While the mobile app market will generate $673,778 billion in revenue in 2027, businesses worldwide ask the big question: “How much does it cost to run an app?” They understand that mobile apps are a gold mine. People expect instant solutions to their needs, often just a few taps away. On average, smartphone users engage with 10 apps daily and around 30 apps monthly.
In this guide, we’ll answer how much does it cost to make an app on the app store as well as how much does it cost to maintain an app.
Cost of Mobile Application Development: Platform Dependence
In developing a mobile application, you can either go native, which means developing specifically for Android or iOS, or cross-platform, which will work on both. Each option has unique advantages and cons.
Platform |
Development Approach |
User Base |
Key Advantages |
Key Challenges |
Cost Range |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Android |
Native (Java/Kotlin) |
3 billion+ active users worldwide |
Extensive libraries, faster app approval process, wider device compatibility. |
Device fragmentation (multiple manufacturers, screen sizes), testing complexity. |
$10,000–$50,000 |
E-commerce, on-demand services. |
iOS |
Native (Swift/Objective-C) |
1.5 billion+ active devices |
High user spending, excellent performance, secure ecosystem. |
Strict App Store moderation, limited access to user data, higher costs due to Apple-specific tools. |
$15,000–$65,000 |
Health, finance, or premium apps. |
Cross-Platform |
React Native, Flutter, or similar frameworks |
Combined Android & iOS |
Single codebase for both platforms, reduced development costs, faster time-to-market. |
Limited native functionality, suboptimal performance for complex apps. |
$10,000–$50,000 |
Social media, simple games, business tools. |
Mobile Application Development Cost by Complexity
Brandon Wilkes, Marketing Manager of The Big Phone Store, explains, “The complexity and quantity of features of an app determine the cost and time it takes to develop it. A simple weather app, for example, would require far less time and money to develop than a more comprehensive social networking software that includes texting, photo sharing, and other features. Business apps are the same way: those that are focused and basic will cost less than those that have various functionalities and integrations.”
The development cost of mobile applications greatly depends on the project’s complexity and the type of functionality it would use. Following are some examples that show the major difference.
Simple Applications Development Costs
A simple application can have a user log in, ordering functionality, and making an online payment, such as a water delivery service application. It can allow users to place a new order or repeat orders, see order history, and make payments. Cross-platform development is often suitable for these apps, with a starting cost of $7,000.
Medium Complexity Applications Development Costs
Extra functions may include loyalty programs, discounts, and push notifications. For example, the application for the network of gas stations may include a personal account, statistics of bonus points, and notification of the current offers.
Such applications can’t be created without native technologies and cross-platform ones. The development cost starts from $15,000.
Complex Applications Development Costs
Highly complex applications include Uber or Bolt, which operate with huge traffic, complicated logistics, and progressive payment systems. Such applications do need high optimization, scalability, and constant updates that guarantee their reliability in conditions of heavy loads.
Development usually involves the creation of separate native apps for Android and iOS, which allows for much better performance and customization. Such projects start at $100,000 since large teams are required, including Android/iOS developers, backend engineers, DevOps specialists, designers, and project managers.
“At Alpina Tech, our product-based approach directly impacts app development costs by focusing on essential features and scalable solutions. We avoid unnecessary functionality that inflates expenses by prioritizing user needs and business goals. This approach ensures resources are allocated efficiently. Development time is reduced while the budget is optimized without compromising quality.” - Dmytro Antonyuk, Engineering Manager
Average Cost To Develop An App
The cost of an app development depends on several factors:
- Project’s complexity
- Features required
- Development team location
- Platform choice
Here are some specific examples with estimated costs to give you a rough idea of budgeting for each.
Customer Portal Development Cost
It is a simple mobile application where clients can connect with your company. It may include displaying promotions, purchase history, and notifications regarding offers. An example of such an app is a customer portal for equipment maintenance. Features:
- Existing service request view
- Submission of new requests
- Contact customer support
- API data integration from accounting systems
Price starts at $10,000.
B2B Portal Development Cost
This web solution is intended to help huge suppliers feel comfortable working with distributors. Features:
- Product and service catalog
- Order tracking
- Mutual settlement details
- Customer support contact
The cost starts at $15,000.
Corporate App Development Cost
This is an internal app that can be set up inside a company for better communication and for better task management. It allows managers to assign responsibilities and track developments, while on the other end, employees collaborate and use updated tools. Features:
- Company news feed
- Internal secure chat
- Task management and decision coordination
- Event notifications
- Training resources for new employees
- Organizational structure overview
The cost starts from $20,000.
Custom App Development Cost
It is ideal for retail chains, supermarkets, or clothing stores to enhance customer loyalty and gather insights into the target audience. Features:
- User profile with personalized offers
- Accumulated bonuses for purchases
- Latest news and promotions
The cost starts at $15,000.
Famous Mobile Apps and Their Development Costs
Here, we want to show you popular apps, their core features, and estimated app development costs.
App Name |
Core Features |
Development Cost |
|---|---|---|
Social networking, multimedia sharing, live streaming, groups, and marketplace. |
$1 million to $2 million |
|
Airbnb |
Property listings, booking system, payment integration, reviews, and maps. |
$500,000 to $1 million |
Zoom |
Video conferencing, screen sharing, meeting scheduling, and cloud recordings. |
$1 million to $1.5 million |
Professional networking, job postings, messaging, and content sharing. |
$500,000 to $1 million |
|
Duolingo |
Gamified language learning, progress tracking, and interactive lessons. |
$300,000 to $600,000 |
Amazon |
E-commerce platform, product search, payment systems, and recommendation engine. |
$1.5 million to $3 million |
Canva |
Graphic design tools, templates, drag-and-drop interface, and team collaboration. |
$1 million to $2 million |
Slack |
Team communication, file sharing, integrations with tools, and channels. |
$1 million to $1.5 million |
Trends Affecting The Cost Of Development In 2025
It’s rarely discussed, but mobile development trends also affect the cost of a product. Especially if we’re talking about apps with complex logic. In 2025, we will observe the following trends:
- Applications with AR/VR for business will become more in demand;
- AI and ML technologies will rapidly evolve, which means that updates will need to be rolled out;
- Security and protection of user data at a high level is a must-have not only for FinTech;
- Users have become less patient, so the importance of application performance and optimization has reached a new level;
- Popularity of cross-platform development, which helps to reduce costs;
- Use of out-of-the-box solutions, which helps to reduce the cost of development;
- Voice interfaces and speech recognition technology will become more popular;
- 5G continues to spread around the world, and developers need to take this into account;
- PWAs are gaining popularity in different business areas;
- Application must support new form factors.
If you want your mobile app to correspond to the latest trends, be ready to pay more for the development.
Whom To Choose: Affordable App Development Company Or Freelancer?
The cost of creating an app also depends on who you choose as a contractor. Freelance and company (agency, outsource, studio) have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of pricing.
Freelancers have lower hourly rates and flexible schedules, so they often work more than 8 hours a day to close out a project. There are high risks in finding a contractor, and there is no guarantee that the developer actually has the skills you need. Freelancing has a limited amount of resources, which can affect both the cost of smartphone app development and the deadlines. At the very least, you will have to buy additional services that are needed to create the product while the affordable app development company takes care of it itself.
You will pay more to the company, but you will have the opportunity to attract a whole team of specialists to the project at once, who will work cohesively instead of wasting time trying to fit in with each other. It’s also a reliable and predictable process with specific deadlines and reports. You can not only see portfolios and development cases but also get feedback from real clients.
Alpina Tech Can Help You Develop Your Mobile App!
At Alpina Tech, we can develop your ideas into functional, user-friendly mobile applications. Client portal, robust corporate tool, feature-rich customer app, anything else - our experienced team has got you covered. Our affordable app development company assures quality, efficiency, and innovation to make your app stand out.
Ready to turn your vision into reality? Contact us for a free consultation, and let’s get started!
FAQ
1. How much does it cost to develop an app from scratch?
The cost of a mobile application from scratch differs depending on the chosen technology. It can be both a native and cross-platform approach. The cost of a native application from scratch starts from $10,000, while a cross-platform application from scratch starts from $8,000.
2. How long does it take to develop a mobile application?
Mobile application development time depends on the complexity of the project. For example, the development of an application for a small online store (no more than 300 products) may take from 3 months. If you want to create an individual service that will be visited by several thousand people daily (OLX, Amazon), then the project development time starts from 12 months.
3. Why is app development so expensive?
App development is expensive due to the need for skilled professionals, such as developers, designers, and testers, who bring specialized expertise to the project. Custom features, advanced technologies, and cross-platform compatibility increase the complexity and time required. Maintenance, updates, and scalability require ongoing investment even after the app’s launch. Despite the high costs, a well-built app can deliver significant returns by boosting user engagement, revenue, and brand loyalty.
