If you’re considering having an app developed in 2024, one of the first questions you probably have is “How much does it cost to develop an app?” App development costs can vary widely based on the type of app, features, complexity, developers’ rates, and other factors. This guide will examine the key factors that influence “How much does it cost to develop an app” in 2024 and provide cost estimates you can use for budgeting.
Key Factors That Influence How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App
When estimating how much it cost to develop an app, the most important factors to consider are:
- Platform – Native iOS, Android, hybrid, or cross-platform? Supporting multiple platforms leads to higher costs.
- Features – Simple apps are cheaper. Complex apps with lots of features, integrations, and functionality can get expensive.
- Custom Design – Unique visual design and branding costs more than using stock templates.
- Developer Location – Hiring developers in regions with lower wages reduces costs.
- Developer Experience – More seasoned developers command higher hourly rates.
- Development Method – Waterfall development is generally cheaper than Agile.
- Business Model- Apps with commerce features, subscriptions, or ads cost more.
- Testing – Comprehensive QA testing adds overhead but is critical.
Together, these key factors account for the wide variability in how much it cost to develop an app. But we can establish some ballpark ranges.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Simple App?
For simple apps with basic functionality, limited features, standard design, and no backend, the average cost in 2024 is:
- Simple iOS app: $15,000 – $30,000
- Simple Android app: $15,000 – $30,000
- Simple hybrid app: $18,000 – $36,000
So if you just need an app with core functionality like informational content, simple UI, and basic user flows, and don’t need custom design, complex features, or backend work, expect to invest around $15,000 to $30,000.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Medium-Complexity App?
For medium-complexity apps with multiple features, custom visuals, interactive elements, integrated APIs, and basic backend work, average costs are:
- Medium iOS app: $50,000 – $100,000
- Medium Android app: $45,000 – $90,000
- Medium hybrid app: $55,000 – $110,000
With apps that have more significant custom features, unique branding, media integration, data storage needs, and a greater level of functionality or interactivity, costs jump up to the range of $45,000 to $100,000+ for development.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Complex, High-End App?
Enterprise apps, 3D games, social networks, on-demand services, FinTech apps, logistics platforms, and health apps tend to fall into the high complexity and cost category.
Enterprise apps, 3D games, social networks, on-demand services, FinTech apps, logistics platforms, and health apps tend to fall into the high complexity and cost category.
Offshore App Development Cost Savings
One proven way to reduce “how much does it cost to develop an app” is to go with an offshore developer team based in a region with lower wages like Eastern Europe or India. Depending on the region, offshore app dev can save:
- 30-50% for Eastern European developers
- 50-70% for Indian developers
- 80%+ for developers in very low-wage regions
However, lower hourly rates are just one part of the equation – you still want excellent developers who can deliver a high-quality app. Offshore partners require more oversight and communication as well. However dramatic cost savings are possible with the offshore model.
Additional Cost Considerations
Beyond the core development costs, other expenses that contribute to “how much does it cost to develop an app” include:
- Maintenance – Ongoing maintenance and support costs around 15-25% of initial dev costs per year.
- Updates – Major updates with new features or redesigns cost substantial amounts as well.
- Marketing – User acquisition and marketing costs must be factored in for paid apps.
- Development Tools – Developer accounts, software, debuggers, and other tools incur costs.
- In-App Purchases – Commerce capabilities increase complexity and dev costs.
- Data Fees – Apps with large user data needs may incur data storage/transfer fees.
So an app is rarely “one and done” – companies should plan for significant ongoing investments after launch to scale the app, add features, update designs, acquire users, and manage a growing codebase and user data.
Bottom Line on How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App
Determining the true cost to develop an app requires analyzing the complexity of features, target platforms, design needs, development team, ongoing costs, and more. But for ballpark estimates in 2024:
- Simple apps: $15,000 – $30,000
- Medium complexity apps: $45,000 – $100,000
- High-end complex apps: $100,000+
With the right planning and development partner, almost any app’s vision and budget can become a reality. As emerging technologies like AI mature, costs may also come down over time. Understanding these estimated price ranges provides a solid starting point for budgeting app development projects in 2024 and beyond.
