How Much Does a Custom Application Development Cost? Top Factors to Take Into Consideration

How much does it cost to build an application?

First, let’s look at the problem we’re trying to solve

Developing a mobile application can range from 10,000 to10,000to300,000.

Resources, technology, and labor all play a role in a custom application development cost.

If you want a more specific answer, read on. We’ll go through everything, define the costs associated with developing an app, and give you some budgeting tips.

We will cover:

  • How is the price of an app estimated?
  • Other factors to take into consideration.

Approximate App Development Cost

Over the past decade, we have developed more than 200 applications for companies of all sizes. We have found that three main factors determine the price of an app: Technology, functionality, and labor costs.

These three factors can contribute to an app’s price ranging from 10,000 to10,000to300,000. However, the best way to determine the exact price is to provide the software vendor with more details about your project.

You may be wondering why I wrote this.

Most companies do not need a product that costs $300,000. However, some companies can justify paying that money for a needed product.

We have found that budgets between 10,000 and10,000and50,000 are usually sufficient for small and medium-sized businesses. Even within these limits, you can get an application that meets your needs.

Below is an overview of the costs associated with developing mobile applications of varying complexity.

App Development Cost Statistics

App Development Cost Statistics

App Development Cost Statistics

By 2020, the total number of cell phones will reach 3 billion.

There are several factors influencing the growth of smartphone usage. These include the cost of hardware and software, the affordability of smartphones, increasing Internet access, and the volume of data used.

According to Statista, the global mobile app store market was worth 40 billion in 2017. By 2020, it is estimated to be worth40billionin2017.By2020,itisestimatedtobeworth100 billion.

According to research firm VisionMobile, the total market value of the app economy reached 50 billion in 2016. In 2018, it grew to50billionin2016.In2018,itgrewto75 billion and was expected to reach $150 billion by 2021.

By 2020, there will be twice as many monthly active mobile app users as people using desktops.

We looked at the cost of developing an app for the Android and iOS platforms. The average cost per app is between 300 and300and500 for Android apps and between 400 and400and800 for iOS apps.

If you are working on a project that requires a lot of time and effort, the cost will increase significantly. But if you think about the ROI (return on investment) that matters, you can see if it makes sense for you.

Cost of App Development by Region

As far as software development is concerned, a high price does not necessarily mean a high-quality application. Many factors influence the final cost of developing an application. Some examples are:

  • Labor costs: if you want to outsource programming services from another country, you will pay much less than hiring someone locally. However, the quality may vary.
  • Equipment costs: most of the equipment you need for your business is easy to obtain in the United States, but not elsewhere. That is why prices vary so much.
  • Different time zones: Developers who work in different parts of the world work in different time zones, meaning their work hours depending on where they live. For example, developers in the UK usually start their shift at 9 am local time, while in North America, they start around 2 pm.
  • Language barriers: Even though English is the global language of communication, this is not always true for programming. Although programmers usually speak English, they may not be able to communicate effectively with you if they cannot program.
  • Location: Depending on where you live, taxes can be as high as 10% or 15%.

Examples of App Development Cost

Here is a list of some popular applications used around the world.

We have listed both free and paid versions for each application.

Example #1: Tinder

Tinder

Tinder

Tinder is an online dating app that allows users to browse the profiles of potential partners. Once they find someone they like, they can send them a message. Both parties must agree to a date before a match is made.

This application costs between 70,000 and70,000and100,000 to develop and requires about 1,000 hours of work.

Example #2: Ikea

Ikea

Ikea

Ikea is a leading global home furnishings company with over 20 million customers worldwide. In 2017, the company launched a digital version of its catalog. Using this method allows customers to browse the catalog online without buying anything.

They can see pictures of the items and read more about them. The company has used augmented reality technology to enhance the experience. With this technology, you can see how the item looks on your phone.

You can rotate the article 360 degrees and view it from any angle. Although the app is free, some additional features are included in an annual subscription.

These features include:

  • Customer support
  • New releases
  • Product recommendations
  • Price comparison
  • Loyalty program

Example #3: Uber

Uber

Uber

Uber is an example of the app world. It was founded in 2009 and now operates worldwide.

You can use the app to book cabs, cars, or bicycles. There is no limit to the number of daily rides you can take. All you have to do is download the app and sign up.

While there are many examples of successful apps, there are also many examples of unsuccessful apps. One of the most famous is AirBnB. It is a worldwide service that allows people to rent out rooms in their homes. However, according to some experts, AirBnB is facing a big problem.

Besides financial problems, Airbnb is also facing some serious technical difficulties. Airbnb’s highly complex server and database system complicates the company’s work.

It makes it difficult for the company to adapt to changing markets. For example, Airbnb has had to change its pricing model several times because of fierce competition.

Also, the company does not provide enough information about its customers, making it impossible to determine if they are satisfied with the service.

Therefore, we recommend you think twice before launching an application. If you do not, you can lose money.

Example #4: TikTok

TikTok

TikTok

TikTok is an app that allows people to create short videos and add music. It was launched in 2017 and had over 800 million monthly users. The app requires only about 20 lines of code and costs about 70,000 to70,000to80,000 to develop.

The cost of app development varies depending on the features they offer. An app like TikTok requires certain features like online messaging, video calling, etc., which are very expensive. Features like online messaging can cost up to 20,000. Video calling also requires special equipment and software for up to20,000.Videocallingalsorequiresspecialequipmentandsoftwareforupto30,000. These costs are added to the development fees.

Example #5: Airbnb

Airbnb

Airbnb

Airbnb is an example of a thriving marketplace app. TripAdvisor acquired it in 2017 for $1 billion.

Typically, a marketplace offers an on-demand service and an online store to sell products. Because of this, development costs and times are higher.

For this reason, app development costs can start at $75,000 and take up to 1,000 hours. It will include some advanced features such as:

Find available live units and book them online.

Factors that Affect Application Costs

What factors affect the cost of developing a mobile application? These include the type of technology you use, the number of features you need, the level of complexity of your app, and the platform you choose.

Certain things contribute to the overall cost of developing an app regardless of your app.

Cost of Creating an App: 5 Factors

Let’s look at what goes into the cost of application development.

Features, aka complexity

More features mean more cost.

However, that does not mean you can not build a great application on a limited budget; you can limit your spending by choosing the essential features.

Let us look at some examples of different functions.

You have seen three primary functions, medium complexity and complex functions. Each of them has its own set of functions.

The main application will contain these functions:

  • Newsfeed
  • Geolocation
  • User profiles
  • Search function
  • Payment options
  • In-app notifications

Simple apps include apps for notes, news readers, fitness trackers, books, and podcasts.

Moving from simple apps to apps of medium complexity

You can also have these additional features:

  • Social media integrations
  • Effective cybersecurity
  • Customized enterprise features
  • In-app messaging
  • Location tracking
  • More complex payment portals

A medium-sized app has most of the features needed for many different apps. For example, you can create an app for grocery delivery, an e-commerce store, or even an app for a concert promoter.

The next level: Complex Apps.

You can have these additional features:

  • Video chat
  • Third-party integrations for live streams
  • Analytics and reports
  • Synchronization with existing software
  • Complex cybersecurity tools
  • Almost all business functions
  • Native functions

With this technology, you can create any application you want.

How long does it usually take to create it?

You can develop a simple application in 30 working hours. A medium-sized application requires between 50 and 100 hours. And a complex application requires between 150 and 200 hours of development time due to its many functions.

Point 1. User Experience

User Experience

User Experience

User experience (UX) refers to the overall quality of an interface between people and technology. It includes things like usability, accessibility, and aesthetics. User experience (UX) is about how an application works.

It includes everything from the screens you draw on paper or with a design tool to ensuring the application does what you want it to while being easy to use. User experience (UX) is about designing the screens on paper or using tools like Axure RP to prototype them. It’s about figuring out how the application will work for end users.

Once this is known, you can start thinking about the cost of the application.

Point 2: User Interface and Visuals

User Interface and Visuals

User Interface and Visuals

The first step in developing an application is to figure out what problems you want and how best to solve them. You need to understand what purpose the product will serve, who will use it, and what kind of functionality they will need. Based on this information, you can decide whether you want to develop something simple or something complex. In addition, you should also think about monetization strategies. Will you sell premium features or offer them for free? How much will each feature cost? Do you plan to charge for monthly or annual subscriptions? These questions will help determine your overall budget.

Once you know what you want to accomplish, you must think about how. Do you need to create something new? Or can you leverage existing code? How much work will it take? And if you decide to develop something yourself, where should you start? Sketching out ideas is an excellent place to start. You may have too many ideas, so you should narrow your focus before you begin.

Point 3. Branding

Branding

Branding

You may not be aware of it, but everything you see around you was made by someone else, at least in part. Everything you own was made elsewhere, from your clothes to the food you eat. Energy is condensed into matter to create the entire universe. And what does that mean for us? If you think about it, we are just a bunch of atoms held together by chemical bonds. And those atoms were once part of something else, maybe an elephant, a star, maybe a human being. So who cares? We are all going to die someday anyway.

1. Brands are powerful tools that every marketer should know. Some marketers believe that if a brand is too strong, it does not exist. However, some brands are stronger than others. We have identified three types of brands, depending on how well known they are.

2. trending brands: These are popular for a short period but go out of style. Examples include the “hipster” trend of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

3. Iconic Branding: These brands become iconic through consistent branding. Think of the Coca-Cola logo. Or the Apple Iphone.

4. Well-known brands – Many people know these brands. Take Nike, for example. Although you may not know what Nike means, you probably recognize Nike swoOSH.

Point 4. UX Writing

UX Writing

UX Writing

When developing a user application, there are several things to think about:

  1. Make sure the user interface is easy to use. Otherwise, people won’t stick around long enough to find out what your product can do.
  2. Make sure the user interface is intuitive. Otherwise, users will quickly forget it.
  3. Make sure everything works properly. Otherwise, users may get frustrated and abandon the product.
  4. Make sure everything works properly. If it doesn’t, people will complain.
  5. Make sure everything is working perfectly. If not, people might get angry.
  6. Make sure everything is working perfectly. If not, people might be angry.
  7. Make sure everything works perfectly. If not, people will be disappointed.
  8. Ensure everything works as it should.

You must ensure the user experience is excellent, but you must also consider the copywriting aspect. A good copywriter knows how to write compelling stories that encourage readers to keep reading. They know how to tell compelling stories that make you want to read more.

However, it would be best if you did not underestimate the value of writers’ creativity. Good writers know that well-crafted copy can sell any product. But like anything else, a good article costs money. That’s why today we will talk about the different ways to make money online.

Operation System

The platform chosen affects the final cost. For example, developing for Android is cheaper than for iOS, but it is also more expensive to develop for both. Android development is easier because it is an open-source platform.

Android app development takes less time than iOS app development. And Android is the market leader among mobile operating systems. But that does not mean you have to focus exclusively on Android devices.

If you are developing an e-commerce app, iOS should be your first choice. Business Insider says the average transaction on an Apple device is 26% higher than on an Android device. With Java or Objective C, you can build apps for both Android and iOS devices.

A cross-platform application works across multiple operating systems. Creating a hybrid application is less expensive than creating two separate applications for Android and iOS. Also, this type of application is easier to maintain and scale.

In turn, cross-platform apps outperform native apps in terms of performance and usability.

Option 1. Develop a Hybrid or Cross-Platform App

Develop a Hybrid or Cross Platform App

Develop a Hybrid or Cross Platform App

The world is increasingly moving toward hybrid applications. There are two types of mobile application development: native and cross-platform. Native applications are designed for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Phone devices.

However, these applications have limitations such as poor performance, lack of features, high cost, etc. Cross-platform applications, on the other hand, can run on multiple devices. Adobe XD, Sketch, InVisionapp, and other applications are examples.

These applications provide similar features as native applications while being of high quality. Both applications have advantages and disadvantages, so developers must decide which to use depending on their requirements. Now let’s examine what makes a good hybrid application and why you should create one.

Option 2. Develop a Native App

Develop a Native App

Develop a Native App

In 2017, Apple released iOS 11, which included an app sandbox feature. That allowed users to install apps without fear of security issues. However, this caused problems for developers who could not create apps compatible with the new software.

Even worse, the company was forced to stop supporting 32-bit apps. While this change will not affect your personal life, it can cause severe problems if you work in a large enterprise. You should consider upgrading to the latest version if you still use an older Mac version.

However, there are some limitations to doing so. You can not install third-party programs on macOS Mojave, so ensure you have the operating system’s latest version. On the other hand, there are benefits to updating your smartphone or tablet to a newer OS version.

For example, Apple released ARKit 2 in September 2018. Apple’s augmented reality platform received several new features with iOS 11. These include object recognition and distance measurement.

Development Team Size

A project manager, a software engineer, a user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) designer, and a quality assurance (QA) engineer are needed for an essential team. You can hire a project manager, several programmers, a back-end developer, several UI /UX designers, a QA engineer, and a system administrator to expand a project further. Everyone has a role to play.

Project Manager

Develops applications to application development standards, manages production, and creates project scope after thoroughly analyzing all risks and potential pitfalls. Serves as a liaison between the team and the client.

Software Developer

A programmer writes the code for an application, suggests future updates, fixes bugs, and documents his development process for future work.

Back-End Developer

Creates server-side logic for applications. Collaboration with software engineers is required to integrate your code into the application.

UI/UX designer

It establishes the design for a future application and describes how users will interact with it.

QA Engineer

It ensures that an application performs smoothly and consistently throughout the development cycle.

In-house or offshore development?

There are two ways to develop an application:

Hire an internal team or outsource this task to an external team.

How much can the cost of developing an application be reduced by choosing the second option?

Check out these hourly rates:

20-20−250 per hour in North America. In Australia, the hourly rate is between 35 and35and150. between 25 and25and150 per hour. Eastern Europe: 20-20−110/hour. Ukraine and Poland are the two most popular locations, with hourly rates ranging from 34-34−64 and 40-40−77, respectively. Work in Indonesia ranges from 10 to10to75 per hour. Indian app developers, on the other hand, charge $20 at most.

Maintenance

Maintenance

Maintenance

Consider these considerations when budgeting for the cost of developing an application. To meet user expectations, developers must patch their applications after release. You must develop your application regardless of platform, team size, or features.

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