How Much Does It Cost for Developing Mobile App in India?

Mobile apps are excellent for communicating with customers and generating revenue. With millions of mobile users active globally, business enterprises look for opportunities to add to their list of existing users and cater to their needs via engaging mobile app development technologies. According to data from Statista, a leading research platform, Android users can choose between 3.5 million apps on the Google Play store as of the second quarter of 2022, making Google Play the preferred store to access applications for Android users.

On the other hand, Apple users can choose an iOS app from 2.2 million apps. About 97 percent of apps in Google Play are available free of cost. With such intensive growth in the number of application usage, it is evident that there is a massive demand for mobile app development services across the globe. Read more on India’s estimated mobile app development cost that entices mobile app enthusiasts.

Factors Influencing Mobile App Development Costs

In the case of in-house mobile app development, developers face various challenges and upfront costs, including the complexities of pricing app development, which may deter some companies. However, with the help of the top mobile app development companies, these challenges can be overcome, and the cost of app development can be reduced.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors that affect the cost of application development in India:

• Building applications for multiple users
• Offline or online applications
• Total number of features
• Development approach (native, mobile web, hybrid, etc.)
• Backend infrastructure and connected APIs
• Number of the screen and visual elements
• The complexity of the backend process
• UI, animation, and other special effects
• Onshoring or offshoring of application development services

Usually, while searching for terms like ‘how much app development may cost?‘ or ‘mobile app development costs in India,’ the cost brackets can be confusing. Ideally, a good quality app can cost anywhere around $50,000 to $300,000+ per platform. This cost may further increase based on factors like the application type, number, complexity, functionality, and design.

Ideally, a generally accepted formula to calculate the cost of developing an app in India is:

Briefly, the cost of a simple app with a primary User Interface and must-have features – is somewhere around $40,000 to $60,000, whereas a slightly complex application with custom features can cost around $61,000 and $120,000

Mobile App Development Costs: A Breakdown by Application Type

Mobile apps differ in functionality and use and solve other purposes with unique project requirements, contexts, and technology stacks.

1. Basic Applications

A basic app could be a calculator, a local game, or an audio/ video player with roughly five to six pages and may not require a backend for a network connection.

• App Cost: Under $15,000
• Timeline: 1 month

2. Data-Driven Applications

Calendars, weather updates, stock info, and maps are examples of data-driven applications that need a robust database at the backend to function as expected. The cost of such an app can be slightly higher than a basic app because of its ability to integrate with third-party services and the need to manage and control the database.

• App Cost: More than $15,000
• Timeline: 1-1.5 months

3. Authentication App

McDonald’s Loyalty App and Google Drive are the best examples of authentication apps. Here, you need to log in with a one-step procedure to have full app functionality. Including updated features may increase the cost of such an application and require a professional software development team to complete the project with authentication and login functionalities.

• App Cost: $60,000+
• Timeline: 3-6 months

4. Social Networking App

Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yummi are the most suitable social networking sites, including social interactions, newsfeeds, and networking functionalities. Developers may need regular support from a backend infrastructure, and such apps start from a basic version or an MVP with some core features.Understanding the cost to build a social media app is essential for planning and development.

• App Cost: $60,000 – $300,000
• Timeline: 5-9 months for ongoing project

5. E-Commerce App

Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, and Alibaba have established themselves as leading eCommerce players, serving many consumers with their highly engaging applications. The e-commerce app development needs a well-planned backend and admin panel to manage catalog pages, payments, users, orders, or inventory with a complex infrastructure.

• App Cost: $60,000 – $100,000+
• Timeline: 6-10 months for ongoing project

6. On-Demand App

Uber, Uber Eats, and Postmates are popular on-demand apps that satiate the specific needs of their customers. Like eCommerce apps, on-demand mobile apps also need functionality like login, chats, calls, payments, delivery, user feedback, and more. Moreover, such apps require a robust backend to manage customer information, payments, and other business functions. The cost of developing such apps rises with the development timeline.

• App Cost: $70,000 – 100,000
• Timeline: 5-7+ months

7. Marketplace App

TripAdvisor and Booking.com are some examples of marketplace application that owns features from on-demand and e-commerce services. Demand and supply are the central concepts behind marketplace app development. These apps need regular interaction in terms of user experience, and their app development process is time-consuming, ultimately increasing the project’s cost.

• App Cost: $300,000+ (web platform)
• Timeline: 9+ months

8. IoT & Hardware App

Beacons, Amazon, Dash Buttons, and WeMo define IoT and hardware apps connecting physical objects with digital technologies. Such apps can be defined as intelligent tools, like medical instruments, pet collars, and home assistance devices. IoT and hardware apps are built on backend platforms that must be developed and maintained to ensure the reliability and functionality of the app.

• App Cost: 60,000+
• Timeline: 3-6 months

Summing Up

Leading app development companies in India can help reduce the escalating costs of pricing app development by implementing effective techniques .These techniques include creating a product specification document concerning the tech stack and app features, prioritizing essential elements with the team, and developing an MVP with new features and robust testing practices in the initial development phase, supported by app development case studies.

Choosing the right app development company that gives value to your investment is essential for your project. To get further clarity on the actual mobile app development cost in India, getting estimates from leading mobile app developers or top mobile app development companies are the best way forward.

Author

Sunit Agrawal

AVP - Technology

Sunit Agrawal is an accomplished AVP of Technology with over 14 years of experience in the field. He specializes in enterprise-level software development and large-scale implementations, where his expertise drives impactful results.

Sunit’s deep knowledge of technology solutions and his passion for delivering high-quality, scalable systems have earned him a reputation for excellence. His strategic vision and hands-on approach ensure successful project outcomes and long-term client satisfaction.