How much does it cost to develop a mobile app in 2026?

2026-07-29 · 4 min read

What makes an app cost 1,000 or 20,000 USD: platforms, backend, screens and integrations, with real ranges.

The short answer

A simple app built on an existing platform can start at around 1,000 USD. An app with its own backend, payments, maps and admin panel can exceed 10,000 USD. The difference isn't the number of screens but what sits behind them.

What drives the price most

• New or existing backend. If you already have a web platform with an API, the app consumes it and costs much less. If the server, database and admin panel have to be built, that's most of the budget.
• Android, iOS or both. With a cross-platform framework, the second platform adds little; with separate native apps, the cost nearly doubles.
• Integrations. Payments, maps, notifications, camera, background GPS or an ERP connection each add to the total.
• User roles. A customer app is one thing; customer, driver and admin are three apps in one.
• Publishing and maintenance. Developer accounts, app store reviews and updates for operating system changes.

Ballpark ranges

How to cut costs without losing quality

1. Launch first with the features people use every day and leave the rest for a second phase.
2. Reuse the web platform you already have instead of building another backend.
3. Start with a single store if nearly all your users are on Android or iOS.
4. Use proven services for payments and notifications instead of building them from scratch.

What to ask whoever quotes your app

A list of screens and roles, which backend it will use, who publishes the apps and under which account, what maintenance includes, and what each later update costs. See an appointment app and a tracking app we delivered, or get an estimate for yours.

Start a project