Guides / Mobile Apps
Mobile app development cost: what decides the price of an Android & iOS app
By OmegaAPI · 13 November 2026 · 7 min read
An app is rarely just an app. Behind most apps there is also a server, a database, an admin panel and app-store publishing. Understanding those parts is the easiest way to understand the price.
The parts of an app project
- The app screens users see on Android and iOS.
- A backend (server and database) that stores accounts, orders and content.
- An admin panel for your team.
- Notifications, payments, maps or chat — each is a feature with its own cost.
- Publishing to Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Native vs cross-platform
Native apps are built twice — once in Kotlin for Android and once in Swift for iOS. Cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter let one codebase run on both. For most business apps, cross-platform gives near-native quality at a much lower cost, which is why we use it by default.
Typical price ranges
Broad market ranges for a cross-platform app including a basic backend and admin panel:
| App type | Example | Common range (India-based team) | Common range (US/UK agency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple app | Information, forms, notifications | ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Booking / service app | Slots, payments, reminders | ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 | $25,000 – $80,000 |
| Marketplace / delivery | Customer, partner and admin apps | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ | $60,000 – $200,000+ |
Running costs after launch
- Google Play developer account (one-time) and Apple Developer Program (yearly).
- Server/hosting and database.
- Push notification, SMS, maps and payment gateway charges.
- Updates for new Android/iOS versions.
Start with an MVP
Pick the one job your app must do well — for example “book a slot and pay” — and launch that first. Real users will tell you what to build next, which saves far more money than any discount.
Frequently asked
Can my app work offline?
Yes, many apps can store data on the phone and sync when the connection returns. Offline support adds work, so decide early if you need it.
Do I need a website as well as an app?
Usually yes — at least a landing page for the app, a privacy policy (required by app stores) and often a web admin panel.
Planning a project?
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