Mobile App Rough Estimate Flow at Expert App Devs: From Concept to Cost

January 28, 2025 20 min read
all about app rough estimates and how we do it

When we go to purchase anything, we do ask first, how much it costs. In the same way, the client always asks this question as the first thing. If you are an app development company then you need to answer this carefully and honestly.

A rough estimate can either make your customers happy or disappoint them if it does not fit their minds. In this blog, we will explain to you how we do mobile app rough estimates for applications, factors we consider, and other aspects to get you a clear idea about the cost of application development.

What is The Mobile App Rough Estimate? Why It's Important?

Mobile App rough estimate is the pre-assumption or calculation of the budget for application development. The entire application development team calculates to give stakeholders an idea about timelines, and resources needed, manage risk, and understand the complexity and other app factors.

Overall this estimated cost can vary as the project goes under development. So, this is not the final cost but this is mainly to help customers with decision making that they can expect price among these ranges.

A rough estimate is important because for making the right decision and planning the time and budget smartly. You can easily cross the hurdles during app development by proper risk management.

What are The Various Types of Estimates?

Whether you are a business owner or a client, everyone should read about the types of estimates. This is important, so you don't get unexpected surprises, especially in terms of finance.

types of estimates for apps

#1. A Ballpark Estimate

The ballpark estimate helps to get a rough idea about app-making costs. here, the client and user do an early-stage meeting that is basically a 1 or 2-hour.

They discuss casual things about how long the app is, technology, resources, etc. you will not get a final quote. But you will surely get a rough idea about the project cost to decide whether to finalize the deal or reject it.

You should go for a ballpark estimate only if you want to just get knowledge about a rough estimate about the app cost.

#2. A Detailed Estimate

The detailed estimate has been named as detailed for a reason. Meaning by this estimate, you get a complete idea about all phases like app design, components, features, and functionalities.

Here both parties discuss everything from design, and development, to testing. Designers prepare wireframes and design mockups with features to show you how the actual product will look. This includes complete road mapping and a document with specifications to give almost 80 to 90% of the app idea.

The detailed estimate is highly accurate as compared to the ballpark, it depends on the planning phase and how well the requirements are discussed.

#3. Flexible Estimate (common approach)

In the flexible estimate, you have control to flexibly make adjustments and you can start whenever you want. It is similar to the agile approach because every part of the app is built with both the client's and developers' participants. And the best part? You only pay for what components or parts of the app is built.

So, if details do not matter to you and you just want a perfect and affordable estimate, this flexible estimate is your option.

How Do Rough Estimates Make Your App Development Easier?

Doing a rough estimate will give you multiple benefits:

  • Reduced Uncertainty: first of all, it will reduce the uncertainty of the app because you will get a rough estimate of the app so, you will already be at the beginning stage of what you should expect from the app development.
  • Informed Decision-Making: with the help of a rough estimate, you will be able to give your project a fresh start by making efficient decisions. Once have a rough estimate in your hand, you can simply filter out the features that are a priority for the app and which are not.
  • Resource Planning: it helps you to get an idea about resources, and schedule the time and budget for developing the app. Like if you are bound to a certain budget, you can plan your resources to use, when to use free tools and technologies, and when to use paid ones.

Key Factors Affecting Mobile App Cost Estimates

Cost estimation can never give you a perfect figure because it involves so much of factors. The developers need to adjust the app according to the client's requirements, think from a user's point of view as well as balance technical things like platform, maintenance, and other complexities.

Let's read the below factors that affect the app cost estimates.

key factors affecting app cost estimates

#1. Platform: Android, iOS, or both?

If you develop an app for both platforms i.e. android and iOS, logically it costs more. First of all, decide which platform your target audience uses more. Android apps are generally affordable as compared to iOS apps (iOS apps are bound to strict guidelines).

If your business targets an audience of both iOS and Android, then the cross-platform app is the best option. But you need to be super clear about this at the beginning stage.

#2. App Type & Complexity

The cost of the app also depends on whether you go for a simple app with minimal features, or medium or enterprise-level apps.

Our expert app devs team evaluates your app requirements with features and functionalities it needs and gives the pricing that is near to accurate costing.

#3. Features & Functionalities

The app with simple navigation, minimal design, and less functionality easily gets done at an affordable price.

But if your app wants visual AR/VR and to attract users, then you must be ready with your mind to pay more.

Because features like real-time notifications, AR, and VR need special expertise and are generally developed by senior developers, so this eventually adds cost.

#4. Design Requirements

A quote by Scott Belsky “More options, more problems. Minimal design with priority features is always the best-performing app.

But if you love highly customized UI, with custom designs, you must be prepared to pay the fat price because of constant iteration, work, and testing.

#5. Backend Infrastructure

Setting up servers, database integrations, third-party integrations, etc, all comes under the backend of the app. Some of the cloud services are free.

But if your app needs payment integration. Location access, or social media integrations, it add more cost because these things bring traffic to your app.

#6. Security & Compliance

Users will only use your app if it's secure. So if your app includes collecting or processing of sensitive information, then it is important to use and comply with regulatory standards like GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the US.

Also, security protocols and multi-factor authentication will extend your app cost.

#7. Maintenance & Updates: Ongoing Costs After Launch

The final mobile app estimate of the app also includes future maintenance and upgrades.at EAD, we charge for upgrading the app new version. As it will need new features and functionalities launched with the latest trends and user needs.

However, we can still help or assist you in fixing the common app bugs and technical issues for free of cost depending upon the time it takes and how complex it is.

#8. Project Scope and Requirements

Whether you come to Expert App Devs or go to any other agencies for app development, get this simple formula in mind: the broader the scope, the more the cost of the app.

For example: if you plan to extend the app features or functionalities of the app in features, it will cost more. Similarly, if you want to launch your app to multiple other platforms, it will add more cost.

#9. Technology Stack and Infrastructure

The complex app needs more advanced technologies and that needs more experienced people to use it.

Technologies like javascript, swift, and Kotlin are still affordable but if your app requirement is using high-level technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, etc, it will get expensive.

#10. Team Size, Composition, and Expertise

The bigger project needs more members to proceed with the project more properly. The cost depends on whom you work with if you work with skilled freelancers, a dedicated team, or choose an on-shore /off-shore company, the app development cost estimation varies based on it.

#11. Timeline and Milestones

The quote, “time is money is made for a reason”. Sometimes, you pay the price of urgency. If you need an app urgently, it needs developers to spend their extra hours, leaving other work aside.

#12. Risk Management and Contingency Planning

Every agency or company usually charges 10 to 20% for future risk management and other crises. Every app comes with some or other risks and technical problems, which might overrun the budget.

Hence most of the reputed agencies charge some amount of percentage as a part of risk management.

How Do We Break Down App Development Stages & Their Costs?

#1. Discovery & Planning Phase

We understand your project better than you to give you an accurate roughly estimation. We collect all the information regarding the app from you via a features listing document. Our team asks necessary questions like what things are important for you and what is under less priority. So based on the discussion, we start by researching and studying about market trends.

We analyze what users love, what works, and what not for what type of app. Based on this, we prepare a detailed document outline that includes everything about the app requirements.

#2. Design Phase

We will hand over the detailed document outline to you, if it's okay from your side, our team will start working on the design phase. Our designers make visual mockups and wireframes according to the UI/UX of brands.

We will show you multiple visual mockups, you can give feedback and changes you want in that. Based on the feedback you give, the team will make multiple revisions and refine the design until it aligns perfectly with your brand.

#3. Development Phase

Once you approve the designs, designers pass the mockups and designs to our developer team. This is the stage where we add life to the app by writing the coding part. The team works on front-end and back-end parts.

The front end is the designing part, where designers add CSS, HTML, and JS to design the features and pages. Developers develop the core logic of the back-end app, perform integrations, and do other heavy tasks.

#4. Testing & Quality Assurance

Because we want to make sure your first-use experience should be amazing. We test your app multiple times before delivering it to you.

Our QA and testing team checks for all the bugs like performance bugs, security bugs, functional bugs, UI/UX bugs, compatibility bugs, network bugs, and many more.

#5. Launch Phase

Once our team is done with development and testing, we give you an app demo to try. If it looks fine to you and once you approve, we will launch your app as soon as possible. According to your type of app, we deploy your app to the app store or iOS by following all the guidelines.

Other than this, we also help you with marketing and promotions(costs may vary).

#6. Post-Launch Maintenance

After deployment also, we are always available to stay in touch with you via email or chat. If you face any issues or hear from the users as reviews, feel free to reach us to modify or add any feature to the app.

What is the Average Costs Based on App Types?

We can get the average app cost by dividing the apps into four categories that are as follows:

#1. Simple Apps: Basic Features, Low Complexity

Simple apps like a calculator or static page might get completed within 2 to 3 months. Cost varies from $5,000 to $50,000 or more depending upon the extra functionalities.

#2. Mid-Range Apps: More Features, Moderate Complexity

Fitness and the apps like Zomato or normal e-commerce stores online are moderate complexity apps. This usually includes login, purchase, notifications, etc. so as per market standard, the price can range from $50,000 to $120,000.

#3. Enterprise-level Apps

Enterprise-level apps are generally for a big established business that needs multiple integrations, and advanced features. It can take over a year or more to develop this type of app and the price range varies from $100,000 to $300,000.

We can give you a rough estimate depending on your app category, click on get a quote or write an email to us.

How Much Time Will It Take For App Development?

So, reading all the above things, your mind might have questions about how much time, it will take to develop an app. So, we have classified it in simple and short ways to make the picture more clear.

  • Small Apps: 2-3 months.
  • Medium Apps: 4-6 months.
  • Large, Complex Apps: 6+ months.

But apart from the above, please understand, that if you want the app on an urgent basis or earlier, this can cause extra charges. Because we will be giving priority to your app-making on the first note. Our developers and other team members will put extra effort and time into delivering your app on time with quality maintained.

So, yes this can increase a bit of cost in return.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

We make everything clear from the first day. You will know every update of the app development to avoid future confusion. There are no hidden fees actually from our side but you need to keep the app store fees, marketing and user acquisition, update, and server hosting costs in mind. These are extra work apart from app development thats why.

  • App Store Fees: The Apple app store charges a 30% commission for in-app purchases and subscriptions. While the Google Play store charges $25 as a one-time fee for deployment.
  • Marketing & User Acquisition:  what you pay for promoting your app on various channels is marketing cost. It depends on the marketing strategies you choose such as advertising, social media, or SEO.
  • Server & Hosting Costs:  we will charge the fee according to the server hosting provider you choose. Also if you want to scale the app in the future and expand the hosting services, it will add up extra price.

Other than this, there will be updates or upgrades cost with the time.

How to Get Accurate Mobile App Estimation?

Here are the useful tips to try for getting roughly mobile app estimation from any company:

  1. Firstly provide the project details more transparently. Include every small thing about the app from the top to bottom.
  2. Always pick an experienced app development company (you can ask for references or verify their work via past clients).
  3. Break every development phase and proceed one by one. Stay connected with the development team and ask questions about each phase like what’s used and what is being done.
  4. Consider current cost and future maintenance costs, deployment, upgrades, server hostings, and more to get more ideas.
  5. Approach multiple companies and get quotes from them. Understand their workflow and technologies.
  6. Lastly, be prepared for changes in this technical world. Accept the unexpected things and handle the changes smartly.

Other than this use these strategies to save costs on app development:

  • First, build MVP to check if it's running properly in the market and hear from users.
  • Choose to go with cross-platform app development using Flutter or react native if it fits your business needs. Because customization is possible in most of the cases.
  • Reuse most of the components, code, or templates instead of using new ones.
  • Outsource the project if you find a good outsourcing partner. If you can't compromise on quality and deadline and have a FOMO of delay, then go for an in-house team. These in-house teams are always available for a quick meeting and clear your doubts.

Expert App Devs' Approach to Mobile Application Rough Estimates

At Expert App Devs, we believe in giving clarity. Because if you do not get clarity about how cost is calculated, app development is useless. so, our estimation process includes understanding your app’s goals, target audience, and desired features by our Business Analysts, Business Development Team and Technical Project Managers and some decision-makers.

Once we get this thing, we decide on agile, scrum, or waterfall whatever suits your app best. Every part of the app will be reviewed by you via on-paper, NDA and meeting. We do this to make sure we both are on the same page.

Our designers create use cases and wireframes as per discussion. We use many tools like story points and online calculators to get rough mobile app estimates.

We work with dedicated team collaboration to know what they think about the app as per their experience. We conduct multiple interviews, meetings, and feedback sessions to make the necessary improvements.

In the end, we want to give you the best quote within 2 Working days, that justifies you everything about the app development.

Case Studies: Successful Mobile App Rough Estimates

At Expert App Devs, we have worked on a lot of real-world app estimation projects and clients are happy too from our work. We understand the estimate we provide to clients will either make our deal or break it. So we do this estimation process carefully so that is in favor of the client as well as aligns our budget and work.

How Our Rough Quotation Process Helped Many Of The Business?

We give priority to offering features that work well for users. hence detailed approach is our art. How we begin is:

  • Analyze features, user needs, and technical requirements.
  • The next part is we give a clear idea of costs and timelines right from the start. 
  • We break projects into small phases using agile and scrum and that has really made it easier to make our client understand the cost more precisely. Now they are not confused anymore!

Let's read case studies of how we helped some of our clients with our skills and knowledge.

Case study 1

all in one financial app rough quotation case study

Who carries cash today in this digital world? Cashless payment apps have made things more easier and comfortable. It has reduced the fear of theft, counterfeiting, and lots of human mistakes.

Cashless payment is the modern solution in today's time. NFC(near-field communication) is used by many businesses these days for contactless payments.

The Client's Requirement

A fintech startup company came to us regarding the NFC payment app. They mentioned two features as the most important quick transaction and integration of encryption features. They wanted to provide their retail customers to easily make purchase on any device without hassle.

The Solution We Offered

Our in-house team did research and analysis using AI algorithms to understand spending habits. As the client said, he wanted an easy, quick, and secure app, we implemented encryption, and added a credit score system, instant payment, loan processing, and various budgeting tools.

Also, we used a scalable backend database to allow the client to handle big users in the future and handle sensitive user data.

The Impact It Created

Not only for retail businesses, many users started adapting the app due to its easy and fast contactless payment. This helped certain businesses to avoid long queues of vendors and run their financial business with proper credit scores and budget planning.

This way, the client expanded to multiple markets because the app supports multiple languages and can easily used by Android and iOS users.

Case Study 2

nfc payment app rough quotation case study

Nowadays, there is a lot of craze for investment among youngsters. Because people have experienced profit with the time. Loan is one of the things among them. A loan business earns a lot because it gives a certain amount of money at a specific % of interest.

The Client's Requirement

Our client already used the Moneylion app to borrow, invest, and sell stuff in past years. Knowing this app is actually a good finance management app. The client approached Expert App Devs to make an all-in-one financial app, especially for their business. He gave us a reference moneylion app. And asked if we can develop similar features customized to their business.

The Solution We Offered

We explored the Moneylion app first because practically, it helps us understand the functionality better. Fetching financial insights was an important part of this app-making. We used AI to get user insights and give recommendations to users about where they should invest, and what's profitable.

We included one form at the start of app registration where the user needs to fill in certain finance details about their work, the aim of using this app, and soon. And the most important part: users can easily apply for loans to any bank using this app.

We used the highest level of encryption techniques to secure the sensitive data while using this app.

The Impact It Created

Loan applications are getting easier after this app. This app helped users to manage their budgets and finances more efficiently. The app gave them a real-time analysis of the current budget and suggestions like whether it's profitable to invest or not.

Conclusion

Hope we were able to give you a clear-cut idea about the mobile app rough estimate. So you can make the right choice before app development. Every business is different and has different cost estimates but features of rough estimates are mostly common for all.

Next time, you go for a rough quotation, make sure you consider all of the above things and do research about the whats current market price to make the wise decision.

FAQs

#1. How does the platform (iOS or Android) impact app development cost estimates?

✅iOS and Android both are different platforms. They both use different programming languages and have different testing methods, and launching guidelines. Hence it impacts cost estimate. Other than this, backend integration and IT support also impact the rough costing.

#2. Can rough estimates change during development?

✅Yes, rough estimates can change during ongoing development. Because technical problems are unexpected, they can be either technical tools or technologies fault or developer’s fault. Based on the solution and fixes applied to the problem, the cost may rise.

#3. What’s the difference between a rough estimate and a final estimate?

✅A rough estimate is just a high-level assumption of cost to give you the idea of the app cost like the price will vary between this to this amount. The final estimate is an accurate and detailed estimate, it is done with more deeper analysis.

#4. How do updates and future app scalability affect rough estimates?

✅Future scalability and updates need long-term support and maintenance. The app might need additional features with the changing times. So, yes rough estimate is affected in every way.

#5. How do post-launch costs factor into rough estimates?

✅Obviously, we don't know what bug will come in the future, it's all unexpected. It can be either a compatibility problem, design issue, server issue, or whatnot.

✅So, post-launch is an important factor to retain the customer and continue the engagement with the app. Marketing, maintenance, and good support, these things comes under post-launch.

Jignen Pandya-img

Jignen Pandya

Vice President at Expert App Devs

Responsible for creating a sales funnel, attracting top-of-the-funnel customers, and converting the target market.

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