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The cost of creating a mobile app ranges from €5,000 to €80,000. However, these are only general estimates. In reality, the development cost depends on many factors. To help you understand this more clearly, we'll review the key elements that influence your budget.
If you're wondering "How much does it cost to create a mobile app?", it's probably because you're considering developing one. Keep in mind that the price varies depending on the type of app, the programming methods, the technologies used, and, of course, the features and their complexity. Added to this is the expertise of the professionals who will be handling your project. Let's decipher these criteria together to refine your estimate.
It is difficult to give exact figures for the mobile application development rate. First, you need to know the various factors that affect this price.
However, before we get into the details, here is a price range you should be interested in.
The rate Of development of a mobile application depends primarily on its type. For starters, there are public applications And private applications. Public platforms are those that can be downloaded from stores, including App Stores, iTunes, and Google Play. As for private apps, they are digital tools created for the specific needs of a particular company. In addition, they are also called business applications.
Then there is Native applications and hybrid applications. Native means that we developed the platform specially for an operating system: iOS or Android for example. In other words, a native application cannot be installed and run on other platforms. For the development of a native app, developers generally use languages and programming such as Java and Swift depending on the operating system.
As for hybrid applications, they are apps designed with JS and HTML5. These types of platforms are distinguished by the fact that they load via application servers. IT development professionals do not recommend this type of platform. Although cheaper and cross-platform, a hybrid application often has bugs and flaws.
The programming method used also influences the cost of developing a mobile application. This can be done in a classic way with manual coding or with the help of app builders through no code.
The first development system is programming by Writing line of code. The work is manual and each element that makes up the application is written using a programming language. For example, the developer uses Java to develop an Android app and for iOS, they can use Objective-C. A perfect method for designing a custom tool, but time consuming and expensive.
You can save money on development cost of a mobile application with no-code technologies. Creating software for mobile devices is now possible without writing code. Development is done using creation platforms like Bubble, Flutterflow, Airtable, Adalo, etc. Turning to these methods saves both time and money.
The price of a mobile application also depends on its functionalities and its complexity. When it comes to complex software, it's not just about its various features. It is also necessary to take into account the quality of the design, the visual effects and the backend structure of the digital tool.
Some features make the design of a mobile app more complex and that increases the price.
If you are considering creating a mobile application with any of these features, then know that the budget will be a bit higher. That is the reason why it is appropriate to reflect on your real needs before drawing up a plan and drafting the terms of reference.
The application development rate also relies on the professionals who will ensure the work. The service will not be the same for a freelancer or an independent developer and a web development agency.
Naturally, the price of a freelancer is more affordable and communication can be more fluid. However, it is important to remember that an independent professional may be limited in terms of expertise.
The following information is intended to refine your budget.
Item Price range Associated technology
Authentication €2,000-5,000 Firebase Auth, OAuth
(email/social media)
Backend €7,000-20,000 Node.js, Django, Laravel
(database + API)
Offline synchronization €4,000-10,000 Realm, SQLite
Data analysis €3,000-8,000 Metabase, Power BI
(admin dashboard)
Example: Adding a push notification system (OneSignal, Firebase) adds €2,500-5,000 depending on complexity.
Step-by-Step Approach:
Start with a PWA (€3,000-€12,000) then migrate to native if needed.
Advantage: 40-60% reduction in initial costs.
Modular Architecture
Develop core features first (MVP), then add modules (e.g., payment, chat) through updates.
To know How much does a mobile application cost, you can start by drawing up the specifications. Trace the different stages of your project: what is your objective in creating the digital tool and what will be the functionalities to be integrated? Then, all you have to do is ask a web development agency or an independent developer for a quote directly.
Type Advantages Disadvantages Average Costs
Native Best High Budget €45,000 - €140,000
(iOS/Android) Performance
Cross-Platform 30% Savings Technical Limitations €30,000 - €85,000
(Flutter)
PWA Direct Installation not on the App Store €5,000 - €25,000
via Browser
Ask for the maintenance policy (patches included?).
Check tablet compatibility (responsive design required?).
Plan for a storage budget (AWS, Google Cloud).
Require testing on real devices (not just simulators)
If you are an entrepreneur planning to develop a mobile app, here are some tips to avoid too much expense during development. For a business, having a mobile application greatly optimizes performance.
The creation of an MVP or minimum viable product is a way to limit the cost of a mobile application. How? With a minimum viable product, the product is not finished, but it is functional and has a few advantages. The publication of an MVP allows you to get feedback from users in advance. It is also the best way to test the application. Eventually, if the minimum viable product works well, you can already take advantage of it.
In addition, your customers will also be able to offer the functionalities that are really useful to them corresponding to their needs. In an MVP, you can be content with simplicity in terms of design and even functionality.
For reduce the development price of a mobile application, it is also necessary to ensure the quality of the product from the first design stage. Indeed, during the creation phase, the digital tool always encounters bugs. It is more advantageous to correct them gradually to guarantee the quality of the mobile application.
It is also appropriate to resolve the various errors or incompatibilities each time to prevent them from piling up. While this presents risks of slowing down the development phase, this method nevertheless makes it possible to save money.
For save on the cost of creation of a mobile application, it is preferable to working with an agency. Certainly, compared to the rate of a freelancer, the price of a specialized agency may seem more expensive, however, for the design of a mobile app, it is the best solution. Hiring an independent developer can become a lot more expensive in the long run.
A web development agency usually offers interesting offers. In addition, it consists of a complete team, front-end and backend specialists. We must not forget the designer who ensures the creation of a design that guarantees a smooth user experience. In other words, an agency is more secure if you are looking for better results.
Even if the cost of the mobile application goes up to 150,000 euros, you can reduce this expense in monetizing the product. There are various ways to make this type of digital tool profitable.
To be able to monetize the mobile application, make sure that it is of high quality. If users really need it and if they can't do without it anymore, then the development cost will be just a detail.
The cost of developing a mobile application Start to 5,000 euros and can go up to 150,000 euros. Whether it is a specific business tool for a particular company or for a platform to be offered on stores, a mobile app is essential today. With mobile devices, smartphones and tablets, we always need a good application.
While there are many factors that impact the price of a mobile app, there are ways to reduce costs. So, be sure to find the best application idea, to guarantee its quality and to offer it to users. You are sure to make more money than you spent on its development. A mobile app creation project? Scalapp is there to support you. In addition, we offer quality services and products at an unbeatable price!
To conclude this article, here's a brief overview of a booking app.
Features include a calendar, payment, notifications, and geolocation.
The technologies used are React Native and Firebase.
The development cost is €60,000, including €7,000 for annual hosting.
The ROI is 14 months with 10,000 users per month.
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