How Much Does a Mobile App Cost in 2025?

Thinking about building a mobile app? The first question everyone asks is: "How much will this cost?" The answer isn't simple, but it's not mysterious either. Let's break down real app pricing based on what you actually get.

The Short Answer: $5,000 to $25,000+

Most business apps fall into these pricing tiers:

Starter Apps ($5,000-$7,000): Menu apps, info apps, basic booking - Perfect for restaurants, salons, gyms
Professional Apps ($10,000-$12,000): User accounts, subscriptions, backend integration - For growing businesses
Premium Apps ($17,000-$25,000+): Complex features, API integrations, custom workflows - For SaaS and enterprise

What Actually Affects the Price?

Four main factors determine your app's cost:

1. User Authentication

Do users need accounts? Simple "no login" apps are cheaper. Apps with email/password, social login, or profile management add $2,000-$4,000.

2. Backend Complexity

Basic apps read static content. Advanced apps need databases, APIs, real-time syncing. This can add $3,000-$8,000 depending on features.

3. Payment Processing

One-time payments are simpler. Subscription billing with RevenueCat (monthly/annual plans, free trials) adds $2,500-$5,000 but unlocks recurring revenue.

4. Integrations

Connecting to existing systems (CRM, accounting software, custom APIs) ranges from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on complexity.

Real Examples: What You Actually Get

$5,000 Restaurant App

At this tier, you get a complete digital menu with high-quality food photos, location information, hours, and click-to-call functionality. Push notifications let you alert customers about daily specials. This includes both iOS and Android versions and full App Store submission.

$12,000 Fitness Challenge App

This more complex app includes full user authentication with profiles, progress tracking, challenge check-ins, and leaderboards to drive competition. You'll get push notifications, an admin dashboard to manage users, and a complete backend API with database infrastructure.

What's NOT Included in These Prices

Beyond development costs, you'll need an Apple Developer Account ($99/year) and Google Play Account ($25 one-time). Hosting and backend infrastructure typically runs $20-$100/month depending on your user base. If you want ongoing updates and maintenance, budget $500-$1,500/month. Marketing is separate—we build the app, you bring the users.

React Native vs Native Development

We use React Native, which means one codebase for both iOS and Android. This cuts costs by 40-50% compared to building separate native apps. You get native performance without paying twice.

Timeline Expectations

Price correlates with timeline:

$5,000-$7,000 apps: 4-6 weeks
$10,000-$12,000 apps: 8-10 weeks
$17,000+ apps: 12-16+ weeks

How to Save Money (Without Cutting Quality)

Start with core features only—you can always add more later. Use standard UI components instead of fully custom designs, and provide your own photos and content upfront. If budget is really tight, launch on one platform first (usually iOS), then expand to Android once you have revenue.

The biggest cost saver? Use existing third-party APIs and services instead of building everything from scratch. Stripe for payments, Firebase for backend, Twilio for SMS—these tools are battle-tested and far cheaper than custom solutions.

Get an Accurate Quote

Every app is different. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule a free consultation. We'll discuss your specific needs, feature requirements, and timeline to provide a detailed quote.