How Much Does It Cost To Build a Mobile App?

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Mobile apps help businesses build stronger customer relationships through personalized user experiences and tighter analytics feedback loops. Having a mobile app can boost brand awareness and make it easier for customers to interact with your company. It's no wonder that so many businesses want to port their services to the devices where their customers spend most of their time. 

Of course, the app development process requires expertise, which comes at a price. While a simple number would be nice, the final cost of developing an app can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. We'll take a look at some of those cost factors that go into building a custom app.

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Note: These cost estimates represent the low end of potential app development expenses. Actual costs may be two to three times higher depending on project complexity, developer rates, and additional feature requirements.

How to calculate mobile app development costs

The cost of developing a mobile app can be calculated directly from the rates charged by your developers. For instance, a smaller-scale app that takes 800 developer hours at a rate of $18-$39 per hour would cost between $14,400 and $31,200. More complex apps with additional features, integrations, and design requirements can easily take 1,200 hours or more — increasing total costs significantly.

Development time varies widely depending on the types of features and the complexity of your app. To calculate the cost of developing a mobile app, you'll need to consider a number of factors:

1. App developer rates, experience, and expertise
2. iOS vs. Android apps
3. Mobile app development technologies required (including third-party integrations)
4. Mobile app features
5. Additional talent needs

Upwork app developer rates, experience, and expertise

When hiring mobile app developers, price and experience usually go hand in hand. If you're looking to build the next Uber or WhatsApp, your startup may need to find the optimal mix of experience when building a development team:

• Beginner developers. With average costs in the $19 per hour range, entry-level developers can help with debugging, app maintenance, code documentation, and simple feature requests, provided you're willing to provide some training on the job.
• Intermediate developers. Charging around $25 per hour, intermediate developers have the general expertise needed to complete most app design projects and new feature requests.  ‍
• Senior developers. With rates at $39 or higher per hour, senior developers can lead your app development projects or implement advanced app features, as well as contribute to the app's scalability.

Typical rates for specific types of mobile developers

In addition to overall experience, rates also depend on expertise in the specific technologies in which an app developer is proficient. Developer rates vary between app platforms and the specific technical skills needed to build the app.

This breakdown should give you a cost estimate for mobile developers on Upwork:

iOS developer: Global hourly rate $16–$35

Beyond fundamentals like Objective C or Swift, and the Xcode IDE, iOS developers are also skilled in one or more frameworks and APIs like Foundation, UIKit, and Cocoa. 

Skills may include familiarity with bug tracking systems like Bugzilla, dependency management tools like CocoaPods, and version control with GitHub —  technologies that indicate experience working on project teams.

Android developer: Global hourly rate $15–$35

Beyond fundamentals like Java, Android SDK, and the Android Studio IDE, Android developers may also be skilled with one or more frameworks like Ionic, Corona, and Material Foundation. 

Android developers will have familiarity with bug-tracking systems like Jira, dependency management tools like Gradle, and version control with GitHub — technologies typically learned while working on project teams.

React Native developer: Global hourly rate $24–$45

React Native is a JavaScript framework for cross-platform development of mobile applications using web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. 

React Native developers can help build native-performing, modular UI components that work on both iOS and Android, reducing development time and integrating seamlessly with existing iOS and Android projects.

Developer hourly rates by region

Where your development team is based has a big impact on app costs. 

Typically, industry-wide app development rates are affected by local costs of living, demand for tech talent in the area, and project complexity. This table shows a breakdown of average hourly rates for mid-level developers across major regions.

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Platform choice: Android vs. iOS

Are you building an app for Apple's iOS or Google's Android? There's no question that you'll benefit from both markets, but you should consider starting with the platform that best suits your target audience and expand your customer base after you've made a return on your initial investment. 

To help you make that choice, here's a brief breakdown of the pros and cons of each platform.‍

Android

Android is an open-source Linux-based operating system developed by Google for mobile devices. Examples of Android devices include Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and the OnePlus.

The Android app development ecosystem includes:

• Android SDK
• Java
• Google Play Store submission requirements

Pros of Android app development include:

• Wider market penetration and reach with a larger overall number of users for every category, especially in emerging markets in developing areas.
• Large open-source community with access to Android mods like LineageOS or Paranoid Android.
• Deeper access to Android's operating system with more freedom to innovate.

Cons of Android app development include:

• Android users spend less and have lower media engagement diversity on average.
• Android developers must deal with more compatibility issues, multiple versions, and a larger variety of phone architectures and screen sizes, which can translate to higher development costs.

iOS

iOS is an operating system developed by Apple exclusively for its product line of mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

The iOS app development ecosystem includes:

• iOS SDK
• Swift (Objective-C for legacy apps)
• Apple App Store submission requirements
  

Pros of iOS app development include:

• As several developers pointed out in a Reddit discussion, iOS users are more likely to pay for apps, while Android's fragmentation — with thousands of devices and OS versions — makes testing and optimization much more resource-intensive.
• Stricter guidelines and higher quality control tend to translate to a higher quality app with better security.
• Apple's steady release cycles and tightly controlled device ecosystem ensure most users are running the latest versions of iOS, allowing developers to focus on building for the latest APIs. There are also fewer different phone models and screen sizes for developers to contend with.
  

Cons of iOS app development include:

• The usual cons of a closed-source development environment exist, including less freedom to innovate, less access to the operating system, and more stringent rules and regulations.
• Apple's frequent updates are a double-edged sword that can add to ongoing maintenance costs.
  

Note that a capable mobile app developer or team can overcome most of the technical cons of picking one platform over the other. It's more important that you choose the platform most of your customers prefer to use. 

The Android versus iOS debate is very much a cultural one, especially in the United States. Market research should be performed to determine which platform best fits your customer demographic.

Types of mobile apps

Choosing the right mobile app type shapes your development process, hiring needs, and overall project cost. Below are the main types of mobile apps and what sets each one apart.

• Web app. A mobile-friendly website that uses responsive design to deliver a smooth user experience across tablets and smartphones. Not technically a mobile app, but often the most affordable option for small businesses.
• Native app. Built using languages specific to an operating system (Swift or Objective-C for iOS; Java or Kotlin for Android). Offers the best performance but requires separate development for each platform, increasing overall cost.
• Hybrid app. Uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — often through frameworks like Ionic or Cordova — to create apps that behave like websites embedded inside a mobile app shell via a web view. Faster and more cost-effective to build, but with limited access to device features.
• Cross-platform app. Built in a single language and compiled into native code across multiple platforms using frameworks such as Xamarin or Flutter. Performance is slightly lower than native apps, but a unified codebase can substantially reduce development effort.
• AR/VR app. Uses augmented or virtual reality to create immersive digital experiences. Development typically requires specialized tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, plus 3D modeling and motion tracking — resulting in higher costs and longer timelines.
• Next-gen component-oriented JavaScript frameworks. Built with tools like React Native, these apps use JavaScript but render true native views (no web view). They offer near-native performance with cross-platform efficiency thanks to component-based architecture and optimizations like the virtual DOM.

Core mobile app features

The features you choose to include in your app will ultimately determine the complexity of your project and impact your overall mobile app cost. We'll review some common things to consider when designing your app.

App login and sign-on

Adding functionality to accommodate user profiles can add 15-20 hours or more to your project, depending on the complexity of the user accounts. Here's a brief breakdown of how many development hours are needed to allow your users to sign on to your app:

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Not all apps require a login, but user profiles come with major benefits:

• Ability to deliver personalized user experiences to your customers.
• Access to high-quality user data provided directly by your customers.
• Enhanced security and authentication options.
  
  

This is the reason most apps require at least a social login option for their end users.

Tip: For those in need of extra security, SSO (single sign-on) may be worth the investment. It's an authentication method that uses tokens to enable users to securely access multiple sites and applications with one set of credentials.

In-app features

You'll need to determine what your users will be doing within your app. Consider if they'll be buying items from an e-commerce shop, booking a hotel room, or simply connecting on a social media app. Actions like these can be generalized as features with build times:

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Payment gateways, in-app purchases, and microtransactions need to be seamless and secure for an optimal user experience. Reserve 10–20 hours of development time.

‍Tip: Ratings and user reviews are especially important for online stores. While typically quick to integrate, a custom review component could add 10 hours or more to development time.

App hardware integrations

Along with the digital experience, some apps require hardware integrations. For example, a social media app may use an augmented reality (AR) filter, requiring integration with the camera on the device. 

Similarly, voice-to-chat functionality within a messenger app will need to interface with the device's mic. 

Here's a list of build times for common hardware integrations:

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Additional mobile app budget considerations

Beyond features and hardware integrations, there are a few considerations to help estimate your app development costs:

• System integrations. APIs (application programming interfaces) allow your app to participate in the API economy. Whether you're integrating with private APIs or public third-party APIs, expect an impact on your development costs.
• Infrastructure requirements. Even the most basic features will need back-end considerations like databases, cloud storage, and network security. All of these have a direct impact on the cost of app development.‍
• App maintenance cost. Whether it's a gaming app, an e-commerce app, or just a lower-complexity app, mobile apps are never technically finished. You'll need to factor in maintenance like security updates, regular patches, and bug fixing.
• App store compliance. Publishing to app stores like Apple's App Store or Google Play often comes with submission guidelines, fees, and compliance requirements. This includes one-time fees (typically $500–$5,000 for legal reviews or privacy compliance audits) and annual store fees (e.g., $99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google Play).
  

The more features you add to the app, the more complex it becomes. This table shows a cost breakdown depending on app complexity:

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Team members you may need to build a mobile app

Developers aren't the only talent needed to carry an app through the mobile app development process. A typical mobile app development team might look something like this:

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Outsourcing mobile app development: agencies vs. freelance developers

The cheapest and quickest option to build an app is to use an app builder platform. If all you need is a simple layout with minimum functionality, app makers can be very economical, with tiered subscription plans ranging from $10 to $150 per month.

However, if you want full customizability and a more robust user interface and are serious about incorporating a mobile app into your business, you're going to want a developer. ‍

From our own data-based rates charged by freelancers on Upwork, assuming a six-month development time for a solid, full-featured v.1.0 app:

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Note: These estimates reflect developer time only. A full app build typically also involves project managers, designers, QA testers, and back-end support — all of which add to the overall cost.

These numbers are only estimates, and your project costs may vary. In reality, hourly contracts will likely fluctuate by week depending on your project's needs and your freelancers' other clients' needs. The number of hours devoted per week can affect the duration of the project, and savings can be gained from leveraging location differences.

Find top app developers today

Ultimately, the type of app you need, along with the platform and core features you choose, will determine the app development price. You'll want to review each development stage to ensure its cost-effectiveness. Consider opting for a minimum viable product (MVP) while working with a set of developers before bringing in more extensive development services.

The flexibility of hiring freelancers gives you the freedom to build your own team and adjust the overall cost for your project, making it a good fit for small businesses on a budget. You also get access to a global talent pool. 

Ready to bring your own mobile app idea to life? Check out freelance mobile app developers on Upwork today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We answer common questions about the cost to build a mobile app.

Why do costs vary so much?

The cost of building applications differs based on factors like the app's complexity, chosen technologies, developer location, and required expertise. More advanced features like animations and AI integration or specialized software development skills typically mean higher rates and longer timelines.

Does the platform I choose affect the cost?

Yes. Building for iOS, Android, or both impacts development time and budget. Native apps for each platform typically cost more than cross-platform builds.

How do advanced features like AI or AR/VR affect the price?

Features that require specialized expertise or additional infrastructure typically increase both development time for a mobile app and overall cost.

Do app store fees factor into development costs?

While not part of development itself, you'll need to budget for publishing fees. You may pay $99 per year for Apple's App Store and a one-time $25 fee for Google Play.

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‍Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time. ‍