Mobile app development is one of the most significant digital investments a business can make. Costs range from a few thousand rupees for a simple MVP to several lakhs for a full-featured production application. Understanding what drives those costs helps you plan realistically.
The Biggest Factors That Affect App Development Cost
1. Platform: Android, iOS, or Both
Building for a single platform (Android only or iOS only) costs less than building for both. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter allow you to build one codebase that runs on both platforms, which reduces cost while maintaining good performance for most business use cases.
2. App Complexity and Features
The number and type of features is the single biggest driver of cost. Every feature — user authentication, notifications, payments, location services, chat — requires design, development, and testing time.
- Simple app (5–8 screens, basic features): ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Medium complexity (10–20 screens, payments, notifications): ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000
- Complex app (real-time features, custom backend, multiple user roles): ₹5,00,000+
3. Design Quality
A custom-designed application with polished UI, animations, and a refined user experience costs more than a functional but basic interface. For consumer-facing apps, design quality directly affects user retention.
4. Backend and API Development
Most apps need a backend — a server and database that stores and manages data. Building and maintaining this infrastructure is a significant part of the total cost. Apps that integrate with existing systems (payment gateways, third-party APIs, CRMs) require additional development.
5. Ongoing Maintenance
After launch, apps need updates for new operating system versions, bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Budget for ongoing maintenance of approximately 15–20% of the original development cost per year.
MVP vs Full Product
A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a version of your app with only the core features needed to validate your idea with real users. Building an MVP first is a smart strategy because:
- It costs significantly less than a full product
- You get real user feedback before investing in the full build
- You can prioritize features based on what users actually want
An MVP typically costs 40–60% less than a full-featured version of the same app.
What to Ask Before Starting
- Who owns the code and all assets after development?
- Will the app be maintained after launch?
- What happens if requirements change during development?
- Is backend infrastructure included in the quote?
- What is the App Store submission process and cost?
Getting Started
At Shriyan Technologies, we develop Android, iOS, and cross-platform mobile applications. We start every project with a clear scope and proposal so you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before we begin.