How much does it cost to build an app
Marketplace pages often quote a few thousand for an app. That number is for something you will throw away. A product people keep needs design, a backend, testing and store work. Here is how we price that.
Cost follows the job of the app. A simple operator tool on one platform is a different object from a consumer product with accounts, payments and two stores. Anyone quoting both at the same price is guessing.
In our studio, a focused first version often sits between R50k and R150k. A fuller product with more than one user type sits between R150k and R500k. Heavier platforms go beyond that. Maintenance is a percentage of the build each year, not a surprise.
If a quote is far below those bands, ask what is missing: design, testing, admin, or the week after launch.
Platforms
One store is cheaper than two. Cross platform can share work. Native is worth it when the device is the product.
What quotes hide
Design, APIs, app store accounts, and support. Ask for those lines.
Get a number for your brief
Ranges educate. Your quote should be specific. Send the brief.
What it usually costs
Bands, not fake averages. Your quote follows the brief.
| Scope | Band | What that buys |
|---|---|---|
| Focused first version | R50k to R150k | One job, real backend, one or two platforms. |
| Fuller product | R150k to R500k | Accounts, payments, admin, more than one user type. |
| Complex | R500k+ | Scale, heavy integrations, a platform. |
Common questions
Why are Bark style averages so low?
They mix tiny freelance jobs with real products. An average of unlike things is not a budget. Use complexity bands, then a quote on your brief.
Keep going
Get a quote for what you want to build
A 5 minute brief. We reply within one business day. No pressure to hire.