In this guide
App ideas range from a simple booking tool to a full marketplace with payments, chat and real-time tracking, so app prices range widely too. This guide breaks the cost down by complexity, explains the decisions that move the number, and shows the costs that continue after your app is in the stores.
Quick answer: a simple app typically costs $15,000–$40,000, a medium-complexity app $40,000–$120,000, and a complex app $120,000+. A focused first version (MVP) is often the smartest way to start. Plan for yearly maintenance of roughly 15–20% of the build cost.
App cost by complexity
| Complexity | Typical features | Typical cost (USD) | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | A few screens, sign-in, content or forms, basic admin | $15,000 – $40,000 | 2–4 months |
| Medium | User profiles, payments, push notifications, maps, integrations, admin dashboard | $40,000 – $120,000 | 4–7 months |
| Complex | Marketplaces, real-time chat or tracking, multiple user roles, heavy back-end, high security | $120,000 + | 7–12+ months |
These are typical ranges for professional development teams. Rates vary by country and team, so an itemised quote based on your feature list is the only reliable number.
What drives the cost of an app
Features and screens
Each feature needs design, front-end development, back-end logic and testing. Payments, real-time features, offline mode and complex permissions add the most effort.
Platforms: iOS, Android or both
Building two separate native apps roughly doubles the front-end work. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter and React Native let one codebase run on both, which usually lowers cost and speeds up updates.
Back-end and integrations
Most apps need a server, database and admin panel. Connecting to existing systems (CRM, ERP, payment gateways, shipping, third-party APIs) adds work, especially if those systems are old or poorly documented.
Design
Using standard interface components is efficient. Custom animations, illustrations and highly branded interactions take longer.
Security and compliance
Apps that handle health data, payments or personal information need extra security work, testing and sometimes legal review.
Native vs cross-platform
| Native (Swift / Kotlin) | Cross-platform (Flutter / React Native) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher: two codebases | Lower: one shared codebase |
| Performance | Best possible | Very good for most business apps |
| Access to device features | Full, immediate | Broad; some advanced features need native code |
| Best for | Games, heavy graphics, deep device integration | Most business, booking, e-commerce and content apps |
Start with an MVP
An MVP (minimum viable product) is the smallest version of your app that solves the core problem for real users. It lets you launch sooner, spend less, and use real feedback to decide what to build next. A practical approach:
- List every feature you can imagine.
- Mark the ones a user needs to get the core value on day one.
- Build only those, plus analytics to learn how people use the app.
- Add the rest in prioritised updates.
Costs after launch
- App store accounts: Apple’s Developer Program has an annual fee, and Google Play has a one-time registration fee.
- Hosting and back-end services: servers, databases, file storage, push notifications and email or SMS services.
- Maintenance: updates for new iOS and Android versions, bug fixes and security patches, commonly 15–20% of the build cost per year.
- Third-party services: maps, payments, analytics and other APIs, often billed by usage.
- Marketing: app store optimisation and campaigns to win installs.
How to get an accurate app quote
- Describe your users and the main problem the app solves.
- List features as “must have”, “should have” and “later”.
- Share any sketches, competitor apps you like, and systems you need to connect to.
- Say which platforms you need at launch.
- Ask for a quote broken down by feature, with a timeline and a maintenance plan.
How Softonic Solution can help
We plan, design and build iOS and Android apps, from MVPs to complex platforms, and support them after launch. See our mobile app development services or send us your idea for a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build an app for $10,000?
A very small app with a handful of screens may be possible at that budget, especially with templates or no-code tools, but most business apps with a back-end, sign-in and admin cost more. An MVP is the best way to stretch a limited budget.
How long does it take to build an app?
Simple apps typically take 2–4 months, medium apps 4–7 months and complex apps 7–12 months or more, including design, development, testing and store approval.
Is it cheaper to build for iPhone or Android first?
The cost per platform is similar. Many businesses launch on both at once with a cross-platform framework, or start with the platform most of their customers use.
Do I need a website as well as an app?
Often yes. Most apps need a back-end and admin panel, and a website helps people discover and trust your app.
What does app maintenance include?
Updates for new operating system versions, bug fixes, security patches, server costs and small improvements. Budgeting around 15–20% of the build cost per year is common.
Want a straight answer for your project?
Tell us what you’re planning. We’ll reply within one business day with honest advice, a timeline and a free, itemised estimate.