Mobile app development cost is one of the most searched but least transparently answered questions in the technology industry. Agencies quote wildly different numbers for what sounds like the same project. This guide explains why costs vary so much — and gives you the real ranges so you can budget with confidence.
Why Mobile App Costs Vary So Much
A simple to-do list app and a fintech platform both get called “apps” — but they’re completely different engineering challenges. The primary cost drivers are: feature complexity, number of platforms (iOS, Android, or both), backend requirements, third-party integrations, design complexity, and the location and seniority of the team.
Budget Ranges by App Category
Simple App (1–15 screens, basic CRUD)
Budget: ₹3–10 lakhs | Timeline: 6–10 weeks
Examples: Calculator, task list, simple booking system, informational app, basic e-commerce catalogue. Single platform (iOS or Android). Limited backend. Standard UI components.
Medium Complexity App (15–40 screens, user auth, notifications)
Budget: ₹10–35 lakhs | Timeline: 3–6 months
Examples: Food delivery, appointment booking, social features, multi-vendor marketplace MVP, fitness tracker. Custom UI design, push notifications, payment gateway, user authentication, admin panel.
Complex App (40+ screens, real-time, AI features)
Budget: ₹35–100 lakhs | Timeline: 5–12 months
Examples: Ride-hailing, fintech, healthcare platform, on-demand services, enterprise mobile apps. Real-time features (chat, GPS tracking), complex business logic, multiple payment methods, AI/ML features, deep third-party integrations.
Cross-Platform vs Native
- Native iOS + Android (separate codebases): 1.7–2× the cost of single-platform. Two full teams, two codebases, two App Store submissions.
- Flutter or React Native (cross-platform): Approximately 1.3–1.5× single-platform. One codebase, ~85–90% code sharing, minor platform-specific adjustments.
Hidden Costs That Surprise First-Time App Builders
- App Store fees: Apple charges $99/year for the developer programme. Google charges a one-time $25.
- Backend infrastructure: API servers, databases, and storage cost ₹5,000–₹50,000/month depending on scale.
- Third-party API costs: Maps, SMS, payments, push notifications — these recurring costs add up fast.
- Ongoing maintenance: OS updates, security patches, and new device support require 15–20% of build cost annually.
- App Store Optimization (ASO): Screenshots, descriptions, keyword research — often overlooked and critical.
How to Get the Best Value
Build an MVP first — the minimum feature set that solves the core problem. Validate with real users before adding complexity. The most expensive mistake in mobile development is building a feature-complete app for a problem that hasn’t been proven to exist.
WavesItSolution builds mobile apps for iOS, Android, and cross-platform with Flutter and React Native. See our Web & Mobile services or get a free app cost estimate.