You have a brilliant app idea, but failing to estimate the overall mobile app development cost can be a barrier to your success – do not let it happen to you! Read this guide to get a complete app development cost breakdown.
Have you ever wondered why most of the apps fail even before they come into the marketplace? Because many entrepreneurs overlook the financial realities that might make or break the app.
However, an app development cost is not just a number that you can simply Google because it heavily depends on various factors, including app complexity, features, platforms, and more. An average app development cost with basic features starts from $40,000, while others might charge even more.
This confusion often leads business owners to a dead end, where they just end up abandoning their app idea or compromising on the quality, only to pay more later. To save you from facing such a situation, we have put together a guide to the mobile app development cost.
After reading this blog, you will be able to cut unnecessary spending and make smarter financial decisions.
Let’s dive into the details!
Top 5 Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop an App
How much does it cost to create an app?
Well, the answer to this question is not as direct as you might expect because every mobile app is unique in its way, which ultimately affects the overall development cost. Here is a list of the top factors that influence the app development price.
- Mobile App Complexity
A mobile app with basic features might be a cost-effective option for your business, but it will not be suitable for the long run. However, if you have a complex app idea with advanced features, like payment gateways or AI development, your wallet will definitely feel the weight. On the bright side, it will give you a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, the app complexity also includes the backend architecture and scalability requirements that automatically raise the price.
- Platform Choice – iOS or Android
Choosing a suitable platform for your mobile app development is another influential factor, affecting the overall cost to develop an app. For instance, if you want native app development for iOS and Android, two different code bases will be required. Do you know what that means? The pricing will skyrocket, but the investment will pay off higher in stability and long-term success.
- UI/UX Design
Ever since the low-code development market is expected to reach $264.4 billion by 2032, businesses are inclining more towards this approach for cost-effective mobile application development. But low-code alone cannot help you achieve your results; you would want an aesthetically pleasing app, which ultimately affects the cost of app development. In short, it will cost you money, but it is a necessary investment.
- Development Team & Location
Another factor affecting the app development cost is the team you hire and the location they are based in. For example, app developers based in North America or Western Europe charge premium rates ($120-$200/hour). Whereas, skilled team of developers may cost significantly less (starting from $50-$110/hour). Beyond this, hiring freelancers or a set of experienced developers also affects the overall app development price.
- Post-Launch App Maintenance & Optimization
Once the app development is completed, post-launch maintenance comes into the picture, which includes regular updates, bug fixes, integrating new features, etc. With that being said, the cost of optimization and maintenance starts from 15% to 20% of the actual app development price. So, if you want to keep your app operational all the time, invest your money and ensure long-term success.
App Development Cost Breakdown Across Platforms & Industries
The cost to develop an app varies significantly depending on the platform you choose (whether it is Android, iOS, or cross-platform). Additionally, which industry you are catering to is also an affecting factor of the app development cost.
Here is the breakdown of the average cost to develop an app, specially designed for you:
App Development Cost by Platform
| App Platform | Basic App | Mid-Level App | Complex App |
| Android App Development | $5,000 to $15,000 | $15,000 to $30,000 | $72,000 and increasing |
| iOS App Development | $5,000 to $25,000 | $25,000 to $75,000 | $75,000 to $150,000+ |
| Cross-Platform Development | $5,000 to $20,000 | $20,000 to $70,000 | $70,000 to $250,000+ |
App Development Cost by Industry
| Industry | Estimated Cost Range |
| Healthcare App | $20,000 to $500,000+ |
| eCommerce App | $10,000 to $250,000+ |
| Fintech App | $30,000 to $250,000 |
| Social Media App | $10,000 to over $120,000+ |
| On-Demand App | $25,000 to $150,000+ |
Proven Monetization Models That Actually Work for Your Mobile App
Congratulations on building a highly intuitive and user-friendly mobile application! But now what?
Have you thought of ways to make your mobile application profitable? Well, you certainly need an effective monetization strategy to generate revenue. Here is a list of proven models you can choose from:
- In-App Advertising
The first and foremost effective monetization model is in-app advertising, where advertisements are displayed inside the app only. You can make money through interactive ads, videos, or native ads. Remember that earning through ads is an excellent option, but too many displays of ads might frustrate users. So, maintain a balance.
- Freemium Model
Another interesting model through which you can get a higher ROI is leveraging the freemium model. You can attract the users and provide them with the basic features for free, and in case of utilizing the advanced features, you can charge them. Such a model is highly useful for apps like Spotify and LinkedIn that give users a wonderful experience before committing to paid features.
- In-App Purchases
In-app purchase is another way to monetize. This lets users buy extra content or features. It works well for gaming apps where users can buy virtual items or exclusive content. This model is also common in lifestyle, education, and entertainment apps for unlocking premium features.
- Subscription Model
On the other hand, if in-app purchases or a freemium model don’t suit your app, a subscription model could be the answer. With this, users pay a recurring monthly or yearly fee for premium features or an ad-free experience. Many successful apps like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify use this model effectively. If your app provides high-quality content or unique features, a subscription is a solid option.
- Sponsorships & Partnerships
Sponsorships and partnerships are another good way to make money with your app. This works really well if you have a loyal and active user base in a specific market. You can then team up with brands that want to reach your audience, which benefits both you and the brand.
Which Is More Cost-Effective: Hiring an In-House Team or Offshore?
When it comes to developing a mobile application, one of the thoughtful decisions entrepreneurs have to make, whether to hire an in-house team or an offshore team. While the average cost of app development can give you a rough idea, it’s important to recognize that the choice between these two approaches significantly influences both your expenses and long-term outcomes.
Let’s find out which is the suitable choice:
- In-House Development Team
If you are thinking of hiring an in-house team, get ready to have more control, easier communication, and better alignment with your company’s goals. However, it will come with a price because, on average, the app developers based in Western Europe can cost as much as $150,000+ per year. Just know that we haven’t mentioned the cost of designers, QA testers, and so on.
- Offshore Development Team
Investing your money in hiring an offshore development team is a cost-effective option, giving you access to a pool of talented & experienced developers. This gives you relaxation from overpaying and lets you focus on maintaining an in-house staff.
However, it completely depends on the type of business and budget you have. For startups or businesses with a small budget, an offshore development team is definitely the right choice. But if your enterprise is on a large scale and has enough money, go for an in-house development team.
Just remember, cost matters, but the right team matters the most!
How Galaxy Weblinks Helps You Build Apps Within Budget
At Galaxy Weblinks, we have a team of developers who specialize in crafting mobile applications that balance cost, quality, and scalability.
From creating a simple MVP to developing a complex enterprise-level application, we will ensure you receive a higher return on investment. Our team will also help you choose the right tech stack to optimize UI/UX and deliver advanced features without breaking your bank.
The outcome:
- Cost-effective development that never sacrifices quality.
- Applications engineered for scalability and sustained, long-term expansion.
- A reliable partner committed to supporting you at every phase of your project.
Ready to turn your app idea into reality? Contact our expert team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much does it cost to create an app in 2025?
The cost of developing an app in 2025 typically ranges from $40,000 to $150,000+, depending on factors like app complexity, features, design, and platform choice. A simple MVP can be more budget-friendly, while complex enterprise-grade apps require a higher investment.
Q2. What factors influence the cost of app development the most?
The biggest cost drivers are app complexity, chosen platform (iOS, Android, or cross-platform), UI/UX design, developer location, and post-launch maintenance. Each of these adds layers of effort, impacting the final price tag.
Q3. Is it cheaper to build a cross-platform app than two native apps?
Yes. Cross-platform development allows you to reuse a single codebase for both iOS and Android, saving development time and costs. Native apps, while offering better performance, usually cost more because they require separate builds.
Q4. Are there hidden costs in mobile app development?
Many businesses overlook post-launch expenses, such as hosting, app store fees, bug fixes, feature updates, and marketing. These can add 15–20% of the initial development cost annually, so budgeting for ongoing maintenance is crucial.
Q5. Should I hire an in-house team or outsource app development?
It depends on your goals and budget. In-house teams give you full control but are more expensive (salaries, tools, benefits). Outsourcing or hiring an offshore team can be more cost-effective while still ensuring quality if you partner with the right vendor.
