How Much Does Mobile App Development Cost in 2025? A Small Business Guide
September 26, 2025
What's the Real Cost of a Mobile App in 2025?
For a small business, a mobile app in 2025 can range from $10,000 for a simple MVP to over $100,000 for a complex, feature-rich application. The final cost depends heavily on factors like features (e.g., user accounts, payments), platform (iOS, Android, or both), and design complexity. The key is to start small and iterate.
Budget Breakdown
| Budget Tier | Estimated Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| MVP (Minimum Viable Product) | $10,000 - $25,000 | A basic, functional app with core features for one platform. |
| Small Business App | $25,000 - $50,000 | A more polished app with custom UI, user accounts, and some integrations. |
| Complex App | $50,000 - $100,000+ | A feature-rich app with advanced functionality, multiple integrations, and support for both iOS and Android. |
ROI Case Study: LinguaLeap
The English Teaching App
We developed an English teaching app concept, LinguaLeap, with a budget of $35,000. By focusing on core features like video lessons and quizzes, we were able to create a high-quality MVP for both iOS and Android using a cross-platform framework. The app's user-friendly design and engaging content led to a projected 50% ROI within the first year based on a subscription model.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Features: The more features you want, the more it will cost. User accounts, in-app purchases, and social media integrations all add to the complexity and cost.
- Platform: Developing for both iOS and Android separately (native) is more expensive than using a cross-platform framework like React Native or Flutter.
- Design: A custom, highly-polished design will cost more than a template-based design.