Updated: 23 October, 2026
- Cost follows time and complexity
- Does your business need an app at all?
- Costs that come after the build
- Getting quotes you can compare
- Frequently asked questions
- Why can't an agency give me a price straight away?
- Is it cheaper to build for iPhone or Android only?
- What does it cost to publish an app?
- Could a website do the job instead of an app?
"How much does it cost to make an app?" is one of the first questions business owners ask, and the app development cost has no single answer. A simple app with a handful of screens and a large app with accounts, payments and a back-office system are separate projects, and the price follows the work involved. Nobody can responsibly give a figure without knowing what the app must do.
This guide explains what drives the cost, which costs continue after launch, and how to get quotes you can compare. We have not put a price list on the page, because a fair figure comes from your requirements. To talk through your own idea, see our mobile app development page or get in touch.
Cost follows time and complexity
Most of the price of an app is people's time: planning, design, development, testing and project management. So anything that adds work adds cost. The things that change it most are:
What the app does. A catalogue or information app is simpler than one with booking, payments, messaging or live tracking.
User accounts. A simple sign-in is quicker than password recovery, social log-ins and different permissions for different users.
Notifications and communication. Push notifications, emails and sharing each need building and testing.
Payments and in-app purchases. Taking payments safely needs integration with a payment provider and careful testing.
Location and device features. Using the camera, maps or location is more work than showing static content, and features specific to one platform need their own code.
A back end. Many apps need a server, database and an admin area so that you can manage content, users and orders. This is often a large part of the work and is easy to forget when comparing quotes.
Design. A fully custom design takes longer than using standard components.
Platforms. Supporting iPhone and Android both means more to build and test, depending on the approach. Our post on why we use React Native explains one way to share work across the two.
Does your business need an app at all?
Before costing an app, check that an app is the right tool. Many needs, such as showing opening hours, taking bookings or selling products, can be met by a good mobile-friendly website, which usually costs less and reaches everyone with a browser. An app tends to make sense when people will use it often, or when you need features that a website cannot offer. If you are unsure, talk it through with an agency before committing to a quote.
Costs that come after the build
An app is not finished at launch. Plan for:
Developer accounts. Apple says the Apple Developer Program is "99 USD per membership year, or in local currency where available", with fee waivers available to eligible nonprofits, educational institutions and government entities (see the Apple Developer Program). Google says there is a "US$25 one-time registration fee" for a Play Console account (see Google Play Console help). Check both pages for current terms before you budget.
Store commission. If your app sells digital goods or subscriptions, Apple and Google may take a commission. Apple's Small Business Program offers a reduced 15% rate on paid apps and in-app purchases for eligible developers who made up to 1 million USD in proceeds in the prior calendar year. Rules differ for physical goods and services, so read the store terms for your case.
Hosting and services. The server, database, email, maps and payment services behind your app often charge monthly or usage-based fees.
Maintenance. New versions of iOS and Android arrive regularly, so apps need updates to keep working, plus bug fixes and security updates.
Improvements. Once real people use the app, you will want changes.
Getting quotes you can compare
Write down the problem first. Describe who the app is for and the three or four things it must do. Our guide to writing a website brief works for apps too.
Start small. Launch the essentials, learn from users, then add features. It reduces risk and cost.
Ask for an itemised quote. It should show design, development, the back end, testing, publishing to the stores and support.
Ask who owns the code and accounts. You should own your app and your store accounts.
Ask about after launch. Find out what maintenance costs and how updates are handled.
No agency can guarantee downloads, rankings or revenue, and you should be wary of any that does. What an app earns depends on your market and how you promote it.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't an agency give me a price straight away?
The cost depends on the features, the platforms, the design and the back end. Until those are clear, any figure is a guess. A short discovery conversation and a written brief let an agency give you a realistic quote.
Is it cheaper to build for iPhone or Android only?
Building for one platform first usually means less to build and test, so it can reduce the starting cost. Which to choose depends on your customers. Ask your agency which platform your audience uses most.
What does it cost to publish an app?
You need a developer account on each store. Apple lists the Apple Developer Program at 99 USD per membership year, and Google lists a one-time US$25 Play Console registration fee. Check the official pages for current terms.
Could a website do the job instead of an app?
Sometimes. If people mainly need to find information, book or buy, a mobile-friendly website may be enough and costs less. An app suits frequent use or features a website cannot offer. See our web design page for what a website can do.
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