Are you an entrepreneur or a business owner who wants to start an app development project?
There must be one question on your mind.
‘What will be the cost of my app development project?’
You’re in luck because this blog is just for you.
Our post highlights everything you need to know about the costs of different app development projects.
How Much Does an App Development Project Cost?
Every business or company wants to develop an app catering to their needs. They also want to add as many features as possible, provided it won’t increase the overall cost of the app.
However, most businesses or entrepreneurs want to avoid getting into the complexities of app development. Therefore, they hire independent app developers or a reliable app development company.
Most Popular Types of Apps
Before we dig deeper into app development costs, here is a look at some of the most common types of apps and an estimate of their development.
Hybrid vs. Native
Native app development refers to apps that use specifically written code. It is an integrated approach that requires less coding than a hybrid app. Hybrid app development refers to apps that use a mix of HTML and native code. While experts believe native apps are easier and cheaper to develop than hybrid apps, the latter are more flexible.
iOS vs. Android
Mobile app development, including Android app development services and iOS app development services costs the most. But iOS apps are generally cheaper to develop. They are also cheaper to build and maintain than Android apps.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Making an App
Several factors influence the app development process. For example, the level or the required features of the app. The cost also depends on the type and size of your business. Furthermore, the estimated costs are based on the required hours or weeks.
Developers can charge anything from $40k and $300k, on average. The two main elements that affect app development costs are the industry your app belongs to and the location of the app development company. Other factors affecting the app development project include design, functionality, complexity, and features.
Here is an average estimate of the cost it would require developing apps.
- Simple Apps: $40,000 – $60,000
- Average Apps: $60,000 – $150,000
- Complex Apps: costs start from $300,000
To develop the next WhatsApp or Uber, you need a mix of qualifications and experience. But remember. Experience and price go hand in hand.
Here is a rough estimate of the hourly rates of different types of developers:
- Beginner developers: entry-level developers may charge from $30/hour to 45/hour. They can help with code documentation, app maintenance, and debugging.
- Intermediate developers: They usually charge around $60/hour. These developers have the expertise to complete most app design projects.
- Senior developers: The average cost of hiring an experienced or senior developer ranges from $120/hour to $200/hour. Expert app developers can lead your project from start to finish with little guidance.
Let’s now look at the app development cost by type of app.
Native Apps
First, a native application operates on a single OS or operating system like iOS or Android. The best thing about native apps is their excellent features and unmatched security. It is a high-performance app. Famous examples of native apps include:
- SoundCloud
- Spotify
The cost of developing a native app (iOS and Android) is from $55,000 to $100,000.
But your project requirements may add more to this cost.
Hybrid Apps
These apps are a mix of both web and native apps. They work on multiple platforms like iOS, Windows, and Android. In addition, hybrid apps have multi-platform compatibility and lower development costs. They are easy to update and debug. But you should know that hybrid apps may perform poorer than native apps.
The average cost to develop hybrid apps is from $35,000 to $55,000. This cost is based on the scalability and structure of the app.
Web Apps
Web apps run online instead of operating systems (iOS and Android). Furthermore, they need an internet connection to run on Android and iOS devices.
Famous examples of web apps include:
- Skype
- Gmail
- Zoom.
Many companies prefer developing web apps because of the numerous benefits they provide. For example, easy customization, cross-platform compatibility, and lower development costs. But factors like internet dependency and poor data protection can be the risks of getting a web app. The total costs of developing a web app can be from $15,000 to $60,000.
Cross-platform Apps
These mobile apps can work on different platforms, such as macOS, iOS, and Android. Databases and reusable code are crucial in both cross-platform and hybrid apps. That means the app development process is more simplified and more economical.
Some notable benefits of developing these apps include code reusability, cross-platform functionality, and a faster development cycle. However, beware of some of the disadvantages of these apps. For example, they may provide less customization or have security issues. They are also low-performance apps. Developing a cross-platform app may require you to shell out $40,000 to $60,000 for a standard version.
App Development Costs by Categories
Apps can be of several different categories. Some of these include:
- Entertainment
- Education
- social network
- lifestyle, etc.
Each category has its target market and needs. Hence, app development costs for each category vary.
Let’s find out the costs involved with app development in different categories.
Basic Apps
When we say basic apps, we usually refer to common apps like calculators, clocks, cameras, and note-taking apps. They are basic because they offer only a few functions. They can work without backend programming or an internet connection. A basic app can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.
Social-Networking Apps
Social-networking apps are trending all over the world. But you must hire professional app development services to launch a new app like WhatsApp or Facebook for billions of users.
Typically, social networking apps offer features like:
- real-time notifications
- live video/chat
- user profile security
- an inviting user interface
The budget for social-networking apps ranges from $40,000 to $65,000. But, if you are looking for an advanced app, you must spend at least $100,00 to $300,000.
E-Commerce Apps
There are a ton of features in e-commerce apps. These may include customer support, user registration, product descriptions, and catalogs. The best e-commerce apps feature an intuitive interface along with integrated payment methods.
E-commerce apps are rich in features. Therefore, they may require businesses to allocate $45,000 to $80,000 for the development project.
Food-delivery Apps
Who needs to learn about apps like Doordash and Uber Eats? If you want to develop a food-delivery app, you must add features like multiple payment getaways and utilize geo-location capabilities. Developing food-delivery apps can cost from $40,000 to $550,000.
In addition, users expect these apps to offer quick page load times and a good interface. They should be compatible with iOS and Android as well.
Fintech Apps
These apps have features like consumer banking, payments, loans, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and insurance. However, they require a robust security system to protect users’ financial records. These apps can partner with third-party apps to link bank accounts, etc.
A basic fintech app costs around $55,000 to $80,000. The development time is at least six months.
How to Determine the Costs of an App Development Project
Follow these tips to reduce the costs of your app development project.
Calculate how much of the development process should be done internally. Many businesses and companies first let their internal team manage several parts of the development project. For example, the planning, design, and desired features. That will significantly help in reducing the development costs of the app development project.
Choose professional app developers. Whether you hire an independent app developer or an app development agency, always choose reliable names in the industry. The length of the development process can vary because it depends on your app requirements. Generally, it relies on the development team’s size and skills.
If you hire amateurs or unprofessional app developers, you may have to bear additional costs or delayed results.
Assess your business needs. If you want an app that extends your business reach, communicate this goal to the app development team. That’s because your business needs and goals will help the developers suggest appropriate features or changes to your app.
Keep it simple. Add only a few features in a single app. Instead, focus on the core functions which can help bring your company or business closer to your users.
Consider cross-platform functionality and responsive design. The app performs smoothly across devices of different sizes with a responsive design. Since cross-platform apps are compatible with Android and iOS, these solutions are more affordable than developing separate apps for each operating system.
Maintain regular interaction with the development team. Make sure you keep in touch with the app development team regularly. That’s especially important if you are outsourcing your app development project. Frequent interactions can help you provide timely feedback. Hence, the development team has more time to implement your desired changes.
Get your apps tested. If you want to maintain the image of your business, make it a priority to test your newly developed apps. Faulty apps may lead to end-user dissatisfaction, negatively impacting your business’s revenue and reputation.
Should You Choose In-House App Developers or Outsource your App Development Project
Now that you know the costs of developing different types of mobile apps in various categories, here is the next question. Is hiring dedicated app developers to design and create your app essential?
Setting up an entire app development department in-house is an option. But that’s only feasible if you are an already-established business. But, if you are a startup or an emerging business, you can outsource it to professionals and reduce the costs of your app development project.
That way, you can save the infrastructure and other related costs of hiring dedicated app developers.
Final Thoughts
Creating a visually appealing and functional app is now necessary for every business. If you are looking for Flutter app development services or React Native app development services, Intelvue is a prominent name in the mobile app development services world. We are the leading app development company in USA ,which provides economical and latest apps for all categories and all devices. Get in touch for more details.
FAQs
What is the Cost of Developing a Basic Business App?
Developing a basic app can cost from $30,000 to $50,000. A basic business app has an intuitive user interface, easy login and registration functionality, and core features.
What are the Factors that Influence App Development Costs?
Some factors that impact app development costs include
- app requirements
- functionality
- features
- design
- app maintenance
- location of the app development team.
What is the Cost of Developing a Native App?
Developing a native app with basic features typically costs $25,000 to $30,000. However, the cost of a feature-rich native app may be between $30,500 – $60,000. In addition, a complex native app can start from $70,000.
Do Ongoing Maintenance and Updates Add to The App’s Cost?
The maintenance stage comes after the development and publication stages in the app development lifecycle. During the first year, the maintenance costs may reach up to 50% of the total development costs.
Should I Choose an Offshore or Onshore Development team?
Both development teams offer some pros and cons. Working with onshore teams means you can have better communication and high-quality results. However, the costs associated with building and working with onshore teams may be too high for most businesses, especially starters. Therefore, hiring offshore mobile app development teams guarantees reduced cost and access to developers with specialized skills.
How Long Does It Take to Develop a Business App?
Several factors influence the timeline of a business app development project. If everything goes smoothly, you can expect your app to run successfully after four to six months. ,
Do I Need to Budget For App Marketing As Well?
A mobile app is a product like any other. Therefore, businesses must promote it well to get more downloads. Your app marketing budget should be at least a few thousand dollars.
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