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Mobile App Development Cost: iOS, Android or Cross-Platform?

The cost of mobile app development mainly depends on one critical decision: building two separate apps (iOS & Android) or one cross-platform application that runs on both.

If you choose to build native Android and iOS applications, you will need to develop two separate frontends. On iOS, the frontend must be built using Swift. On Android, you can choose other languages such as Kotlin or Java. However, the backend can be the same for both applications.

Alternatively, you can build a single application that runs on both iOS and Android by using Flutter or Ionic.

This choice must be made at the start of the project in order to obtain an accurate estimate.

Native iOS & Android

  • ❌ Two frontends to build & maintain
  • ❌ Higher initial cost
  • ✅ Best performance & UX
  • ✅ Easier access to native features

Cross-platform

  • ✅ One codebase
  • ✅ Lower initial cost
  • ✅ Faster time-to-market
  • ⚠️ Potential limitations for complex features

Which Option Is the Most Cost-Effective for Your App?

There is no universally cheaper option when it comes to mobile app development.The most cost-effective approach depends on what you want to build now — and how your product will evolve over time.

If you are building an MVP or a startup app

If your goal is to validate an idea quickly, control your budget and reach users fast, cross-platform development is often the most cost-efficient option.

This allows you to maintain a single codebase, develop your application faster, and reduce costs.

If you are building a business or long-term product

For applications with complex workflows, performance constraints, or a long-term roadmap, native development (iOS + Android) usually makes more sense.

This allows you to avoid costly technical limitions later and have a better performance and scability.

Typical Mobile App Development Cost Ranges

Simple Mobile App

A simple mobile app focuses on core functionality only, without advanced logic or heavy integrations. It is typically designed to validate an idea or provide a straightforward user experience. Typical features included:

  • Basic UX design
  • User onboarding & authentication
  • Basic forms (contact, feedback)
  • Basic backend for data storage (No API)
  • Easier access to native features
  • Basic client-side CRUD

Estimated cost: $15,000 – $30,000

This type of app is well-suited for MVPs, early-stage products, or internal tools where speed and cost control matter.

Medium Complexity Mobile App

A medium complexity mobile app goes beyond basic functionality and introduces user-specific features and backend logic. This type of application is common for startups and growing businesses launching a first real product. Typical features included:

  • Back-end API
  • Third-party services integration such as payments
  • More complicated front-end integration

Estimated cost: $30,000 – $80,000

Medium complexity apps require more planning, testing, and backend work, which directly impacts development time and budget but they offer a solid foundation for future growth.

Complex Mobile App

A complex mobile app involves advanced features, heavy backend logic, and high scalability requirements.This type of application is typically built for marketplaces, SaaS products, or high-traffic platforms. Typical scope included:

  • Real-time functionality (chat, live updates, notifications, geolocation)
  • Advanced business logic and workflows
  • Complex backend architecture and APIs
  • Performance optimization and scalability
  • UX/UI design tailored to complex user journeys
  • Quality Assurance (QA) and extensive testing
  • DevOps, deployment pipelines and monitoring

Estimated cost: $80,000+

Complex mobile apps require significant planning, coordination, and long-term technical vision. The higher initial cost reflects the level of reliability, performance, and maintainability expected from production-grade applications.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are mobile apps are so expensive?

Mobile applications are expensive because they are complex to develop and more difficult to maintain than web applications.

Why do costs vary so much?

Choosing between a native or cross-platform application already explains this. If you want a native iOS and Android application, you will have to build two different fronts-end. Conversely, if you choose a non-native application, you will only have one application to develop. Also, the QA phasis can be long because apps take a long time to test.

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