How Much Does It Cost to Deploy an App

How much may app development cost you? The typical cost to build an app of good quality ranges from $60,000 up to $300,000+ per platform. Factors like app type, number and complexity of functionality and design, IT vendor influence the app price, where at 40$/hour rate:

Simple app development cost - $60,000 for one platform (e.g. Calculators, Camera)
Basic app price - from $60,000 to $150,000 per platform (e.g. McDonald's Loyalty)
Complex, custom (multi-feature) app cost - starts from $300,000+ (e.g.Uber, Instagram)

The app development process timeline also varies from 2-3 for a small app, 3-6 months for an app with a basic feature-set, and 9+ months for a complex product, which is considered an ongoing project.

Our software development company has analyzed some key mobile app industry studies to explain this app cost range.

Here, we created a compound article of recent findings and have included our mobile app development practices.

This guide will help you to understand the app development cost formation. You will be able to:

effectively manage your app development budget
reduce app costs
pay attention to mobile app cost drivers upfront

Let's start our journey in figuring out the budget you need to invest in your app idea.

App Development Cost: Benchmarks

It makes a lot of sense to launch an app startup these days. The vast majority of the population utilize different mobile apps as part of their daily activities.

However, what is the cost to implement a mobile application these days?

Amount of Time Spent in Mobile Apps

The most reliable mobile app industry studies provided the following quotations for app development cost and timeline:

The median app development cost is around $171,450 (at a rate of $150/hour), which represents 1,143 development hours. The total app price could even increase to $727,500 in the case of complex functionality implementation (Clutch Survey, 2015)
Average minimum app development project is between $5,000 to $10,000. The typical cost to create an app is likely to be far higher (Clutch Survey, 2017)
Enterprise mobile app development cost is an average of $140,000 (VDC Research, 2017)
Available app cost calculators state a price range from $267,000 to $360,000 for complex, multi-feature mobile apps
Regarding the app development timeline: over 80% of mobile apps take 3+ months to develop; 40% of apps are built in 6+ months (Outsystems Survey, 2018-19)

Basically, your app idea, along with business and functional necessities, influences the app development cost.

The most influential factors which determine the final cost to build an app are:

Vendor type and location
Complexity and the number of app features
Back-end infrastructure and connected APIs
Complexity of UX/UI design
Inclusion of additional branded visual elements
Development approach (native, mobile web, hybrid, etc)
Number of platforms to be developed (iOS, Android, web, etc)

Mobile App Development Cost in 2020

The question is still open. How much does it cost to build an app in 2020?

The key findings suggest that the cost to develop an app ranges from just $5,000 to $500,000 based on up-to-date industry surveys.

Our team has also created a detailed investigation on the cost to build an app that lists estimates based on widely used app features, design complexity, and software development stages.

As a result, our conclusion supports the main findings regarding the cost to develop an app in 2020. An application with a core set of features costs upwards of $60,000, while the complex mobile app development cost starts at $300,000.

The table below illustrates the range of costs to build an app with timeline accordingly.

	Basic App (core feature set, 1 platform)	Full Product (more features and more complex design, 1 platforms)	Large App (complex app design, development, and support, 2+ platforms)
Total cost	~$60,000-$150,000	~$150,000 -$300,000+	$300,000+
Timeline	~3-5 months	~4-9 months	9+ months (ongoing)

Want to create an application?

You are always welcome to reach out to our team and discuss your app concept. We will tell you details of the app development process and estimate its cost and timeline for free. By combining your creative ideas with our technical experience we can create a great product that users will love.

Get your consultation & app estimate for free

Cost to Develop an App: Understanding the Basics

The following elements should help you understand the app development cost, so you are able to influence the price range and set your project's budget.

Native vs. hybrid app

The app development approach definitely influences the final cost to build an app.

An application that suits the guidelines of a specific operating system is called native. Thus, you can only build a native app for each system separately. Logically, the app development price increases in proportion to the number of platforms you want to target.

In contrast, a hybrid or cross-platform app works with multiple operating systems, which means that you can save money by building only one application for all required platforms.

However, due to the technical superiority and performance of native apps, the vast majority of app development companies recommend this approach.

Graph: Invest in Native or Hybrid Mobile App

Android vs. iOS app

You may also ask if there is any difference in app development cost based on the platform. The answer is no.

These days, the app development timeline for Android and iOS apps is almost the same. If you target both platforms, your applications can be built simultaneously and use APK to iOS and Android, which allows the apps to be launched at the same time.

Misconceptions about the mobile app development process

The two most common delusions within app development are as follows:

1. You expect your app business to become another "Uber"

The majority of digital startuppers expect good outcomes right away. Many of the requests we receive sound like: "build an app like Uber" or "I want to develop an app like Instagram."

You would surely agree that these app-based companies have evolved over the long term. Besides, just consider the fact that Instagram received $57.5M in investments for application development in order to become successful.

So, if you want another Uber or Instagram - expect to pay!

Advice: Instead of duplicating someone's success, it is important to concentrate on bringing something new to the market. These days, you need to build habit-forming app products.

We recommend that you read "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products"

Everyone in Silicon Valley is talking about this book. The book is a best-seller and a must-read for anyone who wants to know what it takes to build an app into a successful business.

2. You can succeed without proper market research

It is highly necessary to evaluate the market and complete the pre-planning stage for your app concept. Do your homework carefully: study the market and find its pain points that your app idea can solve.

Reasons behind expensive app development

Airplanes and cars are both types of transportation, but they are different by all means. The same can be said about software. The cost to develop an app like Uber differs significantly from the cost of an app like Today Weather, which simply uses third-party API.

Why people have a tendency to devalue software?

This confusion exists due to the following three factors:

Apps are intangible - as opposed to hardware, software products are seen as screens. In order to show this information, all the hard work is done in the background. An analysis of Kickstarter campaigns derives that hardware projects receive more funding as opposed to software ideas. It is suspected that hardware remains more noticeable, while software is out of sight and, therefore, unappreciated.
Immeasurable intellectual capital value - the creativity and thoughtfulness involved at the project's start is hard to measure. Usually, a cross-disciplinary team is involved to ensure all the app details and processes are covered. Clients do not see the result of this work since it does not result in any tangible deliverables, just an app concept. Therefore, many people become confused by the final app price tag for a custom software development service.
Non-obvious benefits - some prefer elegant, simple, and intuitive products, while others search for more power and speed in their apps. This can be compared to Mac users and those who have never understood the benefits provided by Apple's devices.

How is App Development Cost Estimated?

How can you accurately estimate the cost of mobile app development services?

The main app cost driver is the app's features.

A feature is a special activity or task according to which the software should operate and give the expected result. This can be a sign-up button on a screen or something more complex like video-streaming integration. The number of features and complexity of their implementation directly correlates with the cost to build an app.

The formula used to calculate app development cost is as follows:

Formula: App Development Cost

Before app development begins, reliable software development firms usually provide you with a rough mobile app development cost estimate. The quote is based on your project description, business and technical requirements. This information is combined and concluded in a preliminary list of features.

Companies usually estimate app development cost using:

Concepts - present a sum of features to accomplish
Stories - list all the features necessary to make a concept
Story Points - show the app development pace and complexity

These items are presented in the form of a product backlog.

A product backlog is a list of the features, changes to existing features, bug fixes, infrastructure changes, or other activities that a team may deliver in order to achieve a specific outcome.

In general, clients are charged for app development services based on the following options:

Fixed charge - a payment which implies the cost charged for a specific timeline. This may work well for smaller projects, especially those with a clear and well-defined scope of work. The advantage of this option is that the app development cost is affirmed with the client before development starts.
Time & material - a pricing structure that is determined by the time and materials needed for a project and thus is typically calculated based on an hourly rate. This approach provides flexibility during the app development process and fits more complex and ongoing projects.

It is necessary to understand the benefits of applying the time & material option, even though you may be anxious about it in the beginning. As this option has both an initial project estimate and the ability to change the scope during the process, this helps to control the app budget and, with this flexibility, build a product people will love.

The latter is actually your core goal, isn't it? :)

Why initial mobile app development cost estimates are not always met?

Basically, there are two reasons why the estimated app development cost does not end up matching reality:

Unfaithful app quotes are provided by a software firm of low service quality. Some companies do not pay enough attention in the preparation of a good-faith estimate or are dishonest and simply want to sign the contract. Usually, these are bodyshop teams.
Increase in app development scope due to changes along the way.

If your budget is limited for the first app version, you have three options:

Agree on specific features - set them upfront and stick to the plan. If you follow this rule, you will keep the same scope of work and the app development costs will stay the same as well.
Pay additional costs - with extra app functionality, be prepared for the fact that your cost to build an app will increase.
Drop functionality - along with your development team, you can prioritize app functionality. In this case, you may rearrange the scope of work so that it will contain necessary features and fit budget constraints. Reach a compromise so that your cost to develop an app stays at the same level.

Infographic: How Mobile App Development Cost Estimates are Calculated

How to know the approximate price for your app

If you want a more accurate app quote, please contact our team. We will evaluate your project idea in detail. This estimate will more realistically match your project requirements.

Get your rough app estimate for free

Cost to Build an App Based on Development Stages

In most cases, the mobile app development process consists of these five stages:

Pre-development (also called - discovery or research)
UX/UI design
App development
App testing and deployment
Ongoing support and maintenance

Note: Depending on the app vendor these steps can be renamed, take place in another order, or imply a slightly different format.

The majority of software development vendors (~ 70%) start a project with the pre-research/ discovery stage (Source: Clutch.co, 2017).

Our team is not an exception, since this step allows the team to clarify all the ins and outs of the app from both technical and business perspectives.

A common understanding and trust are formed with a client and software development vendor through personal meetings.

Discovery stage provides the following benefits:

Time and cost savings
Requirements validation
Goal-based design solution
Risk coverage
Synchronization of the Product Owner (client) with the team
App project task prioritization

The biggest benefit you receive after the discovery stage is an exact answer to the question: "how much does it cost to make an app for your business?" An accurate app development budget and delivery date are calculated based on user stories presented in the product backlog.

Once the discovery stage starts, a cross-functional team is allocated to the project. The team may consist of a Business Analyst, Software Architect, Designers, etc.

Among other possible Discovery Stage deliverables are:

Finalized project concept
UX/UI design
Product backlog
Project architecture plan
Market & Competitor analysis (optional)

Discovery Stage Deliverables and Roles

The average cost of the discovery stage ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 with a timeline of 2-4 weeks. These costs and timeline relate to an average app project lasting 3-5 months. Depending on the project complexity, the number of platforms, and functionality, the discovery phase budget can increase to $50,000 or even higher.

The subsequent app development stages use the deliverables derived from the discovery phase. Depending on the project, the team may proceed directly with the app coding phase or finalize the app design.

It is necessary to have a visual representation of the app prior to the actual app coding. Surveys summarize that the app design costs around $5,000 for an average of 11-20 app screens. Thus, the price for app design correlates with the number of screens, design complexity, and the use of any sort of custom visual elements.

Similarly, the number of features and their complexity, as well as the app concept and type influence the cost of an app during the development stage. Ordinary features like user login/logout, push notifications, in-app search by one entity type, and basic one-to-one chat cost less. The functionality connected with the content management system (admin panel), video and audio streaming, is complex and thus more expensive.

The app testing stage ensures proper app function and quality. Logically, the cost for app testing is directly connected to the app functionality. In practice, app testing takes up around 30% of the app cost spent on client side (front-end) implementation. The front-end part of an admin panel costs less; around 10%.

The graph illustrates the average app development cost during each stage based on data collected from 102 app development firms. Each development stage adds up to the total mobile app cost.

Graph: Cost Per App Development Stage

Want to know your initial app development budget?

At MLSDev, we can estimate your project roughly to give you a general idea of the potential cost of your app. Interested?

Get in touch

Mobile App Development Cost Based on 8 App Types

Mobile App Development Types

Please note: the following app development costs are given to build a common understanding. As well, some app types may have similar functionality.

Remember: each and every project is unique, since no one has the same requirements, business context, technologies, and people involved.

1. The most basic app development cost

App Cost: > ~$15,000
Timeline: ~1 month
Examples: Calculator, Camera, Clock, Local games, SMS apps, Local audio/ video players

Basic apps are simple apps with 5-6 screens and no backend or necessity for a network connection. These apps are not that common today. There should be a clear purpose to develop this type of app. These days, most apps need to operate with the Internet, as people consume lots of information online.

2. Data-driven app development cost

App Cost: ~$15,000+
Timeline: ~1-1.5 months
Examples: Calendar, Weather, Stocks, Maps

Data-driven apps are defined as those that consume and process only specific information. For instance, Today Weather app uses third-party API information.

These apps are also not that common today, but they still exist. In most cases, these apps are either the extension of a larger software product or include additional features.

Other examples of apps in this category are calendar or stock apps. Note that these apps may need some back-end work, and so the cost to build an app increases.

3. Authentication app development cost

App Cost: starting from ~$60,000+
Timeline: ~3-6 months
Examples: McDonald's Loyalty App, Google Drive

Authentication apps need a user to log in to provide full app functionality. The app development cost for this type increases since there are many subordinate features. Here, the user has a personal account and interacts with the data, which is synchronized among devices. This also requires a corresponding admin panel for content and user management.

It is advisable to employ registration via social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc). This is a one-step procedure that is quicker to implement. Our team has vast experience in developing apps with login functionality.

MLSDev team has a vast experience in building applications in this domain. Take a look at the project illustrated below.

McDonald's Baltics: Loyalty App

Check out the case study of McDonald's Baltics Loyalty App. in greater detail.

This is a good example of an authentication app. All the app's features are unlocked once the user is registered.

Please note that the application is not active on App Stores any longer.

4. Social networking app development cost

App Cost: ~$60,000 - $300,000+
Timeline: ~3-6 to up to 9+ months for ongoing project
Examples: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yummi

Logically, social networking apps imply social interactions, chats, and information sharing. Therefore, the back-end infrastructure should be planned with the intent to process lots of data.

There are also many subdued types of social apps like media sharing, apps for consumer reviews, communities, blogs, anonymous and interest-based networks, dating apps, etc.

Making a clone of the most widely used social products like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube does not lead to greater success. These products have existed for years now and your social app simply cannot include all of their functionality. All of them started from either an MVP or a first basic version with their core features.

For example, in the beginning, Instagram was an app working with photos - adhering a photo into a square. This is known as the Instagram MVP, the key functionality which allowed Instagram to succeed in the app business. Building the first version of your future custom full product is a great approach to begin any project.

Our team has worked on an app that is very similar to Instagram in its functionality, but is a completely different social networking app concept.

Yummi Application

Check out the case study of creating Yummi App in greater detail.

Yummi has been developed to create and share your eating logs, best food memories, and great places to eat.

5. E-Commerce app development cost

App Cost: ~$60,000 - $300,000+
Timeline: ~3-6 to up to 9+ months for ongoing project
Examples: Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, ASOS, GoPuff

E-Commerce apps include the functionality mentioned earlier: user registration, user account, social features. These apps are equipped with detailed product catalogs, separate product pages, and a user check-out system completed via payment transaction. For the payments, services like Braintree and Stripe are great to integrate.

The e-commerce app infrastructure is a complex one, as it requires a well-planned back-end and admin panel to manage users, orders, catalog pages, payments, inventory, etc.

We have prepared a detailed guide on an e-commerce website development with lots of useful information. To learn more, read the article: How Much Does an E-Commerce Website Cost?

6. On-demand app development cost

App Cost: ~ from $70,000 - 100,000+ (basic, per platform)
Timeline: ~5-7+ months
Examples: Uber, UberEATS, Postmates, Nimber, Melabiz

On-demand apps are thusly named as their goal is to satisfy specific needs or wants. The most well-known example of this type of app, conquering the market worldwide, is Uber. The cost of Uber's project can be identified by simply taking a look at its funding. The information on Crunchbase states that the company received $1,300,000 solely during the seed round.

On-demand apps can have functionality like that of social apps, such as a login or communication component - chats, calls, and more.

Similar to e-commerce apps, these apps can have ordering, delivery, and payment features to purchase goods and services.

As well, these products usually consist of two apps with totally different experiences. Thus, their functionality also differs; e.g. rider and client app in Uber.

As a result, app development cost rises along with the development timeline. It is necessary to build two separate applications with their own logic, UX/UI design, and functionality. This is especially true if you plan to launch this type of app on both iOS and Android.

7. Marketplace app development cost

App Cost: ~$300,000+ (web platform)
Timeline: ~9+ months
Examples: TripAdvisor, Booking.com

A marketplace app includes features from both e-commerce and on-demand services, as it is an extensive version of these apps. The marketplace app concept has two sides of the economy - demand and supply. The logic and interaction in user experience should be well-defined. This process takes time, so the cost to develop an app of this type is higher.

For instance, Uber focuses solely on transportation services. In contrast, TripAdvisor offers hotels, restaurants, airline tickets, and more services with the help of a website and native iOS and Android applications.

8. IoT & Hardware app development cost

App Cost: starting at ~$60,000+
Timeline: from ~3-6 months
Examples: Beacons, Amazon Dash Buttons, WeMo, BELI Printing Service, Jo

Internet-of-Things apps interconnect particular physical objects or equipment with technology. Once the IoT technology is applied, these items are considered 'smart.' These 'smart' items could be medical tools, pet collars, devices for home assistance, and so on.

These apps need to connect with a device either via Bluetooth or WiFi technology. This helps to send requests and receive data.

In order to develop this kind of app, it is necessary to have a ready-made device and its comprehensive documentation. The hardware should work properly and in accordance with the documentation. It is then possible to estimate the cost to develop an app, at least roughly.

In the past, our team has worked on a few projects connected with hardware.

BELI Printing Service - an app that prints order receipts directly to a printer on location with a merchant.
Jo - an app that records video from a panoramic camera and converts it into a horizontal picture.

In conclusion, the following table summarises the key approximate app development cost and timeline information for each particular app type.

	App development cost	Timeline (in months)	Examples
Basic app	> ~$15,000	~1 month	Calculators, Camera, Clock
Data-driven app	~$15,000+*	~1-1.5 months	Calendar, Weather, Stocks
Authentication app	~$60,000+*	~3-6 months	McDonald's Loyalty App, Google Drive
Social networking app	~$60,000 - $300,000+	~3-6 up to 9+ months	Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yummi
E-Commerce app	~$60,000 - $300,000+	~3-6 up to 9+ months	Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, ASOS, GoPuff
On-demand app	~$70,000 - $100,000+ (basic, per platform)*	~5-7+ months	Uber, UberEATS, Postmates, Nimber, Melabiz
Marketplace app (multilevel web platform)	~$300,000+	~9+ months	TripAdvisor, Booking.com
IoT & Hardware app	~$60,000+*	~3-6 months	Beacons, Amazon Dash Buttons, WeMo, DirectTV, BELI Printing Service, Jo

Basic version - core feature set, 1 platform, responsive design

Our team has prepared an exhaustive guide on app development cost that lists rates and development locations, as well as costs for the most widely used features

Learn more in the article How Much Does it Cost to Make an App?

10 Hidden App Development Cost Drivers

The process of app evolution can be separated into the following phases:

Phase 1: Development of the first app version. This milestone includes design creation, coding the feature, quality assurance, etc. As well, the app architecture is organized for subsequent project versions including components such as hosting, proper server capabilities, databases, different supporting libraries, etc.
Phase 2: Ongoing app development. This phase refers to the necessary app updates, implementation of new features, app maintenance, bug fixes, and more.

Some of the elements, especially those that fall into the app architecture and ongoing development categories, can sometimes be undervalued or simply hidden from the client's eye. This may cause confusion among clients, as these parts impact the cost to build an app noticeably.

Below is a list of elements that have some of the biggest influence on app cost:

App infrastructure services (servers, hosting, domains)
Assembling the app architecture: monolithic vs. microservices architecture (the latter uses more technical resources, but is also more efficient in the long run)
Databases used for data storage (user data, photo and video content, etc.)
Assembling back-end infrastructure (especially for further app scalability)
API and third-party service integration (e.g. payments, maps, analytics, etc.)
App administration (complex web portals or CMS for app management)
Development tools and libraries used
Data encryption to transfer data
Regular app updates and bug fixes
Video or audio streaming functionality

Please also take into account: Software development vendors estimate the current costs to build an app, which exclude support and app maintenance costs.

If you are planning to build a great app product, you should consider the ongoing app development cost you will have to handle.

The cost to maintain and support an app is considerably higher than the budget spent on original app development.

So, how much does it cost to maintain an app?

Recent studies regarding the ongoing app development cost state:

Typical mobile app development equates to around 35% of the total budget spent over the next two years (Computerworld, 2012)
After the app launch, expect that further support and app maintenance costs will be around $5,000 - $10,000 annually (Clutch Survey, 2017)
Around 50% of the app development cost will be spent on maintenance during the first year, 25% in the second, and 15%-25% each subsequent year (Outsystems Survey, 2018-19)

Thus, it makes sense to set two different mobile app development budgets; one for the first working product version, and another for app's further support and ongoing development.

Conclusion: How to Build Your App on a Budget

We assume you now have an idea of some approximate app development costs. Here is a list summarizing how it is possible to stick to the initial app budget, as well as a couple helpful recommendations.

1. Do your homework. Note the app requirements (technologies, platform(s)) and conduct your own market research for an app idea, solution, and target audience.

2. Choose the right app development team. Select a vendor who is experienced in your niche, has worked with well-known brands, and has a substantial portfolio.

These vendors are likely to work on minimizing the app development costs and timeline, and:

build and work on their own open-source libraries and use them in app development (while not breaking licenses rights). Check MLSDev's TRON open-source library on GitHub
use their own best practices and ready-made solutions for the intended functionality (e.g. user registration, chats) to save time for regular operations
apply only proven and working libraries and third-party services with enough documentation
utilize effective project management processes and tools inside the company
apply just the right technologies and development tools to achieve the necessary results (e.g. Kotlin, programming language for Android that provides necessary functionality with fewer code lines compared to Java)

3. Take into account hourly development rates. Outsourcing to Eastern Europe (e.g. Ukraine) is preferable since it provides a good price-quality ratio.

4. Start small. Beginning with the development of the first app version is a good way to start growing your project.

5. Use simple app design. Apply laconic and intuitive app design for the first app version.

6. Monitor and be involved in the process as a Product Owner. Your feedback is highly valuable to the team and only through a combined effort can you achieve greater results.

7. Planning is key. Even though it may not have a single line of code, the app discovery stage is one of the keystones. Never undervalue this phase because it is worth the initial investment.

8. Receive a detailed project estimate. Just after the discovery stage, you should receive the core project materials and the rough app estimate should become exact.

9. Stick to the app scope. Otherwise, be prepared to pay extra or reorganize the work with your app development vendor.

Let's summarize the results of our app development cost analysis:

App development cost per platform ranges from approximately $15,000 to $300,000+.
Industry studies present the cost to build an app from $5,000 to $500,000+. This supports the fact that the app development cost is hard to predict upfront.
App development cost is based on factors like app development vendor, number and complexity of features, design, development approach, and platform(s).
Accordingly, the timeline to build an app varies anywhere from 1 to 9+ (ongoing project) months.
It is highly valuable to complete the Discovery stage. The stage price for the first app version is around $10,000 - $15,000 for 2-4 weeks of work. This cost may increase up to $50,000 based on the project's specifics, complexity, the number of platforms, and so on.
Discovery phase deliverables are a finalized app concept, product backlog listing app functionality, app design, and architecture plan. As well, an accurate app development budget is specified.

Want to know how much it will cost to build your application?

Contact our team and we will estimate your app development cost.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions:

⏳ How much time does it take to develop an app?

If you plan to build an app of medium complexity, the timeline to implement your application can take from 6 to 9 months. In general, the timeline to build an app varies anywhere from 1 to 9+ months. It depends on multiple factors including a number of features and their complexity, uniqueness of the design, usage of third-party services, and so on.

✅ Why do reliable app development companies recommend to develop native apps instead of hybrid?

The hybrid apps opposed to native are less expensive but this option has some considerable limitation. Native app development offers more possibilities for customization, facilitation, and optimization, provide better quality, performance, and user interaction. In its turn, this gives the most value to the target audience. At the same time, native vs hybrid app has a lower risk of the app being banned from the app stores.

🏆 How to choose a reliable app development company that will become my tech vendor?

The initial step is to study the shortlisted IT vendors by checking information like portfolio, experience, industry focus, tech specialization, client testimonials, etc. Further, when communicating with potential teams, you need to consider factors like the estimated project duration and required budget, documentation, software development tools, the number of developers assigned to the project, and so on.

💲 How much budget should I allocate for the app maintenance?

Typically, the cost to maintain an app makes 35% of the total budget spent on original app development over the next two years. Please, note that the sum won't be less than $5,000 - $10,000 annually. The recent findings illustrate that around 50% of the app development cost will be spent on maintenance during the first year, 25% in the second, and 15%-25% each subsequent year.

How Much Does It Cost to Deploy an App

Source: https://mlsdev.com/blog/app-development-cost

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How Much Does It Cost to Deploy an App