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The cost of an app varies, even among apps that belong to the same category (e.g. dating apps or logistics apps). App development cost for smaller apps are usually around 5,000 euros. There is no upper limit, depending on the duration and complexity, a mobile or web app can cost 100,000 euros and more. At APP3null, the value for an average job is around 32,000 euros.
In this guide, we give you a deeper insight into the factors that exert an influence on app development cost. At the same time, we list sample budgets for different apps.
App development costs depend a lot on what kind of application you want to develop. Games, for example, are usually more expensive than other types, as they require elaborate graphics as well as versatile programming.
The cheapest apps are simple app versions of websites, pure information apps with contact options (for such apps there are numerous web tools that allow you to create an app yourself, usually for a small subscription payment. Examples: Appyourself and Apptitan). Inexpensive apps also include those that only serve a very specific purpose, such as calculators or flashlights. If an app has a server connection, user profile, different user roles, different APIs, payment systems, etc., then it can get expensive.
In general, the development of an iOS or Android app costs the same; if necessary, an Android app will be slightly more expensive, if you consider the high number of different device variants. (Tip: if you order iOS from APP3null, you get -20% off Android and vice versa!)
It is also important to define in advance whether you want to develop only for smartphones, for tablets or for both. Apps that are only suitable for smartphones are of course cheaper than those that are suitable for both types of devices.
Are you fit in graphic design? Then you can save some of the costs by designing the backgrounds, icons, etc. yourself and providing them to the developer.
If the design does not play a particularly important role for your app, then you can use ready-made templates and thus save some costs. Otherwise, the design has to be developed completely from scratch and possibly taking into account your corporate identity. The latter sometimes costs more, as the designer has to invest more time in the creative work.
If the data comes from an external source or is stored there, the effort also increases significantly, because the developers have to define various interfaces for the data transfer. In addition, there is the integration of the existing database or the creation of a new database, plus the development of an administration area from which the administrator can manage the data.
Of course, a variant A app costs more than variant B, and variant B costs more than variant C.
There are different ways to integrate a payment system and these have some impact on the app cost of app development. If you sell digital products, such as subscriptions, in-app coins, premium feature in a game, or something that can be consumed within the app, then this sale must be through in-app purchases – the app stores do not allow other ways.
In contrast, third-party payment providers can be integrated if real products or services are sold in the app that have a physical value, such as a piece of clothing, gym access, etc. This can be PayPal, credit card payment, SEPA and other payment methods.
The cost of an app may also increase because a subscription must be implemented instead of a one-time payment.
Subsequent points certainly do not need further explanation, as it is obvious that each of these features further increases the expense.
The earlier the phase, the more time a developer or a project manager has to invest to further develop the idea or finalize the concept together with you. This time costs as much as the pure development time. Keep this in mind!
Is there a communication option between users in your app?
The cost of app programming is more expensive the more communication options users have. “Only” implementing a text-based chat is costly enough. Add to that images, audio and video files, and developers have a lot more work to do. If you also need a video chat or a call function (VoIP), then the app development cost will increase significantly.
From 5,000 euros upwards. On average, we charge around 32,000 euros (net) for an app, with more complex apps costing 50,000 euros and more. Rarely does an app cost over 100,000 euros.
5,000 to 10,000 euros. You send us all the content, clear instructions and descriptions, possibly sample apps. If you can also provide the design, then the whole app development cost no more than 10,000 euros. Additional app development cost will arise if you want to include various additional functions (GPS, social media, camera, etc.).
10,500-50,000 euros – again, this assumes that you provide all the necessary content. These apps can vary greatly, which is why no all-inclusive price can be named.
Elaborate apps with extensive functionality, complex logic and many screens start at 50,000 euros and can easily cost around 100,000 euros.
By far the most difficult to generalize. As an example, Angry Birds cost up to 180,000 US dollars. Many games quickly reach prices of 100,000 euros and more. A small game starts at around 10,000-15,000 euros.
In-app purchase – 2000-5,500 euros – users can buy something or unlock premium versions of the app. The cost variations are a result of the complexity and the amount of the purchase, as well as whether the option is already integrated in the first version or these functions are controlled by the server.
Web service – 5,000-10,000 euros – in this case, the data is stored in an external database and the update of the data is done through the web server instead of directly in the app code. The actual cost again depends on many factors.
Social sharing options – from 1,000 euros – this mainly means Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels, but also email and many other options.
Design is one of the most important aspects of an app. A successful design alone can help your app succeed (“go viral”). You can create the app design yourself if you have graphic design experience, or hire a web designer to do it. Most of the time, it is recommended to leave this task to a mobile app designer after all, who is familiar with the specifics of the user flow within the app.
Usually, you will receive the app design as a package, i.e. a collection of PNG and PSD files that describe the whole app design. It consists of very many different individual parts that must be compatible with the app’s target platforms and devices.
The design for an iPhone app starts at around 2,000 Euros and can cost up to 10,000 Euros.
iPad: if an iPhone app is to be adapted to the iPad, there is a 30% surcharge for the design, provided the user flow is the same.
Above we have compiled a list of factors that influence app development cost. However, you can’t explain app costs using these factors alone. There are other organizational and project-related aspects that affect the budget..
Positive factors that reduce app costs:
Negative factors that increase app development cost: all the factors negated from above:
Based on two hypothetical projects, we will show you how to calculate app development cost.
A custom dating app is to be developed. Since this app is aimed at the general public, a nice design should be created. Of course, all the usual functions of a dating app must be offered. These are: own profile, search, profiles of other users, radar, chat, push notifications, favorites list, visitors list, in-app purchase in the form of coins or a subscription for the premium features.
Logistics is a very broad field and a “logistics app” can be thought of as many different applications. In this example, we assume that company XY transports certain goods and documents the individual stations (currently on paper), as well as manages its own employees (currently in Excel). These steps are to be digitized. Furthermore, a transport tracking should be included.
Of course, these are hypothetical costs. We have already developed dating apps for 30,000 and 150,000 euros and logistics apps fluctuated between 25,000 euros and 100,000 euros. The price fluctuations in custom software development are immense.
Think app development cost are too high? As always and everywhere: you get what you pay for. If someone programs you an app for a few hundred euros, there is certainly a reason why it is so cheap: a good developer with a good order book simply cannot afford such prices.
The argument that programmers from developing countries are significantly cheaper also loses more and more weight when you look at the wage development in these countries: wages for app developers are rising rapidly and many companies have a hard time finding well-trained specialists.
Do the following thought experiment: find a UI/UX designer (designer does not mean developer), a backend developer, a frontend developer, and a project manager. Hire these people for one to three months (depending on the planned project time) and calculate the monthly salary. Is this cheaper?
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Since 2013, APP3null has developed more than 100 web and app projects. From dating apps to logistics, from games to IoT, we have a wide expertise.
Our Contact Details: Phone: +49 30 258 143 174 E-Mail: hallo@app3null.com
