Factors like the type of app, level of app usage, and type of app design determine how much it would cost to develop an app.
The price of developing a simple mobile app starts from $40,000 to $50,000 for the average app. For apps with complex and state-of-the-art features, the cost estimate could be up to $300,000.
This article will answer the question, “how much does it cost to build an app”, by explaining to you the factors that influence the cost of the mobile app development and some information on the hidden app development costs you need to know.
Factors That Influence The Cost of Developing Apps
What it will cost to create an app is based on:
Level of App Usage
The level of app sophistication and functionality is one way of determining a mobile app development cost. The rate of creating simple apps is less, while complex and sophisticated ones cost higher.
The complexity of an app is determined by the features and interfaces it has, as well as how it was created.
Level 1: Simple Complexity
This category includes applications with simple functions, three to four screens, and no storage capacity.
The main functions of such an app will be Login, Signup, Notifications, Profile Creation and Editing, Messaging, Search, and a User management panel or interface. The available features of the application influence the cost estimate and requirements.
Example: Calculator app.
Level 2: Basic Complexity: Database and API-Based Apps
This level is a slight increase from level 1. Here, the functions and systems will be enhanced, leading to a slight increase in the development cost.
Some of the extra features are:
- Geo-location
- In-App Purchases
- Location Monitoring
- Enhanced Security
- Inclusion of social media
- Payment Gateways
These apps require extra synchronization, push notifications, retrieval from several databases, and data storage. Therefore, the cost of developing such apps will increase as sophistication and feature count increase.
Examples include meal-delivery service apps and taxi service apps.
Level 3: Applications with a lot of features, integrations, and a large user base
A sophisticated app is for a major project, corporation, or company. In essence, businesses either create customized software without linkages or utilize custom software to connect to already-existing systems.
The overall cost that app developers will charge to develop an app at this level will be substantially higher.
These types of apps will have:
- Messaging
- Web-based Streaming
- In-App Calls
- Synchronization feature that synchronizes data across more than two devices
- Video Chats
Such apps require highly sophisticated development effort from the development team, comprehensive research, preparation for the development, and a high app development budget.
You’ll need a different architectural scope for the widgets and infographics components, the depth of the technology platform, server counts, and databases.
Examples include Facebook, Instagram, Google and business apps, trading platforms, gaming apps, and CRM software.
App Design
App development process would not be complete without a design. Consider the app design when estimating the cost of building an app.
To do this, here are some of the things to take note of:
UI and Graphics
UI (User Interface), or how the app will appear to users, determines the cost estimate of developing an app. Creating a prototype and coming up with a visual representation of the app concept will require money.
UX Content Writing
The cost of content writing is among the overall cost of creating a mobile application. For the app to serve the intended purpose, users need persuasion so they can interact with the app, and one of the ways to achieve that is by using a compelling UX (user experience) copy.
Writing a good copy and designing a striking UX interface will cost more money. Doing that is essential so that the app will appeal to users.
You can either contact a content development company, hire a copywriter or write the copy by yourself, which will still add to the cost of developing the app.
Branding
Branding is also a determinant of the market price and cost of developing a mobile app. The cost of a brand logo and name design adds to the cost of developing an app.
The Operating System of the Application
The app’s operating system is also a factor to consider when estimating the cost of developing a mobile app.
There are two options:
Hybrid or Cross-Platform Apps
Hybrid apps function on Android or iOS devices, which entails more development costs; the cost of developing Android apps differs from the cost of developing iOS apps, but combining both in one hybrid application will cost much more.
However, cross-platform apps have easy integration, slick performance, and access to platform-specific functions. Building one app for iOS and Android requires x2 of the actual budget.
Stand-Alone App
An Android or iOS-only app is referred to as a stand-alone app, rather than a hybrid app. As a result, creating stand-alone apps will save you money over hybrid apps.
Hidden App Development Costs To Take Note Of
Consider the following costs when determining how much it can take someone to create a good mobile app:
Operational Costs
These are expenses accrued from outside parties. Example: cost of maintaining payment gateways.
Administrative or Managerial Fees
These are fees paid to people who manage some parts of the app. For example, content creators.
Cost of Infrastructure
Costs of server maintenance and connection fees from connection companies are under this category.
Support Costs
Support costs can be extra charges for app updates, bug fixes, or future upgrades.
Can Mobile Apps Be Created For Free?
Technically, anybody with a good skill set can create mobile applications without writing code in details, using a free trial version of any free mobile app development platform.
How Can Free Apps Generate Revenue?
Free apps can generate money through in-app sales, sponsorship from external investors, crowdsourcing, and promotional and affiliate advertising.
Final Words
Whether you are a mobile app developer or you want to hire one to develop an app for you, this article has explained the cost of developing a functional mobile app in detail.
Consider the factors and hidden costs/rates listed above before sending a quote to secure a mobile app development deal or hiring a mobile app developer.
