A Guide to Mobile App Development Cost In 2024

Gone are the days when people used to step out of their homes to look for anything and everything. Now is the time of mobile apps, as there is a mobile app for everything. You name the sector; you will find an app for that.

As per the Statista report, the google play store powered over 3.5 million mobile apps globally in the second quarter of 2024. At the same time, the Apple App store was nearly 2.2 million mobile apps.

Hence, no doubt, having a mobile app developed by expert developers will take your business to the next level. For that, people do hire specialist mobile app development companies. Statista also estimated that the mobile app market will reach approximately $613 billion by 2025.

But a ubiquitous question comes to mind “what’s the development cost of a mobile app?” The cost of mobile app development in 2024 can vary depending on various factors, such as the app's complexity, the development platform, the team's location, and the developers' experience. This blog will give you all information related to the mobile app development cost according to different factors. 

Overview of App Development Cost

Based on current trends and market analysis, the average cost of developing a mobile app in 2024 can range from $30,000 to $250,000. The price for more superficial apps can be lower, starting from around $5,000. On the other hand, for more complex apps with advanced features, the cost can exceed $500,000.

Moreover, the app development cost depends on the development platform. Developing an app for iOS can cost more than creating an app for Android due to the difference in development tools and guidelines.

Lastly, the location of the development team can also play a significant role in determining the cost of app development, as companies in North America and Europe tend to charge higher rates compared to those in Asia and other parts of the world.

Mobile App Development Cost According to the Complexity

The mobile app development cost varies according to the app’s complexity level. Hence, the more complex the app, the more it will cost to develop. Here are some estimates of the cost of mobile app development based on complexity:

• Simple Apps: These are essential apps with limited functionality, such as a calculator or a flashlight app. These apps are relatively easy to develop. They typically have a straightforward design and require only essential features like a login system, dashboard, and user profile. Developing a simple app can cost between $5,000 to $50,000.
• Moderate Apps: These apps have more features and functionality than simple apps, such as a social media app with basic networking features or a fitness app with tracking capabilities. Developing a moderate app can range from $50,000 to $120,000.
• Complex Apps: These apps have advanced features and functionality, such as a custom e-commerce app, a gaming app with multiplayer functionality, or an app that integrates with multiple third-party services. The cost of developing a complex app can range from $100,000 to $300,000 or more.

App Development Cost According to App features and functionalities

The cost of mobile app development varies depending on several factors, including the app's features and functionalities. The more complex the parts and functionalities, the more expensive it is to develop the app. Here is a breakdown of the cost of mobile app development based on different parts and functionalities:

Basic features: A basic app typically includes simple features such as user registration, login, basic UI/UX design, and essential database integration. Developing such an app can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Custom UI/UX design: Custom-designed UI/UX can enhance the user experience and make your app stand out. The cost of custom UI/UX design can range from $5,000 to $30,000.

Advanced features: Advanced features such as push notifications, in-app messaging, social media integration, and location-based services can add significant value to your app. Developing an app with these features can range from $20,000 to $100,000.

E-commerce features: E-commerce features such as shopping carts, payment gateway integration, and order tracking can be added to your app to create an online store. The cost of developing an app with e-commerce features can range from $30,000 to $150,000.

Advanced functionalities: Advanced functionalities such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality can significantly increase the cost of app development. The cost of developing an app with advanced functionalities can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.

It is important to note that these estimates are just rough guidelines. The actual cost of mobile app development can vary significantly depending on several other factors, such as the app platform (iOS or Android), app development company, location, and project timeline. 

Let’s look at the cost of mobile app development according to the type of app. 

FAQs

Q. What key factors impact the cost of mobile app development in 2024?

A. The key factors that impact the cost of mobile app development in 2024 include the complexity of the app, features and functionalities, platform (iOS, Android, or both), design, development team's location and expertise, third-party integrations, testing, and ongoing maintenance and updates.

Q. What are some cost-saving tips for mobile app development in 2024?

A. Consider optimizing the app's features and functionalities to only include essential elements, leveraging cross-platform development frameworks, outsourcing to a cost-effective development team or location, prioritizing critical components for the initial release, and planning for regular updates based on user feedback and analytics.

Q. Are there any hidden costs associated with mobile app development?

A. There can be hidden costs associated with mobile app development, such as costs for third-party integrations, app store submissions, ongoing maintenance and updates, security measures, and additional features. Therefore, it's essential to account for these potential costs during the planning and budgeting phase of the app development.

Q. How can I ensure a successful and cost-effective mobile app development project?

A. To ensure a successful mobile app development, it's crucial to thoroughly plan and define the scope of the app, clearly communicate the requirements to the development team, prioritize features based on user needs, regularly review and provide feedback during the development process, and plan for ongoing updates and maintenance to keep the app relevant and secure.

Q. What are the potential risks and challenges in estimating mobile app development costs?

A. Potential risks and challenges, such as changes in project scope, unforeseen technical complexities, delayed timelines, third-party integrations, and resource availability, can come anytime. It's essential to be aware of these risks and challenges and plan for contingencies in the budget to avoid cost overruns and delays in the development process.

Q. What are the benefits of hiring an offshore development team for mobile app development?

A. Hiring an offshore development team for mobile app development can offer several benefits, including cost savings, access to a larger talent pool, faster development cycles, and round-the-clock development. Additionally, offshore teams can tap into a wider talent pool, allowing you to access highly skilled and experienced developers.

Conclusion:

Mobile app development cost depends on multiple factors. First, you must determine what features you want in your app and what business purpose the app will serve. Once you have clarity on your purpose, do make sure to hire an expert mobile app developer. Experienced and reputed mobile app development companies ensure you have access to the best resources, expertise, and insights to get a mobile app that addresses your business goals and is user-friendly and functional.

Our pool of highly skilled mobile app developers tailor-makes custom mobile apps using the latest technology to suit your unique business needs at a rate that makes it a cost-effective investment. Please contact us to learn more about how you get cost-effective and feature-rich mobile apps developed for your business.