Mobile App Development Cost in 2024

How much does it cost to create an app in 2024? Well, there is no fixed answer to it. The mobile app development cost could be anything between $10,000 to $1 million or even more, as it varies as per the complexity and features of the app. Other factors also influence the cost of making the app, which we will discuss later. For those seeking tailored solutions, opting for custom mobile app development services can significantly impact the overall cost, depending on the specific requirements and unique features needed for the app.

Today, every company is trying to make itself more accessible to its customers with the help of a mobile app. Do you know that there are over 4.5 billion smartphone users worldwide, and on average, humans spend 4 hours of the day using it? From clothes to groceries to medicines and, various services are now available to you at your doorstep via mobile applications. Not to forget the apps we use for our work and recreation.

Source: Statista

Thus, it’s safe to say that you can find an app for everything you need in your day-to-day life, which signifies an excellent opportunity for new companies to make a mark in this online world. In this blog, we will help you with the different components of mobile app development cost and cost estimates of various globally popular apps. We will also suggest strategies you can implement to manage the budget without compromising the app’s quality. If you’re curious about “How Long Does it Take to Make an App“, we will also cover timelines and factors that influence the duration of app development. Whether you’re considering mobile app development for business or simply exploring your options, this guide will offer valuable insights.

An Overview of Mobile App Development Cost

A mobile application development cost depends on the app’s features and the extent of complexity, and it can range from $10,000 to $1 million or more. This huge-ranging cost signifies the current widespread scope of mobile applications. For example, a simple application with just a calculator along with a to-do list can cost from $10,000 up to $50,000. A mid-complexity app, such as an e-commerce app with payment gateways integrated, can cost from $50,000 to $150,000. High-complexity apps like video streaming or social media apps can cost over $300,000, particularly as they require advanced features, such as real-time data processing, augmented reality, or machine learning algorithms.

When asking how much does it cost to create an app, it’s important to consider that besides the features and functionalities, the design and user interface, the choice of platform—whether iOS, Android, or both—also significantly influence the mobile app development cost. Interestingly, the choice between iOS app development services and Android app development services can also impact the overall cost. In addition, the ongoing maintenance, updating and scaling further affect the overall cost.

Knowing about such cost variations is crucial for companies to plan their budgets effectively and set realistic expectations from the development project.

The Most Popular Global Apps Development Cost

If you wish to develop a mobile app similar to some of the most popular global apps, you would require significant investment as they are complex and have huge scalability. Here’s a detailed look at the estimated cost to create an mobile app like these:

1. Uber Mobile App Development Cost

Developing a mobile app like Uber that connects riders and drivers around the globe involves integrating real-time GPS tracking. It has features like payment gateways, user profiles, and a robust backend to manage drivers and riders. So, how much does it cost to develop a mobile app like Uber? The cost can range from $200,000 to $500,000.

2. Cost to Build a Mobile App Like Snapchat

The American instant messaging app Snapchat has unique features, like augmented reality (AR) filters, momentary messaging, and multimedia sharing, making it a complex app to develop. The cost to build a mobile app like Snapchat is estimated to be between $300,000 and $600,000. The app’s AR features, which include real-time face recognition and interactive filters, demand high-end processing capabilities and significant development time. Snapchat’s fading nature, where messages and stories disappear after a set time, requires specialized backend infrastructure to manage temporary data storage and ensure data security.

3. Cost to Build a Mobile App Like Netflix

Netflix is a video streaming app that needs high bandwidth, strong content management systems, and secure payment integration. The cost to build a mobile app like Netflix can between $500,000 to $1000,000, depending on content rights management and streaming quality. The app’s ability to stream high-definition video content to millions of users simultaneously necessitates a highly scalable and robust backend infrastructure. Additionally, Netflix’s personalized content recommendations, which rely on complex machine learning algorithms, adding up to the mobile app development costs.

4. Cost to Create a Mobile App Like WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging app that requires end-to-end encryption, multimedia sharing, and group chat features. The cost of creating a mobile app like WhatsApp can vary from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the security and scalability requirements. WhatsApp’s encryption protocols ensure that messages can only be read by the sender and recipient, requiring advanced security measures. Additionally, the app’s ability to handle many users and facilitate group chats with seamless multimedia sharing demands an advanced and scalable infrastructure.

5. TikTok Development Cost

TikTok’s features include video sharing, live streaming, and sophisticated algorithms for content curation. Developing a mobile app like TikTok is complex and can cost between $500,000 to $1000,000. The app’s ability to handle large volumes of user-generated content, combined with real-time video processing and editing tools, requires substantial development resources. Furthermore, TikTok’s content curation algorithms, which personalize the user’s feed based on their interactions, involve advanced data analytics and machine learning, significantly increasing the app development cost.

Also read: How To Make an App Like Airbnb

7 Key Factors Affecting the Mobile App Development Cost

While you are exploring how much does it cost to create an app, you must know that it depends on various factors that determine the overall app development budget needed to bring an application from concept to market. These factors are crucial for businesses to understand as they plan their app development projects. Below, we delve into eight key factors significantly impacting the mobile application development cost.

1. App Features and Functionalities

Table summarising the estimated costs associated with different app features and functionalities:

Mobile app development cost is mostly influenced by its features, complexity and functionality. The more features the app has, the higher is the development cost.

Basic Features: Apps that have basic features like registration, login, and simple navigation are easier to make and cost less. Such apps have simple and limited programs with basic user interactions to serve their basic function. For example, A simple weather app would have fewer features, resulting in lower development costs.

Advanced Features: Apps that have advanced features like real-time chat, push notifications, social media integration, or payment processing take longer to be made and cost much more. Such features require more complex coding, additional backend support, and integration with third-party APIs. For instance, adding an in-app messaging feature similar to that found in WhatsApp would require a significant increase in development time and money.

Custom Integrations: Apps requiring custom integrations with external systems or APIs can drive higher costs. These integrations might include connections with existing enterprise systems, bespoke databases, or proprietary software that needs to sync with the app. These custom integrations require careful planning, additional development time, and thorough testing to ensure they work seamlessly.

2. App Category

Cost breakdown by app category:

The category or type of the mobile app plays an important role in determining the mobile app development cost. Different categories of apps have different levels of complexity, user expectations, and required features, all of which impact the cost.

Utility Apps: Utility apps, like calculators, weather apps, or flashlights, have simple functionalities and user interfaces. These applications are made to carry out particular tasks efficiently and do not require extensive backend support or complex features, resulting in lower development costs.

E-commerce Apps: E-commerce apps are complex, as they have features like product catalogues, shopping carts, payment gateways, user accounts, and order tracking. Such apps require a strong backend to handle user data, transactions, and inventory management, thus raising the development costs.

Social Media Apps: Social media apps are one of the most complex apps to develop as they have a lot of features, including user profiles, friend lists, content feeds, messaging, notifications, and often multimedia content sharing. Additionally, these apps need to handle large volumes of data and user interactions, which requires a scalable backend infrastructure and advanced security measures.

3. App Design & Animation

Summary of the estimated costs related to app design and animation:

The design and interface of the app hugely determine the app’s success as they have a direct impact on user experience. High-quality design and smooth animations can enhance user engagement.

Basic Design: A basic design approach involves minimalistic UI/UX with standard components and predefined templates. These designs are functional but lack the distinctiveness and customizability of more advanced designs. They are suitable for apps like utility apps that prioritise functionality over appearance.

Custom Design: Custom design involves creating unique UI/UX elements tailored specifically to the app’s brand and user needs. This can include customized icons, buttons, layouts, and navigation flows that enhance the overall user experience. Custom designs require more time and expertise, leading to higher development costs.

Animations: Adding animations and interactive elements to the mobile app can significantly boost user engagement by making the app more visually appealing and more user-friendly. However, advanced animations, such as those seen in gaming apps like BGMI or Need For Speed, require specialized skills and additional development time, thus increasing the overall cost.

4. App Platform

Here’s a cost comparison based on the app platform:

The choice of platform—whether you want to develop the mobile app for iOS, Android, or both—affects the overall development cost. Each platform has its own set of development requirements, tools, and programming languages, which influence the complexity and duration of the app development process.

iOS App Development: Developing an iOS application usually entails using Swift and Objective-C, two of Apple’s programming languages. If you are working with an iOS app development company to create the app for the iOS platform, you will be required to follow the strict design and functionality guidelines set by Apple, which may cost you more development time and cost. However, as the iOS ecosystem is more standardised, it is easier to ensure consistent performance across devices.

Android App Development: On the other hand, if you are working with Android app development company, you will be required to deal with a broader variety of devices and screen sizes, as multiple manufacturers use Android. This diversity requires additional testing and optimisation to ensure the app is compatible across various devices, causing the development cost to grow higher. However, the investment could be justified as Android has a larger global market share.

Cross-Platform Development: Cross-platform development allows you to develop an app that can run on iOS as well as on Android using a single codebase, usually through frameworks like React Native or Flutter. Cross platform development service can reduce time and costs compared to developing two separate native apps. However, it may require platform-specific adjustments and optimisations for complex apps.

5. App Maintenance

Mobile App maintenance costs, in fact, are the costs incurred after an app is published. This includes patching bugs, upgrading features to make them compatible with new OS versions, and possibly scaling the app if user demands increase.

Basic maintenance: It involves bug fixing, security patching, and minor changes that help to keep the software up and running. Most of the time, this is a yearly fee that covers 15%-20% of the initial development cost. It consists of basic maintenance, making the mobile app functional and secure for the users while keeping off the big changes.

Comprehensive Maintenance: This is maintaining everything that has been built at the base level. It also includes self-contained updates, performing optimizations, and adding a new feature. It needs to be done for apps working in a changing environment where user demands and expectations may differ from those desired when the app was initially created. This preventive approach for maintaining an app could cost between 20% and 30% of the initial development cost per annum.

Routine maintenance of the app is put in place to ensure if it is successful and lives long enough to remain relevant and continues to meet user needs.

6. Code Reuse

Code reuse refers to the process of developing an application using pre-existing code libraries, modules, or frameworks rather than beginning from scratch. This strategy is proven to be the best to reduce the time and cost of app development.

High Reuse: High reuse of existing code can reduce development costs significantly, as it reduces the requirement of custom coding. For instance, you can implement many common functionalities like user authentication, payment gateways, and social media by using existing, well-tested code libraries. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the risk of bugs and errors.

Low Reuse: On the other hand, low code reuse implies that most features and functionalities are built from scratch, leading to higher development costs. This might be necessary for apps that need more specialized features or those operating in niche markets where existing libraries do not meet specific requirements.

While code reuse can offer cost benefits, it’s important to ensure that the reused code aligns with the app’s requirements and is regularly updated to maintain security and performance.

7. Size and Location of the App Development Team

Here is a look at the influence of geographical locations on the mobile app development cost:

While you are learning about how much does mobile app development cost, you must know that is also impacted by the size of the developing team and their location. Larger teams that are located in regions where the cost of living is high will charge more for their services.

Small Teams: A small development team that is comprised of a few developers and designers is usually sufficient to build simple to moderately complex apps. These teams might be more agile and can work more closely with clients, leading to potentially lower costs and faster turnaround times. However, they might not be able to handle very large or complex projects.

Large Teams: On the other hand, large teams are necessary for developing complex apps that require expertise in different areas. Such teams can handle larger projects with more extensive requirements, but their services come at a higher cost due to the larger workforce and expertise involved.

Location-Based Cost Variation: The geographical location of the development team influences costs significantly. For example, development teams in the USA generally charge higher than teams in India. While hiring a development team in a lower-cost region can reduce expenses, balancing cost savings with the quality of work and effective communication is important.

Also read: Cost to Create an App Like Amazon

App Development Cost at [Various Stages]

The mobile app development process is divided into several stages, each stage having different costs. Let us understand these stages so that they help you in budgeting and planning the app development timeline. So, if you’re wondering how much does it cost to create an app, let’s break down the stages to give you a clearer picture.

1. Discovery & Planning Stage

This initial stage involves understanding the app’s purpose and target audience and defining the features. This includes market research, competitor analysis, and creating a project roadmap. Depending on the project’s complexity, this phase can cost from $5,000 to $20,000. The initial phase is important as it sets the foundation for the entire project, which involves discussions with stakeholders, collecting requirements, and conducting a feasibility study. Also, developing wireframes and prototypes may be part of this phase to represent the structure and functionality of the app

2. Design Stage

The design step includes creating the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). It involves developing wireframes, mockups, and user flows. The cost of this stage might range between $10,000 and $50,000. During this stage, designers aim to create a simple and visually appealing interface that is consistent with the brand’s identity. Advanced animations and interactive features can be used to increase user engagement. Iterative testing with potential users can also be conducted to gather feedback and refine the design.

3. Development Stage

The actual coding and development of the app happen during this stage. It includes front-end and back-end development, integrating APIs, and building core functionalities. The cost for this stage is usually the highest, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000. This stage involves the collaborative efforts of developers, project managers, and quality assurance teams. Regular trials are conducted to ensure that the app development process stays on track. The use of agile methodologies allows flexibility and response to changes in requirements. This step also includes creating the app’s backend infrastructure, setting databases, and ensuring that the app can manage the expected traffic and usage.

4. Testing Stage

Testing ensures there are no bugs and that the program works as planned. Functional, usability, performance, and security testing are all included. This stage can cost between $5,000 and $20,000. Testing occurs continuously throughout the app development cycle. Automated testing technologies can help speed up the process, particularly for repetitive jobs. Performance testing is essential for ensuring that the software runs smoothly under load and does not crash during peak usage. Security testing is critical for avoiding bugs and protecting user data.

5. Deployment Stage

Deploying the app to app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play Store) involves a one-time cost for app store registration (around $25 to $99). It may include additional costs for marketing and app store optimisation (ASO). The deployment cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000. During this phase, the application must be submitted to app stores according to their guidelines and oversee the review process. A successful launch requires marketing initiatives, including making promotional materials, conducting advertisements, and optimizing the app store listing with keywords. In addition, the app’s early success depends on tracking user input and resolving problems after launch.

6. Maintenance Stage

After deployment, regular maintenance is required to ensure the app remains functional and up-to-date. Annual maintenance expenses usually cost about 15% to 20% of the original application cost. Regular updates to keep up with new OS versions, user feedback, and feature enhancements are part of the maintenance phase. Monitoring app performance, tracking user analytics, and conducting periodic security audits are also essential tasks. This stage may also include improving the app’s infrastructure to handle increasing traffic and usage as the app gains popularity.

You may also like to read: Cost To Build An App Like TaskRabbit

How Can You Reduce the Mobile App Development Costs?

Many companies prioritise minimizing mobile app development costs while they maintain quality. Various strategies can be used to accomplish cost-effective app development.

1. Opt for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

An MVP helps validate the product idea with minimal investment. Companies can gather valuable user insights and refine the product by focusing on core functionalities before committing to full-scale development. Using a repeated process decreases the danger of creating extra features, and the app can meet user needs better.

2. Leverage Open-Source Frameworks

Custom development is less necessary when using open-source frameworks, which offer simple pre-built components to integrate into the application. Furthermore, these frameworks are regularly updated and improved upon thanks to the backing of vibrant mobile app developer communities. However, it’s crucial to make sure the framework of choice fits the application’s needs in terms of scalability.

3. Outsource App Development to Cost-Effective Regions

The cost of app development can be greatly decreased by outsourcing to app development companies, but it’s important to pick a trustworthy partner like The Ninehertz with a solid track record. To guarantee the project remains on schedule, it is important to have effective communication, consistent updates, and project management tools. Outsourcing allows companies to access a global workforce pool for specialised skills and knowledge.

4. Use Pre-Built Solutions for Common Features

Pre-built solutions are often tried and tested, ensuring reliability and reducing the risk of bugs or performance issues. Many of these solutions offer easy integration with existing systems and come with complete documentation and support. By using pre-built components, developers can focus on building unique features that differentiate the app from competitors.

5. Adopt Agile Development Practices

Agile methods promote collaboration and communication between the development team and stakeholders, which leads to a common understanding. Frequent trails and feedback loops aid in the early detection and resolution of problems, preventing delays and cost overruns. Agile also permits adaptability to changes in requirements or market conditions.

6. Plan for Scalability from the Start

Choosing the appropriate technological stack, creating a modular architecture, and utilising cloud-based services that can grow with demand are all part of scalability planning. Companies can avoid the need for significant rework or system upgrades as the app expands by designing a scalable infrastructure from the start.

7. Regularly Monitor and Optimise Performance

Performance optimisation involves analysing the app’s resource usage, load times, and user interactions. A/B testing and other tools can be used to find areas that need work, and frequent performance audits make sure the app stays responsive and effective. Optimising performance not only reduces operational costs but also improves user satisfaction and retention.

8. Avoid Over-Engineering

Over-engineering can lead to increased app development time, higher costs, and a cluttered user experience. It’s important to prioritise features that align with the app’s core purpose and user needs. By keeping the app simple and focused, businesses can reduce mobile app development costs and ensure a smooth and engaging user experience.

Also read: Cost To Develop An App Like Duolingo

How Can NineHertz Help You in Mobile App Development?

NineHertz is one of the most highly-rated companies in the field of developing quality mobile apps that will suit diverse business requirements across multiple industries. While you are exploring how much does it cost to develop a mobile app, here is how NineHertz can be expected to help in effectively and efficiently achieving your app development goals:

1. Expertise And Experience

With more than 12 years in the app development industry, NineHertz has grown and learned how to deliver successful projects to its clients. With a firm full of skilled developers, designers, and project managers with wide exposure to various app development technologies and methodologies, rest assured that your app will be built to top-notch quality.

2. Customized Solutions

At NineHertz, we know that each business has different goals and requirements. Therefore, the app is made according to customized needs, whether it is a simple single-view application or feature-rich with multifunctional apps. You are assured of a personalized user experience and development aligned with your business needs so that your app represents your business.

3. End-to-End Development Services

From ideation to the final launch and further upgrades, we offer end-to-end solutions in app development. We provide all development services, from market research and project planning to design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. All this is important in rendering a flawless development process and making sure a quality return product will work according to your expectations.

4. Agile Development Methodology

We at NineHertz follow agile development practices, which help ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of your project. We break down the whole project into small, manageable pieces of work, with regular feedback to be incorporated. We are thus adaptive to changes, and irregularities are pointed out on time. This iterative approach manages the cost and minimizes the risk associated with delays or unexpected changes.

5. Expertise in Multiple Technologies

NineHertz has expertise in various technologies for app development, including native development on iOS and Android and cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter. Such competence allows us to select the most appropriate technology stack for your project based on performance, cost, and time-to-market.

6. Focus on Quality and User Experience

Quality and user experience are at the core priorities of NineHertz. This is only possible since we subject your app to stringent, exceptional tests and quality assurance procedures so that it comes out bug-free, the operation is seamless, and the behaviour is similar in most devices and across different platforms. Thanks to that, the user-centric way lays emphasis on designing the app according to the end-user in order to make it a more engaging and instinctive experience.

7. Cost-Effective Solutions

The NineHertz delivers cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality front. We bring years of experience and expertise in optimising your app development process with recommendations through cost-effective strategies such as using pre-built components or phase-wise development. We assure you of the maximum value for your investment.

8. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

The support and maintenance of an app are highly needed to keep an app updated and functional even after its launch. NineHertz provides continuous support services that will help resolve any issues, update the product, and add new features whenever required. Our maintenance services keep your application relevant to the continuous evolution in your users’ needs.

9. Proven Success Stories

NineHertz has developed a diversified portfolio of successful projects across industries such as healthcare, finance, retail, and entertainment. Case studies and testimonials from clients depict high-quality apps that drive the growth of the business and increase user engagement. One can get valuable insight into how we are going to help you achieve your app development goals by going through these success stories.

10. Transparent Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and teaming are the principal ingredients for any successful app development project. The NineHertz believes in transparency and timely updates over the development process, making sure that you are aware and involved in every step. Our collaboration approach thus aligns the project according to your vision and solves all your concerns.

11. Strategic Consultation

In addition to app development, NineHertz also offers strategic consultation to help you define the app’s objectives, the opportunities of the market, and a complete project roadmap. Our skilled market analyzers and researchers can give deep insights that would guide you in developing app strategies—maximizing your developed app’s potential for success.

12. Innovative Solutions

NineHertz works toward being at par with technology and innovation. We keep looking out for new tools, technologies, and trends to come up with solutions that would be at par with the rapidly changing market demand. Whether you are looking to integrate the latest AI, AR/VR, or IoT innovations, we will provide the most innovative solution that helps your app stand apart from others.

Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Build an App Like Sportsurge?

Conclusion: How Much Does it Cost to Create an App

The mobile app development landscape is such that any business looking to create an app has to be very careful about planning and considering a variety of factors that may influence the mobile app development cost and success of the app. Companies must, therefore, be better placed to make informed decisions by knowing how much does it cost to create an app and the various modules involved in the development cost of an app so that the decisions made will align with the app development budget and the strategic objectives.

Although developing an app could be expensive, the associated benefits in terms of user engagement, brand loyalty and the revenues that can be generated make it an excellent investment. Partnering with reputable app development companies like The NineHertz will help you get the right kind of assistance to ensure that you have fewer problems during development and brings out a high-quality app catering to your business needs. With the ever-evolving nature of the mobile app market, it is very significant for businesses to remain aware of the latest trends and cost-saving strategies in order to have an edge in the competition.

FAQ’s: Mobile App Development Cost

Let us discuss some of the frequently asked questions about how much does it cost to develop an app.

Q.1 How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App?

The cost to build a mobile app can be as little as $5000 for the simplest of apps and as high as $1 million for the most complex of apps. Among the factors that come into play are the further development of the app, the nature of the platform on which to run the app, and the geographical location of the team that develops the app.

Q.2 How Much Does it Cost to Maintain an App?

The average cost for maintaining an app is 15% to 20% of the app’s development price annually. This includes modifications being done once in a while, problem-solving, bug fixing, refreshing servers, and the addition of new features/services in the app in hopes of making it recommended by consumers over other competitors.

Q.3 How Long Does it Take to Build an App?

The time required to build an app can differ from app to app as it is based on the app’s overall difficulty. A basic app would take about 2 to 3 months to develop, while an advanced could take between six months and a year or even more.

Q.4 What are the Factors that Affect the Overall Cost of App Development?

Factors like the app’s complexity, features, platform choice, design, location of the development team, and need for regular maintenance influence the costs of developing an app.