How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Business App?

If you’re considering building a custom app for your business — whether it’s for internal operations, client services, or a new product — you’ve likely asked the big question:

How much is this going to cost me?

The short answer? It depends. The long answer? It depends on what you’re building, how you’re building it, and who you’re building it with.

This article breaks down the real costs of custom app development — based on actual market data, development stages, and project types — to help you plan smarter and avoid surprises.

🧱 What Influences the Cost of a Custom Business App?

App development isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Here are the main cost drivers:

1. App Complexity

The more features and functionality you want, the higher the cost. A basic app with simple forms and dashboards will cost significantly less than a real-time data sync, payments, messaging, and role-based access control platform.

Example:

Simple app (e.g., booking or scheduling system): $15,000–$30,000

Medium complexity (e.g., inventory, CRM integration): $30,000–$70,000

High complexity (e.g., multi-user platform, AI logic, advanced analytics): $70,000–$150,000+

2. Platforms (iOS, Android, Web)

Building for multiple platforms increases both time and cost. You may need iOS, Android, and a web admin panel if your audience is broad.

Cross-platform development tools like Flutter or React Native can reduce costs by allowing one codebase to serve both iOS and Android.

3. Design Requirements

UI/UX design can range from minimal templates to fully customized interfaces with branded animations, illustrations, and tailored user flows. Good design takes time, and time is money.

Design accounts for 15–25% of total app costs.

4. Backend Infrastructure

Most business apps need secure login, data storage, analytics, and integrations. Backend complexity will increase the budget if you connect to CRMs, payment systems, or proprietary platforms.

Using third-party tools like Firebase or Supabase can reduce infrastructure costs — but custom backends offer more control and scalability.

5. Who Builds It

• Freelancers are the most affordable but often lack project management or full-stack capability.
• Boutique agencies offer balance — high-quality teams with focused communication.
• Enterprise development firms charge more but handle large, complex apps with legal, QA and long-term support included.

💸 Breakdown: Typical App Development Costs by Stage

🧩 Hidden or Ongoing Costs to Keep in Mind

Custom development doesn’t end at launch. Plan for:

• Maintenance & updates (10–20% of annual dev budget)
• Hosting & infrastructure (depending on scale)
• Security audits or compliance checks (especially in healthcare, finance, or education)
• Licensing fees (for APIs, maps, or payment gateways)

✅ Final Thoughts

Custom business apps can be a powerful investment — streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, or unlocking new revenue streams. But the key is to build smart.

Start with an MVP. Focus on core features. Choose the right tech and team for your budget. And remember, great software isn’t just built — it’s maintained and iterated over time.

🚀 Need Help Estimating Your App Budget?

At Onix, we help businesses scope, design, and develop custom apps with budget transparency and clear milestones. Whether you’re planning an internal tool or a customer-facing platform, we’ll guide you from idea to launch — with realistic timelines and pricing.

📩 Get in touch today for a free consultation and cost estimate tailored to your business needs.