How Much Does It Cost to Make an App in 2024? Your Complete Guide

Let’s be real—there’s something exciting about having your very own app out in the world. You’ve seen the success of apps like Instagram, Uber, or Tik Tok, and you’re thinking, "I’ve got a great idea—how much does it cost to make an app?"

Well, you're not alone. Whether you're dreaming of the next big thing or want to create an app to boost your business, understanding the costs of app development is one of the first big hurdles. The truth is, app development costs can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on what you want. It’s like asking, “How much does it cost to build a house?”—the answer depends on the blueprint.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about app development costs in 2024, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Breaking Down the Costs of Building an App

First things first, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: How much does it cost to make an app? The short answer? Anywhere from $5,000 to over $300,000. Yep, that’s a pretty big range!

Why such a massive gap? Well, it all comes down to what your app is supposed to do, how fancy it looks, and where and how you build it. Below are the biggest factors that can impact your app development costs.

1. What Type of App Are You Building?

When estimating the cost, start by determining your app’s complexity. Apps generally fall into three categories:

Basic Apps

A basic app could be something as simple as a note-taking app, a calculator, or a timer. These apps have limited functionality, no real-time features, and are straightforward to develop. Expect to pay between $5,000 to $20,000 for a basic app.

Moderately Complex Apps

These are apps that require databases, user authentication, or integration with third-party APIs (like Instagram or Facebook logins). Think of apps like e-commerce platforms, fitness trackers, or apps with real-time chat. Moderately complex apps typically cost between $20,000 and $70,000.

Highly Complex Apps

This is where it gets serious—think apps like Uber, which requires real-time data, GPS, payments, and lots of backend work. Or social media apps like Instagram with multimedia features, notifications, and personalized feeds. These can run anywhere from $70,000 to $300,000 or more depending on the scale of features.

2. Which Platform Will You Build For: iOS, Android, or Both?

Another key factor in cost is the platform you want to target. Are you building for iOS, Android, or both?

iOS-Only Apps

Developing an iOS app can be a bit more streamlined because there are fewer devices to test on compared to Android. The cost to build an iOS app can range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on its complexity.

Android-Only Apps

Android apps typically require more testing because of the variety of devices and screen sizes. Therefore, development can be slightly more expensive, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000.

Both iOS and Android (Cross-Platform)

If you want to target both platforms (which most businesses do), you'll either need to develop separate native apps for iOS and Android or use cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter. Cross-platform development is generally faster and more cost-effective, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $150,000+ depending on the app's features.

3. Features: The More You Want, The More You Pay

App features are like toppings on a pizza—the more you add, the higher the price. Every feature you choose adds complexity and development time, which increases the cost.

Common Features and Their Costs

• User Login (via email/social media): $1,500 – $5,000
• Push Notifications: $2,000 – $5,000
• In-App Purchases: $5,000 – $15,000
• GPS/Geolocation: $10,000 – $25,000
• Real-Time Chat: $7,000 – $20,000
• Payment Integration: $3,000 – $10,000

These are just estimates. The price for each feature can fluctuate based on the complexity. For instance, integrating basic push notifications may be relatively cheap, but adding personalized notifications based on user behavior will bump the price up.

4. Design: Function Meets Beauty

Good design is a must. People expect apps to be not only functional but also beautiful and intuitive. Here’s how design impacts the overall cost:

Basic Design (Template-Based)

If you’re going for a minimalist, no-frills design, expect to spend between $2,000 to $10,000. These apps usually use pre-built templates and don’t require complex animations or custom elements.

Custom Design

Custom designs are fully tailored to your brand and user experience. They may include unique icons, illustrations, animations, and a highly intuitive UI (user interface). Custom design typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, but investing in great design can significantly boost user engagement and retention.

5. Backend Development and APIs

If your app needs to store user data or sync with external services (like Google Maps, payment gateways, or third-party integrations), you’ll need a backend to manage everything. Backend development can get pricey, but it’s essential for any app that has complex functionalities.

• Basic Backend (User Login, Data Storage): $10,000 – $20,000
• Complex Backend (Real-Time Data, API Integrations): $25,000 – $100,000+

Most apps also rely on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to communicate with other services. Depending on the complexity and number of APIs, this could add an additional $5,000 – $20,000 to your project.

6. Development Team Location: Global Rates Matter

Where your development team is located plays a huge role in pricing. Hiring a team in North America or Western Europe will cost more than hiring a team in Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, but you can still find high-quality talent globally. Here’s a breakdown of hourly rates based on location:

• North America: $100 – $200/hour
• Western Europe: $70 – $150/hour
• Eastern Europe: $30 – $75/hour
• India/Southeast Asia: $20 – $50/hour

The cost difference is significant, but always weigh quality versus price. Going with the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. Make sure to check the team's portfolio, client reviews, and communication skills.

How Long Does It Take to Build an App?

Development time directly impacts costs. The longer it takes, the more you’ll pay, especially if you're hiring a team on an hourly basis.

• Simple Apps: 2 to 3 months
• Moderately Complex Apps: 4 to 6 months
• Highly Complex Apps: 6 months to over a year

These timelines also include time for testing and debugging, which is critical for ensuring a smooth launch.

The Cost of Maintaining an App

Launching an app is only the beginning. Once your app is live, you'll need to maintain it with updates, bug fixes, and improvements based on user feedback. Maintenance typically costs 15-20% of the initial development cost per year.

For example, if your app costs $50,000 to develop, you should set aside $7,500 to $10,000 per year for maintenance and updates.

Ways to Save on App Development Costs

Don’t want to blow your budget? Here are some ways to control costs without sacrificing quality:

1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

An MVP is the most basic version of your app that includes only the core features necessary to launch. This allows you to test the market, gather feedback, and gradually build out the full app. Building an MVP costs between $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity.

2. Use Cross-Platform Development

If you want an app that works on both iOS and Android, consider using cross-platform development tools like React Native or Flutter. These frameworks allow you to write code once and deploy it on both platforms, saving time and money.

3. Outsource Development

Outsourcing your app development to an experienced team in regions like Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia can save you thousands of dollars. Just make sure to thoroughly vet the team and communicate clearly about your goals.

So, How Much Will It Really Cost to Build Your App?

The bottom line is that the cost of making an app depends on what you want to build and how you want to build it. If you’re building a basic app, expect to pay around $10,000 to $30,000. More complex apps will likely run between $50,000 and $300,000.

Ultimately, developing an app is an investment, but it can offer significant returns if done right. Whether you're looking to build the next hit social media platform or streamline your business services, knowing what factors influence app development costs can help you budget smartly and plan effectively.