How expensive is it to develop an app in 2025? App development is creating software applications that run on smartphones and tablets. These apps can provide various services, solve everyday problems, and even provide entertainment within your palm.
There are 3 main types of mobile apps;
Native apps: The apps designed for specific operating systems like Android or iOS. These apps offer advanced performance, smooth user experience, and access to all device features. Native applications created with platform-specific languages like Swift or Kotlin.
Hybrid Apps: These apps are built for working on multiple platforms. As a budget friendly option, they may sacrifice some performance. Hybrid apps developed using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and these apps run inside a native container.
Web Apps: These are the mobile optimized websites functions like apps when opened in a browser. They don’t need to be downloaded or installed and are perfect for companies looking to reach a broader audience with minimal investment.
In this tech driven era, thousands of mobile apps are launching daily, within the same categories and niche. This intense competition highlights that unique features are the reason for making an impact. According to google’s recent data, there are currently around 2.6 million apps available on the Google Play Store and over 2.29 million on the Apple App Store making it clear how saturated the market has become.
Research conducted by Statista.com, found that 140.68 billion apps were downloaded in 2016 and this number soared to approximately 257 billion downloads in 2023. That is nearly double the number of downloads in just 8 years, showing the explosive demand for mobile applications across all sectors. As modern businesses rely on mobile apps, the sharp rise in app downloads and listings indicates customer engagement. In this blog we explore the factors that influence mobile app development cost in detail.
Approximate App Development Cost by Niche
|
APP NICHE |
ESTIMATED COST (INR) |
|
E-commerce App |
35 LAKH -1.3 Crores |
|
Social Media App |
45 lakh – 3 crores |
|
On-Demand Service App |
50 lakh- 2.5 crores |
|
Fitness & Health App |
35 lakh- 1 crore |
|
Education/Learning App |
25 lakh- 85 lakh |
|
Fintech App (Banking, etc) |
70 lakh- 2.5 crores |
|
Real Estate App |
35 lakh- 1.3 crores |
|
Food Delivery App |
45 lakh- 1.3 crores |
|
Travel Booking App |
50 lakh- 2.3 crores |
|
Gaming App |
90 lakh- 5 crore |
The cost of building mobile app varies depending on the niche and complexity. For example, E-commerce apps typically range from 35 lakh to 1.3 crores INR while Social Media apps can cost between 45 lakh and 3 crores INR. On Demand Service apps usually fall between 50 lakh and 2.5 crores INR and Fitness and Health apps cost around 35 lakh to 1 crore INR. Other niches like Education apps range from 25 lakh to 85 lakh INR and Fintech apps can go from 70 lakh to 2.5 crores INR. Meanwhile, Gaming apps tend to be the most expensive, ranging from 90 lakh to 5 crores INR. It is crucial to remember that these numbers are only estimates and may differ depending on the features and requirements of your app.
What are the Major factors affecting app development cost
App Complexity: The more advanced the app features like real time chat, geolocation or AI the more time and resources it takes to develop which directly increases the overall cost.
Platform Choice: Creating apps for iOS, Android, or both has a big impact on the total cost. Android app development cost and iOS app development cost can vary depending on the complexity and tools used. Choosing cross platform development is usually more cost effective than building separate native apps for each platform.
Design Requirements: Custom UI and UX designs take more time and expertise than basic templates for making them more expensive to implement.
Ongoing Maintenance: After launch, updates, bug fixes and adding new features require continued investment.
Location of Development Team: Developer costs vary by region. Teams in Western Europe or North America usually charge more than those in Asia or Eastern Europe.
Project Duration: Longer time duration leads to higher costs due to prolonged use of developer time and project management resources.
Backend Infrastructure: Apps needing cloud storage APIs or complex databases cost more due to backend development and security needs.
Third Party Integrations: Connecting to tools like payment gateways or social media platforms adds cost depending on the complexities and integration needed.
What are the hidden factors that affect the app development cost
Beyond the visible development stages, several hidden factors can significantly impact the overall cost of building mobile app.
IT support costs: Providing technical support to users and resolving backend issues post-launch requires ongoing staffing and infrastructure investment.
App security:Implementing secure coding practices, data encryption, and compliance measures (like GDPR or HIPAA) adds to development costs to protect user data.
Marketing: Promoting the app through advertising, social media, SEO, and PR is essential for visibility and requires a dedicated budget.
Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing for bugs, performance, and usability across multiple devices and platforms ensures a stable app but adds to the timeline and cost.
App Store fees:Developers must pay annual fees to publish on app stores—$99/year for Apple and a one-time $25 for Google Play.
Integration requirements: Adding complex third-party tools or enterprise systems (like CRMs or ERPs) increases development time and cost based on compatibility and customization needs.
app development cost in each stage
- Concept & Strategy (Minimal Expense)
Focuses on identifying app objectives, target users and core functionalities.
Estimated Cost: ₹80,000 – ₹4,00,000
Why it’s affordable: Mostly involves research and idea mapping, often done by a small team.
- Interface & Experience Design (Mid-Range Investment)
Covers layout sketches, interactive models and visual design elements.
Estimated Cost: ₹4,00,000 – ₹16,00,000
Cost factor: Tailored visuals, branding elements and design responsiveness raise the budget.
- Server-Side Development (Major Cost Area)
Handles backend logic, database systems, API integration and user roles.
Estimated Cost: ₹8,00,000 – ₹40,00,000+
Why it’s costly: Demands experienced backend developers and secure infrastructure.
- App Interface Development (High Expense Area)
Involves coding and building the app’s visible side for Android, iOS or both.
Estimated Cost: ₹16,00,000 – ₹80,00,000+
Price Drivers: Complexity, platform selection and type of development (native/cross-platform).
- Testing & Bug Fixing (Moderate to High Spend)
Includes performance testing, usability checks and issue resolution.
Estimated Cost: ₹4,00,000 – ₹24,00,000
Why it’s vital: Helps avoid future user issues and improves app stability.
- Data Security & Legal Compliance (Moderate Budget)
Focuses on user data safety, login systems and legal standards (like GDPR).
Estimated Cost: ₹2,50,000 – ₹12,00,000
Importance: Critical to protect user data and meet regulations.
- Launch & App Store Submission (Lower to Mid Level Spend)
Covers preparing app listings, uploading assets and store compliance.
Estimated Cost: ₹80,000 – ₹4,00,000
Includes: Screenshots, app icons, descriptions and submission fees.
- Promotion & Advertising (Major Budget Area)
Encompasses SEO, ads, influencer tie ups and store optimization.
Estimated Cost: ₹4,00,000 -₹80,00,000+
Impact: Strong marketing directly influences downloads and visibility.
- Post-Launch Maintenance (Ongoing Investment)
Covers routine updates, OS support, feature enhancements and bug fixes.
Estimated Cost: ₹8,00,000 – ₹40,00,000 per year
Why needed: Keeps your app functional, secure and competitive over time.
FAQ’S
Running an app can be costly depending on features such as hosting, updates, security and marketing. On average, expect yearly maintenance to range from 8 to 40 lakhs.
App development typically takes 3 to 9 months, depending on complexity, features and platform choice.
Yes! With no code platforms like Glide or Bubble, you can create simple apps yourself. For complex apps, hiring developers is recommended.
To publish on the Apple App Store, you need to pay $99/year (approx. ₹8,000). For Google Play Store, it is a one time fee of $25 (approx. ₹2,000).
Conclusion
In 2025, mobile app development cost depends on a number of variables including the app’s niche, complexity, platform selection, design, backend and even hidden costs like marketing, maintenance and security. The cost of development in India can vary depending on your objectives. You may make better decisions and steer clear of unforeseen costs by being aware of every step from planning and design to launch and continuing upgrades. At Emedia Infosoft, a leading app development company in India and a top-rated app development company in Gwalior we make high quality app development affordable and transparent way. Whether you are a startup or a growing business, our expert team is here to turn your app idea into reality without overcharging. Let’s build something great together.
