How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
iOS and Android app pricing by size — and what makes it cost more.
Mobile apps sit at the higher end of software cost because they're demanding to build, test across devices, and ship to the App Store and Play Store. Whether you need one platform or both roughly changes the price.
Cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter) let one codebase serve iOS and Android, which is usually more cost-effective than two native apps.
Typical cost by project size
Professionally built, custom-designed, with a few integrations. Ranges are rough planning figures — not a quote.
| Project size | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | $19,000–$28,000 | ₹610,000–₹920,000 | 2–5 wks |
| Medium | $25,000–$37,000 | ₹810,000–₹1,200,000 | 5–10 wks |
| Large | $35,000–$52,000 | ₹1,200,000–₹1,700,000 | 10–20 wks |
INR uses local market rates, not spot exchange rates. Your exact price depends on features and detail.
Cost by build approach
The same medium-sized project, priced across the common ways to build it.
| Build approach | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom code | $25,000–$37,000 | ₹810,000–₹1,200,000 | 5–10 wks |
| Webflow / no-code | $16,000–$24,000 | ₹520,000–₹780,000 | 5–10 wks |
Cheaper up front isn't always cheaper long term — the right choice depends on your goals.
What affects the price.
One platform or both
iOS-only or Android-only is cheaper than shipping both. Cross-platform tools reduce the gap.
Features
Accounts, payments, chat, maps, offline mode, and push notifications each add real engineering.
Backend
Most apps need a server, database, and APIs behind them — that's part of the cost.
Design
Polished, animated interfaces cost more than standard component-based UI.
App store launch
Store setup, review, and post-launch fixes are part of shipping an app.
How to keep costs down.
- Use cross-platform (React Native/Flutter) to serve iOS + Android from one codebase.
- Ship a focused MVP with your core feature first, then add the rest.
- Reuse proven backend services instead of building everything custom.
- Validate with real users before investing in premium design and animation.
Common questions.
Building for one platform first is cheaper than both. Which one depends on your audience — but cross-platform frameworks let you cover both affordably from the start.
Apps need native builds, device testing, a backend, and app-store processes. There's simply more to build, test, and maintain.
A cross-platform MVP with just your core feature — validate demand before expanding. See the “Small” row for a realistic starting range.
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