How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in 2026?

“How much does it cost to build an app?” has no honest answer until someone lists the screens. What I can give you is a clear picture: the real package prices I work with, what moves the price up or down, the difference between an MVP and a full product, and the costs that continue after launch. I’m Ibrahim Aliyev (codeyev), a full-stack developer from Azerbaijan, and prices here are in USD.

How much does it cost to make an app in 2026?

With me, an MVP for iOS and Android starts from $1000, a standard app with a backend from $2000, and complex projects are quoted individually. Package prices are starting points: the final price is fixed for the scope we agree in the brief, not billed by the hour.

Package	Starting price	What you get
MVP	$1000	Cross-platform app on Expo for iOS and Android, up to 5 core screens, clean modern UI, store-ready build
Standard	$2000	Everything in MVP, plus a backend and database, sign-up and user accounts, push notifications, an admin panel and publishing to the App Store and Google Play
Complex	Custom quote	Everything in Standard, plus custom integrations and APIs, payments or subscriptions, scalable architecture, and monthly support and updates

Store developer accounts, hosting and third-party services are paid separately; they are covered below. The full package descriptions are on the mobile app development page.

What drives app development cost?

Three things move the price most: the number of screens and user flows, whether the app needs a server, and how many outside systems it talks to. Everything else is secondary.

• Screens and flows. A catalogue with an order form is a few screens. A marketplace with buyer and seller roles is dozens.
• Backend and data. User accounts, orders and content that changes all need a server, a database and an API.
• Integrations. Payments, a CRM, maps, SMS or a delivery service each add work and testing.
• Admin panel. If your team edits products, prices or content, they need a place to do it.
• Design readiness. Ready brand guidelines or mock-ups save time; starting from scratch takes longer.
• Support after launch. Updates for new iOS and Android versions, fixes and new features.

MVP or full product: where should you start?

Start with an MVP if you are testing an idea or working with a limited budget. Build the full product when the core scenario has already proven itself with real users.

An MVP (minimum viable product) is the smallest version of the app that does one job well. Five core screens are enough for one main scenario, such as browsing a catalogue and placing an order, or booking a service. The MVP package delivers a store-ready build; publishing to the App Store and Google Play is part of the Standard package, along with the backend and accounts most public apps need. If you already know you need sign-up, orders or push notifications, Standard is usually the right starting point.

Is a cross-platform app cheaper than native?

Yes, for most business apps. One React Native (Expo) codebase produces both the iOS and the Android app, so you pay for one app, not two.

The saving continues after launch. Every fix and every new feature is built once and ships to both platforms. For catalogues, bookings, orders and customer accounts, this approach is more than enough. Heavy 3D graphics or rare device features are discussed separately, because they can change the estimate.

Does my app need a backend?

Your app needs a backend if it has user accounts, orders, content that changes or push notifications. Without one, it can only show what was built into it, which is why the backend is part of the Standard package.

If your business already runs a full-stack website with its own admin panel and database, the app can often connect to that system through an API instead of getting a new server. I already build this kind of backend for websites: the rolled-metal supplier’s site iron-group.kz runs on Next.js with a custom admin panel and SQLite, and the formwork and cast-iron manufacturer’s site barsogroup.kz has its own admin panel, with PostgreSQL and Docker behind it. And if all you need is to show products and contacts, a fast website may do the job without an app at all.

What does an app cost after launch?

Plan for store developer accounts, server infrastructure and ongoing updates. None of these are large surprises if you know about them in advance.

• Developer accounts. Apple charges an annual fee for the Apple Developer Program; Google charges a one-time registration fee for Google Play Console. Both accounts are set up in your name.
• Store review. Apple and Google review every app before publishing and can ask for changes, so the launch plan includes time for it.
• Store commissions. If you sell digital content or subscriptions inside the app, both stores take a commission; the rate depends on the program and the type of sale. Payments for physical goods and real-world services are generally outside these rules.
• Hosting and services. The server, database, file storage, SMS or maps are billed by their providers.
• Updates and support. New iOS and Android versions, fixes and features. Monthly support is included in the Complex package.

How long does it take to build an app?

It depends on the scope, how ready the design and content are, how fast feedback comes and how store review goes, so I give a timeline after the brief rather than a guess. The biggest factors are:

• the number of screens and user flows;
• whether there is a backend and an admin panel;
• the complexity of integrations such as payments, a CRM or external APIs;
• how quickly you review the interim builds;
• any change requests from Apple or Google during review.

To get an exact price and a realistic timeline, describe your idea in the project brief. I reply within 24 hours, and together we agree the scope and the package that fits before any work starts.