How Much Does It Cost to Hire an App Developer?
When it comes to turning an app idea into reality, one of the first questions every business owner or startup founder asks is: “How much will it cost to hire an app developer?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. App development costs vary widely depending on who you hire, where they're located, what technologies you need, and the complexity of your project. In this guide, we break down everything that affects app developer costs in a straightforward and practical way—so you can plan your budget with clarity and confidence.
1. Type of Developer: Freelancers, Agencies, or In-House?
The first cost factor is the type of developer you choose. Each comes with its own pricing model and pros and cons.
Freelance Developers
Cost Range: $20–$100/hour
Best for: Small apps, MVPs, or quick fixes
Freelancers are often the most affordable option but may lack the structure and long-term commitment of an agency or full-time hire. Rates vary depending on their experience, skill level, and region.
App Development Agencies
Cost Range: $50–$250/hour
Best for: Full-scale projects needing a team (design, dev, QA)
Agencies offer a packaged service with project management and quality assurance, but this convenience and team setup come at a higher cost.
In-House Developers
Cost Range (annual): $60,000–$150,000+ per developer
Best for: Ongoing development, startups with stable funding
Hiring full-time developers gives you full control but involves long-term payroll, benefits, and infrastructure costs.
2. Location of the Developer
Where your developer is based significantly impacts cost due to global salary differences.
| Region | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| North America | $80–$200 |
| Western Europe | $60–$150 |
| Eastern Europe | $30–$80 |
| India Southeast Asia | $20–$50 |
| Latin America | $30–$70 |
Hiring offshore developers in regions like India or Eastern Europe can offer significant cost advantages without necessarily sacrificing quality—if you vet carefully.
3. Scope and Complexity of the App
The more complex your app, the more it will cost to develop. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Simple Apps
Basic features like login, profile, and contact form
No backend or third-party integrations
Estimated cost: $5,000 – $15,000
Moderately Complex Apps
APIs, databases, payment systems, or chat features
Admin panel and backend server logic
Estimated cost: $15,000 – $50,000
Advanced Apps
Real-time features, third-party integrations, streaming, custom UI
Scalable backend, security, and analytics
Estimated cost: $50,000 – $150,000+
A skilled developer will be able to break down the scope into tasks and give you a realistic quote.
4. Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both?
Choosing to build for one platform or both will also influence the cost.
iOS or Android only: One codebase = lower cost
Both separately (native apps): Two teams = double the cost
Cross-platform (Flutter, React Native): One team, faster dev = cost-effective
Cross-platform development is often a smart middle ground for startups aiming to launch on both platforms quickly.
5. Level of Experience
Just like any profession, the more experienced a developer is, the more they charge—but also the faster and better they usually deliver.
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Junior (0–2 years) | $20–$50 |
| Mid-level (2–5 years) | $40–$100 |
| Senior (5+ years) | $80–$150+ |
While hiring a junior may save upfront costs, it may also lead to slower timelines or more bugs. For mission-critical or customer-facing apps, investing in experience pays off.
6. Fixed Price vs Hourly Rates
Developers may work under two main pricing models:
Hourly Rate
You pay for the time spent. This is more flexible and works well when the scope isn’t fully defined yet.
Fixed Price
A flat fee for the full project, agreed upfront. Best for well-defined projects, but often comes with strict limitations on revisions or scope changes.
Ask your developer which model they prefer and make sure to outline expectations clearly in the contract.
7. Additional Costs to Keep in Mind
Many business owners overlook indirect or post-launch costs. Here are a few to consider:
UI/UX Design: $1,000 – $10,000+ depending on complexity
Backend API Development: Can double the frontend cost
App Store Fees: $99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google
Maintenance Updates: 15–25% of original development cost per year
Marketing Launch Costs: App success needs promotion too
8. Tips to Optimize App Development Costs
Want to stay within budget while still hiring quality developers? Here’s how:
Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Build core features first, then expand
Use pre-built tools: Like Firebase or Stripe instead of custom solutions
Go cross-platform: Saves cost vs developing two native apps
Hire on-demand: Use flexible hiring instead of long-term contracts
Work with transparent vendors: Ensure clear communication and deliverables from day one
9. Hire Developers on Demand with Top App Solution (TAS)
If you're looking to hire skilled app developers without long-term contracts or high overhead, consider working with Top App Solution (TAS).
TAS offers businesses of all sizes:
Access to pre-vetted developers at competitive rates
Flexible hiring (hourly, weekly, or monthly)
Fast onboarding for urgent projects
Expertise across platforms: iOS, Android, Flutter, and backend
Transparent pricing—no hidden costs
Whether you’re building your first app or scaling an existing one, TAS helps you control cost without compromising quality.
