How Much Should I Charge for Mobile App Development?

Setting the right price for mobile app development is crucial for attracting quality clients while ensuring profitable margins in the competitive New Zealand market. Proper pricing reflects your expertise, project complexity, and the significant value mobile apps deliver to businesses seeking digital transformation.

Last updated: 9 January 2026

Average Mobile App Development Pricing in 2026

Min

$15,000

Max

$200,000

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What Affects Mobile App Development Pricing?

  • 1App complexity and number of features required
  • 2Platform choice (iOS, Android, or cross-platform)
  • 3Custom UI/UX design requirements and branding
  • 4Backend development and database integration needs
  • 5Timeline constraints and development team size

What's Typically Included in a Mobile App Development Quote?

Project discovery and requirements analysis
UI/UX design and prototyping
Frontend mobile app development
Backend API development and database setup
Testing, deployment, and post-launch support

Example Mobile App Development Cost Breakdown

Mobile App Development

Discovery and planning phase$8,000
UI/UX design and prototyping$15,000
Mobile app development (iOS/Android)$45,000
Backend development and API integration$20,000
Testing, deployment, and 3-month support$12,000
Total$100,000

Hourly vs Project-Based Mobile App Development Pricing

How long does mobile app development typically take?

Most mobile apps take 3-9 months to develop, depending on complexity, features, and platform requirements. Simple apps may be completed faster, while enterprise-level applications can take 12+ months.

Should I build for iOS, Android, or both platforms?

The choice depends on your target audience and budget. Cross-platform development can be cost-effective for reaching both markets, while native development offers better performance and platform-specific features.

What ongoing costs should I expect after app launch?

Expect ongoing costs for app store fees, hosting, maintenance updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. Budget approximately 15-20% of initial development cost annually for maintenance and updates.

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