App design costs are difficult to understand if you are from a non-tech background. New trends and technologies make it harder to estimate your budget sometimes. So, let’s know how much it costs to design a mobile app in 2025?
A simple app costs around $3,000 to $10,000, while 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 iOS, Android, or both, impacts 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.
App Complexity and Feature Requirements
App complexity and the feature requirement are the key determinants of design cost. Here’s how different levels of complexity affect mobile apps design 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
Who you hire matters because the location and cost of hiring teams contribute to the cost.
Freelancers: Ideal for smaller budgets, but may lack the resources of an agency.
Agencies: Offer comprehensive design solutions with experienced teams at higher rates.
In-House Teams: Good for long-term projects and provide better control over the design process, but come with overhead costs, including salaries, benefits, and workspace.
Breakdown of Mobile App Design Cost Components
What is the cost of designing a mobile app? Each step plays a key role, from screen designs to prototyping. Let’s explore the key factors that impact your budget.
UI/UX Design Price Per Screen
The cost of designing an app is often calculated on a per-screen basis. For example, depending on the detail, A 15-screen app could range from $1,500 to $7,500. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Basic Screen Design: $50 – $100 per screen (simple layouts)
Intermediate Screen Design: $100 – $300 per screen (moderate complexity)
Advanced Screen Design: $300 – $500 per screen (animations, transitions, etc.)
Cost of Wireframing and Prototyping
Wireframing and prototyping are essential stages for app designs, and they ensure a clear vision before app development begins.
Wireframing Tools: Tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD are commonly used, and their costs range from $500 to $2,000.
Prototyping: Depending on the app’s complexity, interactive prototypes can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
Custom Designs vs. Pre-Built Templates
When it comes to mobile app design, you can choose between custom designs or pre-built templates. With custom UI, you get a unique visual identity reflecting your brand, which provides a more personalized and engaging user experience. Although this approach is more expensive, your app can stand out and feel original.
On the other hand, using templates can significantly reduce design costs, often by 30 to 40 percent. These pre-made UI kits work exceptionally well for startups or MVPs that need to launch quickly. Though templates speed up the design process and lower expenses, they come with limitations in terms of customization and flexibility.
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Mobile App in 2025?
Cost Range for Different Types of Mobile App Designs
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, weather apps, timers, or to-do lists.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 – $10,000
Time to Design: 2–4 weeks
Advanced Feature-Rich Mobile Apps
Apps with complex features like real-time messaging, advanced animations, and integrations, such as Uber or WhatsApp, need slick design, real-time interaction, and clean UX.
Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $100,000+
Time to Design: 6–12 weeks
Ecommerce and On-Demand Apps
These apps require detailed user journeys, secure payment gateways, and intuitive UX design. Amazon, Instacart, or food delivery are examples of e-commerce and on-demand Apps.
Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $50,000
Time to Design: 4–10 weeks
Enterprise-Level Applications
Big data dashboards, employee management tools, or internal business apps.
Cost: $50,000 – $150,000+
Time to Design: 3–6 months
Mobile App Design Pricing by Region
Regional differences can affect app design costs. Let’s see where you can find the best value.
North America
In North America, app design is typically the most expensive. Designers charge anywhere from $100 to $200 per hour. The upside? Due to shared language and time zones, you’re likely to get top-tier quality, highly polished work, and seamless communication. But North America is a tough choice for startups on a tight budget.
Western Europe
Western European countries like Germany, the UK, and France offer a solid middle ground. Hourly rates generally range from $80 to $150. Designers here deliver excellent quality and often have strong portfolios. Although slightly more affordable than North America, the overall cost can still be higher due to taxes and compliance-related expenses in this region.
Asia and Eastern Europe
Countries like India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Ukraine have become popular outsourcing hubs for app design. Hourly rates are much lower here, typically between $20 and $50. Designers in these regions are highly skilled and often have experience working with international clients. The main challenges include time zone differences and occasional language barriers requiring more attentive project management.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing
Outsourcing your mobile app design to a lower-cost region can cut expenses by up to 60 percent. Businesses can scale quickly without committing to long-term salaries or infrastructure. On the flip side, working with an overseas team can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or delays if expectations and goals are not clearly defined. Choose a team with proven experience, verified reviews, and strong communication skills to make outsourcing work effectively. Set up regular check-ins and clear milestones for staying on track.
How the Design Process Affects Costs?
Every stage of the app design process impacts your budget, from research to final revisions. Let’s look at how each step can influence the cost of designing a mobile app and where you can control expenses. The 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 up front can minimize unnecessary revisions.
How to Reduce Mobile App Design Costs?
Want to cut down on app design expenses? A few 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
One of the smartest ways to reduce expenses is to use pre-built UI kits and design components. These kits are collections of commonly used design elements like buttons, icons, input fields, and navigation bars. Designers can integrate these components quickly, saving hours of manual work. Whether free or paid, UI kits speed up the design process and help maintain a consistent look across screens without starting every element from scratch.
Prioritize MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Features
Another great way to cut app design costs is to focus only on the essential features needed to launch. This approach is known as building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Concentrating on core functionality first saves time and money while still delivering value to users. Fancy add-ons and advanced features can always be added in later updates once you’ve tested the market and received user feedback.
Communicate Clearly and Consistently with Designers
Lack of communication is one of the biggest reasons projects go over budget. Frequent check-ins and clear feedback ensure everyone stays on the same page. When designers understand your goals, audience, and expectations, they’re less likely to waste time on revisions or misunderstood requirements. Simple actions like approving early wireframes or sharing reference designs can help streamline the process and keep your timeline (and budget) intact.
Real-World Examples of Mobile App Design Costs
Let’s combine real-world examples showing how app type, complexity, and business goals influence the total design budget.
Budget-Friendly Utility Apps: Simple apps like habit trackers or to-do lists have minimal screens and basic functionality. Design costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Medium-Sized Social and Finance Apps: Due to their added complexity, apps with user logins, dashboards, and notifications, such as chat or budgeting tools, cost around $20,000 to $50,000.
Full-Scale E-commerce Applications: Apps for online shopping or delivery require advanced UX and secure payment flows. Expect design costs between $30,000 and $75,000.
Corporate and Enterprise Solutions: Enterprise apps with dashboards, role-based access, and integrations cost the most, typically from $50,000 to over $150,000, depending on features.
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; 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 app’s complexity, 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 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.
