App development costs vary wildly. Here's what you should actually expect to pay in the UK.
Cost Ranges
- Simple app (MVP): £15,000 - £40,000
- Medium complexity: £40,000 - £100,000
- Complex app: £100,000 - £300,000+
What Affects Cost?
Platform Choice
Building for both iOS and Android costs more than one platform, unless you use cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter.
Features
User authentication, payments, real-time features, offline functionality, and third-party integrations all add cost.
Design
Custom UI/UX design adds £5,000-£20,000 but is usually worth the investment.
Backend
Most apps need a server backend, adding £10,000-£50,000+ depending on complexity.
Ongoing Costs
- App Store fees: £80/year (Apple) + £20 one-time (Google)
- Server hosting: £50-£500+/month
- Maintenance: 15-20% of build cost annually
Get a detailed quote for your app idea from PYCO IT.