Key takeaways
- Features and complexity drive cost far more than the platform: list what the first version must do.
- Cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native) build iOS and Android from one codebase, usually for less than two native apps.
- The back end — accounts, data, payments, admin panel — is often a large share of the work.
- Store accounts cost $99 a year for Apple and a one-off $25 for Google Play.
- Budget for maintenance every year: OS updates, fixes and improvements.
Ask ten agencies what an app costs and you will get ten different numbers, because "an app" can mean a simple booking tool or a full marketplace. The honest way to estimate is to break the app into what it has to do. This guide explains the parts that drive the price, so you can plan a sensible first version.
What drives app development cost
- Features: Every screen, user role and workflow adds design, development and testing. Payments, chat, maps and real-time features add the most.
- Platforms: iPhone only, Android only or both. Cross-platform frameworks cover both from one codebase.
- Design: A polished, custom interface takes longer than standard components, and pays back in usability.
- Back end: Accounts, databases, notifications, payments and an admin panel to manage it all.
- Integrations: Connecting to your CRM, ERP, Shopify store or third-party APIs.
- Security and compliance: Health, finance and children's apps need extra care and review.
Native or cross-platform?
Native apps (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) offer the best performance and the newest platform features first, but mean two codebases. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter and React Native build both from one codebase, which usually lowers cost and speeds up launch. For most business, ecommerce and booking apps, cross-platform is the sensible default. Our Flutter vs React Native comparison explains the choice.
Typical app types
- MVP: The smallest version that solves the core problem, to test with real users before investing more.
- Business app: Bookings, loyalty, ordering or field tools for an existing business, often connected to its systems.
- Ecommerce app: Shopping apps synced with a store such as Shopify, with push notifications and accounts.
- Platform or marketplace: Multiple user types, payments, messaging and admin — the most complex category.
Costs beyond the build
- Developer accounts: Apple Developer Program at $99 a year; Google Play Console at a one-off $25.
- Hosting and services: Servers, databases, push notifications, maps, SMS and email, often priced by usage.
- Maintenance: Updates for each new iOS and Android release, library upgrades and bug fixes. A common rule of thumb is to budget a meaningful share of the build cost every year.
- Store fees: Apple and Google take a commission on digital goods sold in the app; physical goods and services usually use your own payment provider.
How to keep costs under control
- Start with an MVP: Launch the core features, learn from users, then build what they actually use.
- Design first: A clickable prototype finds problems before they are expensive to fix in code.
- Consider a web app: If you don't need device features or app store presence, a web app or PWA may be enough. See PWA vs native app.
- Ask for a fixed, itemised quote: So you can trade features against budget with clear numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build an Android or an iOS app?
The cost is similar for one platform. Building both natively costs more; a cross-platform framework covers both from one codebase.
How long does it take to build an app?
A focused first version often takes ten to sixteen weeks, including design, development, testing and store review.
What are the ongoing costs of an app?
Developer accounts, hosting and services, and maintenance for each new iOS and Android release.
Our Flutter and React Native team scopes every app with you and sends a fixed, itemised quote before design starts.
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Jay Patel