Groenewold IT Solutions – Home
🇩🇪
App Development Cost Calculator for iOS and Android

App Development Costs: Transparent Calculator for iOS and Android

Use our interactive calculator for an initial cost estimate. Transparent, fast and without obligation.

In brief

Investment frame for app development

The investment frame for a complete app project is EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl. VAT. Platform, feature scope and backend move the project inside that band. Line items are not project prices.

The upfront cost can be spread over 72 months. Terms are on the software financing page.

Related: app development service.

App Development Costs at a Glance

Calculator project range: EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl. VAT. The amounts below are calculator line items, not complete project prices.

Platform Prices

Design Options

Backend Development

Additional Features

Maintenance Packages (monthly)

Use our interactive app cost calculator for an individual estimate. Prices are indicative. In a personal conversation, we create a detailed quote based on your specific requirements.

Interactive App Cost Calculator

App cost calculator

What does your app cost?

Answer a few questions and get an initial cost estimate

Step 1 of 617% completed
For which platform(s) should the app be developed?

How the app cost range is built

The calculation follows six visible stages. All figures remain planning values until scope and assumptions have been reviewed.

  1. 1. Capture inputs

    The calculator records platform, complexity, design, selected features, backend scope and maintenance level.

  2. 2. Add fixed components

    Fixed base modules and selected add-ons are added without mixing them with recurring charges.

  3. 3. Apply multipliers

    The platform base value is multiplied by the selected complexity factor; design, features and backend are then added.

  4. 4. Create the range

    The lower bound is 85% of the calculated base value and the upper bound is 125%.

  5. 5. Round and calibrate

    Monetary result fields are rounded to the nearest whole euro. Public project-cost components are calibrated with the centrally maintained display factor.

  6. 6. Classify the result

    The result is shown as non-binding guidance. A binding quote requires scope, data, integrations, risks and acceptance criteria to be reviewed.

Included

  • Platform and complexity
  • Design and selected features
  • Backend scope
  • Optional monthly maintenance

Not included

  • Requirements not selected in the calculator
  • Unknown data migration and third-party licence costs
  • Taxes, legal advice and a binding delivery commitment

Efficiency or discount factor: A central display factor of 0.7 is applied to public project-cost components to keep all calculators aligned with the currently reviewed pricing basis. It is not a customer-specific discount; customer-entered wages, revenues and existing operating costs are not reduced.

Why this is not a binding quote: The calculator cannot verify complete requirements, third-party dependencies, data quality, legal constraints or acceptance criteria.

Technical responsibility and review

Technical owner
Björn Groenewold
Role
Managing Director and software engineer
Expertise
Software development and software estimation
First published
Last technical review
Price basis
September 2026

App development costs range from EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl. VAT according to the calculator, depending on platform, feature scope, and complexity. Main drivers are platform choice (iOS, Android, or cross-platform with Flutter), backend effort, integrations to existing systems, and optional AI features. Mid-market teams should budget ongoing app maintenance for OS updates and operations – often 15–25% of the initial build per year. Use the calculator below for a first estimate without sign-up; we refine scope and assumptions in conversation before a binding quote.

Sample calculations & scenarios

Concrete project profiles with assumptions and indicative budgets—useful for internal alignment alongside the calculator.

Cost examples

All cost examples for this calculator

Typical scenarios

App development as a commercial decision

Calculator overall range

EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl. VAT

The overall range is derived from the valid parameters of the relevant cost calculator.

Typical duration

2-12 months depending on platform, integrations and quality target

Main risk drivers

  • - Platform strategy defined too late (native vs cross-platform)
  • - Backlog growth exceeds release cadence
  • - Post-launch operations and maintenance not budgeted
Example scenario: Cross-platform business app with 12 screens, API integration and admin area delivered in 5 months.

Non-binding indication

This result is only a non-binding indication based on typical assumptions. Effort and price must be calculated individually for your project.

Book app scoping

Or call us:+49 491 960 999 00

What Influences App Development Costs?

App development costs depend on many factors. Our calculator considers the most important ones: platform, complexity, design, features, backend requirements and maintenance. This gives you a realistic initial estimate.

Platform Options at a Glance

Native iOS/Android

Maximum performance and full access to device features. Ideal for demanding apps with hardware integration.

  • Best performance
  • Full API support

Cross-Platform

With Flutter or React Native, serve both platforms with one codebase. Cost-effective with great results.

  • iOS & Android from one codebase
  • Faster development

Progressive Web App

Web app with app-like experience. No app store needed, runs on all devices with a browser.

  • Lowest costs
  • No store approval needed

Popular App Types and Use Cases

Our app development agency in Germany delivers a wide variety of projects. Here are the most common requests:

Employee App

Secure enterprise app for internal communication, shift planning, time tracking and digital workflows – GDPR-compliant and tailored to your processes.

Field Service App

Android business app or iOS app for field service with offline capability, GPS tracking, order capture and CRM integration – usable even without network coverage.

Product Configurator App

Product configurator app for SMEs: customers and sales configure products visually, calculate prices in real-time and create quotes – mobile and desktop.

Customer Loyalty App

Native iOS app or Android app for customer retention with loyalty program, push notifications, personalized offers and self-service portal.

Typical Cost Ranges

Non-binding calculator scenarios, not a fixed price. Overall orientation: EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl. VAT.

EUR 4,760 – 12,250 excl. VAT
Simple App
  • • 3-5 screens
  • • Standard features
  • • Simple design
  • • 2-3 months
EUR 17,493 – 39,025 excl. VAT
Medium App
  • • 10-15 screens
  • • Backend integration
  • • Custom design
  • • 4-6 months
EUR 35,403 – 75,688 excl. VAT
Complex App
  • • 20+ screens
  • • Many integrations
  • • Premium design
  • • 6-12+ months

Why Choose Us?

Transparent Pricing

No hidden costs. You know from the start what to expect.

Made in Germany

Development entirely in Germany. Direct communication without detours.

Experience since 2010

More than 250 completed software projects. We know what works.

Up to 50% Funding for Your App Development

Many app projects are eligible for government funding programs – whether digitalization, innovation or e-commerce. Our funding calculator shows you in 4 steps which subsidies are available for your project.

Calculate fundingFunding consulting

Related Cost Topics

Web development costsMVP calculatorMobile app maintenanceSoftware maintenance costs

Ready for Your App?

The calculator provides an initial orientation. In a free initial consultation, we discuss your requirements in detail and create a customized quote.

Request app development – no obligationExplore web & mobile servicesView references

Frequently asked questions

App Development Costs

Costs & budget

How much does a simple app cost?

A simple app with 3–5 screens and basic functionality is around EUR 4,760 – 12,250 excl.

VAT according to the calculator. The price depends on the platform (iOS, Android or both), design and backend requirements.

How much does a complex business app cost?

Complex business apps with many features, user roles, API integrations and custom design are around EUR 35,403 – 75,688 excl.

VAT according to the calculator. Larger programmes outside these calculator scenarios are quoted after the requirements analysis.

What is included in the price?

As standard: conception, UI/UX design, development, testing, app store publication and handover.

Optional: backend development, API integrations, ongoing maintenance and support.

Björn Groenewold – Geschäftsführer Groenewold IT Solutions

Calculate app costs

Use our cost calculator for an initial estimate of your app development.

Go to cost calculator
Alternatively:Book a consultation

Platform & calculator

iOS or Android – which is cheaper?

Development costs for iOS and Android are similar.

With cross-platform technologies such as Flutter or React Native you serve both platforms from one codebase and save about 30–40% compared with two native apps.

How accurate is the app development cost calculator – and when is it worthwhile?

The calculator provides an initial budget orientation for conception, development, backend, interfaces, testing and operations.

Typical deviation from a later fixed price: ±20–30%. It is worthwhile when you need a first range before scope and requirements are validated in conversation.

Björn Groenewold – Geschäftsführer Groenewold IT Solutions

Request a consultation

Which solution fits your project? We advise you without obligation.

Get in touch

Timeline & operations

How long does app development take?

A simple app: 2–3 months.

A medium app: 4–6 months. A complex app: 6–12+ months. The timeline depends on scope, feedback cycles and availability for coordination.

What does app maintenance cost – and how does it differ from further development?

App maintenance typically costs 15–25% of initial development per year: OS updates (Apple and Google release major versions annually – apps should be adapted within 6–12 months), library updates, bug fixes, monitoring and security patches.

Maintenance keeps the app stable and store-compliant; further development adds new features – both are needed long term. Hosting and backend operations are additional.

Estimation & having an app built

How is the app development cost estimate created?

It is based on a requirements analysis.

We estimate effort by phase – concept, design, development, backend, testing and operations. The calculator on this page gives initial orientation; a binding quote follows scope clarification.

Which factors determine app development costs?

Key drivers are target platform, feature scope, interfaces, data processing, security level, design ambition, test depth, project duration and post-launch operations.

Planning iOS, Android and Flutter in parallel saves up to 40% versus two native apps. Costs rise mainly through complex API integrations, offline capability and multiple user roles – a clear release cut keeps budgets predictable.

What does it cost to have an app developed?

According to the app cost calculator, a non-binding orientation for a complete app project (platform, complexity, design, features, backend) is EUR 4,760 – 75,688 excl.

VAT. Line items in the calculator are not full project prices. Optional monthly maintenance is shown separately (up to about EUR 840/month in the calculator). A binding offer follows the requirements analysis.

Costs cover conception, UX/UI, development, backend, QA, store deployment and ongoing operations – which features belong in the first release is clarified in scoping.

Can app development costs be capitalised?

Yes: production costs for self-developed software – including app development – can generally be capitalised under HGB and IFRS if technical feasibility and intention to use are demonstrated.

In-house developments are recognised as intangible assets and amortised. Tax treatment may differ – coordinate with your tax adviser or auditor.

More about app development

How the app cost estimate is built

How we reliably calculate the cost of your app development

Platform decision, feature scope, and fixed-price packages—so you don't renegotiate for every iOS quirk.

  1. 1. Clarify platforms and distribution

    We discuss whether iOS, Android, both, or cross-platform is needed and whether the app lives in stores or as an internal PWA. That gives the first cost drivers.

  2. 2. Feature scope with priority

    We define MVP features, optional features, and 'later' features. So you see concretely what the base costs and where growth options lie.

  3. 3. Backend, interfaces, hosting

    We calculate effort for backend, API, ERP/CRM integration, and hosting separately—not as one lump for 'the app'.

  4. 4. Fixed-price package or sprint budget

    You get an offer with fixed-price packages per feature or a sprint budget with clear deliverables.

Typical pricing models (overview)

Comparison: typical pricing models for software and IT projects
ModelWhen it fitsBudget & flexibilityTypical risks
Fixed price (fixed scope)Clearly defined scope, stable requirements, repeatable delivery.Predictable total cost; little room for change without a change order.Scope creep leads to change orders or quality trade-offs.
Time & MaterialDiscovery, legacy, evolving requirements, or close collaboration.Maximum flexibility; budget transparent via hourly or daily rates.Without prioritisation, effort can grow—backlog and reviews matter.
Retainer / maintenance packageOngoing operations, updates, small features, and support.Agreed capacity per month; predictable follow-on cost.Large changes may still need a separate estimate.
Hybrid (milestone + T&M)MVP or phased releases with clear go-lives, then iterate.Core delivery fixed price; extensions on a time-and-materials basis.Define contractually what is in scope vs. extra work.

Calculators on this page provide indicative ranges; we choose the right model with you based on risk, scope, and planning horizon.

What determines the costs, and what comes next?

The ranges shown are indicative. For a binding quote we discuss scope, priorities and funding options in a free intro call. Many digitalization projects qualify for grants – try our funding calculator.

Browse all cost calculators, explore services and typical solutions. Questions about app development? Contact us.

The calculator result for app development is indicative only – a binding budget follows scope alignment, data review, and quality targets.

Plan follow-on costs

  • Operations and maintenance separate from the initial build
  • Internal key users and training
  • Monitoring and support after go-live

Next steps after the calculator

  • Intro call: funding and phased delivery
  • Discovery, pilot, or rollout matched to risk
  • Documented assumptions and exclusions in the quote

Compare related calculators in the costs hub for edge cases (integrations, compliance, parallel run).