App design costs are difficult to understand if you are from a non-tech background. And new trends and technologies make it harder to estimate your budget sometimes. So, let’s know how much does it cost to design a mobile app in 2025?
A simple app costs around $3,000 to $10,000. Advanced apps cost $20,000 or more. This guide explains the main factors that affect the price, gives real examples, and shows how to reduce costs if you want a high-quality design.
What Factors Affect Mobile App Design Cost?
Why does one app design cost $3,000 while another soars past $20,000? The answer lies in a few key factors that shape the time, effort, and expertise required. Let’s uncover what really drives these costs and how your choices can make all the difference to design mobile apps.
Platform Choice
The platform you choose whether it is iOS, Android, or both impacts on the app design costs.
iOS vs. Android: Designing for iOS typically costs more due to Apple’s strict design rules. Android, on the other hand, needs designs for various screen sizes, which adds costs to the design.
Hybrid vs. Native Apps: Native apps need separate designs for each platform, which can increase costs. Hybrid apps use a single design for both platforms to save money.
Complexity of App
App complexity is a key determinant of design cost. Here’s how different levels of complexity affect pricing:
Basic Apps: Simple apps with minimal screens and basic functionality.
Feature-Rich Apps: Apps with complex UI components, advanced animations, and numerous integrations.
E-commerce and On-Demand Apps: Require sophisticated UX design to handle user flows, transactions, and data security.
Design Team Type
Who you hire matters.
Freelancers: Ideal for smaller budgets, but may lack the resources of an agency.
Agencies: Offer comprehensive design solutions with experienced teams but at higher rates.
In-House Teams: Provide better control over the design process but come with overhead costs.
Breakdown of Mobile App Design Cost Components
What makes up the cost of designing a mobile app? From screen designs to prototyping, each step plays a key role. Let’s explore the key factors that impact your budget.
UI Design Price Per Screen
The cost of designing an app is often calculated on a per-screen basis. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Basic Screen Design: $50 – $100 per screen
Intermediate Screen Design: $100 – $300 per screen
Advanced Screen Design: $300 – $500 per screen
Wireframing and Prototyping Costs
The essential stages for app designs are Wireframing and prototyping, ensure a clear vision before app development begins.
Wireframing Tools: Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD are commonly used, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Prototyping: Interactive prototypes can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the app’s complexity.
Customization vs. Templates
Custom Designs: Offer a unique look and feel but are more expensive.
Pre-Made Templates: Reduce costs by up to 40% but limit customization options.
Cost Range for Different Types of Mobile Apps
Let’s explore the varying costs based on app complexity and features to help you understand how different types of apps impact your budget.
Basic Apps
These apps include simple utilities like calculators or to-do lists.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $10,000
Advanced Feature-Rich Apps
Apps with complex features such as real-time messaging, advanced animations, and integrations.
Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $100,000+
E-commerce and On-Demand Apps
These apps require detailed user journeys, secure payment gateways, and intuitive UX design.
Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $50,000
Regional Pricing Differences
Regional differences can affect app design costs. Let’s see where you can find the best value.
North America vs. Europe vs. Asia
Design costs vary based on location:
- North America: $100 – $200/hour
- Western Europe: $80 – $150/hour
- Asia (India, Vietnam, Ukraine): $20 – $50/hour
Outsourcing to Reduce Costs
Outsourcing to regions with lower hourly rates can significantly reduce costs. However, it’s important to ensure the outsourced team has experience with mobile app design.
How the Design Process Affects Costs?
From research to final revisions, every stage of the app design process impacts your budget. Let’s take a closer look at how each step can influence the cost of designing a mobile app and where you can control expenses.
Stages of Mobile App Design are:
- Research & Ideation
- Wireframing
- Prototyping
- UI Design
- User Testing & Feedback
- Final Revisions
Feedback and Iterations: Incorporating user feedback is essential for a successful app, but too many iterations can increase costs. Clear communication and setting expectations upfront can minimize unnecessary revisions.
How to Reduce Mobile App Design Costs?
Want to cut down on app design expenses? Simple strategies can help you save without sacrificing quality. Let’s explore how you can minimize costs at every step of the design process.
Use UI Kits and Pre-Built Components
UI kits can speed up the design process and reduce costs.
Prioritize MVP Features
Focus on the minimum viable product (MVP) to launch quickly and reduce initial design expenses.
Collaborate Closely with Designers
Frequent communication helps avoid misunderstandings, ensuring faster completion with fewer revisions.
Examples of Mobile App Design Costs
From small utility apps to large enterprise solutions, each type comes with its own budget range. Let’s take a closer look at real-world examples to help you understand what to expect.
- Simple Utility App: $5,000 – $15,000
- Social Networking App: $20,000 – $50,000
- E-commerce App: $30,000 – $75,000
- Enterprise App: $50,000 – $150,000+
Conclusion
Designing a mobile app in 2025 involves many variables, from platform choice and complexity to team selection and regional pricing. By understanding the key cost components and implementing cost-saving strategies, businesses can create high-quality mobile apps without exceeding their budgets.
Ready to create your mobile app? Partner with SupreoX for expert design and development. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!
FAQs: How Much Does It Cost to Design a Mobile App?
How much does it cost to hire a designer for a mobile app?
Design costs vary depending on the designer’s location and experience. In Asia, you can expect to pay around $20/hour, while in North America, rates can go up to $200/hour. Freelancers typically offer lower rates, but agencies charge higher fees for more comprehensive services.
What factors influence mobile app design costs the most?
Several key factors affect app design costs: the platform (iOS, Android, or both), the complexity of the app, the type of design team you choose (freelancers, agencies, or in-house), and regional pricing differences across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Can I reduce costs by using templates?
Yes, using pre-made templates can cut design costs by up to 40%, but they may limit customization options.
How does the design process affect total cost?
The design process involves stages like wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and revisions. Each step adds to the overall cost, so clear communication with your design team can help minimize unnecessary iterations.
Is outsourcing a good option for mobile app design?
Outsourcing can be cost-effective, especially when working with experienced design teams in regions with lower hourly rates. However, it’s important to ensure they have the expertise to deliver quality results. Clear communication is key to a successful outcome.
