App Development Cost Calculator
Pick your platform and complexity to see a realistic 2026 build cost range, timeline, yearly upkeep and store fees. Built by the Just Create App team from published industry cost data.
- 6 platform options
- 3 complexity levels
- Timeline and upkeep included
- Updated October 2026
Tell us about your app
This does not change your estimate. It shows the typical published range for that kind of app as a sanity check.
Estimated build cost (USD)
–
Typical timeline
–
Upkeep per year
–
Plan for overruns (20% to 30%)
–
App store fees
–
A ballpark from published industry data, not a quote. Your real price depends on features, design, team and scope.
Short answer: a basic app typically costs about $15,000 to $40,000, a mid-level app $40,000 to $120,000, an advanced app $100,000 to $250,000+, and an enterprise app $250,000 to $500,000+. Some published surveys report lower typical project sizes, with most projects between $10,000 and $49,999, so treat any single figure as a starting point and get quotes before you commit.
Where the budget goes
A typical build splits across these phases. The dollar figures apply published phase shares to the middle of your estimate, so they show proportions, not exact line items.
| Phase | Share of build budget | Your estimate |
|---|
How we calculate this estimate
The Just Create App team built this calculator from published industry cost data. We do not invent prices. Every number below is traceable to published figures or to the official store fee pages.
- 1
Build cost range
The low and high figures for your platform and complexity come from a published native vs cross-platform cost table (US dollars, updated September 2026).
- 2
Timeline
Published guides list 3 to 6 months for a basic app, 6 to 9 for mid-level, 9 to 12 for advanced and 12 to 18+ for enterprise. We show 6 to 12 months for the mid-level to advanced band, which spans the two.
- 3
Overrun buffer
Industry experts advise planning an extra 20% to 30% on top of the first estimate. We multiply your low figure by 1.2 and your high figure by 1.3.
- 4
Yearly upkeep
Maintenance and support is commonly put at 15% to 25% of the build budget per year. We apply that to the midpoint of your estimate. Some experts put it at 20% to 30%, so treat 15% to 25% as the lower view.
- 5
Store fees
Apple charges $99 per membership year. Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee.
- 6
Phase split
Planning 5% to 10%, design 10% to 20%, front end 25% to 35%, back end 25% to 35%, testing 10% to 15% and launch 5% to 10% of the build budget.
Figures were last checked on October 5, 2026. Published surveys use different samples, so expect gaps between them. Published rates for agencies run about $75 to $250 per hour and for freelancers about $25 to $150, and hiring in India or Eastern Europe can cut costs by up to 60%. These are industry figures, not quotes from any team. Still deciding how to build? Read our guide to no-code app builders, compare mobile app development companies, or see custom iPhone app development cost.
What drives the price of an app
Two apps that look alike can cost very different amounts. These are the factors that move the number most.
Features and back end
Back-end work (databases, APIs, logins) is usually the biggest phase at 25% to 35% of budget. AI, real-time chat and payments push a project into a higher band.
Platform choice
Cross-platform development can lower initial cost by 20% to 40% compared with building two native apps.
Design
Custom UI and animation cost more than template-based screens.
Team and engagement model
Agency, freelancer and in-house work are priced very differently, and so is location.
Scope changes
Unclear requirements are a common cause of overruns, which is why the calculator adds a buffer.
Launch and upkeep
Store fees, hosting, bug fixes and updates continue after launch, so budget for year two as well as the build.
App development cost FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
How much does it cost to build an app in 2026?
A basic app typically costs $15,000 to $40,000, a mid-level app $40,000 to $120,000, an advanced app $100,000 to $250,000+ and an enterprise app $250,000 to $500,000+. Some surveys report that most projects cost $10,000 to $49,999. The calculator above narrows the range by platform and complexity.
How much does it cost to build an app for both iOS and Android?
For a mid-level to advanced app, published figures are $72,000 to $185,000 in React Native, $40,000 to $100,000 in Flutter and $120,000 to $300,000 as two separate native apps. Cross-platform tools usually cost less than building two native apps.
How long does it take to build an app?
Published guides list 3 to 6 months for a basic app, 6 to 9 months for a mid-level app, 9 to 12 months for an advanced app and 12 to 18 months or more for an enterprise app.
How much does app maintenance cost per year?
Ongoing maintenance and support is commonly estimated at 15% to 25% of the build budget each year. Some experts say bug fixes, server costs and updates add 20% to 30% every year, so budget at the higher end if your app has many users or integrations.
Do I have to pay Apple and Google to publish my app?
Yes. Apple’s Developer Program costs $99 per membership year. Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee. These fees are separate from development cost.
Is it cheaper to hire a freelancer or an agency?
Published figures put agencies at $75 to $250 per hour and freelancers at $25 to $150 per hour, and a basic app at $30,000 to $75,000 with an agency versus $5,000 to $30,000 with a freelancer. Agencies cost more upfront but bring a full team, while freelancers suit simple apps and MVPs. Rates vary a lot by region and sample.
How accurate is this app cost calculator?
It is a planning tool built from published industry ranges, so it is only as accurate as those ranges are for your project. A real quote needs your features, designs and timeline. Use the result as a starting budget and get quotes from teams before you commit.
Can I build an app for less with a no-code tool?
Often, for simple apps. Low-code tools such as FlutterFlow appear in the calculator at $15,000 to $45,000 for a simple app, and pure no-code builders can cost less still. See our no-code app builder guide for current options.
Ready to plan your app?
Tell us what you want to build and we will get back to you about next steps.