Introduction
So, you have an app idea, maybe it’s for your business, a side project, or something you’ve been thinking about for a while.
You open Google and type, How much does it cost to build an app in India?” And suddenly, you’re faced with numbers ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹15 lakhs or more. Confusing, right?
The truth is that there is no fixed price for building a mobile app, and anyone who gives you one upfront without knowing what you need is just guessing.
At Blackstone Infomatics, we’ve built apps for local stores, startups, delivery companies, coaching centres, and more. What we’ve learned is this: the cost of an app depends on what you’re trying to build, just like how building a 1BHK flat is different from designing a 3-storey bungalow.
This blog is here to break things down for you.
You’ll learn:
- What affects the cost of an app
- Real price ranges in India
- How to reduce your app development budget without sacrificing quality
- What to expect before and after your app goes live
Let’s make the numbers make sense.
Why App Costs Vary So Much
Let’s clear up the biggest myth: app development isn’t a fixed-price product; it’s a custom service.
Think of it like asking, “How much does a vehicle cost?”
Well, do you want a scooter, a hatchback, or a luxury SUV? The same goes for mobile apps.
Even two apps that look similar on the outside can have very different price tags depending on:
- What features do they need
- How users interact with them
- Whether they’re built for Android, iOS, or both
- Whether they need backend infrastructure (like user logins or admin dashboards)
- And how much design or polish is expected
For example:
- An app that just displays static info and contact details might be done under ₹1 lakh.
- But an app that lets users log in, make payments, track deliveries, and get push notifications? That’s more time, more testing, more work and a higher cost.
So instead of asking “How much does an app cost?”, the better question is:
“What kind of app do I want, and what do I need it to do?”
Once that’s clear, pricing makes a lot more sense.
Rough Pricing Tiers in INR
Now that you understand why app prices vary, let’s get into the part where you are about the numbers.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of app development costs in India, based on the complexity and features involved:
App Type | Common Features | Estimated Cost (INR) |
Basic App | 3–4 screens, static info, no backend | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Mid-Level App | Login/signup, forms, basic database, contact, simple admin | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
Advanced App | E-commerce, payments, location tracking, custom backend, API links | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
Enterprise/MVP App | Scalable architecture, real-time updates, admin panel, analytics, security | ₹10,00,000+ |
🧠 Examples for Context:
- Basic App: A digital brochure app for a local service provider or a restaurant.
- Mid-Level App: A gym management app with member login and workout tracking.
- Advanced App: An e-commerce store with product filters, cart, payments, and delivery tracking.
- Enterprise App: A food delivery app with customer, vendor, and driver panels all integrated.
Note: These are just estimates. What drives the cost is how many features, how polished the user experience is, and how much custom functionality your idea needs.
But this tier-based view should help you estimate which bucket your idea falls into.
Key Factors That Affect App Development Cost
Let’s dive deeper into what drives the cost of an app beyond just the number of screens or features. These are the behind-the-scenes decisions that can raise or lower your budget significantly:
1. Platform: Android, iOS, or Both?
Building an app for just Android is cheaper than building for both Android and iOS unless you use a hybrid framework like Flutter.
- Native apps (built separately for Android & iOS) cost more.
- Hybrid apps (single codebase) save money and are often ideal for startups.
2. Design & User Experience (UI/UX)
A clean, intuitive design can take your app from average to addictive, but it takes time and skill.
- Simple layouts = less time = less cost
- Custom animations, transitions, and polished visuals = more design hours
3. Backend Development
If your app needs logins, databases, admin panels, or real-time data, you’ll need a backend.
This includes:
- Cloud database setup
- API integrations
Admin dashboards - User authentication systems
The more complex the backend, the more development hours it takes.
4. Third-party Integrations
Adding tools like:
- Google Maps
- WhatsApp messaging
- Razorpay or Stripe for payments
- Firebase for notifications
…adds functionality, but each one takes extra dev time (and sometimes licensing costs).
5. Security & Data Protection
If your app handles personal info, payments, or medical data, it needs encryption, user authentication, and compliance.
Security features are essential, but they do increase cost.
6. App Store Submission & Testing
Launching your app means:
- Testing on multiple devices
- Fixing bugs
- Meeting Google Play / Apple App Store guidelines
This stage takes more time than most people expect, especially for iOS apps.
Even small decisions (like using OTP login vs password) can add unexpected complexity. That’s why it’s important to work with a team that helps you prioritise only what you need and nothing extra.
Cost-Saving Strategies for App Development
Let’s be honest, most businesses don’t have unlimited budgets. You want a great app, but you also want to be smart about your money.
Here are some practical ways to save costs without compromising on quality:
1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Instead of trying to build your dream app with every feature imaginable, start small.
Focus on just the core feature, the one thing your app must do well.
Examples:
- A food ordering app can start without real-time tracking.ng
- A coaching app can start with recorded videos before going live-streamed
You can launch faster, get real users, and upgrade later based on feedback.
2. Use Cross-Platform Frameworks like Flutter
Why build two apps (Android and iOS) when you can build one that works on both?
Flutter and React Native are hybrid frameworks that cut development time and cost by half.
The experience is nearly native, and users won’t notice the difference.
3. Avoid Building Features You Don’t Need (Yet)
It’s tempting to add “just one more” feature. But every extra thing:
- Takes more time
- Requires more testing
- Adds to the cost
Instead, stick to what’s essential for launch, and save upgrades for version 2.0.
4. Choose Indian Developers Over Expensive Agencies
App development agencies in the US or Europe might quote ₹20–30 lakhs for the same app you can build in India for ₹3–5 lakhs.
At Blackstone Infomatics, we deliver world-class quality at Indian prices, especially tailored for startups and small businesses.
5. Be Clear About Your Requirements from Day One
The clearer your idea, the smoother the development.
Changing requirements mid-way = more cost, more delays.
Prepare a simple brief with:
- What your app should do
- What your users should see
- What do you want to track or control in the backend?
Need help planning it? We help clients turn vague ideas into clear roadmaps fast.
Hidden Costs People Forget When Building an App
When budgeting for an app, most people only think about the upfront development cost, but that’s just the beginning.
Here are some important (but often overlooked) costs you should plan for:
1. App Store & Play Store Fees
- Google Play charges a one-time ₹2,000 registration fee.
- Apple App Store charges an annual fee of $99 (around ₹8,000)
These are required if you want your app to be publicly downloadable.
2. Maintenance & Updates
Apps need to be kept up to date:
- Fixing bugs
- Adding new features
- Ensuring compatibility with new Android/iOS versions
This might cost ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year, depending on how active your app is.
3. Hosting & Server Costs
If your app uses a backend (e.g., stores data, login systems, admin panel), it needs a server.
- Services like Firebase, AWS, or Vercel can have free tiers, but scale up with traffic.
- Expect around ₹1,000–₹5,000/month for moderate apps.
4. Customer Support Tools
If your app connects with customers through WhatsApp, live chat, or email, you might need:
- WhatsApp Business API
- Chatbot integration
- Ticketing or helpdesk software
Many of these come with monthly fees.
5. Marketing the App
Even the best app won’t succeed if no one knows it exists.
You may need to budget for:
- App Store Optimisation (ASO)
- Facebook or Google Ads
- Influencer or local promotion
Marketing can start as low as ₹5,000/month but grows with your goals.
Apps are long-term assets, not one-time purchases.
When you’re prepared for these hidden costs, you avoid surprises and ensure smoother growth.
What You Get When You Pay for App Development
When people see a quote for ₹2 lakhs or ₹5 lakhs, the first thought is:
“Why does it cost so much? It’s just an app, right?”
But building an app is not just about writing some code. It’s about putting together multiple moving parts: design, development, user experience, testing, security, performance, and long-term reliability all in one package.
Here’s what you’re paying for when you hire a good development company:
1. Strategy & Planning
Before a single line of code is written, your app needs:
- Feature prioritization
- User flow mapping
- Tech stack planning
This phase ensures the app is efficient and scalable, and not a patchwork of random ideas.
2. UI/UX Design
This is how your app feels to the user:
- Layout design
- Icons, fonts, and colour systems
- User-friendly navigation
Even a basic-looking app takes careful planning to make it intuitive. Bad design = high uninstall rate.
3. Development (Frontend + Backend)
- Frontend: The screens users interact with
- Backend: Admin panel, login systems, product database, etc.
- APIs: Connecting your app to services like payment gateways, Maps, etc.
4. Testing Across Devices
- Android & iOS behave differently across devices
- QA teams test for bugs, responsiveness, crashes, and edge cases.
This ensures your app works smoothly whether on a ₹10,000 phone or a flagship iPhone.
5. Deployment & Store Listing
- Meeting app store requirements
- Preparing graphics, screenshots, keywords, descriptions
- Publishing on the Play Store / App Store
6. Post-Launch Support
Good agencies don’t disappear after launch. They:
- Fix bugs
- Update features
- Keep the app secure
- Help you scale when your user base grows.
Think of app development as building a fully operational showroom online. You’re not just paying for a few walls; you’re paying for the lighting, the layout, the checkout counter, and the staff behind it.
The goal isn’t to “just have an app”, it’s to have one that works, grows, and delivers real value to your business.
8. Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much it costs to build an app in India, and that’s a good thing.
Because your idea, your goals, and your users are unique.
What matters more than the number is understanding what goes into the cost and making smart decisions that fit your budget without compromising on your vision.
Whether you’re building a simple product catalogue, a full e-commerce experience, or something custom, the key is to start with clarity.
At Blackstone Infomatics, we don’t believe in bloated packages or generic pricing. We sit with you, understand your needs, and build apps that work both technically and financially.