"How much does app development cost?" is one of the most variable questions in tech. A simple MVP might run $15,000; a complex native app can exceed $500,000. Cost depends on platform (iOS, Android, both, web), architecture (native, hybrid, cross-platform), complexity, and who builds it (agency, freelancer, offshore). This guide breaks down app development costs with realistic ranges and actionable advice for both buyers and sellers.
Key Takeaways:
- App costs range from $15,000 (simple MVP) to $500,000+ (enterprise)
- Cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter) offer the best cost-to-quality ratio
- Budget 15–25% of initial build cost annually for ongoing maintenance
- Start with an MVP to validate before committing to a full build
- Define features and acceptance criteria in a scope document before signing
App Development Cost Ranges at a Glance
| App Type | Complexity | Typical Cost Range | |----------|------------|-------------------| | Simple (MVP, basic features) | Low | $15,000–$50,000 | | Medium (moderate features, 2 platforms) | Medium | $50,000–$120,000 | | Complex (feature-rich, custom backend) | High | $120,000–$300,000 | | Enterprise (multi-platform, integrations, scale) | Very High | $250,000–$500,000+ |
Native vs. Hybrid vs. Web Apps: Cost Comparison
The technology choice affects cost, performance, and maintenance.
| Approach | iOS + Android Cost | Pros | Cons | |----------|-------------------|------|------| | Native (Swift, Kotlin) | Highest (2x codebases) | Best performance, full platform access | Most expensive, longest build | | Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) | Medium (1 codebase, 2 apps) | Single codebase, faster than 2x native | Slight performance trade-off, some platform limits | | Hybrid (Cordova, Capacitor) | Lower | Fast to build, web skills transfer | Performance and UX limitations | | Progressive Web App (PWA) | Lowest | One codebase, no app store | Limited device features, discovery challenges |
Cost by Approach (Rough Multipliers)
- Native (iOS + Android): 1.8–2.2x the cost of a single-platform build (two separate apps).
- Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter): 1.2–1.5x single-platform (shared codebase, platform-specific tweaks).
- Hybrid: 1.0–1.3x single-platform. Cheaper but often less performant.
- PWA: 0.6–1.0x a simple web app. No app store; distribution via URL.
When to Choose Which
- Native: Games, AR/VR, heavy media, apps requiring maximum performance. Budget: plan for highest cost.
- Cross-platform: Most business and consumer apps. Good balance of cost and quality. React Native and Flutter are standard.
- Hybrid: Simple content apps, internal tools, tight budgets. Accept some UX trade-offs.
- PWA: Content, catalogs, tools that don't need app store presence. Lowest cost.
Simple vs. Medium vs. Complex Apps
Simple Apps (MVP, Basic Features)
Typical scope: 5–15 screens, basic CRUD, simple auth, no complex backend.
Examples: Todo app, basic e-commerce, simple booking, content viewer.
| Provider | Cost Range | |----------|------------| | Freelancer/offshore | $15,000–$35,000 | | Small agency | $30,000–$60,000 | | Mid-size agency | $50,000–$90,000 |
Timeline: 2–4 months.
Medium Complexity (Moderate Features, 2 Platforms)
Typical scope: 15–30 screens, integrations (payments, APIs), moderate backend, push notifications, analytics.
Examples: Marketplace lite, fitness app, social app, B2B tool.
| Provider | Cost Range | |----------|------------| | Freelancer/offshore | $40,000–$80,000 | | Small agency | $70,000–$120,000 | | Mid-size agency | $100,000–$180,000 |
Timeline: 4–8 months.
Complex Apps (Feature-Rich, Custom Backend)
Typical scope: 30+ screens, complex logic, real-time features, custom APIs, admin dashboard, scalability requirements.
Examples: Full marketplace, fintech, telehealth, social platform.
| Provider | Cost Range | |----------|------------| | Offshore agency | $80,000–$150,000 | | US/EU agency | $150,000–$350,000 | | Top-tier agency | $250,000–$500,000+ |
Timeline: 8–18 months.
iOS vs. Android vs. Cross-Platform
Single Platform
- iOS only: 0.5–0.6x the cost of iOS + Android (one codebase).
- Android only: Similar to iOS; sometimes 10–15% less in some markets.
When to start with one platform: MVP validation, limited budget, or platform-specific audience (e.g., iOS-first for premium demographics).
Cross-Platform (iOS + Android)
- React Native / Flutter: 1.2–1.5x single-platform cost. One codebase, two store listings.
- Native (both): 1.8–2.2x single-platform. Two codebases, full control.
Most product apps today use cross-platform for cost efficiency unless they need maximum performance.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
App development doesn't end at launch. Budget for:
| Maintenance Item | Typical Cost | |------------------|--------------| | Bug fixes and small updates | $1,000–$5,000/month | | OS updates (iOS/Android new versions) | $2,000–$8,000 per major release cycle | | New features (scoped) | $5,000–$30,000+ per feature set | | Backend hosting and infra | $100–$2,000+/month | | App store fees | Apple: 15–30%; Google: 15–30% (often passed to end users or absorbed) |
Rule of thumb: Plan 15–25% of initial development cost annually for maintenance, or a retainer of $2,000–$10,000/month depending on app complexity.
MVP Approach: Reducing Upfront Cost
Building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) reduces risk and cost.
MVP principles:
- Core features only—cut "nice to have" for v1
- Single platform first (e.g., iOS)—add Android after validation
- Cross-platform or hybrid to reduce cost
- No custom backend if possible—use BaaS (Firebase, Supabase)
- 2–4 month timeline typical
Typical MVP cost: $15,000–$50,000 for a validated concept with real users. Use a project pricing calculator to model scope and cost.
Agency vs. Offshore vs. Freelancer
Freelancers
Cost: $50–$150/hour. Total project: 40–60% less than US agencies for similar scope.
Pros: Low cost, direct communication, flexible
Cons: Single point of failure, variable quality, limited capacity for large projects
Best for: MVPs, simple apps, founders with technical oversight. Use freelance rate calculator to benchmark.
Offshore Agencies (Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia)
Cost: $30–$80/hour. Total project: 50–70% less than US agencies.
Pros: Lower cost, often skilled teams
Cons: Time zone and communication challenges, quality variance, IP and legal considerations
Best for: Cost-sensitive projects, MVPs, non-critical apps. Vet carefully—quality varies widely.
US/EU Agencies
Cost: $125–$250/hour. Highest cost but process, accountability, and typically stronger communication.
Pros: Process, team backup, accountability, local legal/IP norms
Cons: Higher price
Best for: Complex apps, funded startups, enterprise. See agency pricing models and agency profit margins guide for how agencies structure app development engagements.
Agencies that manage multiple app projects often use tools like AgencyPro for billing and project tracking—milestone-based invoicing and clear scope documentation reduce disputes and keep clients informed on budget.
Factors That Increase App Cost
| Factor | Impact | |--------|--------| | Real-time features (chat, notifications) | +15–30% | | Payments and subscriptions | +10–25% | | Third-party integrations (each) | +$2,000–$15,000 | | Custom backend/API | +$15,000–$50,000 | | Offline functionality | +10–20% | | Complex animations/UX | +10–25% | | Multi-language/localization | +5–15% | | Compliance (HIPAA, PCI, etc.) | +$20,000–$80,000 | | Rush timeline | +25–50% |
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Design (UI/UX): $5,000–$30,000+. Often separate from development or bundled. Don't assume it's included.
- Backend and hosting: Database, APIs, cloud services. $100–$2,000+/month depending on scale.
- Quality assurance (QA): Testing across devices and OS versions. $5,000–$20,000+ or built into agency rate.
- App store submission: One-time and ongoing. Apple Developer: $99/year; Google Play: $25 one-time. Enterprise distribution may cost more.
- Post-launch fixes: First month often uncovers bugs. Budget 10–15% of project cost for immediate post-launch fixes.
- Change orders: Scope changes mid-project. Define change order process in contract; expect $100–$200/hour for additions.
See our agency profit margins guide for how development agencies price and protect margin. Use invoice templates and billing tools to structure milestone payments and reduce payment friction.
Choosing the Right App Development Partner
Freelancer: Best for MVPs, simple apps, and when you have technical oversight. Lower cost, direct communication. Vet carefully—portfolio, references, and communication matter. Use freelance rate calculator to validate rates.
Offshore agency: Best when budget is primary and you can manage time zone and communication. Quality varies; vet with test projects or phased engagement. Good for MVPs and non-critical apps.
US/EU agency: Best for complex apps, compliance needs, and when you want process and accountability. Higher cost, but communication, IP norms, and quality control are typically stronger. See agency pricing models and agency profit margins guide for context.
No-code/low-code (Bubble, Adalo, etc.): For very simple apps and prototypes. $5,000–$25,000. Limited flexibility and scalability; good for validation, not long-term product.
Red Flags in App Development Pricing
- Fixed price with no scope document – Guaranteed scope creep or cut corners.
- "We'll build everything" – Vague scope leads to disputes. Define features, screens, and acceptance criteria.
- Prices far below market – $5,000 for a "full app" usually means templates, offshore juniors, or cut corners. Quality and maintainability suffer.
- No design phase – Skipping UX/UI leads to rework. Budget for design.
- No testing or QA – Bugs multiply. Insist on QA or factor it into the engagement.
- No contract or IP assignment – You must own the code. Ensure IP assignment and source code escrow if relevant.
App Development Budget Planning: MVP to Scale
Phase 1: MVP (validate concept)
Budget: $15,000–$50,000. Scope: Core features only, 1 platform (often cross-platform), 2–4 months. Provider: Freelancer or offshore agency. Use BaaS (Firebase, Supabase) to reduce backend cost. Goal: Real users, learning, not perfection.
Phase 2: Product-market fit (iterate)
Budget: $30,000–$80,000. Scope: Add platform (iOS + Android if single), key features from user feedback, improve UX. Provider: Same or upgrade to small agency. Timeline: 3–6 months. Goal: Retention, engagement, conversion.
Phase 3: Scale (grow)
Budget: $80,000–$200,000+. Scope: Performance, scalability, integrations, maybe backend rebuild. Provider: Agency with track record. Timeline: 6–12 months. Goal: Handle growth, reduce technical debt.
Phase 4: Mature (optimize)
Budget: Ongoing. Scope: New features, maintenance, platform updates. Typical: 15–25% of build cost annually or $2,000–$10,000/month retainer. Goal: Sustainable product, not one-off project.
Don't skip the MVP phase. Building a $200K app before validating is a common mistake. Start small, learn, then invest. Use project pricing calculator to model scope at each phase. For agencies, agency pricing models and agency profit margins guide provide context on structuring app development engagements.
Key Takeaways
- App development costs $15,000 to $500,000+ depending on complexity, platform, and provider.
- Native is most expensive (two codebases); cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) offers the best cost/quality balance for most apps.
- Simple MVP: $15,000–$50,000. Medium: $50,000–$120,000. Complex: $120,000–$500,000+.
- Ongoing maintenance runs 15–25% of build cost annually—plan $2,000–$10,000/month for many apps.
- MVP approach reduces risk: single platform, core features, 2–4 months. Validate before scaling.
- Agencies cost more than offshore/freelancers but offer process, accountability, and communication. Match provider to project complexity and budget.
For pricing context, see agency pricing models, agency profit margins guide, project pricing calculator, and freelance rate calculator. For agencies building apps, billing tools like AgencyPro help manage milestone invoicing and client communication.
Quick Reference: App Development Cost Cheat Sheet
| App Type | Freelancer/Offshore | US Agency | Timeline | |----------|---------------------|-----------|----------| | Simple MVP | $15,000–$35,000 | $35,000–$60,000 | 2–4 months | | Medium (2 platforms) | $40,000–$80,000 | $80,000–$150,000 | 4–8 months | | Complex | $80,000–$150,000 | $150,000–$350,000 | 8–18 months | | Enterprise | $100,000+ | $250,000–$500,000+ | 12+ months |
Maintenance: 15–25% of build cost annually, or $2,000–$10,000/month. Tech choice: Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) = best cost/quality balance for most apps.
Real-World App Cost Examples
Example 1: Simple MVP (fitness tracking, 1 platform)
Cross-platform, basic features. Freelancer: $18,000–$25,000. Small agency: $35,000–$50,000. Timeline: 2–3 months.
Example 2: E-commerce app (iOS + Android)
Product catalog, cart, checkout, basic backend. Offshore: $45,000–$70,000. US agency: $80,000–$130,000. Timeline: 4–6 months.
Example 3: Marketplace (buyers + sellers, admin)
Dual-sided app, payments, messaging, admin dashboard. Agency: $150,000–$250,000. Timeline: 8–12 months.
Example 4: Fintech/healthcare app (compliance)
Secure, compliant, custom backend, integrations. Agency: $250,000–$450,000+. Timeline: 12–18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I build native or cross-platform?
For most business and consumer apps, cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) offers the best balance. Go native only if you need maximum performance, specific hardware access, or have budget for two codebases.
How much does it cost to maintain an app?
Plan 15–25% of build cost annually, or $2,000–$10,000/month for typical apps. Covers bug fixes, OS updates, small features, and hosting. Complex apps cost more.
Is offshore development worth the savings?
For MVPs and cost-sensitive projects, yes—if you vet carefully. For complex or compliance-heavy apps, US/EU agencies often justify the premium with communication, process, and accountability.
How do I avoid scope creep?
Define features, screens, and acceptance criteria in a scope document. Use a change order process: any addition gets quoted and approved before work starts. Document in the contract.
Should I build an app or a PWA?
Apps offer better UX, app store discovery, push notifications, and full device access. PWAs are cheaper, work everywhere, and don't require app store approval. Choose apps when UX and discovery matter; PWAs when cost and speed are priorities and you don't need native features.
What's included in a typical app development quote?
Design (UI/UX), development (frontend + backend), testing/QA, app store submission, and sometimes a short post-launch support period. Clarify: Is design included? What about ongoing maintenance? Source code ownership? Hosting? Get a detailed scope document before signing.