If you’ve ever thought, “We should build an app for that,” you’re not alone.

From restaurants and retailers to coaches, content creators, and SaaS startups — nearly every business today is either planning, launching, or maintaining a mobile app. It’s no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s how people expect to engage with brands.

But before diving in, one question always comes up first:

“How much is this actually going to cost us?”

And here’s the honest answer: It depends — but we’ll help you break it down in real terms.

At TheSpaceCode, we’ve built apps for startups, mid-sized companies, and even first-time founders. Let’s walk you through what goes into app pricing in 2025, what to expect, and how to make smart decisions no matter your budget.

First, What Kind of App Are You Building?

Not all apps are created equal. Some are super simple — like a digital brochure or loyalty card. Others are full-fledged platforms with payment systems, user logins, and real-time updates.

Here’s a basic breakdown to give you some context:

App Type	What It Might Include	Estimated Cost
Basic App	Static pages, contact forms, maybe a booking system	₹1.5 – ₹4 lakh
Mid-Level App	Logins, database, payments, push notifications	₹5 – ₹15 lakh
Advanced App	Real-time chat, AI, maps, personalization, offline support	₹15 lakh+

If you’re just starting out, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is often the smartest path. You focus on core features, keep costs in control, and launch faster.

Where Does the Money Actually Go?

App development isn’t just writing code. You’re paying for a team that works across multiple areas:

• UI/UX Design – The look, feel, and flow of the app
  
• Frontend & Backend Development – What users see + what runs behind the scenes
  
• API Integrations – Connecting your app with other services like Google Maps, Stripe, or CRMs
  
• Testing & QA – Making sure your app doesn’t break on real users’ phones
  
• App Store Deployment – Submitting to Apple/Google with proper optimization
  
• Post-Launch Support – Fixes, feature updates, and user feedback improvements

Who’s Building It Makes a Big Difference

Here are your three main options — and what you should know about each:

Small to Mid Agencies 

You get design, development, testing, and support under one roof. Ideal for businesses looking for clarity, process, and growth.

Cost Range: ₹5L – ₹25L+

In-House Team

High long-term potential, but expensive. You’re hiring developers, designers, PMs, QA, and more.

Cost Range: ₹25L+ and up (plus hiring headaches)

Don’t Forget These “Hidden” Costs

Many businesses forget to plan for these when budgeting:

• App Store Fees:
  Apple charges $99/year. Google Play charges a one-time $25 fee.
  
• Maintenance:
  Apps are living products. Bug fixes, new features, security updates — these all cost money post-launch.
  
• Marketing:
  App Store Optimization (ASO), paid ads, influencer shoutouts — just building an app won’t guarantee downloads.
  
• Backend Services:
  Firebase, AWS, database hosting — if your app handles data, you’ll need servers and cloud space.

So, How Can You Save Without Sacrificing Quality?

Smart cost-saving tips we often give clients:

• Start with an MVP – Build only what matters for now. You can always scale later.
  
• Go Cross-Platform – Tools like Flutter and React Native let you launch for iOS + Android in one go.
  
• Use Prebuilt Components – You don’t have to custom-code every button or feature.
  

At TheSpaceCode, we’re big on helping clients get to market fast—without burning through their budget.

Real Talk: Think ROI, Not Just Cost

Yes, building an app is an investment. But if it gets you:

• More orders
  
• Higher engagement
  
• Better customer loyalty
  
• New revenue streams
  

Then it’s worth it.

The best apps aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that solve problems and serve users well. That’s where the real ROI comes from.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, building a mobile app is more doable than ever — but it’s still something that needs planning, clarity, and a good partner.

At TheSpaceCode, we help startups and businesses take their ideas from paper to app store — with transparency, flexibility, and honest pricing.

Thinking of building your first app? Let’s chat about what you need and how we can help you get there without wasting time or budget.