:

  • Small projects (basic CRUD operations and minimal UI) will take up to 500 hours and may cost around $ 15,000 - $20,000.
  • Medium size projects (more sophisticated design and functionalities, payment features, and API integration) may cost around $30,000 - $50,000.
  • Big enterprise applications (with a large set of functionalities, complex logic, large loads, and support of extended team of specialists) may cost up to $70 000 - $100,000.

Wonder how to build travel app from scratch? Read in our article.

Written by
Svitla Team
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FAQ

What is the average cost to develop a mobile app in 2025?

By 2025, mobile app development will largely be defined by the complexity and features of the project. Minor applications with fundamental functionality generally accrue between $15,000 $20,000. Moderate applications, which include and support more functionalities, can amount to anything between $30,000 $50,000. Applications at large enterprise levels requiring very complex logic as well as detailed support from teams, may range anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000. These are actually just some generic estimates that include the costs for the team, design, research, and maintenance; actual prices could be higher due to specific requirements together with market rates.

What factors influence the total cost of app development?

Major components that weigh heavily on the total cost of developing an app are its features and design, since the more functional its operations and the fancier its user interface, the more effort has to be injected. The development team size and composition also create a significant variance in costs between developers, QA engineers, project managers, and designers, which is factored in. Also, not limited to these deeper ways, some third-party integrations or licenses may require an added level of research.

How does the choice of platform (iOS, Android, cross-platform) impact app development costs?

The platform influences the cost because different technologies, tools, and skills may be used for each platform. Most times, separate native applications for iOS and Android will increase the cost because it involves building and maintaining two entirely different codebases. Cross-platform solutions can be less expensive since one codebase serves more than one platform, but there may be restrictions regarding performance or access to some features of the device. Your target users, intended function, and budget define the choice.

Are there ongoing costs after the app is launched?

Yes, there are continual costs after the launch of an app. Most often, it requires maintenance to correct bugs, as well as feature updates and ensure compatibility with new versions of the operating system. Other expenses that might be incurred include server upkeep, security monitoring, and functionalities inspired by user feedback. Keeping a developer or small team on hand for post-launch support will go a long way in helping maintain the quality and performance of the app.

How can you reduce the cost of making an app without sacrificing quality?

Reducing the app development cost without diminishing its quality, an MVP, or minimal viable product, should be preferred. Quality at the core shall contain essential features in the initial launch of an application. Cross-platform development will save resources since one code works for more than one operating system. Other factors that will ensure reduced costs include clear and detailed requirements before the project kicks off to avoid scope creep and revision, which is always expensive, and good project management, together with a clearly defined development process by ensuring team efforts optimization and fewer delays.