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How Much Does It Cost To Build An App In 2023? A Comprehensive Guide
When you ask yourself how to create an app or how to make an app, you must also ask how much does it cost to develop an app. Whether it is an iOS app or an android one, the process of app development may have some common factors. However, several factors may vary based on the complexity of mobile app development.
Many factors may influence what it may cost to create an app, such as the platform, features, size, etc. if you want to know how much it will cost to make an app, you are in the right place. In this post, you will learn not only about how much does it cost to build an app but also what factors may influence your cost to make an app.
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3 App Development Packages
Before asking yourself how Much Does It Cost to Create an App, it is best to know that you can build from economical to the most expensive app as per your requirements and budget. However, the application development process comes in three packages. Let us dive into and see how to make an app and its cost in each mobile app development package.
Building a Simple App
If you wish to create an app with simple features and functions, this may take between two to three months. However, the cost to build a basic app will still cost you an estimated amount between $40,000 and $60,000.
Building a Basic App
A basic app with a little bit more interactive functions, payment features, etc., will take a longer duration of up to 6 months, and the cost to create an app will range from $60,000 to $150,000.
Building a Professional App
A professional app with advanced features and complex integrations will take a minimum of 9 months or more. Whereas the cost to build an app will be $300,000+.
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App Development: What the Statistics Say
Nothing speaks better than statistics when it comes to determining the cost of building an app. As of 2022, there are over 3.5 million apps on Google Play Store and more than 1.6 million apps on Apple App Store. This alone surpasses the 5 million app market collectivity. Here are some of the most recent statistics about the app development market.
- The average cost to build an app ranges from $60,000 and $150,000. However, this can fluctuate based on the complexity of your app.
- Google Play Store and Apple App Store release 100,000 and 30,000 apps per month, respectively.
- Free apps dominate the market, with 92% of apps free or offering freemium service with in-app purchases.
- Industry pundits predict the app development industry to reach the $1 trillion mark in 2023.
- An average mobile user spends four hours a day on the device, with 88% of the activity related to app usage. So, you see the potential of engaging with a prospective consumer base by building an app for your desired purpose.
- Some of the most popular categories in mobile apps include games at 66%. Whereas 95% of the downloaded apps belong to communication, messaging, and web browsing categories.
You have to remember that the cost of building your mobile app will significantly depend on its type. The more features and functions you include in an app, the higher its complexity. This will translate directly into the higher cost of your brand-new app.
Now that you are aware of the current market and its potential in the future, it is time to look into the price of building an app and the factors that may impact it.
Microsoft Office is one such example. While there are many office apps, the universal symbols for MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint are highly recognizable by the users. Therefore, if you wish to market your brand and give your identity a boost, make sure to brand-optimize your mobile application.
The extent of brand optimization can have a significant impact on the app building cost. Therefore, keep it nominal, to begin with. However, once your mobile application is successful and has captured some market, you can re-scale the branding efforts.
Factors to Consider When Calculating How Much Does It Cost to Build an App?
While you may get a price bracket about the app development cost, the price may spike really quickly based on the type of functions and features you wish to integrate within the app. Several options are available when it comes to the estimation of your mobile app development cost.
One of the most reliable solutions is to hire a well-reputed mobile app development company. Another way is to use an online app calculator to get an idea about the ballpark figure for the cost of your app.
When you send requests to app companies, always remember to ask for proper documentation for the cost estimation they are offering. Whether it is a start app or a new version of an existing one, your invoice for the query about how to make a mobile app must be itemized and include the cost to create an app with the following details.
01
The Complexity of Your App
The complexity of your app can play a pivotal role in how much it will cost you to develop an app. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for you to know what the app development software company is charging you for the complexity of your app design, including the number of screens within an app.
02
The Development Process
The app development process can also be a dominating factor when it comes to the cost of creating an app. For instance, if you wish to create a free app for all, it may not be a complex process, and you can get away with a bargain when it comes to app development costs.
On the other hand, building a full-fledged app on an IOS platform with comprehensive security may cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
03
The Quality Assurance
As you build a mobile app, it must be error-free when you launch it. Flaws in design can cost you additional time and money. Therefore, the quality assurance phase to check your mobile app can also determine how much it will cost to build an error-free and seamless mobile application.
04
Features and Functionalities
The number of features and functionalities will directly impact the price of building an app. Furthermore, the complexity of these features and functions will also play a determining role in how much you pay to develop an app.
05
Third-party Integrations
Whether android applications development of an IOS development protocol, third-party integrations such as social media integration and payment merchants can impact your app-building cost. The more third-party integrations you include, the higher the cost of creating an app will be.
For instance, integrating multiple social network API and offering multiple payment methods will increase your cost to create your own app. Therefore, it is best to speak to an application development company about the best integration as per your business needs.
06
Features and Functionalities
The number of features and functionalities will directly impact the price of building an app. Furthermore, the complexity of these features and functions will also play a determining role in how much you pay to develop an app.
07
Security Protocols
One of the most important aspects of your app development is to ensure the safety of your app users' data. Therefore, you will have to implement security protocols such as GDPR or HIPAA in order to earn your customers' trust and loyalty. However, integrating these security standards will exponentially increase the cost of building an app.
The App Development Company
Last but not least, the app developers' team or app development company you choose to build your app will also determine how much it will cost to build your app. Therefore, do your research and pick your app developer wisely.
It is the best idea to select a company with exceptional reviews, an extensive portfolio, and a global presence. This will guarantee that you are in safe hands, and the app creation cost will come with no last-minute surprises.
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Costs of Creating App: The Prolific Studio Way
At Prolific Studio, we will determine the cost of app creation using the following estimation process.
01
Type of Mobile Application
The cost to create an app will take into consideration the type of app you wish to build. For instance, is it for content sharing, promotions, blogging, gaming, or selling products and services? The type of application will determine the scope of your app creation and the level of complexity for features and functions you want to integrate.
02
Cost to Create an App by Type
While the cost to develop an app may range between $30,000 and $300,000+, the type of the app plays a determining role in knowing the actual price bracket. Here is a quick breakup of costs by app type.
03
Cost to Create an iPhone App
The cost to develop an iPhone app may start from $55,000 and exceed $300,000 based on the complexity of your design, features, and other requirements.
04
Cost to Create an Android App
The cost to build an android app may start at $50,000 and cost more than $300,000. Once again, the actual cost will depend on the complexity of your design, features, and other requirements.
05
Cost to Develop a Web App
Making an app for a web-based environment can begin with a price tag of $60,000, with the maximum price spectrum reaching $300,000.
06
Cost to Develop a Start-up App
If you are a start-up thinking about creating an app, the budgeted cost for building an app may fall between $40,000 and $400,000.
07
Cost to Build a Car Renting/Uber-Like App
The cost to develop a taxi or uber-like app ranges from $50,000 to $400,000.
08
Cost of Build a Game App
Based on the type and complexity of your game, the cost to develop a gaming app may cost you between $60,000 and $250,000.
09
Cost to Create a Retail App
Whether you are a small retail store or a big retail brand, building a retail app will cost you between $50,000 and $150,000. However, various features and functions may increase your cost.
10
Cost to Build an Augmented Reality App
If you wish to build an app compatible with augmented reality (AR), it will cost you up to $250,000. However, the starting price will begin at $100,000.
11
Cost to Develop an e-Commerce App
For a small or big-selling brand, if you wish to sell your product and services via an app, the basic cost to create an e-commerce app starts at $60,000 and can go higher than $250,000.
12
Cost to Create a Social Networking App
If you are thinking about creating an app like TextNow or other social networking apps. These apps allow your business and users to communicate, socialize or interact, it will cost you up to $200,000.
13
Cost to Build a Learning App
The price tag to build an educational, training, or learning app will start from $60,000 to $225,000.
14
Cost to build a Video Streaming App
Any app with a video streaming app starts at $80,000 and may exceed the price of $300,000.
15
Cost to Develop a Shopify App
A Shopify app development process will start with a budget of $30,000 and may cost you up to $180,000.
16
Cost of Building a Dating App
Want to build your own app like match.com or Tinder? Then it will cost you between $50,000 and $350,000.
17
Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App
The price range to build a food delivery app will fall between $40,000 and $150,000.
18
Cost to Build a Healthcare App
Building healthcare or any other well-being app will cost you between $55,000 and $300,000.
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Consult for Free!Design and Structure
Once we know the type of app you want to build, we will look into the design and structure of the app based on your requirements. This is one of the most critical factors when it comes to answering how to create a mobile app. The more complex your design and structure, the higher your cost will be to create an app.
The Platform
The platform you choose to build an app for will also determine the cost of building a mobile app in 2023. You can always opt to make a mobile application for Android as well as the IOS platform. However, you will have to bear the separate cost for each development.
A Quick Reminder:
All the above-mentioned costs to build an app in 2023 based on types, design, and platforms are estimated figures. The actual price of your app development process may vary based on your individual needs. Therefore, speak to our app development experts for the accurate and itemized cost of making an app in 2023.
Case Studies on the Cost to Develop World’s Popular Apps
If you are wondering how to make an app for phones and what it will cost you, this section will prove to be quite helpful. You will learn the cost of developing some of the world's most renowned apps. So without further ado, let us explore the cost of building these legendary apps.
#1 - Developing Tinder-Like Dating App
Tinder made a splash the moment it hit the market and soon became one of the most popular apps for date seekers. The app first appeared in 2012 and raised seed funding of $485,000. While everyone knows how the app works, you can create a similar app starting from $70,000. However, it will take 2 to 3 months to build an app like Tinder.
The features involved in creating an app like Tinder include GPS, authorization, user's profile option, push notifications, messaging, matching functionality with left and right swiping, and third-party integration with other sites and social media apps.
#2 - Developing Ikea-Like AR App
Want to create your personal brand app? In that case, this particular app development cost to build an Ikea app might interest you. Ikea decided to build an app that features augmented reality (AR) so that customers can view the products and items in a virtual environment within a 3D virtual store.
The cost to build such an app starts from $45,000 and may take more than 3 months due to the integration of various features and security protocols. Some of the main features will include 360° viewing, 3D product models, a social media sharing option, CRM integration, payment portal integration, and real-time inventory check and analytics.
#3 - Developing a Ride Sharing App
Do you own a taxi or car-renting business and wish to create an uber-like app? If yes, here is how much it will cost you to build your own ride-hailing app.
First, you must know that Uber has an app for android as well as iOS devices. Additionally, it also hosts a web app as well. Therefore, the cost was extensive and reached thousands of dollars as it has many features and functions such as geo-location, payment integration, routing, GPS, messaging, live chat and push notification, etc.
#4 - Developing an Airbnb-like App
If you are considering creating a marketplace app like Airbnb, you will need a start-up budget of at least $75,000. Furthermore, it will take 3 to 6 months to build a seamless and immersive app. You may also be able to integrate augmented reality viewing in the app, but that will come at an additional cost.
However, you must ensure that your app has specific features to compete with any other app offering similar services. These include the ability to search and compare available accommodations and last-minute booking options, save favorite locations and homes, referral, share, co-planning trips, etc.
You must also ensure to integrate multiple payment options with calendar options such as check-ins and advance booking along with in-app live chat.
