The Question
Every mobile project starts with budget.
"How much does an app cost?"
Here's the honest answer.
The Price Ranges
| App Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Simple (React Native) | $20,000-40,000 |
| Standard (React Native) | $40,000-70,000 |
| Complex (React Native) | $70,000-120,000 |
| Native (iOS + Android) | 2x React Native |
What Drives Cost
1. Feature Complexity
Simple: Login, feed, basic profile
Complex: Real-time chat, video, AR
2. Platform
React Native: One codebase, both platforms
Native: Two codebases, twice the work
3. Design Requirements
Basic: Component library, standard UI
Custom: Custom animations, complex interactions
4. Integrations
Stripe: $2,000-5,000 Maps: $1,000-3,000 Third-party APIs: Varies
The Hidden Costs
1. Backend
Mobile app + API + database = expensive
Budget 40% of mobile cost for backend.
2. App Store Approval
Apple review: 1-3 days Google review: 1-2 days
Sometimes longer. Plan for it.
3. Maintenance
Bug fixes: $2,000-5,000/month iOS updates: $5,000-10,000/year Android updates: $5,000-10,000/year
React Native vs Native
React Native: $25,000-80,000
One codebase. Both platforms.
Good enough for 90% of apps.
Native: $50,000-200,000
Two codebases. Maximum performance.
For games, AR, complex graphics.
The Honest Answer
For a typical SaaS app with React Native:
$35,000-60,000
That includes:
- React Native app
- Basic backend
- Stripe integration
- App store deployment
How to Reduce Cost
1. Start Mobile-Web
Validate demand with web app first.
Add mobile later.
2. MVP Scope
Ship core feature. Add features after.
3. Use Components
Don't redesign standard patterns.
Mobile doesn't have to break the bank. But it's not cheap either.
