How Much Does it Cost to Build an App? 💰
Calculate the real cost of building a mobile app in 2025. From DIY no-code solutions to agency development - get accurate estimates based on your needs.
Skip expensive agencies. Build for $149
NextNative includes Next.js + Capacitor boilerplate, authentication, in-app purchases, push notifications, secure backend & database, and 7 premium template apps. Save $50K+ in development costs.
Complete setup
Auth, payments, push, database
7 premium templates
Expenses, flashcards, notes & more
3 months support
Hands-on help if stuck
One-time payment · Unlimited apps · 14-day money-back guarantee
Cost Calculator
Estimated Cost
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Simple Apps ($500 - $40,000)
Basic functionality, minimal design, standard features
- ✓Login & user profiles
- ✓Basic content display
- ✓Simple forms and data input
- ✓Push notifications
Moderate Apps ($2,000 - $120,000)
Multiple features, custom design, API integrations
- ✓All simple features +
- ✓Payment processing
- ✓Real-time updates
- ✓Social media integration
- ✓Custom backend
Complex Apps ($5,000 - $350,000+)
Advanced features, scalable architecture, AI/ML integration
- ✓All moderate features +
- ✓AI/ML features
- ✓Real-time multiplayer
- ✓Video/audio streaming
- ✓Advanced security
- ✓Complex backend infrastructure
Hidden Costs to Consider
📱 App Store Fees
Apple: $99/year + 15-30% commission
Google: $25 one-time + 15-30% commission
🖥️ Backend & Hosting
$50-500/month depending on users
Database, API, storage costs
🔧 Maintenance
15-20% of development cost annually
Bug fixes, updates, OS compatibility
📣 Marketing
$5,000-50,000+ for user acquisition
App Store Optimization, ads
How to Build an App on a Budget
💡Use Cross-Platform Frameworks
Build once, deploy to iOS and Android. Save 40-60% compared to native development.
🚀Start with MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Launch with core features only, add more based on user feedback. Reduces initial cost by 50-70%.
🎨Use Templates & UI Kits
Pre-built components save 30-50 hours of design and development time.
Browse NextNative templates →🔌Leverage Existing Services
Use Firebase, Supabase, or similar for backend instead of building from scratch.
Ready to Build Your App?
Get Next.js + Capacitor boilerplate with authentication, in-app purchases & subscriptions, push notifications, secure backend & database, 7 premium template apps, and 3 months developer support. Save $50K+ compared to agencies.
$149 (was $299) · Unlimited apps · 14-day money-back guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost to build a mobile app?
The average cost ranges from $30,000 to $120,000 for a moderate app with an agency. However, DIY solutions with platforms like NextNative can reduce costs to under $500 for simple apps.
How long does it take to build an app?
Simple apps: 1-3 months. Moderate apps: 4-6 months. Complex apps: 9-18 months. With no-code tools like NextNative, you can launch in days instead of months.
Is it cheaper to build for iOS or Android first?
Development costs are similar, but using cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter, Capacitor) lets you build for both simultaneously, saving 40-60% compared to building separately.
What's the cheapest way to build an app?
Convert your existing website to an app using Capacitor or similar tools. NextNative offers templates starting at $149 (50% off) that include all necessary features for launching on app stores.