As we continue to move into the digital age, more and more companies realize the importance of mobile technologies and having a mobile app developed for their businesses. It makes it easier for customers to engage with your brand and allows you to collect data and analytics that can be used to improve your business. But how much does building a mobile app for your business cost?
In this article, we will look at the cost of building a mobile app in 2023 and how this might impact your business. We will also provide some tips on how you can keep costs down.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is the cost of building a mobile app?
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25,000 to $200,000+ for a mobile app. Of course, many free and low-cost options are also available, but these will generally have less functionality and may not be reliable.
Also, given the ubiquity of mobile devices, it’s no surprise that more and more businesses are looking to create mobile apps. But before that, we must know that the cost of building a mobile app depends on various factors.
Factors responsible for the cost of building a mobile app
Undoubtedly, the cost of building a mobile app depends on several factors. Here are some important considerations:
1. Complexity of the app
Unsurprisingly, a more complex app will cost more to develop than a simple one. After all, it takes more time and effort to develop an app with many features than it does to create a basic app. How many features do you want to include in the app? Do you want a simple app with just a few basic features or a more complex app with a range of different elements like calls, maps, AR/VR integration, and more? The more complex the app, the more the mobile app development cost will be.
| App complexity | Cost estimation, $ |
| Simple app development | 3,800 – 98,000 |
| Medium complex app development | 55,000- 130,000 |
| Complex app development | 91,000 – 211,000 |
2. Platform you’re building for
If you want to develop an app for both iOS and Android, you’ll need to factor in the cost of developing for both platforms. Android apps tend to be slightly more expensive to create than iOS apps, as there are more devices to accommodate and a greater range of screen sizes to cater for.
3. Location of your team
Another factor that can impact the cost of building a mobile app is the location of your team. If you have a team of developers based in the US or UK, it will obviously cost more because of the higher wages. However, if you have a team based in Europe or Asia, it will be cheaper because the wages are lower.
| Location | Average cost, $/hr |
| US | 110 – 150 |
| Europe | 40 – 60 |
| UK | 70 – 80 |
| Australia | 70 – 90 |
4. Features and functionality you want to include
The features you want to include in your app will also impact the cost. Do you want a basic app with just a few features like user log-in, messaging, or user management, or a more complex app with features like a payment gateway, calls, and maps? The more complex features you want to include, the more it will cost to develop the app.
5. Duration of the project
The longer building a mobile app takes, the more it will cost. That’s why it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want before starting the development process. The more time it takes to develop the app, the more it will cost. So, it’s always advisable to have a detailed plan and specification before starting development.
6. App design and animation
App design and animation are two critical aspects of mobile app development that can add to the cost of building a mobile app. App design refers to creating a mobile app’s user interface and user experience, and animation refers to adding visual effects and interactivity to a mobile app.
Both app design and animation require specialized skills and knowledge, which can add to the cost of developing a mobile app. However, both app design and animation can also greatly enhance the user experience of a mobile app, making it worth the investment.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the main factors that impact the cost of building a mobile app, let’s take a look at how you can reduce the mobile app development cost.
8. Maintenance and support
When budgeting for mobile app development, it’s essential to factor in the app maintenance and support costs. These services are vital for keeping your app up-to-date and running smoothly. App maintenance typically includes tasks such as fixing bugs, adding new features, and upgrading to new versions of the operating system.
Support services can include providing help for users who are having trouble using the app, answering questions, and responding to customer feedback. The cost of app maintenance and support will vary depending on the size and complexity of your app, but it’s important to plan for these expenses when developing your budget.
Ways to reduce the cost of building a mobile app
If you’re worried about the cost of building a mobile app, there are a few ways to keep the cost down. Here are some tips:
1. Develop a minimum viable product (MVP)
One way to keep the cost down is to develop an MVP. An MVP is a basic app version with just the essential features. Once you’ve launched the MVP, you can then add more features in subsequent iterations. This approach is often used by startups as it’s a more cost-effective way to get the app to market quickly.
2. Use a cross-platform approach
If you’re looking to reduce the cost of app development, you can use a cross-platform approach. This means developing the app for multiple platforms at the same time. For example, you could develop an iOS app and an Android app simultaneously. This is a more efficient way of working as you only have to develop the app once.
3. Outsource the development
If you want to keep the cost down, you can outsource the development of the app. This means working with a team of developers based in another country where the cost of living is lower. For example, you could work with a team of developers based in Asia or the Philippines. This can be a great way to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Wrapping up
The cost of building a mobile app can vary depending on several factors. However, you can reduce the cost and keep it down in many ways. Undoubtedly, mobile app development in 2023 will cost more to develop than they do now, but with careful planning and management, businesses can still create cost-effective apps.