The short answer
A simple app in the UK often starts around £10,000 to £30,000. A mid size app with user accounts, payments and a backend usually lands between £30,000 and £80,000. Large, complex apps run past £100,000.
Apps cost more than websites because there is more to build and more to maintain. You are often building for two platforms, iOS and Android, plus the backend that powers them, plus the design that makes the whole thing feel effortless.
What each kind of app tends to cost
A simple app does one thing well across a few screens, with little or no backend. Think a basic booking or information app. These are the lower cost builds.
A mid size app adds the things real products need. User accounts, payments, push notifications and a backend that stores and serves data. Most business apps live here.
A complex app has live or real time features, heavy integrations with other systems, both platforms polished to a high standard, and a serious backend behind it. This is where budgets climb.
What changes the price
The biggest factors are the number of features, whether you build native for each platform or cross platform from one codebase, how custom the design is, and how many other systems the app has to talk to.
Maintenance matters too. Apps need updates as phones and operating systems change, so an app is a product you look after, not a one off you forget. Budget for that from the start.
Do you even need an app?
This is the cheapest saving of all. Plenty of ideas that people assume need an app are served better and far more cheaply by a fast mobile website. An app earns its place when people use it often, when notifications or offline use matter, or when you need features only a phone can offer.
If you are not sure which way to go, our guide on choosing between a website and an app walks through it in plain terms.
How we keep the cost sensible
We usually start with a focused first version that proves the idea with real users, then grow it from there. We build cross platform where it fits, so one codebase serves both iOS and Android. And we give you a fixed quote after a short call, so the number is clear before we begin.
For a rough figure, try our app cost calculator. For a real one, book a free call.
Common questions
How much does a simple app cost in the UK?
A simple app with a few screens and little backend often starts around £10,000 to £30,000. The price climbs as you add accounts, payments and a backend.
Does building for both iOS and Android cost more?
It can, but not double. Building cross platform from a single codebase lets one build serve both iOS and Android, which keeps the cost down where it fits your app.
Should I build native or cross platform?
Whichever serves your users and budget best. Cross platform is faster and cheaper for most business apps. Native makes sense when you need the very best performance or deep device features.
What are the ongoing costs of an app?
Apps need updates as phones and operating systems change, plus hosting for the backend and any third party services. Budget for ongoing maintenance from the start.