How much does mobile app development cost?

Hey everyone, I am looking into developing a mobile app and wondering about the costs involved. Could anyone share their experiences or insights on how much it typically costs to develop a mobile app from scratch? What factors should I consider that might affect the cost?

Developing a mobile app from scratch can vary in cost based on factors like its complexity, desired features, and platform (iOS, Android, or both). Simple apps might start at a few thousand dollars, while more complex ones could range higher. It’s important to define your app’s needs upfront to get accurate quotes. Choosing between freelancers, local agencies, or larger firms also affects costs. Investing in clear planning and quality development can ensure your app meets expectations within your budget.

People who desire “an app” with little or no understanding of what they want and why provide a challenge to the app development industry. For example, a progressive web app might truly meet the needs of the majority of users. The development cost for this would be really minimal, closer around $3–$5k. Then, there are the hybrids you indicated, Phonegap, Cordova, etc. as choices. Instead of creating in the native languages—Swift and Java, IIRC—you can use a language that compiles to those if you want a native application. Flutter is an additional popular option, as is React Native. These are both fantastic choices that will result in a native app output and around half the development costs.

I can have anything from nothing to millions.

Building a simple app costs $5,000 to $50,000. It has basic features like logins and user profiles. A more complex app costs $50,000 to $120,000.