How Much Does It Really Cost to Create an App in the UK?
If you’re thinking about building an app in the UK, you’ve probably asked yourself: How much does it cost? Some apps can be pretty affordable, while others are serious investments that are full of hidden app development costs. Let’s break down what goes into these costs so you can get a better sense of what to expect in 2024.
Understanding App Development Costs in 2024
App development today is more advanced than it used to be. In the UK, prices have gone up because people expect high-quality features and smooth performance. It doesn't matter whether it’s a simple tool or a powerful platform, every app needs to meet user demands for speed, security, and ease of use. This means that development costs now cover more than just the basics—they reflect the time, testing, and specialised skills needed to make sure apps run well and look great on any device.
Cost Breakdown by App Complexity
How complex your app is will have a big impact on cost of making an app. Here’s how UK prices break down based on complexity:
Simple apps
Cost Range: £23,000 - £47,000
Development Time: 2-4 months
Features: These are the most basic apps with a simple user interface, basic functions, and not too many bells and whistles. Think of things like a weather app or a basic calculator. Simple apps are great for testing out an idea without spending a fortune.
Medium complexity
Cost Range: £47,000 - £95,000
Development Time: 4-6 months
Features: Medium-level apps might include things like in-app purchases, social media integration, and a bit of customisation for user experience. They’re a good choice if you need some extra functionality but don’t need to go all out on advanced features.
Complex apps
Cost Range: £95,000 - £158,000
Development Time: 6-8 months
Features: Complex apps offer real-time updates, interactive design, and connect with other services or data sources. This includes things like advanced APIs or machine learning. These apps are great for businesses needing more customisation and features that stand out.
Enterprise-level apps
Cost Range: Starts at £158,000
Development Time: 8+ months
Features: These apps are the most advanced, built for larger companies that need secure, scalable, and powerful platforms. Enterprise apps often use cloud storage, handle big data, and work on both iOS and Android to reach a wide audience.
Real-life examples
Still confused? Then here are a few examples of the projected development costs of some apps you probably know and have downloaded.
Simple: WhatsApp's First Version
Started as a basic messaging app with just text messaging and online status features. It cost around £25,000 to develop initially because it only needed basic user profiles, simple message sending, and basic notification systems.
Medium complexity: Early Instagram
The initial version cost around £80,000 to develop because it required photo filtering capabilities, a basic social network, image storage systems, and user profiles with following features.
Complex: Deliveroo
This app cost approximately £250,000 to develop its initial version because it needed real-time tracking, complex third-party services like payment processing, two separate apps (one for customers and one for drivers), and integration with multiple restaurant systems.
Enterprise-level: Uber
The initial version cost over £380,000 to develop because it required:
Two separate apps (driver and passenger)
Complex matching algorithms
Real-time GPS tracking
Secure payment processing
Rating systems
Admin dashboard
Cost Variations by App Type
Surprise, surprise: What your app actually does also affects how much it’ll cost. Here’s a look at some common types of apps and their price ranges:
eCommerce: £15,000 - £60,000
eCommerce apps let users shop online with features like product catalogues, secure payment options, and sometimes loyalty programs. And guess what? These features aren't cheap to develop and run. You'll find that these apps usually suit retail businesses and often come with a mix of simple to medium-level complexity.
Social networking: £30,000 - £90,000
Social apps let users interact and share content, so they need more security and real-time messaging. This makes them pricier to develop because of the added data management and user profiles.
Gaming: £40,000 - £100,000
Gaming apps can get expensive fast because of the need for high-quality graphics, sound, and sometimes virtual reality. Popular games often include in-app purchases, adding extra development time and cost.
Utility: £10,000 - £35,000
Utility apps like a simple calculator or a flashlight app have basic functions and don’t need much customisation. They’re among the cheapest types to develop, focusing only on core features without any extra layers.
Android vs iOS Development Costs
This might spark another Android-iOS debate between tech heads but the operating software you pick also has a pretty big say in how much mobile app development costs.
iOS development usually costs between £15,000 and £50,000. These apps tend to cost a little more because Apple has strict design guidelines and standards for app store submissions. This adds to testing time and makes iOS apps a bit more expensive.
Android apps are usually cheaper to start, with most starting at around £8,000, but since they need to work on a bunch of different devices, testing can take longer. If you’re developing for both platforms, expect about 30% more in total costs for cross-platform support.
We should also mention that app store optimization is another factor that affects the cost, depending on which platform you go with.
Geographic Cost Variations
Where you develop your app in the UK also matters. Rates change depending on the city due to differences in the cost of living and demand for tech professionals. Here’s a look at the average hourly rates across the UK:
London (Big city): £75 - £80 per hour
You'll find the app development cost to be at its highest in big cities. In the UK, London is the priciest city for app development because of high demand and living expenses. London-based developers are used to working on bigger projects, which is reflected in their rates.Manchester (Mid-sized city): £60 - £70 per hour
Rates in Manchester are a bit lower, but developers here still offer high-quality work. This makes it a nice middle ground if you want skilled professionals without London’s price tag.Smaller Cities and Rural Areas: Starting around £45 per hour
Smaller cities and rural locations offer lower rates. You may have fewer developers to choose from, but the quality can still be great, making it an affordable option for simpler projects or startups.
Development Team Options
When you're building apps and thinking about the cost you also have to consider the type of team you'd want to use, as you might prefer one app development process over another. Unsurprisingly, different teams typically have different pricing levels
Agency development: £50 - £150 per hour
Agencies typically offer comprehensive desktop and mobile app development services, including project management, design, and app maintenance. Agencies are ideal for complex projects that require a range of skills, although they are generally more expensive than freelancers or in-house teams.
Freelance development: £20 - £100 per hour
Freelancers can be more affordable, especially for smaller projects. Just remember that freelancers usually require more project management on your part to make sure everything gets done on time
In-house development: Salaried costs
In-house teams work well for ongoing projects or if you want total control. Though it’s a more expensive route, it can be worth it for larger companies with regular updates and complex security needs. If you're going to go the in-house route, then be sure to optimise your workflows, so that the app development doesn't put too much strain on resources.
Hidden Costs and Ongoing Expenses
Don't go anywhere just yet, because it's important to note that app development doesn't just stop at launch. There are other costs to think about that can add up over time:
Software and Tools: £399 - £1,596 per tool annually
You’ll need things like testing tools, cloud storage, and other software to keep your app running smoothly.App Maintenance Costs Post-Release: Around 15% - 20% of the initial development cost every year
After your app goes live, you’ll still need to pay for regular updates, fixing bugs, and adjusting to new operating systems.Compliance and Security: Up to £10,000
Apps handling sensitive data need to follow security standards and data protection laws, which can get costly.App Store Fees: £79/year for Apple’s App Store, and a one-time £25 for Google Play
These fees keep your app on the app stores and let you keep updating it for users.
Other Factors Affecting Development Costs
Just to make sure you get the whole picture and that there are no surprises, there are some other factors that could significantly influence whether your app will cost more or less to make. Here are some of the biggest, yet often overlooked, influences that could affect the cost of app development:
User Interface (UI) Design: Custom designs and animations add extra work. The more interactive and polished the design, the higher the cost, as it requires specialised skills to bring ideas to life.
Development Team Size and Expertise: A small team might handle a simple app, but complex projects need more people, like project managers, UI/UX designers, and backend developers. Experts with more experience often charge more, but they can also produce higher-quality results faster.
Backend Infrastructure: Apps with lots of users or complex functionality need solid backend infrastructure. This includes things like cloud storage, server hosting, and data management. The more users and data your app will have, the more backend support it needs, which can add to costs.
Making the Right Investment Decision
When deciding on your app development budget, consider who your target audience is, the app’s potential for revenue, and how much scalability you’ll need over time. If your app targets a smaller group, you might stick with essential features to keep costs low, while larger audiences might justify more advanced, polished designs. For early-stage apps, a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with core features can be a cost-effective way to test the idea before investing in more complex functionalities.
Whether through in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions, thinking about revenue potential from the start can help you make budget-friendly choices and build an app with room to grow.
FAQs
How does outsourcing app development internationally affect costs compared to UK-based development?
Outsourcing internationally can save costs significantly, with regions like Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America offering lower hourly rates compared to the UK. But, international outsourcing may involve challenges like time zone differences, communication delays, and varying quality standards, so it’s essential to balance cost savings with effective project management.
What are the cheapest countries to outsource app development to?
India, the Philippines, and Ukraine are among the most affordable countries for app development. India typically offers the lowest rates, starting as low as £15 per hour, while Eastern European countries like Ukraine combine affordability with strong technical expertise. These regions often deliver quality work but may require extra oversight for time zones or language differences.
How do emerging app development trends (like AI integration and AR features) impact development costs?
Emerging trends like AI and augmented reality (AR) increase development costs because they require specialised expertise, testing, and more complex coding. AI integration often demands machine learning models and data processing, while AR requires graphics and real-time responsiveness. These features make apps more engaging but can add 20-50% to the overall budget depending on complexity.
What strategies can businesses use to effectively budget for unexpected expenses during app development?
Businesses can budget for unexpected expenses by setting aside 10-20% of the initial budget for contingencies, prioritizing essential features to avoid overspending, and tracking costs throughout development. Regular project reviews help identify and address unexpected costs early. Creating a clear timeline with defined milestones can also prevent unplanned changes from adding extra costs.
How do maintenance costs typically evolve over the first 2-3 years after app launch?
In the first two years, maintenance usually costs around 15-20% of the original development budget per year, covering updates, security patches, and bug fixes. Costs may decrease in the third year if major updates aren’t needed, though ongoing expenses for server hosting and app store fees remain. Costs may rise if significant feature updates or redesigns are planned.
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