Many entrepreneurs wonder how much it costs to develop a mobile application. The answer is not straightforward, as the price depends on several factors — the scope of features, technologies used, collaboration model with developers, and the complexity of the project. In this article, we’ll present the key aspects that affect the cost of a mobile app and help you estimate the budget for creating one.
1. Key Factors Affecting App Development Costs
The price of a mobile app primarily depends on:
- Scope of functionality – the more advanced the app, the higher the cost.
- Target platform – Android, iOS, or both? Or maybe a cross-platform solution?
- UI/UX (user interface & experience) – unique design and animations increase production costs.
- Integration with external systems – such as online payments, GPS, cloud services, or third-party APIs.
- Collaboration model – are you hiring a software house, freelancers, or building an in-house team?
2. Types of Apps and Cost Estimates
Simple App (MVP or basic features)
- Development time: 2–4 months
- Cost: 15,000 – 50,000 PLN
Examples include basic booking apps, checklists, or blog applications.
Moderately Complex App
- Development time: 4–8 months
- Cost: 50,000 – 150,000 PLN
Apps requiring database integration, payment systems, or GPS – e.g., e-commerce apps, marketplaces, or food ordering systems.
Advanced App
- Development time: 8–12+ months
- Cost: 150,000 – 500,000 PLN
Large-scale mobile apps with backend systems, machine learning, real-time synchronization – e.g., banking apps, streaming platforms, or SaaS applications.
3. App Development Cost – Breakdown by Stage
- Analysis and UX/UI design – from 5,000 to 50,000 PLN
- Programming (backend + frontend) – from 25,000 to 250,000 PLN
- Testing and optimization – from 5,000 to 25,000 PLN
- Deployment and publication – from 2,500 to 15,000 PLN
- Maintenance and updates – from 2,500 PLN per month
4. Native vs. Cross-Platform Apps
Native (Swift for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android)
- Best performance and user experience
- Higher cost (separate versions for iOS and Android are needed)
Cross-Platform (Flutter, React Native)
- Lower cost – one codebase for both platforms
- Potentially lower performance for demanding applications
5. How to Optimize App Development Costs?
- Start with an MVP – create the first version with core features and expand it gradually.
- Use ready-made solutions – e.g., Firebase for authentication, Stripe for payments.
- Outsource development – working with a software house can be cheaper than building an in-house team.
Summary
The cost of a mobile application can range from several thousand to half a million PLN, depending on its functionality and technology stack. Choosing the right collaboration model and technologies is key to optimizing your budget.
If you’re planning to build an app but aren’t sure how much your project might cost – contact us! We’ll help you estimate your budget and choose the best solution.
