How Much Does Mobile App Development Cost? (2026 Guide)
Short answer
Mobile App Development costs $20,000 to $150,000+.
Mobile app development typically costs between $20,000 and $150,000+ in 2026. A single-platform MVP with a focused feature set and a Firebase backend starts around $20,000; a cross-platform iOS + Android app built in React Native with a custom backend runs about $60,000; and an enterprise app with offline support, complex integrations, and multi-tenant architecture starts near $150,000. Building cross-platform with React Native — one codebase shipping to both stores — is the biggest lever for keeping cost down versus two separate native builds. Cost is driven mainly by feature count, backend and integration complexity, and design polish. Beyond the build, budget for the Apple ($99/yr) and Google ($25 one-time) developer accounts, backend hosting, and ongoing maintenance to keep the app compatible as iOS and Android release yearly updates.
Mobile App Development pricing tiers
| Tier | What it covers | Starting at |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Platform MVP | iOS or Android, basic features, Firebase backend | $20,000 |
| Cross-Platform | iOS + Android via React Native, custom backend | $60,000 |
| Enterprise | Offline-first, complex integrations, multi-tenant | $150,000 |
Prices are fixed-scope starting points quoted after a free scoping call — see full pricing or explore Mobile App Development.
What drives the cost?
Platforms
Cross-platform React Native ships one codebase to iOS and Android for far less than two separate native apps, without losing the native feel for most apps.
Feature complexity
Auth, payments, chat, maps, real-time sync, and offline support each add engineering. A simple content/booking app is far cheaper than a marketplace.
Backend & integrations
A managed backend (Firebase) is cheaper up front; a custom backend and third-party integrations cost more but scale better.
Design
A polished, branded, animated UI costs more than a clean functional one — worth it for consumer apps, optional for internal tools.
Ongoing maintenance
Apps need updates for new OS versions, device sizes, and store policy changes — budget for maintenance, not just the build.
Example projects & price ranges
- Single-platform MVP to validate an idea$20,000–$40,000
- Cross-platform app (iOS + Android) with custom backend$60,000–$100,000
- Enterprise app: offline-first, integrations, multi-tenant$150,000+
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build for iOS and Android separately or cross-platform?
Cross-platform (React Native) is almost always cheaper because one codebase ships to both stores, versus building and maintaining two native apps. For the vast majority of business apps the user experience is indistinguishable, so you save roughly 30–40% without a meaningful trade-off.
What ongoing costs come after launching an app?
Apple developer account ($99/yr), Google Play ($25 one-time), backend hosting (often modest until scale), and maintenance to stay compatible with yearly iOS/Android updates and store-policy changes. Budget ~15–20% of build cost per year for upkeep and iteration.
How can I reduce app development cost?
Launch a tightly-scoped MVP with only the features that prove the core value, build cross-platform, and use a managed backend to start. Then add features once real usage data justifies them.
How long does it take to build an app?
A focused MVP reaches the stores in about 8–12 weeks; a full cross-platform app takes longer depending on features and integrations. We scope an explicit milestone timeline before starting.
Do we own the app and its code?
Yes — 100% of the source code, design assets, and the App Store / Google Play listings. No vendor lock-in.
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