Quick Answer:
Building an app can cost anywhere from $53,000 to $160,000 or more in 2025, depending on factors like complexity, features, and development time. While these are general estimates, the exact cost will depend on your specific project requirements.
The final price depends on factors like the app’s type, required functionality, target platforms, and the development team’s experience. Each app project is unique, so you’ll need a detailed assessment for a more accurate cost breakdown.
At Lemon.io, we connect startups with pre-vetted top-tier developers. Our years in the field have made us experts on the nuances of app development costs. How does that benefit you? We can offer valuable insight into how to budget effectively for your app project.
Mobile app development remains a key focus for developers, with many working on iOS and Android technologies. Understanding the costs for these builds is crucial to success.
Let’s take a closer look at eight key factors that impact the cost of app development in 2025.
1. Feature Complexity
The number and complexity of features in an app significantly influence development costs. A simple app with basic functionalities like user authentication and push notifications will cost far less than a highly complex application with real-time data processing, AI-powered features, or advanced security measures.
For example, an MVP (minimum viable product) app typically requires 1-2months of development and costs $4,800-$25,600. Meanwhile, a complex app with extensive backend functionality and integrations can take 5+ months and cost over $64,000.
2. Developer Location and Experience
A developer’s location and experience level play a major role in determining costs. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly rates based on expertise:
- Mid-level developers earn between $4,000 and $9,600 per month
- Senior developers charge $5,600 to $12,800 per month
- CTO-level or tech leads command salaries exceeding $8,800 per month
While hiring developers from some parts of Eastern Europe or Latin America costs less than hiring developers based in the U.S. or Western Europe, rates still depend on expertise and project complexity.
3. Design and User Experience (UX/UI)
The quality of an app’s design directly affects user engagement, retention, and overall success. A well-designed app requires investment in UI/UX designers, whose monthly costs range from $3,200 to $11,200.
Apps with custom animations, unique branding, and interactive elements will take longer to develop and require a larger budget than apps with basic design templates.
4. Platform (iOS, Android, Web)
The choice of platform—iOS, Android, or web—affects development costs.
- Cross-platform development (using frameworks like Flutter or React Native) is often more cost-effective, as developers can build one codebase that runs on iOS and Android. According to Lemon.io data, the average cost for Flutter-based development ranges from $18,800 to $42,000, while React Native apps cost between $17,400 and $39,200.
- Native development (separate apps for iOS and Android) is more expensive but offers better performance and access to device-specific features. The cost to develop native apps for both platforms is approximately $29,700-$58,400, nearly double that of a single-platform app.
5. Backend Development
Backend development costs vary depending on server infrastructure, databases, and API integrations. A simple backend with basic data storage may cost $5,000-$10,000, while a moderately complex backend with user authentication and third-party integrations can range from $10,000 to $25,000. More advanced backends requiring real-time data processing and scalability can exceed $25,000-$50,000+.
6. Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)
Ensuring an app runs smoothly across various devices and operating systems is crucial to the development process. QA testing includes functional, usability, and security testing, among others.
Depending on their experience and location, the monthly cost of a QA specialist ranges from $3,200 to $12,000.
7. Maintenance and Updates
Post-launch maintenance is an often overlooked cost that can add up over time. Regular updates, bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements are necessary to keep an app competitive and functional. Industry estimates suggest that annual maintenance costs typically range from 15-20% of the initial development cost, which often works out to approximately $400-$900 per year.
8. Hidden Costs To Remember
Beyond the core development costs, businesses should account for additional expenses, including:
- Unexpected revisions and pivots can add 10-30% to the total project budget, especially if new features are added post-launch
- Third-party APIs, such as payment gateways, maps, and AI services, may cost $1,000-$10,000+ per year, depending on usage.
- App store fees may include Apple App Store ($99/year) and Google Play Store ($25 one-time fee).
- Marketing and user acquisition costs vary widely but typically start at $5,000-$20,000+ for initial campaigns.
Calculating a Rough Cost Estimate
Before committing to development, businesses need a clear cost estimate to align expectations and budget effectively.
A simple formula can help estimate costs:
Estimated app cost =
(Total development hours × Developer hourly rate) + Additional costs
For example, if an MVP takes 320 hours at a median rate of $50/hour, the base cost is around $16,000. Additional expenses like UI/UX design, QA, and backend infrastructure can push the total to $20,000-$25,000.
This framework helps businesses budget realistically while accounting for key development expenses. While exact pricing depends on various factors, breaking it down by app complexity and tech stack can provide a useful starting point.
App Complexity Breakdown
The complexity of an app significantly impacts development costs. Here’s a general breakdown based on estimated timelines and development costs:
Complexity leve |
Simple Apps (MVP) |
Moderately Complex Apps |
Highly Complex Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
Estimated timeline |
1-2 months |
3-5 months |
5+ months |
Development costs |
$4,800-$25,600 |
$14,400-$64,000 |
$64,000+ |
Project examples |
A golf industry social networking and booking app. An inventory management app for medical distributors. |
A SaaS product for the mortgage industry. A deals aggregation app for local businesses. |
An English-learning app for Japanese users. An on-demand staffing platform for dental professionals. |
Actual costs can vary based on team size, feature requirements, and external system integrations.
Tech Stack as a Factor
The choice of development framework impacts both time and cost. According to Lemon.io data, median developer rates and estimated project costs vary across popular tech stacks:
Flutter: $18,800-$42,000
- Key benefits: Fast development, cross-platform support, great for MVPs
React Native: $17,400-$39,200
- Key benefits: JavaScript-based, strong community support, widely adopted
Kotlin (Android) / Swift (iOS): $14,400-$29,600
- Key benefits: Native performance, platform-specific optimizations
For native development on both iOS and Android, expect costs to be roughly 2x higher, ranging from $29,700-$58,400.
How Lemon.io Helps Reduce Costs Without Compromising Quality
When it comes to building and scaling your app, cost efficiency is key. However, achieving this shouldn’t come at the expense of quality.
Lemon.io helps startups like yours reduce development costs while ensuring high-quality results through hiring expert app developers and a transparent, scalable platform. Here’s how:
Access to Top-Tier Developers
- Lemon.io connects you with pre-vetted, experienced developers who minimize costly mistakes. Their expertise helps streamline development, saving you time and money while delivering high-quality results.
Flexibility and Scalability
- As your startup grows, so do your development needs. Lemon.io’s platform offers the flexibility to scale your team efficiently, ensuring you have the right developers without the overhead of maintaining a large, permanent team.
Transparency and Communication
- Clear, consistent communication is crucial for successful development. Lemon.io keeps you informed with regular updates through open channels. You can track progress and make informed decisions, avoiding costly delays or missteps.
By combining expert talent, flexible scaling, and clear communication, Lemon.io simplifies the app development process while keeping costs under control. With these advantages, startups can build high-quality apps efficiently—without breaking the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Build an App for Free?
Building an app for free is possible, but it typically comes with limitations, such as basic features, fewer customization options, and slower development.
While tools like app builders offer free plans, they often require additional costs for advanced functionality, design, or professional developers to create a fully functional, high-quality app.
Can I Use AI To Build an App?
Yes, AI can assist in app development by generating code, automating testing, and even suggesting UI designs. However, AI tools still require oversight by human developers to ensure code quality, security, and functionality meet project requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Use AI To Build an App?
The cost of using AI for app development varies based on the tools and level of automation. Low-code and no-code AI platforms may cost anywhere from $50 to $500 per month, while custom AI-assisted development still requires experienced developers, keeping costs closer to traditional development methods.
How Long Does It Take To Build an App?
The time it takes to build an app depends on its complexity, features, and platform. A simple app might take a few months, while more complex apps with advanced features can take six months or longer.
Factors like design, testing, and ongoing revisions can also affect the timeline.
