“How much does a mobile app cost?” — answers to this question can differ several times over, because apps vary hugely in complexity: an information app with a few screens and an online ordering platform with payments are not the same job. This article explains the main factors behind an app’s price, the costs after launch and how to compare proposals. A similar guide for websites: «How much does a website cost?»
7 key factors that affect the price
1. Platforms
An app can be built for iOS only, Android only, or both. Technologies such as Flutter make it possible to build for both platforms from one codebase, which cuts costs considerably. We discuss the choice in «Flutter, native or PWA?».
2. Number and complexity of features
Sign-up and profiles, a catalogue, cart and checkout, online payment, maps and geolocation, chat, push notifications, offline mode — every feature adds work. The biggest factor is the number of screens and the logic between them.
3. Design
An interface built from standard components costs less. Custom UI/UX design, animations and brand-specific visuals take more time but set the app apart from competitors.
4. Admin panel and backend
An admin panel for managing products, users, orders and notifications, plus the server (backend) that stores the data, often take as much work as the app itself.
5. Integrations
Card payments, SMS verification, map services, courier systems, connections to 1C or a CRM — every integration needs its own development and testing.
6. Store publishing
Meeting App Store and Google Play requirements, preparing the store listing and passing review are also part of the project.
7. Testing and quality
The app has to be tested on different screen sizes, operating system versions and connection speeds. Saving on testing costs more later.
Costs after launch
- Server and hosting — resources grow as the number of users grows.
- Store accounts — Apple Developer requires an annual fee, Google Play a one-time fee.
- Updates — keeping up with new iOS and Android versions and security.
- Technical support and development — bug fixes and new features.
- Marketing — advertising and store optimisation to bring users to the app.
Why starting with an MVP pays off
An MVP (minimum viable product) is a first version with only the most important features. It lets you test the idea with real users on a smaller budget, choose the next features based on feedback and spend the budget in stages.
How to compare proposals
- Are all proposals based on the same feature list?
- Are the admin panel and backend included in the price?
- Are store publishing and the first review included?
- Whose name will the source code and store accounts be in?
- How long is support after handover?
- Does the team have live apps in the stores?
Frequently asked questions
Can the app be extended later?
Yes, if the architecture is planned properly from the start. That is why code quality and room to grow matter even in the first version.
Whose name should the store accounts be in?
Your company’s. That way the app, its ratings and its users always stay yours, even if you change teams.
Website or mobile app — which should come first?
An app pays off when customers come back to you often and regularly (orders, bookings, loyalty points). In most cases, though, it makes sense to start with a website. More in «Website or mobile app?»
How NS Studio prices an app
In a free consultation we listen to your goals and the features you want, then prepare a custom proposal based on screens and integrations. We build apps for iOS and Android from one codebase, with an admin panel, and help you publish them to the stores. Learn more about our mobile app development service, see our apps in the portfolio or get in touch.
