How much does it cost to build an app in the US?

Building a first version of an app in the United States usually costs between $20,000 and $80,000. A simple app can come in under $20,000 with a freelancer; a complex product with several user types often passes $150,000.

Typical price ranges in the US

• Simple app, a few screens: $10,000 to $40,000
• MVP with login, payments and an admin panel: $20,000 to $80,000
• Web app or customer portal: $10,000 to $100,000
• Complex product (marketplace, delivery, fintech): $80,000 to $300,000 and up

Figures are typical ranges in US dollars for independent freelancers and small agencies in the United States, before any sales tax. They are our own estimates, not quotes.

What pushes the price up

Supporting both iPhone and Android, payments, real-time features such as chat or tracking, an admin dashboard, integrations, and any compliance needs such as HIPAA for health data. Custom design and animation add cost too.

What to budget for besides the build

An Apple developer account is $99 a year and Google Play is a one-time $25. Hosting for a small app runs $50 to $500 a month. Apple and Google take 15% to 30% of in-app purchases. Plan 15% to 20% of the build cost each year for maintenance.

How to compare quotes fairly

Write down the five things the first version must do and give every developer the same list. Ask for the price by milestone, so you can stop or change direction without losing everything. On VouchQuote every quote follows the same structure and at most three professionals reply, so you can compare them side by side. Quotes on VouchQuote are shown in US dollars.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Who owns the source code and the app store accounts?
• Is the price fixed, or time and materials?
• What is in the first version and what waits for later?
• What does maintenance cost each month after launch?