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App development cost

How much does an app cost? Honest fixed prices for 2026

An app costs from $18,000 for a lean MVP and from $52,000 for a production app on iPhone and Android. Fixed price instead of hourly rates, the final scope sets the price, the scope sets the price.

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Building an app costs from $18,000 (a lean MVP) up to $35,000 and more (a production app). With me that's a fixed price on a clearly defined scope, no hourly rates, no surprises. The exact price is set in writing after a free call.

Fixed-price starting points

  • MVP, one platform, test the ideafrom $18,000 · 2-4 weeks
  • Production app, iPhone + Android + backendfrom $52,000 · 3-4 months
  • Full service, build + operatefrom $2,900/month

What drives the price

  • Platforms: iPhone only is cheaper than iPhone + Android.
  • Backend & accounts: login, user data and sync cost more than a pure offline app.
  • Integrations: payment, maps, AI and third-party systems add scope.
  • Design & polish: a polished product takes more than a test MVP.
  • Security & GDPR: the more sensitive the data, the more care required.

Why fixed price instead of hourly

An hourly rate rewards slow work and leaves your budget open. A fixed price forces honest planning on both sides: scope, price and date are set before any code is written. Details on pricing. Not sure whether to build an MVP first? See MVP or production app.

Common questions

How much does app development cost in 2026?

An MVP starts from $18,000. A production app for iPhone and Android with a real backend starts from $52,000, the final scope sets the price, fixed in writing before work starts. The final price depends on scope and is fixed as a flat fee after a free call.

Why do app prices vary so much?

Cost depends on scope, platforms (iPhone only or Android too), backend, integrations (payment, login, maps, AI), design polish and the security/GDPR requirements. A simple MVP is deliberately kept small to test the idea fast.

Are there ongoing costs?

Yes. Hosting, maintenance and third-party services are usage-based and passed through at cost, for a production app typically a low three-figure amount per month, depending on usage.

Do I pay by the hour?

No. It is a fixed price on a scope locked in writing. Out-of-scope work is only billed with your approval. No open-ended invoices.

What is included in the price?

Planning, architecture, development, store submission and full handover of source code, accounts and documentation. An MVP also includes 30 days of bug-fixing, a production app 90 days.

Keep reading

Hire an app developer MVP or production app? See pricing Agency vs freelancer vs solo architect

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