How much does it cost to hire someone to build a mobile app?

The cost to hire someone to build a mobile app varies depending on factors like app complexity, developer expertise, and location. On average, hiring a freelancer can cost between $25 to $150 per hour, while agencies typically charge $50 to $250+ per hour. Simple apps may cost around $10,000, while more complex apps can exceed $500,000. Your choice of platform (iOS, Android, or cross-platform) also influences the overall cost.

1. Developer Type

• Freelancers: Freelancers typically charge anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour. Junior or entry-level developers may charge as low as $25 to $50 per hour, while experienced developers can ask for $100 or more per hour depending on their expertise.
• Agencies: Hiring an app development agency generally costs more, ranging from $50 to $250+ per hour. Depending on the complexity of your app, the total cost for the project can vary from $10,000 for simpler apps to over $500,000 for more intricate, feature-rich apps.

2. Geographic Location

Developers’ hourly rates can differ significantly based on their location. Here’s a breakdown of average hourly rates by region:

• North America: $100 - $150 per hour
• Western Europe: $70 - $120 per hour
• Eastern Europe: $30 - $75 per hour
• Asia (e.g., India): $20 - $50 per hour
• South America: $20 - $40 per hour

Developers in countries with higher living costs, such as North America and Western Europe, typically charge more for their services than those in regions like Asia or Eastern Europe.

3. App Complexity

The complexity of your mobile app plays a major role in determining its development cost. Here’s how costs break down based on app complexity:

• Simple Apps: These apps, with basic features, may cost between $10,000 to $20,000, requiring around 200-400 hours of development time.
• Moderate Apps: Apps with added features and integrations typically cost between $25,000 to $40,000, with development taking around 500-800 hours.
• Complex Apps: For advanced apps that require custom features, unique designs, and multiple integrations, costs can exceed $50,000, with development hours exceeding 1,000 hours.

4. Platform Choice

The platform you choose for your app (iOS, Android, or hybrid) significantly impacts the development cost. Each platform requires different technologies and development expertise, which affects pricing:

• iOS: Developing an iOS app typically costs between $75,000 to $500,000.
• Android: Android app development costs usually range from $50,000 to $500,000.
• Hybrid/Cross-Platform: Cross-platform apps, which work on both iOS and Android, are usually cheaper, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.

5. Additional Costs

There are also ongoing and additional costs to consider:

• Maintenance: After launch, regular updates and bug fixes are necessary. Maintenance usually costs around 15% to 20% of the initial development cost per year.
• Onboarding New Developers: If you need to hire additional developers during the project, it could cost between $1,000 to $5,000+ to onboard new team members.

Conclusion

The cost of hiring someone to build a mobile app depends on several factors, including the type of developer, app complexity, geographic location, and platform choice. Simple apps can start around $10,000, while more complex apps can exceed $500,000. Understanding these variables will help you budget effectively and choose the right developer for your project.