Are you wondering, “How much does it cost to build an app?”
You’re not alone. Many people hesitate to start because they don’t know what to expect.
In this article, we explain realistic app development costs from a professional developer’s perspective.
We’ll cover actual case examples, common misconceptions, and how to reduce your budget.
Whether you’re outsourcing or building it yourself, this guide will help you make smart decisions.
What Determines App Development Costs?
Answer: Cost = Workload × Hourly Rate
The main factors that determine app cost are:
- Features (number and complexity)
- Development hours
- Hourly rates (region-dependent)
Typical Cost Breakdown:
- Simple memo app: $3,000–$5,000
- Login system: $10,000+
- Payment and chat features: $20,000–$50,000
Example Tasks:
- Planning and screen design
- Frontend and backend development
- Testing and debugging
- Maintenance and updates
Public Reference:
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan),
the average development rate per person/month is around 850,000 yen.
Source: https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/it_policy/jinzai/itjinzai2023.html
App Cost by App Type
Summary: Cost varies by app type and complexity
Approximate ranges
- Simple utility app: $3,000–$8,000
- E-commerce app: $15,000–$30,000
- SNS/chat app: $20,000–$50,000
- Game app (2D): $30,000+
Key decision points:
- Will it use APIs?
- Backend database required?
- Admin dashboard needed?
- Single or multi-platform?
Outsourcing vs. DIY Development
Summary: DIY saves money but takes time
Outsourcing Pros:
- Faster launch
- Professional quality
- Includes support and maintenance
DIY Pros:
- Cheaper upfront
- You learn valuable skills
DIY Cons:
- Time-intensive (100+ hours)
- Steep learning curve
5 Tips to Reduce App Cost
- Build MVP (Minimum Viable Product) first
- Use no-code tools
- Reuse templates and UI kits
- Hire international freelancers
- Learn and build it yourself
Common Misconceptions
- “Free app development” usually isn’t free
- “One developer can do everything” = risky
- “Cheaper is better” often leads to quality issues
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