Platform and technology
Choosing native, cross-platform or PWA affects the codebase, access to device features, development time and maintenance.
MOBILE APP BUDGET GUIDE
What determines the cost of a mobile app?
Platform choice, user flows, number of screens, backend architecture, admin panel, third-party integrations and quality processes determine an app's development budget.
UI/UX and screens
Besides the number of screens, the complexity of user flows, prototyping, animation and accessibility work are part of the design scope.
Backend and integrations
APIs, databases, the admin panel, payments, maps, notifications and real-time services can increase the development effort.
2026 PRICE GUIDE
Mobile app prices: example ranges by app type
The ranges are based on this calculator's assumptions for cross-platform development on iOS and Android. The final price is set in a quote prepared after a requirements analysis.
| App type | Typical scope | Estimated price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple MVP / showcase app | 1–5 screens, standard interface, push notifications, analytics | €5,000 – €6,600 | 8–10 weeks |
| Membership content or booking app | 6–15 screens, custom UI/UX, backend, admin panel, user accounts | €12,700 – €16,900 | 23–30 weeks |
| E-commerce and ordering app | 16–30 screens, mobile payments, cloud infrastructure, admin panel | €15,800 – €21,100 | 29–38 weeks |
| Courier, delivery or booking app | Maps and location, real-time tracking, messaging, payments | €22,200 – €29,600 | 40–53 weeks |
| Enterprise native app | 30+ screens, premium UI/UX, offline mode, multiple integrations | €33,600 – €44,800 | 58–77 weeks |
A simple MVP starting with Android or iOS only is in the €3,500 – €4,600 range. Building the same e-commerce app natively raises the budget to about €18,400 – €24,500. You can try your own scenario in the calculator above.
PROJECT PLANNING
What not to forget in your app budget
Mobile product development isn't just coding the first release. Analysis, design, testing, store publishing, monitoring, server usage, maintenance and new releases are all part of the total cost of ownership.
Explore our mobile app service- Product analysis and prototypeUser scenarios and a clickable prototype reduce uncertainty before development.
- Testing and quality assuranceDifferent devices, OS versions, network conditions and error scenarios should be tested.
- App store publishingApple and Google policies, screenshots, descriptions, privacy disclosures and review processes should be planned.
- Maintenance and updatesAn ongoing plan is needed for OS changes, security patches, monitoring and new features.
How is the price of mobile app development calculated in 2026?
The price of a mobile app is calculated based on whether you target iOS, Android or both, native or cross-platform technology, the number of screens, custom UI/UX design and backend and admin panel requirements. Features such as push notifications, payments, maps, chat, camera, offline mode and real-time data are separate development items.
The calculator gives an approximate development budget. Apple Developer and Google Play account fees, cloud services, maps or SMS usage, third-party licenses, maintenance and marketing budget may not be included in this estimate.
TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
Costs not included in the development price
When comparing quotes, look not only at the initial development cost but also at the ongoing costs after the app goes live.
| Cost | Amount / frequency |
|---|---|
| Apple Developer Program | USD 99 per year |
| Google Play developer account | USD 25 one-time |
| Servers and cloud services | Monthly; grows with users and data traffic |
| Third-party services such as maps, SMS and email | Per use or monthly subscription |
| App store commission | 15–30% on in-app digital goods and subscriptions |
| Maintenance and updates | Usually 15–20% of the initial development cost per year |
BUDGET PLANNING
5 ways to lower the cost of a mobile app
- Start with an MVP: Launch only the core user flow in the first release and prioritize other features based on user data.
- Choose cross-platform: If you don't need heavy device integration, launch on iOS and Android together with a single codebase.
- Test with one platform: If your audience is mostly on one platform, release the first version there.
- Use existing services: Mature services for notifications, authentication, payments and analytics reduce the cost of building from scratch.
- Define the scope in writing: Setting screens and acceptance criteria at the start reduces the cost of later additional work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about mobile app costs
How much does a mobile app cost in 2026?
Based on this calculator's assumptions, a simple MVP for iOS and Android starts at around €5,000, an e-commerce app at €15,800 and apps with maps and real-time tracking at €22,200. The final price is set in a quote prepared after scope analysis.
Is one platform or iOS and Android together more economical?
Starting with Android or iOS only lowers the initial budget; a simple single-platform MVP starts at around €3,500. If you need both platforms, cross-platform development is usually more economical than two separate native apps.
What affects the cost of mobile app development?
Platform, technology, number of screens, design scope, backend, admin panel, integrations and special device features determine the cost.
Should I choose native or cross-platform?
A cross-platform approach can reach both platforms faster with a shared codebase. Native development is worth considering for projects that need heavy device integration, special performance or a platform-specific experience.
How long does it take to develop a mobile app?
A simple MVP can be completed within a few months. Projects with a complex backend, payments, real-time communication and many integrations can take longer.
Are app store and server fees included in the estimate?
No. Apple and Google developer accounts, cloud usage, third-party services, licenses and ongoing maintenance are assessed separately.
What does annual maintenance of a mobile app cost?
Maintenance covers compatibility with operating system updates, security patches, bug fixes and monitoring. Annual maintenance is usually budgeted at 15–20% of the initial development cost. Servers, store accounts and third-party services are not included.
Why do freelancer and software company prices differ?
The difference usually comes from scope. Before comparing, check whether analysis, UI/UX design, backend, testing, store publishing, source code handover and post-launch support are included in the quote.