Building a mobile or web app can feel a bit like buying a house: everyone wants to know the bottom line, but the final price depends on the design, the materials, the neighborhood—and your dream finishes. Here at Mbivu Tech, we’ve guided countless startups and enterprises through this journey, so let’s break down what goes into your investment.
1. Defining Your App’s Complexity
Before we talk numbers, it helps to understand the three tiers of app complexity:
1.Simple Apps
Examples: Basic calculators, informational apps, simple to-do lists
Features: Minimal screens, no user accounts or back-end integration
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $20,000
Timeline: 4–8 weeks
2.Moderately Complex Apps
Examples: Social media integrations, geolocation, payment processing
Features: User authentication, API connections, custom UI/UX
Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $80,000
Timeline: 3–6 months
3.Complex Apps
Examples: On-demand marketplaces, real-time chat, large-scale databases
Features: Advanced back-end architecture, admin dashboards, high security
Estimated Cost: $80,000+
Timeline: 6+ months
2. Key Cost Drivers
1. Design & User Experience
Wireframes & Prototyping: Mapping user flows and layouts
Visual Design: Custom icons, animations, branding elements
Impact: A polished design can be 20–25% of your budget, but it’s the first impression users get—never skimp here.
2.Development
Platform Choice: iOS, Android, cross-platform (e.g., React Native, Flutter)
Frontend vs. Backend: Simple frontends without servers cost less; complex backends add significant hours.
Talent Rates: Developers in North America/Europe average $80–$150/hr, while skilled teams in Kenya, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia range $30–$60/hr.
3.Quality Assurance & Testing
Manual Testing: Real-device checks for bugs and UI quirks
Automated Testing: Scripting routine tests for regressions
Impact: Count on ~15% of development time dedicated solely to QA.
4.Project Management & Communication
5.Ongoing Maintenance & Updates
Bug Fixes & Security Patches
New Feature Releases
Server Costs & Scaling: As your user base grows, so do your hosting bills.
Budget Rule of Thumb: Plan for 15–20% of your initial development cost per year.
3. Real-World Budget Scenarios
| App Type | Estimated Cost Range | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Informational | $5,000 – $20,000 | 1–2 months |
| Utility with APIs | $20,000 – $50,000 | 3–4 months |
| Marketplace & Social | $50,000 – $120,000 | 5–8 months |
| Enterprise-Grade | $120,000+ | 8+ months |
Pro Tip: Always build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first. You’ll launch faster, validate your idea with real users, and then invest in the most impactful features.
4. How to Optimize Your Budget
Start with Clear Specs: A detailed requirements document helps prevent scope creep.
Choose the Right Team: Balance cost and expertise—sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves you rework later.
Leverage Open-Source & SDKs: Frameworks like Flutter, React Native, and ready-made UI kits accelerate development.
Plan for Phases: Break your roadmap into “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and “future upgrades.”
5. Why MBivu Tech?
At Mbivu Tech, we specialize in turning your vision into a robust, user-friendly app—without surprises on the invoice. From strategy and design to development and support, our transparent workflows and fixed-bid options keep your project on time and within budget.
Ready to get started? Visit mbivu.com/contact or drop us a line at info@mbivu.com. Let’s build something amazing—together!