"How much does a mobile app cost?" is the first question every founder asks. The honest answer: it depends — but the ranges are more predictable than most agencies admit. Here's what mobile app development actually costs in India in 2026.
Basic App: $1,700–$3,400
5–8 screens, no custom backend, standard login, and basic UI. Examples: a catalog app, a simple booking form, or a loyalty card app. Timeline: 6–10 weeks.
Mid-Complexity App: $3,400–$9,100
Custom backend API, user authentication, payment integration (Razorpay/Stripe), push notifications, and admin dashboard. Examples: food delivery, service marketplace, or e-commerce app. Timeline: 10–16 weeks.
Enterprise App: $11,000+
Real-time features, complex integrations (ERP, CRM), multi-role access, offline sync, and App Store optimization. Timeline: 4–6+ months.
What Drives Cost Up
- Native iOS + Android separately — doubles the bill. We use React Native or Flutter to ship both from one codebase.
- Custom animations and complex UI — pretty, but expensive.
- Unclear requirements — scope creep is the #1 budget killer. We use fixed milestones to prevent this.
- No existing design — UI/UX design adds $570–$1,700.
What Keeps Costs Down
- Starting with an MVP (minimum viable product) and iterating
- Using proven tech stacks (React Native, Firebase, Supabase)
- Having content, branding, and requirements ready before development starts
- Working with an India-based team — same quality, lower hourly rates than US/UK agencies
Beyond the Build: Ongoing Costs
Budget for App Store fees ($99/year Apple + $25 one-time Google), hosting ($23–$110/month), and maintenance (10–15% of build cost annually). Apps aren't build-and-forget — plan for updates.
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