How Much Does It Cost to Design an App in 2025 (A Guide For Founders)

A basic app might only cost around $3,000, while a feature-rich, custom app could easily run $30,000+.

But what makes the difference? Understanding the complexity of your app, the team you hire, and the features you need is essential to avoid costly surprises down the road.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about app design costs in 2025.

From the complexity of the app design process to the team you hire and their location, we’ll break down the factors that influence the cost of app design and give you the clarity you need to make smarter, more informed decisions.

Ready to discover the true cost of app design and how you can budget for your next big project?

Let's get into it!

What’s the Cost to Design a Mobile App?

The cost to design a mobile app in 2025 varies depending on a few crucial factors. But on average, it can range anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000+.

That’s a huge gap, but understanding what drives these numbers is key to planning your budget.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Basic apps with minimal features and a simple design: $3,000–$6,000
   
   
2. Moderate apps with more features and screens: $7,000–$15,000
   
   
3. Complex apps that are feature-rich, with AI, custom interactions, or multiple user types: $20,000+
   
   

This cost variation doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s influenced by app complexity, design team (who you hire), and their location.

6 Factors That Influence App Design Cost

Factor 1. App Complexity:

The more complex your app, the more expensive it will be to design. If your app is simple—just a few screens and basic functions—it won’t cost as much.

But if it’s feature-rich with multiple user roles, custom interactions, or advanced design elements, the price will jump.

A basic app design might run you around $3,000–$6,000, but a feature-packed app with unique functions can easily go over $30,000.

Factor 2. Number of Screens and Features:

The number of screens and features you add will directly impact the cost.

A simple app might have 5-10 screens, while a more intricate app with user profiles, dashboards, and settings can easily push past 20 screens.

Each additional feature, like user profiles, push notifications, or payment integrations, increases both design and development time, making your app more expensive to create.

Factor 3. Custom Design vs. Native Design:

Choosing between custom design and native design is a big decision that impacts cost.

• Custom Design means creating a completely unique look and feel for your app—this is great for building a brand that stands out. But it takes more time and effort, so it’s more expensive.
  
  
• Native Design follows standard design guidelines from iOS or Android, making it quicker and more affordable—ideal if you need something simple and fast to market.
  

If you’re looking for something unique, expect a higher price for custom design.

But if you’re working with a tight budget or want to get something out fast, native design can be a good option.

Factor 4. Team Type and Location:

The team you hire makes a big difference to your budget. Whether you’re working with an in-house team, freelancers, or outsourcing to an agency, each option comes with different costs.

• In-house teams are the most expensive because of salaries and overhead, but they give you full control.
  
  
• Freelancers might be cheaper, but you’ll need to manage different people for different tasks.
  
  
• Outsourcing to agencies in countries like Eastern Europe or South Asia can offer high-quality design at a fraction of the price, though communication can sometimes be trickier due to time zone differences.
  

The location of your team will also affect pricing. Designers in the U.S., UK, or Western Europe generally cost more than teams based in Eastern Europe or South Asia.

Factor 5. UX and UI Design Quality:

The heart of your app’s design lies in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI).

• UX design focuses on how your app works—making sure it’s intuitive, easy to use, and fits users' needs. This typically takes up 70% of the design cost.
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• UI design deals with how your app looks—colors, buttons, icons, and layout. While UI design is important, it usually costs less than UX design.
  

Investing in both great UX and UI ensures your app doesn’t just look good, but also works seamlessly, which is crucial for user satisfaction and retention.

Factor 6. Development and Integrations:

While design is the main focus here, the development side of things impacts your app’s design cost too.

If your app requires integrations with third-party services or advanced features like real-time updates, payment systems, or location tracking, the design will need to be adapted to fit those functionalities.

For example, if you're building an e-commerce app, the integration of payment gateways requires additional design work to ensure the checkout process is smooth and user-friendly.

How Does the Design Process Affect Costs?

The design process itself plays a pivotal role with 2 impacts: 

1. UX Design’s Impact

User experience (UX) focuses on making your app intuitive, easy to use, and ultimately, loved by users.

UX design can account for 70% of the total design cost, especially for apps that require a high level of user engagement.

1. User Research: This is the starting point. Research involves identifying user needs, behaviors, and pain points. It helps designers create solutions that make sense for the target audience.
   
   
2. Mind Mapping: Organizing the app’s content and features is crucial to designing a logical flow for users. This step ensures that users can easily navigate through the app without frustration.
   
   
3. Low-Fidelity Prototypes: Wireframes and basic prototypes give you a rough idea of how the app will look and function. It’s cheap, but invaluable for getting feedback early.
   
   
4. High-Fidelity Prototypes: These prototypes are fully designed and interactive. They are what you’ll show to stakeholders, investors, or users to get real feedback before going into full development.
   

2. UI Design’s Impact

UI design focuses on how it feels visually. Good UI design can significantly improve user engagement.

1. Color Scheme: The colors you choose communicate emotions and reinforce your brand.
   
   
2. UI Kit: Using a pre-made kit can speed up development and ensure design consistency.
   
   
3. Design Icons and Logo: These elements are central to your brand identity and user recognition.
   
   
4. Animations: Adding smooth animations can make the app feel more polished, but they do add to the cost.
   

5 Tips for Choosing an App Design Company

Choosing the right design partner to get the best web app design services can make or break your project.

1. Review Their Portfolio

Make sure their past work matches the style and functionality you want. Look for projects that emphasize user-centered design.

2. Check Testimonials and Reviews

Look beyond the surface-level reviews. Dig into detailed feedback to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

3. Have a Real Conversation

Interview potential partners to gauge their expertise and ensure they understand your business goals. Can they translate your vision into an intuitive design?

4. Check Their UI/UX Expertise

Great design isn’t just about looks. It’s about creating an intuitive experience.

Make sure they have a solid understanding of UX/UI principles to ensure your app is easy to use.

5. Ensure They Understand Your Goals

The right app design company should align design with your business objectives. They should be able to build an app that not only looks good but helps your business grow.

Looking for an App Design Team?

You're not just looking for a design team. You need partners who understand your vision, work with you every step of the way, and are committed to your success.

That’s exactly what we do. At Ofspace, we don’t just create apps; we help you grow your business.

We know startups need more than just design—they need clarity, speed, and value. 

Get in touch today, and let’s talk about how we can turn your idea into a product that gets results.

Don’t settle for ordinary.

Let’s build something extraordinary.

Interested in learning more about how much our top-notch design services will cost? Drop us a line! and we'll be happy to discuss your project.