In today’s digital-first world, mobile apps are no longer optional — they are essential for businesses to stay competitive. Whether you are a startup founder with a fresh idea or an established brand looking to scale, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What is the cost to build an app?”

The answer depends on many factors such as app type, complexity, features, design, and where you choose to develop it. In this blog, we’ll break down the cost to build an app, the factors that influence pricing, and what to expect if you’re building your app in India compared to abroad.

Factors That Influence the Cost to Build an App

The cost to build an app can range widely depending on several key elements:

1. Type of App
   • Basic App (₹2–5 lakhs / $3,000–$6,000): Simple apps like calculators or basic productivity tools.
   • E-commerce App (₹8–15 lakhs / $10,000–$20,000): Apps with product listings, carts, and payment gateways.
   • Fintech App (₹20–40 lakhs / $25,000–$50,000): Secure apps with payment integrations, KYC, and compliance features.
   • On-Demand App (₹12–25 lakhs / $15,000–$30,000): Ride-sharing, food delivery, or service booking apps.
2. Features and Functionality
   Each feature adds cost. For example:
   • Login systems, user profiles, and chat support → increase development hours.
   • Real-time tracking (like in Uber) costs more than static data updates.
   • AI integration or AR/VR features significantly raise the overall budget.
3. Design & User Experience (UX/UI)
   • Simple UI = faster development, lower cost.
   • Custom animations, branding, and interactive dashboards = higher investment.
4. Development Platform
   • Native Apps (iOS/Android separately): Higher cost, better performance.
   • Cross-Platform Apps (Flutter/React Native): Lower cost, single codebase.
5. Team & Expertise
   Building from scratch requires a full team: project managers, developers, designers, and QA engineers. The more experienced the team, the higher the cost — but also the better the outcome.

App Development Cost in India vs. Abroad (2025)

One of the biggest factors is location.

• India: Developer rates range from ₹800–₹3,000/hour. This makes India one of the most cost-effective yet high-quality outsourcing destinations for app development.
• United States & Europe: Developer rates range from $50–$150/hour (₹4,000–₹12,000/hour).
• Comparison Example: A custom e-commerce app that costs ₹12 lakhs in India may cost ₹30–35 lakhs abroad.

👉 According to Statista, the global mobile app market is projected to generate over $613 billion in revenue by 2025 — highlighting why businesses worldwide continue to invest in app development.

SaaS vs. Custom App Development

When thinking about the cost to build an app, you should also decide between SaaS and custom development:

• SaaS (Software as a Service):
  • Subscription-based (₹8,000–₹80,000/month).
  • Quick to launch but limited in customization.
  • You don’t own the source code or IP.
• Custom Development:
  • Higher upfront cost (₹5–50 lakhs depending on scope).
  • Complete control over features, scalability, and IP ownership.
  • Best for businesses planning long-term growth.

How Service Hive Helps

At Service Hive, we specialize in affordable, scalable, and future-ready app development. Whether you’re looking for a quick MVP or a fully-featured enterprise solution, our experts ensure your app is built with quality and efficiency.

👉 Explore more about our services here: Service Hive

Final Thoughts

The cost to build an app in 2025 depends on multiple factors — app type, features, design, and where it’s built. While SaaS can be a good starting point, custom development offers scalability and control for long-term success.

If you’re ready to take the next step, partner with Service Hive to bring your app idea to life.

👉 Start your journey today at Service Hive.

FAQs About the Cost to Build an App

Q1: What is the average cost to build an app in India in 2025?
A: On average, it ranges from ₹5 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs depending on features, complexity, and platform.

Q2: How long does it take to build an app?
A: A basic MVP can take 3–4 months, while a full-featured app may take 6–12 months.

Q3: Which is cheaper: SaaS or custom app development?
A: SaaS is cheaper upfront but limits customization. Custom development has a higher initial cost but offers complete flexibility and ownership.

Q4: Why choose India for app development?
A: India offers world-class developers at rates significantly lower than the US or Europe, making it cost-effective without compromising on quality.

Q5: Can Service Hive help me estimate my app idea cost?
A: Yes! We provide free consultations to estimate the cost to build an app tailored to your requirements.