Google receives nearly 4 million searches per minute every day, and while this figure has become an acceptable analytic, one of the more recent questions to scour the internet in recent history is this: how much does it cost to develop an app?
Considering how even traditional industries are making their way to the online sector, it’s understandable why business leaders of all spaces are exploring app development.
To build only brick-and-mortar establishments at a time like this would be a faulty investment to make. On that note, it’s an understatement to say that apps and programs have become even more critical today.
One study tells us that the average cost of a basic app runs between $38,000 to a little over $90,000. On the other hand, apps that are slightly complex cost around $50,000 to more than $130,000. Meanwhile, complex and enterprise apps may fall between $90,000 to over $200,000.
Overwhelming figures, yes, but never set in stone.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach in the name of building software, so depending on what you want for your app and the experts you turn to, the overall cost of a program you want to be built can differ.
Fortunately, the advent of no-code has democratized app development, and its availability in the tech space has made building software more accessible, feasible, and affordable.
How much does it cost to develop an app: resources to consider
Not all apps are created equal—a fact that not every eager business leader understands on the get-go. That said, how long it’ll take for the kind of app you want to be built heavily determines the final rate too.
Furthermore, the app type and platform—whether browser-based, iOS, or Android—are factors that contribute to the overall price tag, as well.
Through traditional app development, basic apps take about three months to half a year, while apps that are slightly complex take about five to nine months to complete. Lastly, complex and elaborate apps may take at least eight months or more to finish.
Fortunately, entrepreneurs need not wait that long with no-code. Whereas conventional apps built on manually written code can take months on end to finish, no-code apps built on Bubble, for example, take only weeks to a few months to publish!
Of course, where your experts are based has a huge say in how much you need to shell out too. For instance, the tech workforce you employ here in the U.S. may cost you about $150 per hour per person, while outsourcing the workload to distant countries may cost roughly $35 per hour per professional.
How much does it cost to develop an app: other factors to consider
Whether you work with a credible tech agency or a talented freelancer is up to you. At the end of the day, various factors comprise how much you’ll have to spend on your app.
Let’s go over a few application components.
Features and functionality
“How much does it cost to build an app?” is a loaded question that demands filling out a checklist.
- What does your app aim to do?
- Who is the app for?
- How many users do you expect your app to serve?
- What primary features will you want your app to perform?
- What problems do you wish your app can solve?
- How accessible do you want your app to be?
Questions like these better help you understand how complex your app is.
Platforms
(image source: freepik.com)
Once you’ve determined what market segments your audience is a part of, knowing which platforms your app will be built on should also determine how long your app may take to complete.
For instance, is the majority of your market part of the Android segment, or are they predominantly iOS? Each platform requires various sets of written code and may take time. In other words, if you want your app available on both platforms, you may need two teams to get the job done.
Of course, this isn’t always the case with no-code. As no-code harnesses the power of visual programming, developers have an easier job building your program from scratch.
Visual Design
(image source: freepik.com)
As with every business and brand entity, apps, too, will carry their own distinctness in the aesthetic department. Developing a unique UI may be a process that’ll require even more people to complete your project.
Backend support
(image source: freepik.com)
In both mobile and web app development, backend support usually refers to an OS that allows coders and app builders to access APIs in charge of the data exchange between a database and your app.
To monitor user activity and the performance of your app, you’ll have to consider its analytics too. That said, costs may also depend on the metrics you’ll want reports on.
For apps built on no-code, on the other hand, this aspect shouldn’t be that a hassle since no-code providers already cover everything from frontend to back.
Publishing
(image source: freepik.com)
Where you choose to publish your app will say a lot about how much this could cost you. Apple’s App Store charges a yearly $99 in fees, while Google’s Play Store has a one-time $25 cost to publish your digital offering.
Naturally, this isn’t something you’d have to worry about if the app you want to be built is browser-based.
Support and App Maintenance
(image source: freepik.com)
The last—but definitely not the least—factor we’ll look at is your app’s support and maintenance. Oftentimes, leaders and entrepreneurs overlook this necessity and believe that fees only cover the development process.
While certain experts do extend these kinds of arrangements, it’s best that you include this in your budget, as well. Most app development firms, especially the best ones in the country, make sure that costs cover app support and maintenance for a given period once the app is published.
From building new features to third-party API costs and app stability to updating the OS, dozens of things will call for expert attention, even more, when the app is complete and functional.
This is exactly why partnerships between business leaders and app experts don’t end when the app is launched.
What’s next?
Overall, you’re bound to get different rates from different agencies and freelancers. What’s important is you know exactly the kind of app you want to build, who it’s for, how elaborate it should be, and what problems your app seeks to bridge.
If you’re thinking of building an app for your brand—whether a startup app, a marketplace app, an enterprise app, or even an MVP—we’re the team you’re looking for.
Packed with years of experience, a dedicated team of wonderful professionals, and a solid mark in the no-code scene, you’re sure to actualize your dream app with us!
Let’s work together to build something awesome.
