How Much Does It Cost to Make an App?
One of the most common questions we get at Blupalms is, “How much does it cost to build an app?” The answer? It depends.
The cost of app development varies based on factors like complexity, design, features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and the team you hire. In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into the cost of building an app and what you should expect when budgeting for your project.
App Development Cost Breakdown
1. Simple Apps ($10,000 – $40,000)
These apps have basic functionality, a simple user interface, and no backend. They are typically:
- Informational apps
- Calculator or utility apps
- Basic to-do lists
If you just need an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with core features, you can expect to be in this range.
2. Moderate Complexity Apps ($40,000 – $120,000)
These apps require backend development, user authentication, and database integration. They often include:
- Social networking features
- Marketplace functionality
- Data storage and retrieval
- Third-party API integrations
This is the range where most business apps and startups fall.
3. Complex Apps ($120,000 – $500,000+)
Large-scale apps with high interactivity, custom animations, AI-driven features, and advanced backend infrastructure fall into this category. These include:
- On-demand service apps (Uber, DoorDash)
- AI-driven apps (Chatbots, recommendation engines)
- Multi-platform apps with real-time data synchronization
At this level, performance, security, and scalability are key cost drivers.
Key Factors That Impact Cost
1. Features & Functionality
The more features an app has (e.g., push notifications, payment processing, real-time chat, AI integration), the more time and resources are required to build and maintain it.
2. Platforms (iOS vs. Android vs. Web)
- A single-platform app (iOS or Android) costs less than a cross-platform or web-integrated app.
- Cross-platform development (React Native, Flutter) can reduce costs compared to building separate native apps.
3. UI/UX Design
A great user experience is non-negotiable, but custom animations, high-end UI, and advanced design systems add to the cost.
4. Backend Development
If your app requires a server, database, or complex backend logic (e.g., user authentication, real-time data), expect higher costs due to cloud infrastructure, security measures, and API integrations.
5. Development Team
Who builds your app matters:
- Freelancers ($10,000 – $50,000+) – More affordable, but may lack scalability.
- Agencies ($40,000 – $200,000+) – Provide a full-stack team, ensuring quality, scalability, and faster turnaround.
- In-House Team ($100,000+ per year) – Best for ongoing development but requires a long-term investment.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond development, there are ongoing costs that many founders overlook:
- App Store fees – Apple charges $99/year; Google Play charges a one-time $25 fee.
- Hosting & cloud services – AWS, Firebase, or Google Cloud can cost $100–$5,000/month.
- App maintenance & updates – Regular updates, bug fixes, and OS compatibility updates can be 15-20% of initial development costs annually.
- Marketing & user acquisition – Even a great app needs a budget for ads, influencer marketing, or ASO (App Store Optimization).
How to Budget for Your App
If you’re a startup or business looking to build an app, here’s a rough budgeting strategy:
- Start with an MVP – Focus on core features, then iterate based on user feedback.
- Prioritize must-haves over nice-to-haves – Don’t add every feature at once.
- Choose the right development team – Experience and quality matter.
- Plan for ongoing costs – Keep a budget for maintenance, updates, and marketing.
Final Thoughts
At Blupalms, we help founders and businesses navigate the app development process efficiently. Whether you’re building an MVP or scaling an existing product, we focus on cost-effective, high-quality development that ensures your app is built to last.
