Average Mobile App Development Cost in 2024 [ Breakdown ]

Planning to build an app but unaware of the exact cost of developing the app? Well, determining the exact app development cost is undoubtedly a complicated process. So to help entrepreneurs, and startups we have tried to provide an estimated mobile app development cost in India. In this article, we are going to cover all the significant points that can clarify the pricing of making an app and the factors taken into consideration. We will help you build a budget-friendly and high-quality app. There are mainly two questions that concern you- How much does it cost to build an app? What are the factors of pricing? In brief, the affordable cost of making an app is dependent on the development and the hourly rate of hiring a developer which varies from $20 to $150 based on the region and complexity of your mobile app. The price may also vary based on the skillset, scope of work, and app type. Comparatively, the cost to develop an app in the US is higher, based on the app type- From the above table, we can see the pricing structure of building an app in the US is quite high, on the other hand, the pricing structure of building an app in India is quite low and affordable. Our highly skilled team at GraffersID, an award-winning web and mobile app development company provides you with app development service at a fairly affordable rate and productive development.

Steps to Develop User-Friendly Mobile App

Based on the selection of your app type, now it is time to build an app. The entire App development process is complicated and each step includes a huge cost depending on a heap of variables. The procedure for developing an app includes-

• Research and Planning.
• Designing
• Development
• Testing
• Maintenance and Marketing

Let me take you through the pricing structure of each step-

A) Research and Planning

In this phase, your app ideas start taking shape. You begin with planning different use cases, preparing detailed functional requirements of your app, and building a roadmap. Now for verifying your app idea and for market analysis, you need business analysts. This phase includes-

• Business model description
• Value proposition canvas
• Personas list
• User journey map

The cost of the research and planning phase in India takes around 2-3 weeks. Listing out key factors that determine the app development budget-

1. Quality
2. Cost
3. Speed

Every app development budget is based on these three factors, now, it is on you to decide what is your application’s requirement. If you need to develop a high-quality app on a low budget then the timeframe should be an additional few weeks to your development schedule. The reason behind this is you need more time in advance to design your product. Similarly, if you go for a higher budget the development timeline can be 2-3 months only including offshore resources. Now, let’s hop onto the basic pricing structure of designing an app-

B) Designing and Structure Of A Mobile App

Designing an app is equally important as the development process. The inclusion of many attractive and important features and their functionalities leads to a higher cost of building an app. Mainly this phase includes Wireframes and developing Prototypes. The overall budget for designing an app on a single platform in the USA is around $70 – $150 per hour. On the other hand, If you outsourcing UI UX design to affordable countries like India can reduce your app development cost. The Average cost is around $15-$35 per hour. The overall time taken to design an app can be 20 days and can vary accordingly. Designing an app comprises four steps and each step requires a strategy to bring the app into a reality similar to the visualization. Let’s take a look at each of the steps and the required amount-

1) UX Design

UX is all about the user’s friendly use of an app. UX designers have to plan the idea following the user’s perspective. Thus, UX completely brings the screens into the paper for a better user experience. This procedure needs an understanding of the market, the goals of users’ utility of an app, and who are the users. For example, an app includes color psychology, button placements, and designing solutions for users. These tasks are performed by a UX designer and the cost of it fluctuates according to the requirement.

2) UI Design

Designing an application requires creating mockups to get an idea of how the app will look like. Visually presenting what you have planned is a difficult task and to perform it requires more money. Visual designs include- Layout, Typography, Colors, Screens, Shapes, and Elements.

Know in detail about difference between UI UX

3) Branding

Branding plays a vital role in marketing your product. If you develop an app, then it is equally mandatory to market your brand. The branding for an app involves Marketing and Logo Branding.

4) Copywriting

Copywriting is a must to keep users engaged and interact with the application solutions you are providing. It includes text like- Newsletters, Landing pages, Technical documents, and Blog Posts. Now, if you hire a good writer, the cost of writing a copy changes accordingly.

C) Mobile App Development

After the conceptual and detailed design of an app, we move on to the app development process. Developing an app consists of three important parts-

1) Backend

For supporting the functionality of an app, the server-side object and databases are required.

2) API

Through the Application Programming Interface, the backend database/server and the app are connected.

3) Frontend

It is cited as the application’s client side. The front-end developers provide the structure, content, and behavior of an app to make it interactive. The number of team members in the development team depends on the size of the application and the in-app features.

Hire Local Developers vs Offshore Developers

Now, the development process can be managed by a team of local developers or developers outside the country. To execute the plan you need brilliant developers.

Why India

Specific to Asia, India is the prime outsourcing country in Asia, known for delivering cost-effective and efficient subcontracting mobile app development services. Also, India was nominated as the second-world country with the greatest number of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The cost of living in India is significantly lower. In general, for the development of iOS and Android applications in India, the average hourly rate of developers extends to $20-$35 depending on their skills and experience.

D) Testing

To validate an app’s functionality and to make sure the application is secure and usable, testing is done. It requires a QA tester throughout the development process to make an application bug-free and to provide quality development. Overall development including coding, testing, and deployment may take 25 days.

E) Maintenance and Marketing

After your app has been launched, now it is ready for the users to use. To keep your app running in the eyes of users, you need to keep promoting your app and its features to the users. And, to do the same you have to follow the procedure-

1) Marketing and Promotion-

Once your app is launched on app stores, you need to promote it on web stores too. Marketing and Promoting your app will redirect your users to their app stores. Besides, you can go for SEO marketing, and promote your app through bloggers using promotion codes.

2) Bug fixing and Maintenance-

No app is perfect, but to make your app error-free you have your development team who will identify the defaults and get back to you with errors if found any. Every software needs maintenance and you have your team to help you with your app’s ongoing maintenance process that will further let you know the activeness of your app.

Other Factors Affecting App Development Cost In 2023

Region

Specific to a location, costs for creating an app vary from region to region. It is dependent on the developers you are hiring from. Talking in general, the Hourly rate for programmers in developing an app in the US is 120$-150$ while in India the cost for the same is $20-$35, and similarly, in other countries, it differs accordingly. Now, other than the country from which programmers are hired, the cost depends on the hired developers’ programming languages like Java, Kotlin, PHP, and many more, the specialists involved can be testers, business analysts, project managers, scrum masters, and last but not the least, the qualification or the requirement categorized into the senior, middle and junior level.

Complexity of App

App development is not as easy as it seems, it needs planning and research. You should be acknowledged for your target audience, your business goal, an understanding of the whole app development process, and the platform where your app is going to run. To make an application engaging and unique, its physical features including screens, buttons, colors everything matters which takes hold of the overall development cost. The complexity of an app is dependent on the features and the technology used for the development. Based on complexity, there are three types of apps-

1) Simple Apps

These include mobile applications having the necessary features, a simpler outlook, and new tech screens. Features of such apps are mainstream in every app-

• Login/Signup
• Profile Update
• Dashboard
• Search/Explore
• Messaging
• Notifications

Thus, the complexity level of simple apps is very low and so the cost and duration of the same are less.

2) Moderate Apps

These apps include additional features, databases, and a higher-quality user interface. Features of such apps are highly complex-

1. 8-15 Screens
2. In-App purchasing system
3. UI animations
4. Location tracking system

Thus, the medium complex app has add-on features that affect the development cost and is higher than the simple apps.

3. Highly Complex Apps

These apps have some high-end features along with integrations which leads to higher development costs. These apps are designed for bigger businesses.

1. More than 8 Screens
2. Video chatting and In-app call service
3. Online streaming

Thus, a highly complex app not only requires a large number of members for development but planning and research are also a part of it. Such apps have several databases, servers, and highly complex infrastructure.

Native vs Hybrid App

Now, it’s time for you to decide where your app is going to run. There are various platforms on which you can run your app but for startups, it is advisable to let your app perform on a single platform i.e. go for the native platform, where you can run your app either on iOS or Android. Another platform to run your app is a Hybrid platform where you can run your app on both iOS and Android. Now the cost of developing an app on both platforms differs a lot. For native apps, the cost is higher than for hybrid apps because you need two teams to develop the two apps concurrently.

Estimated Cost And Time of Hiring App Developers

The estimated cost of app development is also dependent on the cost of hiring developers. The factors that affect the cost of hiring a developer are the years of experience, and specialization in technology is dependent on the type of developers you are hiring. The developers can be Freelancers, In-house developers, and Offshore developers. Correspondent to different hiring platforms like GraffersID and Upwork, the hiring cost in different countries varies. Let’s have a look at the hiring cost of developers for software development in India-

Eventually, catching sight of these factors you will have a clear understanding of your app development budgeting.

What Exact Factors Affecting Cost to Make an App?

When an entrepreneur is trying to outsource an app development company, this kind of ambiguity around cost calculation makes things extremely confusing for them. This is why we decided to give a full-blown breakdown of mobile app development cost calculation, and through this article, we aim to give you a clearer idea of what goes on during the app development process and how it affects cost.

By the end of this blog, you’ll be able to not just easily recognize the ballpark amount of your app but also manage and reduce the costs if required by cutting back on some particular features that seem unnecessary.

Let’s get started!

Worldwide app development costs

Let’s first get an idea of how much it costs to make an app in different parts of the world to outsource app development services.

North America is the most expensive place to hire a developer, and you have to pay close to $150 per hour for iOS development and Android apps go even higher. In Australia, it’s close to $110 per hour for both platforms and in the UK it’s close to $70 per hour.

India is one cheaper but high-quality places for IT and mobility solutions across the globe. The rate for iOS app development revolves around $30 per hour and for Android, around $26 per hour. It’s cheaper than South America and Eastern Europe, both of which have hourly rates in the range of $35-$40.

The cheapest IT hub is that of Indonesia, and over there, it only costs $11 per hour for iOS and $12 per hour for Android.

Outsourcing VS Local App Development

The only important reason as to why locally hiring a developer might turn out to be a better choice is physical proximity which leads to better and more straightforward communication. However, in our experience, outsourcing an app Development Company isn’t as terrifying as it may seem at first.

In fact, when you keep yourself open to outsourced companies, you essentially open your doors to a wider talent pool and a higher level of expertise. You might also get in touch with experts who are well acquainted with the kind of technology that is only rarely available in your region.

Why Outsourcing Software Development to India is a Success?

Local app development ensures deeper involvement and no time zone challenges. Plus you might find cheaper options locally.

These are the main pros and cons of both options, Use your better judgment, and analyze your requirements through these parameters to establish which one of them is best for you!

Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Making an App

When you hire a developer, there are certain fundamental factors that affect your cost of app development, like their hourly rate and development time. First of all, let’s focus on how the complexity of an app affects its developmental time.

• A basic app with a minimal amount of features and functionality takes around 500-700 hours to develop.
• Slightly more complex and higher-performing apps take around 700-1000 hours.
• A full-fledged complex app with extravagant features and UX takes more than 1200 hours of development.

Now let’s talk about all the features that differentiate a basic app from a complex app and how much do they contribute to the costs and time of development.

Know About How to Create an App for the iPhone

1. Functionality

Some features are easier to add and take relatively less time while others take hours and hours of development and testing and debugging. Depending on the type and complexity of a particular feature, the developer can choose to code from scratch or use an API.

Let’s discuss the approximate hours taken for the development of common app features.

• Login and forgot password functionality – 35 hours
• Profile Completion with photo and about – 26 hours
• Edit profile – 50 hours
• Push notification – 28 hours
• Upload media – 25 hours
• Search bar – 15 hours
• Messaging with reading receipts and online status visibility – 150 hours
• Admin Panel for user management – 70 hours
• Admin Panel for payment management – 30 hours
• In-app streaming and broadcast functionality – 120 hours

So now you know the kind of time these features take, and depending on your region, you can calculate how much your app would approximately cost. Some other key factors to remember while pre-determining the cost of your app –

• Social sharing within app or app integrations with popular social media networks for sharing requires third-party libraries and therefore charges extra.
• If you want to offer in-app purchases, the cost will increase with every option you add (GPay, PayPal, Credit and Debit cards, etc.) Payment integration usually takes around 75 hours of development.
• Using native device features like camera, contacts, network, Bluetooth, accelerometer, geolocation, NFC chips, etc. will cost you extra since this integration involves platform-specific APIs. If you want to integrate audio or video calls in the app (for instance, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.) it will take close to 300 hours of development. Integrating a map takes around 100 hours.

2. Visual Appeal

The cost of your app greatly depends on the kind of user interface you want to offer. The effort needed in the visual presentation includes a lot of factors like input controls and the amount of navigational as well as informational components in an app.

If you opt to use OS-supplied navigational items that give a standardized view, it will cost less. However, if you want a full-blown customized design that gives an unprecedented user experience, be ready for a slightly heftier amount.

3. Platforms

We have already discussed the amount it takes to build an iOS v/s Android app. However, it’s important to note that your best bet for global reach is Android but if your focus audience lies majorly in the West, then Apple is the leading choice.

If you want to launch your app on both platforms, it’s better to go for a cross-platform or a hybrid app that can be launched on both Play Store and App Store instead of getting two different apps developed by two different teams to upload on different platforms.

Note that Android is known for its better penetration in the enterprise market and Apple for its rich customer engagement.

Want to know Why Mobile Apps Have Become a Necessity For the Education Sector Amid the coronavirus outbreak? 

4. Backend and Admin

This is one of the more critical aspects of your app development that you need to focus on. Admin panel allows you to understand your audience better since it gives you a word-by-word analysis of user engagement. They are used to manage app content and user statistics.

Administrative features also may include in-app user feedback tools and some manual steps if you require them.

Consistently assess the performance of your mobile app in order to stand out in a world full of cut-throat competition. There are several Admin templates that you can choose from. If your app is something that you need a customized, specially tailored panel, we would recommend investing in it. Just communicate this to your Outsource App Development Company, and they will tell you how much it would cost you to have particular admin features.

5. The Team

When making an engaging and influential app, it’s important to have a good team on board. Most startups just hire a developer and feel like that’s enough, but depending on your project requirements, an extended team of experts is always recommended. Here’s a breakdown of an app development team

• Project Manager
• One or more developer(s)
• Business Analyst
• Solution Architect
• Quality Assurance Specialist
• UI and UX Designer(s)
• Graphic Designer

6. App Maintenance

Yearly app maintenance is a crucial practice to ensure that you’re delivering only the best to the end users. We recommend allocating approximately 15-20% of the initial app development costs to support and maintenance every year.

Maintenance mainly includes –

• Consistent bug fixing
• Enhancing app stability
• Optimizing the code
• Preparing your app for the upcoming OS versions
• Adding new features and scaling up
• Complying with any new conditions of third-party API
• App maintenance is extremely important even if you’re not looking to scale up or add any new features. Since it ensures that there’s no hindrance in your communication with the end user.

Your work with the Outsource App Development Company doesn’t end at product launch, it goes on for years after it. So make sure that you appoint the right and skilled people who have dedication to delivering only the best. 

These were some of the very important factors that inevitably will influence the cost of your app. Further, it might depend on some particular features and customized services. You will have to take a thorough account of your developer.

What programming languages are used to develop apps?

From mobile apps that make our daily tasks easier to complex software that drives businesses, programming languages play a crucial role in bringing these applications to life. Let’s delve into the world of programming languages used for app development and explore their unique characteristics and applications.

1. Choosing the Right Language

Selecting the appropriate programming language is a pivotal decision that influences the app’s development process and its future capabilities. Developers need to consider factors such as the app’s purpose, target audience, scalability requirements, and the development team’s familiarity with the language.

2. Popular Languages for App Development

Python: Simplicity and Versatility

Python’s clean syntax and extensive libraries make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced developers. It’s commonly used in web development, scientific computing, and data analysis, making it a versatile language for various app types.

Java: Platform Independence

Java’s “write once, run anywhere” capability has made it a staple in Android app development. Its robustness and wide community support make it suitable for large-scale applications.

Swift: Apple Ecosystem Excellence

Swift is tailored for building iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. Its performance and safety features have made it the preferred choice among Apple developers.

JavaScript: Web and Beyond

JavaScript, along with HTML and CSS, forms the backbone of web development. It’s also used in frameworks like React Native and Electron for cross-platform app development.

3. Front-End and Back-End Development

Front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript handle the user interface, while back-end languages like Python, Ruby, and Node.js manage the server-side logic. The choice of languages depends on the app’s architecture.

4. Cross-Platform Development

Cross-platform frameworks like React Native (JavaScript-based) and Flutter (Dart-based) allow developers to create apps that work seamlessly on multiple platforms, saving time and resources.

5. Niche Languages

For specific app types, niche languages like R (data analysis), Kotlin (Android), and C# (Windows apps) offer tailored solutions.

6. Future Trends

As technology advances, new languages like Rust (emphasizing safety) and Julia (scientific computing) are gaining traction, opening doors to innovative app development.

7. Community and Resources

The programming community and available resources greatly impact a developer’s journey. Engaging in forums, online tutorials, and open-source projects enhances learning and problem-solving.

8. Challenges and Considerations

Developers may face challenges like language compatibility, debugging, and keeping up with updates. Overcoming these hurdles requires a proactive approach to learning and adaptation.

9. Security Considerations

Certain languages have built-in security features that help developers create more secure apps. Understanding these features and implementing best practices is crucial to safeguard user data.

10. Performance and Optimization

The choice of language can significantly impact an app’s performance. Low-level languages like C and C++ offer greater control over system resources, resulting in faster execution.

11. User Experience

The programming language indirectly influences user experience through factors like app responsiveness, smooth navigation, and intuitive design.

12. Scaling and Growth

Languages that support scalability ensure that apps can handle increased user loads and data volume. Planning for growth from the start prevents major rewrites in the future.

13. Making the Right Decision

Selecting a programming language demands careful analysis of project requirements, team expertise, and long-term goals. Prioritizing these aspects ensures a strong foundation for app development.

Step-by-step guide to Creating An App

In today’s digital age, creating a mobile application can open up numerous opportunities for innovation and success. Whether you have a groundbreaking app idea or you want to enhance an existing business through technology, this comprehensive guide will take you through the process of creating an app from start to finish. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to bringing your app vision to life.

1. Understanding Your App Idea

Every successful app begins with a clear and innovative idea. Start by identifying the problem your app will solve or the value it will provide to users. Understand the target audience and their needs to ensure your app resonates with them.

2. Market Research and Competitor Analysis

Thorough market research is crucial to validate your app idea and identify potential competitors. Study similar apps in the market, and analyze their features, user reviews, and ratings. This information will help you position your app effectively and offer unique features.

3. Defining Your App’s Features and Functionality

Based on your research, outline the core features and functionality of your app. Prioritize essential features and consider incorporating unique selling points that set your app apart. Keep the user experience intuitive and user-friendly.

4. Designing the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)

Create wireframes and prototypes to visualize the app’s layout and flow. Design an appealing UI that aligns with your brand and enhances user engagement. Focus on smooth navigation and a seamless UX to keep users coming back.

5. App Development: Choosing the Right Technology

Select the appropriate technology stack for your app. Native, hybrid, or cross-platform development each has its advantages. Choose based on factors like app complexity, target platforms, and development timeline.

6. Developing the App and Coding

With the design in place, start the development phase. Write clean and efficient code, following coding best practices. Collaborate with developers and keep a version control system in place for smooth teamwork.

7. Testing, Quality Assurance, and Debugging

Thoroughly test your app on different devices and operating systems. Identify and fix any bugs, glitches, or performance issues. Quality assurance ensures your app provides a seamless experience to users.

8. Launching Your App in the App Store

Prepare all necessary app store assets, including descriptions, screenshots, and videos. Follow the guidelines of the app stores (such as Apple App Store and Google Play Store) to ensure a successful submission.

9. Post-Launch Activities: Marketing and Maintenance

After launch, promote your app through various marketing channels like social media, influencer collaborations, and content marketing. Regularly update your app to add new features and improvements based on user feedback.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does it cost to develop an app?

A: The cost of app development varies widely based on factors such as complexity, features, and development approach. It’s recommended to get quotes from different developers or agencies to get a clearer idea.

Q2: Do I need coding skills to create an app?

A: While coding skills are beneficial, they are not mandatory. You can collaborate with developers or use no-code/low-code platforms to create an app without extensive coding knowledge.

Q3: What is the typical timeline for app development?

A: The timeline depends on the app’s complexity and features. Simple apps might take a few months, while more complex ones can take a year or more from ideation to launch.

Conclusion

Creating an app is an exciting journey that requires careful planning, creativity, and dedication. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate through the various stages of app development with confidence. Remember to continually gather user feedback and adapt your app to meet evolving needs. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to create an app, it’s time to turn your app idea into reality!