It is the first question almost every client asks, and the honest answer is that cost depends on what the app needs to do. Two apps that look similar on the surface can differ greatly in effort because of integrations, user roles and back-office tools. This guide explains what drives the price so you can budget with confidence.
The main cost drivers
Platforms
iOS only, Android only or both. Cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter and React Native let one codebase serve both, which usually reduces cost compared with two native apps. See native vs cross-platform development.
Number of screens and features
Login, profiles, catalogues, search, cart, checkout, bookings, chat, notifications, ratings, loyalty points: each adds design, development and testing time.
User roles
An app for customers only is simpler than a marketplace with customers, vendors, drivers and administrators, each with their own screens and permissions.
Admin dashboard
Most business apps need a web dashboard to manage content, orders, users and reports. It is often as much work as the app itself.
Integrations
Payment gateways with mada and Apple Pay, your ERP or POS, maps and delivery tracking, SMS verification and ZATCA e-invoicing all add effort. See app payments in Saudi Arabia.
Languages and design
Arabic and English with proper right-to-left layouts, plus custom illustration, animation or 3D, increase design time.
Typical project tiers
| Tier | Typical scope | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | A focused app with a handful of screens and a simple admin panel | Company app with catalogue, news and enquiry form |
| Business | Accounts, payments, notifications and integration with one core system | Booking or ordering app for a chain of branches |
| Platform | Several user roles, real-time features and multiple integrations | Marketplace or delivery platform with driver app |
We give fixed quotes rather than generic price lists because two projects in the same tier can still differ substantially.
Costs beyond development
- Apple Developer Program and Google Play developer accounts.
- Hosting, databases and file storage.
- Third-party services: SMS, maps, push notifications, payment gateway fees.
- Maintenance for OS updates, security patches and small improvements. Read app maintenance after launch.
How to get an accurate quote
- Describe your users and the top three things each must do.
- List the systems the app must connect to.
- Share apps you like and why.
- Decide what must be in version one and what can wait.
With that, a good agency can give a fixed written quote. Ours arrives within 48 hours of a free scoping call with our mobile app development team.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build for one platform first?
Sometimes, but cross-platform frameworks often make both platforms only modestly more expensive than one, so launching on both is common.
Can we reduce cost without hurting quality?
Yes. Cut version-one scope to the features that prove the business case, use proven components and plan later features for phase two.