Practical guide · Updated July 25, 2026
How much does it cost to make an app?
The useful answer depends on what already exists and which production responsibilities the app must own.
Existing website to store-ready wrapper
For a responsive product with limited native needs, a managed packaging and publishing project can start around $1,500–$3,000. Payments, offline behavior and complex device APIs increase scope.
Cross-platform custom mobile app
A focused Expo, React Native or Flutter build commonly starts in the five figures once product design, backend work, QA and both stores are included.
Native iOS and Android
Separate native codebases cost more to build and maintain. Choose them when platform-specific capability or performance creates measurable value.
Budget for operations
Developer accounts, infrastructure, monitoring, support, store compliance and repeated releases remain after launch. A low initial build price does not remove those costs.