"How much does it cost to create a mobile application?" - Squares UX/UI Interactive Agency Wroclaw : Squares UX/UI Interactive Agency Wroclaw

Creating mobile applications has become an integral part of the strategy for many companies that want to be closer to their customers. A question that often arises is: how much does a mobile application cost? In this article, we will analyze the factors that influence costs, the possible price ranges, and how to optimize expenses for mobile app development.

Basic Factors Affecting the Cost of a Mobile Application

Platform

The choice of platform for which the application is intended significantly impacts the development costs. The main platforms are iOS and Android. According to the latest data from Statcounter GlobalStats for October 2023, Android dominates with a 71.18% share of the mobile market, while iOS accounts for 28.37%. Developing an application for both platforms simultaneously (known as cross-platform development) may be more expensive initially, although technologies such as Flutter allow for good cost optimization in the long term. You can read more about this in the article: what technology to choose when creating a mobile application?

The benefits of this approach primarily include the ability to reach a larger number of users and a consistent experience across both platforms. It is worth noting that while Android offers greater global reach, iOS users are statistically more likely to pay for applications. The final decision should consider the specifics of the application, the target audience, and the available budget.

Functionalities

The cost of a mobile application depends on the number and complexity of the features it includes. A simple informational application will be cheaper than a complex e-commerce platform or mobile game that requires advanced multimedia features.

Graphic Design

The design of the application plays a crucial role in attracting users. High-quality graphics, animations, and a responsive user interface can increase costs but also enhance user experiences, making it a long-term investment.

External Integrations

Applications often require integration with external services, such as payment systems, APIs of other programs, or analytical tools. Each such integration is an additional cost that should be included in the budget.

Testing and Deployment

Thorough testing of the application to ensure it is free of errors and runs smoothly on various devices is essential. After the development is complete, the costs associated with testing and deploying the application to the App Store and Google Play can also affect the final cost.

Price Ranges for Different Types of Applications

Simple Informational Applications

The least complex applications that offer basic information or functionalities can cost from a few to several dozen thousand zlotys. According to a study by GoodFirms Research, the cost of such applications can range from 5,000 to 50,000 PLN. These are typically content-based applications without advanced interactive features.

Medium Complexity Applications

Applications with more advanced features, such as social media, project management tools, or online stores, can cost from several dozen to several hundred thousand zlotys. A study conducted by Clutch indicates that the costs of such applications can vary from 50,000 to 500,000 PLN. This category includes applications that require integration with databases and external APIs.

Advanced Mobile Applications

The most complex applications, such as high-quality graphic mobile games or platforms with AI, VR/AR functionalities, can cost up to several million zlotys. According to an analysis by Savvy Apps, the costs of such advanced applications can range from 500,000 to over 5,000,000 PLN. The technological complexity and performance requirements drive these high costs.

Additional Costs to Consider

Maintenance Costs

Creating an application is just the beginning. It is essential to account for costs associated with maintaining infrastructure, updates, and technical support. According to Clutch data, maintenance costs can average 15-20% of the initial development cost per year. Regular updates are necessary to ensure that the application is compatible with new operating system versions and mobile hardware.

Promotion and Marketing

For an application to gain popularity, it is necessary to invest in its promotion. Marketing campaigns, social media presence, and appropriate SEO/ASO strategies can raise the costs of bringing the application to market. Business of Apps estimates that promotion and marketing costs can range from 50% to 100% of the application development budget.

Server and Hosting Costs

For applications that require processing large amounts of data or real-time interactions, servers and hosting services are essential. According to Buildfire, these costs can range from $70 to $320 per month for small to medium applications. The value of these services depends on the number of users and the technical requirements of the application.

In-App Payment Costs

If your application will offer purchases or subscriptions, you need to consider costs associated with payment processing. Popular payment gateways, such as Stripe, PayPal, Przelewy24, and other local solutions, charge fees for each transaction.

Typical rates range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction value, plus a fixed fee (usually a few dozen cents). For example, Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in the USA, but rates may vary depending on the country and transaction volume. It is worth remembering that these costs can significantly impact the profitability of the application, especially with low margins.

Publication Costs in App Stores

Publishing an application in official stores comes with certain costs that should be included in the budget:

Apple App Store: Requires an annual fee of $99 for individual developers or $299 for companies.
Google Play Store: Charges a one-time fee of $25 for a developer account.

Additionally, both stores take a commission on in-app sales, which typically amounts to 30% (though there are some exceptions and programs that reduce this rate for smaller developers). These costs should be considered when planning the application’s business model.

GDPR and Data Protection Costs

In today’s world, protecting user data is crucial, and non-compliance with regulations can lead to significant penalties. Costs associated with GDPR and data protection include:

Implementing a privacy policy and user consent mechanisms.
Potential legal consultation costs (which can range from a few to several dozen thousand zlotys).
Implementing secure data storage and processing systems.

Investing in these areas is not only a legal requirement but also builds user trust in the application.

Application Localization Costs

If you plan to reach users from different countries, you must consider localization costs. This includes translating the interface and content into various languages (costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand zlotys per language, depending on the text volume).

Adapting to local legal and cultural requirements, which may require additional consultations and modifications to the application.
Testing the application in different language versions, which increases QA costs.

Localization can significantly expand the reach of the application but requires additional financial and time investments.

Customer Support

Effective customer support is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction:

Tools for handling tickets (e.g., Freshdesk, Zendesk) – costs start at around $15 per month per agent.
Customer support team costs – depending on the project scale, this can range from several thousand zlotys per month (for outsourcing) to much higher amounts when hiring your own team.

How to Wisely Save on Mobile Application Costs?

Start with Good Planning

Begin with product workshops where you clearly define the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and determine what is essential for quickly launching the product to market and validating the idea. According to a study conducted by the Standish Group, well-planned projects have a 350% higher chance of success.

Use Ready-Made Components

Instead of building all functionalities from scratch, consider using ready-made components and libraries available on the market. This approach will shorten development time and reduce costs. Research shows that using pre-built components can shorten development time by as much as 60%.

Detailed Planning and Specification

A well-thought-out project plan and detailed specification of functions help avoid ambiguities that can lead to additional costs during the development stage. Clearly defined requirements and objectives are key to savings. According to PMI, projects with accurate specifications have a 37% higher chance of success.

Choosing the Right Technologies

Choosing technology stacks that are well-known and widely supported by the developer community can impact maintenance costs and future updates. Open-source technologies often provide solutions that minimize licensing costs. Studies indicate that using open-source can reduce development costs by 20-30%.

Services of a Company with Similar Projects in Their Portfolio

Choosing a company with experience in similar projects can significantly reduce costs and execution time. Companies with relevant experience can be up to 25% more efficient in project execution.

Sample Cost Estimate for a Medium-Sized Application

Category	Description	Price Range (PLN)
Analysis and Planning	Workshops, MVP specification, schedule	5,000 – 20,000
UX/UI Design	Wireframes, user interface	10,000 – 40,000
MVP Development (Flutter)	Implementation of core functionalities	50,000 – 150,000
Testing	Functional, performance, and security testing	10,000 – 30,000
Deployment	Configuration, publication in App Store and Google Play	3,000 – 10,000
Training and Documentation	Technical documentation, client training	3,000 – 15,000
Hosting and Infrastructure (annual)	Servers, databases, CDN	6,000 – 60,000
Maintenance and Technical Support (annual)	Ongoing fixes, system updates	24,000 – 120,000
Development and New Features (annual)	Implementation of additional functionalities	60,000 – 240,000
Marketing and Promotion (annual)	ASO, advertising campaigns, content marketing	50,000 – 500,000
Licenses and Tools (annual)	Development software, analytics	5,000 – 30,000
Customer Support (annual)	User support, FAQ, chatbots	20,000 – 100,000
Security and Compliance (annual)	Audits, certifications, GDPR compliance	10,000 – 50,000
Contingency for Unexpected Expenses	Buffer for potential issues and changes	10-20% of the total budget

Summary

The cost of creating a mobile application depends on many factors, such as the platform, functionalities, design, external integrations, and more. Price ranges vary based on the complexity of the project and can range from a few thousand to several million PLN. It is essential to plan the project appropriately and be aware of potential hidden costs. Utilizing ready-made solutions, thorough planning, and careful selection of technologies can help optimize expenses.

We invite you to contact us for a personalized quote tailored to the specific needs and requirements of your application.

Source:

What is the minimum cost to create a simple mobile application?

The cost of a simple application typically starts from several to several dozen thousand PLN, but it all depends on the complexity and number of functionalities.

How much does it cost to create an advanced mobile application?

Advanced mobile applications can cost anywhere from 100,000 PLN to several hundred thousand or even millions of PLN, depending on complexity and functionalities; however, this cost is often spread over several months or even years.

Is it more expensive to develop an app for iOS than for Android?

Costs can be similar, but due to the greater variety of Android devices, testing can be more time-consuming and costly.

What are the additional costs in mobile app development?

Additional costs may include maintenance, updates, as well as server and hosting expenses.

How can costs be reduced in mobile app development?

Costs can be reduced through thorough planning, utilizing ready-made components, choosing appropriate technologies, and starting with an MVP.

How much does it cost to maintain a mobile application annually?

Maintenance costs can average 15-20% of the initial development cost per year.

Is it worth investing in a cross-platform application?

Yes, cross-platform applications can be more cost-effective in the long run, allowing access to a wider user base with optimized costs.

How long does the process of creating a mobile application take?

The time to create an application can range from several weeks for simple applications to several months or even years for more complex projects.

“How much does it cost to create a mobile application?”