How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mobile App in 2025
Let’s answer the question every founder asks first: “How much does it cost to build an app?”
The real answer depends on what you’re building — but knowing the major cost drivers can help you plan smart, stay on budget, and build something that lasts.
Question: What’s the average cost of a mobile app in 2025?
Answer:
Based on industry data, here’s a realistic breakdown for 2025:
Simple MVP: $10,000 – $25,000
Mid-Level App: $25,000 – $75,000
Complex App: $75,000 – $150,000+
Enterprise-Grade: $150,000 – $300,000+
The numbers vary because every app has its own complexity — think login systems, APIs, third-party integrations, and design depth.
What factors affect cost the most?
Scope and complexity. More features, more screens, more cost.
Platform choice. Native (iOS/Android) or cross-platform (Flutter).
Backend setup. Servers, APIs, databases, and infrastructure.
Design and polish. Custom animations, user flows, and accessibility.
Maintenance. Updates, testing, and future iterations.
Apps that invest early in design and strategy usually save money long term, because they avoid rework later.
Question: Are there hidden costs I should expect?
Answer:
Yes — and being aware of them early helps you stay prepared. Hidden costs often include:
App store fees and licensing
Server hosting and scaling
Post-launch support
User analytics and marketing
Unexpected design or feature changes
Plan an extra 10–25% buffer in your budget for flexibility.
How can I control app costs effectively?
Here’s what smart founders and product managers do:
Start with an MVP. Launch fast, learn fast.
Prioritize must-have features first.
Choose cross-platform frameworks like Flutter when appropriate.
Communicate clearly with your development team.
Review estimates and milestones regularly.
When your team treats cost as a strategy — not an afterthought — you stay ahead of surprises.
Question: How long does it take to build a mobile app?
Answer:
A simple app might take 2–3 months.
A complex one can take 6–12 months depending on scope and testing.
Timelines matter because time equals money. Teams that plan and communicate well save you both.
Why Tepia helps you stay on track
At Tepia, we’ve helped startups and enterprises alike launch mobile apps that meet deadlines and respect budgets. Our process starts with clarity — we define scope, build prototypes, and give you full visibility from day one.
Because we specialize in mobile, we already know where projects tend to drift. We plan around that. Our goal is simple: keep your project on budget, on timeline, and on course.
Tepia wrote this.
If you want to understand exactly what your app should cost — and work with a U.S.-based team that delivers within budget and within timeline — visit tepia.co. We’ll help you bring your idea to life the smart way.