Why can't a mobile app be priced with a single number?
Two apps can share a label (say, “a taxi app”) and still differ hugely in screens, user roles and backend systems. The cost of an app reflects the development time it takes, and the scope decides that time. A fixed price for an app with an undefined scope means either missing work or extra costs that surface later.
To see a realistic ballpark for your project, try the app cost calculator, then we can pin down the scope together.
The main cost drivers
- Platform: iOS only, Android only, or both. A single Flutter codebase can shorten the timeline when targeting both platforms; native (SwiftUI, Kotlin) is the choice when deep access to device features is required.
- Screen count and user roles: Every role, such as customer, business, driver or admin, means its own screens and permission rules.
- Backend and admin panel: The server that stores the data, the API and the panel you manage content from are the largest part of the work in most projects.
- Integrations: Payment gateways, maps and live location, push notifications, SMS, shipping or accounting connections each need their own development and testing.
- Design: A clean interface built from standard components and a bespoke, animated brand interface differ significantly in effort.
- Maintenance and updates: OS updates, store policy changes and bug fixes continue after launch.
Store account fees and publishing costs
Beyond development, publishing requires store accounts. On Apple's side you need an Apple Developer Program membership, billed annually, to publish on the App Store; on Google's side you open a Google Play Console developer account with a one-time registration fee. I recommend checking current fees on Apple's and Google's official pages.
On top of that there can be usage-based costs such as servers/hosting, a domain name, SMS or map services. For the publishing process itself, see the App Store app publishing page.
What should you prepare for an accurate quote?
- Write down the app's purpose in one sentence and its target user.
- List the user roles and what each role needs to do.
- Note a few reference apps you like and what exactly you like about them.
- Specify the required integrations (payments, maps, notifications, etc.).
- Separate the must-have features for the first release from those that can wait.
With this information the quote is broken down item by item, so you decide while seeing how each feature affects the cost. Product decisions always remain yours.
How does starting with an MVP affect the cost?
An MVP (minimum viable product) is the smallest version that is enough to test your idea with real users. Limiting the first release to the core flows lowers the upfront cost and bases later development on real user feedback. However, because of the App Store minimum functionality rule, an MVP must still deliver genuine value; otherwise you may face an App Store rejection.
What I offer
Itemised quote
See how each feature affects the cost
iOS and Android
Native or Flutter, as the project needs
Backend + admin panel
API, database and admin panel included
Integrations
Payments, maps, notifications, SMS
MVP planning
First release scope defined together
Launch and maintenance
Store process and post-launch support
Technologies I use
Example projects
A selection of live projects serving real users.
Taxi, Fleet & POS Platform
Passenger, driver and fleet apps with live dispatch and POS.
View
Pingora — Number-Free Messaging
Secure messaging and video calls without sharing a phone number.
View
Kassa — iPhone POS & Inventory App
Barcode sales, stock, customer credit and profit reports for grocery stores and kiosks; works offline.
ViewHow we work
Free intro call
We clarify needs, existing systems and goals together.
Quote & roadmap
Scope, technology, timeline and budget within 24 hours.
Staged development
Weekly demos and a live test environment.
Launch & support
Go-live, training and ongoing maintenance.
Free pre-analysisThe first meeting and roadmap are completely free, with no obligation.
Staged delivery and approvalYou review each module on a test environment before we move on.
Written scope and rightsScope, delivery and source code rights are defined in the contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a mobile app built?
The price depends on the platform, number of screens, backend and admin panel, integrations, design and maintenance needs. A fixed price given before the scope is clear is misleading; the scope is defined first, then an itemised quote follows.
Does building for iOS and Android cost twice as much?
Not necessarily. Cross-platform technologies like Flutter can target both platforms from a single codebase. Because the backend and admin panel are shared by both platforms, the total is lower than two separate projects combined.
Who pays for the store accounts?
The accounts should be opened in the app owner's name; the Apple Developer Program is billed annually and the Google Play developer account has a one-time fee. That way the app and the accounts stay fully under your control.
Are there extra costs after launch?
Servers, usage-based services such as maps and SMS, and maintenance to keep up with OS updates are needed. These items are listed separately at the quoting stage.
How can I get a rough cost estimate?
Fill in the quote wizard in the app cost calculator to get a preliminary estimate, then discuss the scope to request a firm quote.