An Actually Honest Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Build an App

If you have ever called an app development agency and asked, "How much does it cost to build an app?" you have likely heard the two most frustrating words in the English language: "It depends."

At Net-Craft.com, right here in Phoenix, Arizona, we believe in transparency. While it is true that building an app is a lot like building a house—a custom mansion costs more than a prefab shed—that doesn't mean you should be left in the dark about the numbers. You need a budget, not a guessing game.

This article is an honest, no-nonsense look at app development pricing in 2026. We are going to peel back the curtain on development tiers, platform choices, and the hidden costs that often catch business owners by surprise.

The Baseline: Understanding App Complexity

To give you a realistic figure, we first have to categorize your idea. The single biggest factor influencing app development cost is complexity. We generally break this down into three tiers:

1. The "Simple" App (The MVP)

Estimated Cost: $10,000 – $50,000

These apps typically feature standard UI components and limited functionality. Think of a checklist app, a calculator, or a basic content app that displays information to users.

• Key Features: User login, standard lists, push notifications, and a basic admin panel.
• Timeline: 1–3 months.
• Who it’s for: Startups looking to test an idea (Minimum Viable Product) or businesses needing a digital brochure.

2. The "Medium" App (The Growth Stage)

Estimated Cost: $50,000 – $150,000

This is where most professional business apps land. These apps require robust backend architecture to handle data, user accounts, and real-time interactions.

• Key Features: Payment gateway integration, social media logins, geo-location services, simple API integrations, and more custom UI/UX designs.
• Timeline: 4–7 months.
• Who it’s for: E-commerce brands, booking platforms, or service-based businesses in Scottsdale looking to automate operations.

3. The "Complex" App (The Enterprise)

Estimated Cost: $150,000+

These are the heavy hitters. If you want to build the next Uber or Instagram, you are looking at this tier. These apps require massive databases, high-level security, and advanced logic.

• Key Features: Real-time synchronization, video streaming, custom animation, AI/Machine Learning integration, and heavy reliance on third-party servers.
• Timeline: 9+ months.
• Who it’s for: Large enterprises or well-funded startups disrupting a market.

Platform Wars: iOS vs. Android

Once you understand complexity, the next decision is the platform. Do you build for Apple, Google, or both?

iOS App Development Cost

Historically, iOS app development cost was slightly higher due to the specialized skills required for Swift and Objective-C. However, the fragmentation is lower; developing for iPhones means testing on a handful of screen sizes and operating systems. This focus often streamlines the Quality Assurance (QA) process, keeping hours—and therefore costs—predictable.

Android App Development Cost

Android app development cost can sometimes creep higher than iOS simply because of the device ecosystem. We aren't just building for a Google Pixel; we are building for Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and hundreds of other devices with varying screen sizes and OS versions. Ensuring your app looks perfect on every device requires more rigorous testing time.

• The Honest Verdict: In 2026, the cost difference between native iOS and Android development is negligible. The real cost comes when you decide to build native apps for both simultaneously, effectively doubling your budget. This is why many of our clients at Net-Craft.com opt for cross-platform solutions (like React Native or Flutter), which can reduce the total spend by 30-40% by sharing a single codebase across both platforms.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

The initial build is only the tip of the iceberg. To keep your app alive and functional, you must budget for ongoing expenses. This is where many business plans fail.

1. App Store Fees

You cannot simply upload your app to the internet for free; you have to pay rent to the digital landlords.

• Apple: Apple charges $99/year for a developer account.
• Google: Google charges a one-time fee of $25.
• Commissions: If you plan on charging for your app or selling digital goods (like a subscription), both stores typically take a 15% to 30% commission on every transaction. These app store fees are strictly enforced and must be factored into your ROI.

2. Third-Party Services Cost

Modern apps rarely work in isolation. They connect to other services to function. If your app sends SMS verification codes, processes credit cards, or uses Google Maps, you will pay for it.

• Hosting: AWS or Google Cloud servers to host your database ($20–$500+/month).
• APIs: Payment gateways (Stripe/PayPal), Maps APIs, or Email services (SendGrid).

This third-party services cost scales with your user base. The more successful your app becomes, the higher these monthly bills will be.

3. App Maintenance Cost

Software is not a "set it and forget it" asset. Operating systems update annually (iOS 26, Android 17), and third-party APIs change their code protocols. If you don't update your app, it will break.

• The Rule of Thumb: You should budget roughly 15% to 20% of your initial development price annually for maintenance.
• What it covers: Bug fixes, OS updates, security patches, and server monitoring.

This app maintenance cost is insurance for your investment. Neglecting it is the fastest way to lose users and rack up negative reviews.

Why Local Matters

When you see app development pricing from offshore agencies that looks too good to be true, it usually is. Cheap development often incurs "technical debt"—messy code that costs twice as much to fix later.

At Net-Craft.com in Phoenix, we don't just write code; we build businesses. We understand the local market, we answer the phone in your time zone, and we are honest about what it takes to succeed. We help you navigate the complex trade-offs between features and budget to ensure you aren't just building an app, but building a profitable asset.

Ready to Get a Real Number?

There is no one-size-fits-all price tag, but there is a right price for your specific project. If you are tired of guessing and want a detailed, line-item proposal for your idea, let’s talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average cost to develop a mobile app in 2026?

The average cost to develop a mobile app typically ranges between $50,000 and $150,000 for a medium-complexity project. Simple apps with basic functionality can start around $10,000, while complex, enterprise-level apps with advanced features like AI or real-time streaming often exceed $200,000. The final price depends heavily on the number of features, design complexity, and the location of your development team.

2. How much does it cost to maintain an app per year?

You should budget approximately 15% to 20% of your initial development cost annually for app maintenance. For example, if your app cost $100,000 to build, expect to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 per year to cover operating system updates (iOS and Android), server hosting, bug fixes, third-party API fees, and security patches.

3. Is it more expensive to build an app for iOS or Android?

Historically, iOS apps were slightly more expensive to develop due to specialized coding requirements, but today the costs are nearly identical. However, Android development can sometimes take longer—and therefore cost more—due to the need for testing across a wider variety of devices and screen sizes. To save money, many businesses use cross-platform frameworks like React Native to build for both platforms simultaneously.

4. What are the hidden costs of app development?

The most common hidden costs in app development include App Store fees (Apple charges $99/year; Google charges a one-time $25 fee), third-party service costs (such as payment gateways, SMS messaging services, or mapping APIs), and backend server hosting. Additionally, marketing costs to acquire users are often overlooked but are essential for the app's success.

5. How much do Apple and Google charge for in-app purchases?

Both Apple and Google typically charge a commission of 15% to 30% on digital transactions made through your app, such as subscriptions or virtual goods. While small businesses (earning under $1M/year) often qualify for the reduced 15% rate on both platforms, this commission does not apply to the sale of physical goods (like e-commerce clothing or food delivery).

Know more https://www.net-craft.com/blog/2026/01/06/app-development-cost/