How Much Does a Mobile App Cost in 2026?

Building a mobile app is often seen as a heavy investment. But how much does it really cost? Honest answer: between €3,000 and €150,000, depending on what you want to achieve. Here's how to understand that range and set a realistic budget for your project.

Three types of mobile solutions

• Native iOS or Android: built specifically for one OS. Maximum performance, full system API access. Expensive because two separate codebases.
• Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter): one codebase for both iOS and Android. ~90% of native performance, 30–50% cost saving vs native.
• Progressive Web App (PWA): a website that behaves like an app. No app store required. Cost-effective for simple needs.

Realistic price ranges in 2026

• Simple app (5–8 screens, auth, static data) — React Native or Flutter: €3,000 — €8,000
• Intermediate app (REST API, push notifications, user profiles, payments): €8,000 — €20,000
• Complex app (geolocation, real-time, custom backend, multi-role): €20,000 — €60,000
• Enterprise app (scalability, security, ERP integrations): €60,000+

What drives up the cost

• The backend (API, database, server): if it doesn't exist yet, budget 50–100% on top of the front-end.
• A web admin panel to manage app data.
• System features: push notifications, geolocation, camera, Bluetooth — each takes time.
• App Store publication (Apple: $99/year) and Google Play Store ($25 one-time).
• Post-launch maintenance: iOS and Android release major updates every year.

How to reduce costs without cutting quality

• Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — only the essential features.
• Use third-party services for complex features: Stripe for payments, Firebase for auth, OneSignal for notifications.
• Work with a studior rather than an agency: no overhead, direct communication.
• Prepare a detailed brief: unplanned changes are expensive.

My approach for your mobile project

I build mobile apps in React Native, targeting both iOS and Android with a single codebase. Based near Nice (Sophia Antipolis, French Riviera) and available fully remote, I work with clients across France and internationally.

Get in touch for a free 30-minute discovery call — I can estimate your budget and identify the priority features for your MVP.