How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App in 2024? – Comprehensive Guide

Creating an app has the potential to bring in some serious cash, but it also comes with a price tag upfront. So, how much does it cost to develop an app? Well, it really depends on how fancy and complicated you want your app to be. The fancier and more jam-packed with features your app is, the more it’s gonna cost you to develop. As you start mapping out your app’s journey, it’s a smart move to nail down a budget and timeline early on. That way, you can make smart money moves and stay on track to reach your goals.

Priding itself as Asia’s leading software development company, Savvycom endeavors to provide comprehensive insights into development costs in this article. Let us delve into the intricacies of this subject matter.

6 Keys Factors Affecting App Development Cost

Developing an application incurs various expenses influenced by specific factors crucial for budgeting and planning. Let’s delve into these pivotal elements shaping application development costs:

• Complexity of features: Advanced functionalities or intricate algorithms drive up development costs as they demand more resources and expertise.
• Design requirements: Tailored and elaborate designs consume additional time and effort from designers, thereby impacting overall expenses.
• Mobile platforms and devices supported: Whether an app will be developed for iOS only or has an Android version as well. What specific devices hardware will it support, e.g. iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, and so on.
• Development time: Longer development cycles directly correlate with higher costs, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in the development process.
• Third-party integrations: Incorporating external services, APIs, or software components amplifies complexity and may necessitate supplementary expenses.
• Maintenance and support: Post-launch activities such as maintenance, updates, and ongoing support significantly contribute to the overall cost of ownership, influencing expenses over time.

Considering these factors, there are typical benchmarks for app development project costs derived from comprehensive research conducted by various companies. These benchmarks provide valuable insights into estimating costs across different types of applications.

Type Of Application

The type of app you’re creating can really affect how much it costs to develop. Let’s break it down:

• Social Media Apps: Think Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
• E-commerce Apps: Like Shoppe, Lazada, eBay.
• Gaming Apps: Examples include Wildrift, Simcity, Candy Crush Saga.
• Education Apps: Think Duolingo, Udemy.
• Healthcare and Fitness Apps: Like Mi Fitness, Medscape, MyFitnessPal.
• Travel Apps: Examples include Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Travelloka.
• Productivity Apps: Like Trello.
• On-Demand Apps: Think Grab, Uber, Postmates.

Each of these categories comes with its own set of requirements and complexities, which affects both time and cost. Below, you’ll find estimates for how much time and money it generally takes to develop each type of app, based on calculations from an app development cost calculator.

We can see that each type of application, serving a different purpose, will have different timelines and costs for building the application, depending on its intended use.

App development costs vary by region

Average price map of mobile application outsourcing

The costs of app development vary significantly across regions, reflecting the diverse economic landscapes worldwide. In North America, developers typically charge between $60 to $200 per hour, reflecting the region’s higher living standards and operational expenses. Similarly, Western Europe and the UK maintain rates ranging from $25 to $160 per hour.

Conversely, Eastern Europe offers more competitive pricing at $17 to $150 per hour, attributed to a growing talent pool with lower living costs. In Asia, particularly India, rates can be as low as $13 to $80 per hour, making it the most economical option. These variations arise from factors such as economic conditions, living expenses, access to skilled labor, and market demand. Understanding these regional distinctions is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize their app development budgets while ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Cost of hiring an app developer

When considering hiring an app developer, several factors affect the total cost and the choice of pricing model. Skilled developers charge higher rates due to their experience and expertise. There are different pricing models to choose from, such as fixed-price and hourly rates, which offer flexibility depending on project requirements and budget.

Experienced developers ensure a higher quality end product but may come with a higher cost. Conversely, less experienced developers may offer lower rates but could result in a less refined final product. For instance, hiring an in-house development team is one of the costliest options, with the average salary for a US-based app developer being approximately $113,125 per year. On the other hand, freelancers offer a more cost-effective solution, with average hourly rates ranging from $13 to $60, making them suitable for smaller projects or when specific expertise is required.

Ultimately, the choice of hiring option depends on the budget, project needs, and the desired level of involvement in the development process.

App maintenance cost

Application maintenance fees are also a necessary expense

Maintaining your app is like keeping your car in good shape—it’s crucial for its long-term performance and relevance. Usually, maintenance costs fall between 15% to 20% of what you initially spent on development. This includes things like updates, fixing bugs, beefing up security, and making sure the app runs smoothly.

Consistent support is key to keeping users happy and adjusting to their feedback and any new tech trends. As the digital world keeps changing, regular maintenance not only fixes problems now but also sets your app up for future success and keeps your users satisfied.

Cost for Each OS Platform

Each operating system comes with its own price tag. In this section, we’ll furnish you with cost estimates for various operating system platforms, including Android, iOS, and Hybrid.

IOS app

The cost of developing an iOS app can vary significantly, influenced by several factors. These factors include the complexity of the app, design specifications, and the necessity for custom algorithms. Moreover, given that iOS app development necessitates a Mac system and proficiency in Xcode, the availability of skilled developers familiar with these technologies can further influence the total cost. On average, the expenses associated with iOS app development typically fall within the range of $75,000 to $500,000 or higher, contingent upon the project’s scope and unique demands.

Android app

When it comes to developing an Android app, the average cost is subject to several influencing factors. These factors encompass the complexity of development, feature prerequisites, and the challenge posed by platform fragmentation due to the diverse array of Android devices. Ensuring compatibility across numerous devices and screen sizes can extend development timelines and inflate costs. Generally, Android app development expenses range from $50,000 to $500,000 or beyond, contingent upon project specifications and the degree of customization involved.

Hybrid app

A hybrid app is a mobile application that blends features of both native and web apps. It’s crafted using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, yet it’s enclosed within a native container. However, it’s essential to note that while hybrid apps offer cost benefits, they may not always match the performance and user experience standards set by native apps.

Additionally, optimizing hybrid apps across various platforms might incur additional expenses. On average, the costs associated with hybrid app development typically fall within the range of $90,000 to $700,000, making it a compelling and cost-effective choice for businesses seeking cross-platform compatibility.”+

Real-World App Cost Breakdowns

Now that we have a solid grasp of the key considerations in “How much does it cost to develop an app?”, let’s delve into two practical examples for your reference in this section.

Tinder

Developing an app akin to Tinder involves several considerations like the features included, the complexity of the app, and how long it takes to build. Typically, the cost for such a project ranges from $25,000 to $120,000. Key features encompass login pages, user authentication and authorization, user profiles, in-app messaging, GPS location services, push notifications, and an in-app payment gateway. This cost estimate covers everything from design and development to testing, server infrastructure, backend setup, and ongoing maintenance. Features like user profiles, swiping, messaging, geolocation, and push notifications all factor into the overall cost. Additionally, integrating advanced features like AI-driven matchmaking or video chat functionalities can further increase development expenses.

Tinder, which launched in 2012 with an initial funding of $485,000, has enjoyed tremendous success. In 2021, the company raked in revenue exceeding $1.6 billion, with projections indicating it will surpass that figure in 2024.

TikTok

Developing an app similar to TikTok entails various factors such as complexity, features, and development duration. On average, this can range from $20,000 to $100,000 and may require approximately 1,200 hours to build. This estimate covers design, development, testing, video streaming infrastructure, user authentication, content management, and backend work. Features like video recording, editing tools, filters, effects, social sharing, and user engagement mechanisms all contribute to the overall cost. Additionally, integrating features for user-generated content moderation, real-time analytics, and scalability to handle high traffic volumes may entail extra expenses.

Tips And Tricks On Rating An App Developer

When considering an app developer, there are some important things to remember. Firstly, it’s crucial to be clear about what features you need. This means figuring out what your app requires, how much you can spend, when you need it done, and which platforms it should work on. It’s also helpful to learn about common mobile development technologies to understand what kind of app you’re looking for and to help pick the right development company.

Secondly, you should look at the full range of services the developer offers. Choosing a well-respected company with a good track record means you’ll have access to skilled professionals who can handle every aspect of making your app, from designing it to testing it thoroughly.

Consider the following factors when choosing an application development partner

Thirdly, it’s a good idea to talk to developers in person. This lets you see how much they know and how well they understand your app idea. Also, checking out their previous work gives you an idea of how good their work is and whether they’ve done anything similar before.

Lastly, it’s important to think about security and following the rules. Making sure developers are willing to keep your information safe by signing agreements and talking about who owns the app’s ideas upfront helps protect sensitive information and keeps data private while you work together.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can assess and choose the right app developer for your project.

Furthermore, we’d like to introduce you to a top-notch and reliable option: Savvycom. The company, with headquarters in the USA, Australia, and Vietnam, is renowned for delivering high-quality software outsourcing solutions. Simply reach out to us, share your ideas, and let Savvycom’s team of experts strategize and develop the perfect app for you efficiently and with the utmost quality assurance. Explore Savvycom today for a seamless experience!

Recap: How Much Does It Cost to Develop An App?

In wrapping up, figuring out how much it’ll cost to develop an app is like untangling a bunch of threads. There are a bunch of factors that come into play, like how complicated the app is, which platform it’s meant for, and where the developers are based. What kind of app it is—whether it’s for social media or gaming—also makes a big difference in the price tag. Plus, there’s a noticeable gap in costs between making apps for iOS, Android, or going with a mix of both.