"How much will my app cost?" is the first question every founder asks — and the honest answer is that it depends entirely on what the app does. A simple utility app and a full marketplace are both "apps", but they can differ in price by ten times. This guide gives you real 2026 numbers for mobile app development in India, explains what pushes the price up or down, and lists the extra costs most people forget to budget for.
Mobile app cost in India: quick answer
These are SRATECH's current starting prices in Indian Rupees — a fair benchmark whoever you build with.
| App type | Best for | Starting price |
|---|
| Basic Android app | Simple utility apps, 10–12 screens | ₹69,999 |
| Business app (Android + iOS) | A complete customer app on both platforms | ₹1,49,999 |
| E-commerce / service app | Stores, bookings, on-demand services | ₹4,99,999 |
| Marketplace / multi-vendor app | Multiple vendors, commissions, live tracking | ₹7,99,999 |
These are starting prices — the final figure depends on scope. See full details on our mobile app development and pricing pages.
What actually decides the price
1. Number of screens & features
More screens and features mean more design and engineering. A 10-screen utility app is far cheaper than a 40-screen app with chat, payments and live tracking.
2. Android only, or Android + iOS
Covering both platforms costs more than Android alone. Cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native keep this affordable by sharing one codebase.
3. Backend, APIs & integrations
Login, databases, payment gateways, maps, notifications and third-party APIs all add engineering time — and cost.
4. Real-time & advanced features
Live tracking, chat, multiple user roles and commissions (as in a marketplace) are the most complex — and the most expensive.
5. Design
A clean template-based UI is cheaper than a fully custom, animated, brand-specific design.
The extra costs to budget for
- Google Play account — one-time registration fee.
- Apple Developer account — yearly fee (required for the App Store).
- Backend hosting / cloud — monthly, scales with users.
- Paid APIs & services — SMS, push, maps, payment gateway charges.
- Maintenance — updates, bug fixes and OS compatibility, from ₹9,999/month.
Ask before you pay: "Is this all-inclusive, what will I pay separately, and will I own the source code and store accounts?" Clear answers are the mark of an honest developer.
How to keep costs sensible
The smartest way to control cost is to launch a focused first version (an MVP) with only the features you truly need, prove it with real users, then add more. You avoid paying for features nobody uses, and you get to market faster. A good developer will help you cut scope honestly rather than quoting for everything at once. If you also want help picking the right partner, read our guide on how to choose a mobile app developer in Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make an app in India in 2026?
At SRATECH, a basic Android app starts at ₹69,999, a full Android and iOS business app at ₹1,49,999, an e-commerce or service app at ₹4,99,999, and a marketplace or multi-vendor app at ₹7,99,999. Final cost depends on screens, features and integrations, so always get an itemised, written quote.
Why do app quotes vary so much?
Because 'an app' can mean very different things. The number of screens, whether it is Android-only or Android plus iOS, the backend and APIs, payments, real-time features and design complexity all change the price. Two quotes for 'the same app' can differ simply because they include different scope.
Is it cheaper to build one app for both Android and iOS?
Often yes. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native let us build one codebase that runs on both Android and iOS, which usually costs less and ships faster than two separate native apps. For performance-heavy apps, native can still be the better choice.
What extra costs come with a mobile app?
Beyond development, budget for a Google Play account (one-time) and Apple Developer account (yearly), backend hosting or cloud, paid APIs, SMS or push services, payment gateway charges, and maintenance — which starts around ₹9,999 per month. A good developer lists these separately.
Do I pay for an app once or monthly?
Development is a one-time project cost. On top of that you pay small recurring costs — app store accounts, backend hosting, and optional maintenance for updates, bug fixes and OS-compatibility. You own the app and its source code outright after final payment.
Planning an app?
Tell us what you want to build — we'll reply within one business day with honest advice and a clear, itemised quote.
SRA