In the modern era of the digital world, owning a mobile application is no longer a luxury but a need for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. Yet, one of the most frequently asked questions that come along with this is: How much does it cost to make a simple mobile application?
The price of developing a mobile application varies based on several factors such as the level of complexity, platform (both iOS and Android or either), location of the development team, and extra features. In this blog, we will deconstruct the price of a simple mobile application to help you have the right expectations of your budget.
What is a Basic Mobile Application?
Before diving into costs, let’s define what qualifies as a basic mobile app:
- Simple UI with limited screens
- Basic features like login, user profile, and navigation
- No complex animations or real-time data processing
- Uses third-party APIs for standard functions (e.g., Google Maps, authentication)
- No advanced AI, AR/VR, or blockchain integration
Common examples of basic mobile apps include to-do list apps, simple calculators, note-taking apps, and news readers.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Basic Mobile App
1. Platform (iOS, Android, or Both)
- Single platform (iOS or Android): Costs less than developing for both platforms.
- Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter): Slightly higher initial cost but saves money in the long run.
2. UI/UX Design
- Basic wireframes and UI design can cost between $1,000 – $3,000 depending on complexity.
3. Development Approach
- Native Development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android): Higher cost but better performance.
- Cross-Platform (Flutter, React Native): More cost-effective for simple apps.
4. Features & Functionalities
Basic features like login, user profile, push notifications, and basic API integration add to the cost.
5. Developer Location
- Developers in North America & Western Europe charge $50 – $150/hour
- Developers in Eastern Europe & Latin America charge $30 – $80/hour
- Developers in India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia charge $15 – $50/hour
Cost Breakdown of a Basic Mobile App Development
| Component | Estimated Cost ($) |
|---|
| UI/UX Design | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Frontend Development | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Backend Development (if required) | 3,000 – 8,000 |
| API Integration | 1,000 – 4,000 |
| Testing & QA | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Deployment & Maintenance (first 3 months) | 1,000 – 3,000 |
Total Estimated Cost:
- Freelancer Development: $5,000 – $15,000
- Small Development Agency: $10,000 – $25,000
- Enterprise-Level Development: $20,000 – $50,000
How to Reduce App Development Costs?
If you’re on a tight budget, consider the following cost-saving options:
✅ Use Cross-Platform Development – Frameworks like Flutter & React Native can cut costs.
✅ Build an MVP First – Start with minimal features and expand later.
✅ Outsource Development – Hiring developers from affordable regions can save money.
✅ Use Open-Source Solutions – Reduce development effort with existing libraries and APIs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of developing a basic mobile application typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the features, platform, and development team. The best approach is to start with an MVP and gradually add features based on user feedback.
If you’re planning to develop a mobile app, it’s essential to define clear requirements, set a realistic budget, and choose the right development team.
💬 Thinking of building an app? Share your idea with us or reach out us at business@redbitesystems.com for a free consultation! 🚀
