How much does it cost to build an app in the US?
In the US, a first version of an app usually costs between $50,000 and $100,000 at an iOS studio. Larger builds with several platforms and complex backends go well past $250,000.
The numbers below come from US sources that publish prices. Each one describes a different scope, so read them as ranges, not quotes.
| Source | What it covers | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch (survey of app projects) | Average mobile app project | $90,780 |
| Lickability, iOS studio in New York | Smaller projects | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| Lickability | Full app | From $100,000 |
| Steamclock, iOS studio in Vancouver | Version 1.0 | $150,000 to $300,000, entry from $50,000 |
| Rocket Farm Studios, Boston area | 3-week prototype | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Rocket Farm Studios | 12 to 16-week build | $250,000 to $500,000 |
Sources: Clutch’s mobile app cost guide and the FAQ pages of Lickability, Steamclock and Rocket Farm Studios.
iOS app development cost at Carvalho Karsten
Carvalho Karsten uses the same market reference for a first version: $50,000 to $100,000 in the US, and from €10,000 in Europe, including Portugal. In Brazil, the reference is R$50,000 to R$250,000.
These ranges are not a proposal. The price of your app comes from a project review that lists the development stages, the integrations and the changes your scope needs.
Price after review. You get the scope, timeline and price of each stage in writing before any work starts. You can approve one stage at a time.
What drives the cost of an app
Five factors explain most of the difference between a $50,000 app and a $250,000 app.
| Factor | Lower cost | Higher cost |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone only | iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android |
| Screens and flows | A few screens, one user type | Many screens, several user roles |
| Backend | Existing API or a managed service | Custom server, admin panel, real-time data |
| Integrations | Sign in with Apple, push notifications | Payments, maps, health data, legacy systems |
| Design | Apple’s standard components | Custom animation and branding |
The most useful decision is what to leave out of the first version. A smaller first release reaches the App Store sooner and shows what your users really need.
How long an app takes, and why time sets the price
In the market, a first version usually takes 3 to 4 months. Most of the price is people’s time, so a shorter scope costs less.
Hourly rates also vary by region. Clutch lists app studios in Florianópolis, Brazil, at $25 to $149 per hour, and their time zone is 1 to 2 hours ahead of Boston.
Recurring costs after launch
The build is not the last bill. Plan for these yearly costs from day one.
Apple Developer Program. $99 per year, shown in local currency during enrollment. Without it, the app leaves the App Store.
Apple’s commission. Free apps pay no commission. On paid apps and In-App Purchases, developers with up to $1 million in proceeds in the prior year can join the App Store Small Business Program and pay 15%.
Backend and services. Hosting, database, push notification services, email and analytics. The bill grows with your number of users.
Maintenance. Apple releases new iOS and macOS versions every year, and since April 28, 2026, uploads must be built with Xcode 26 or later. The page on app maintenance explains what that work covers.
How to get an accurate quote for your app
An accurate quote starts with a clear scope. Before you ask for prices, write down who uses the app, the 3 to 5 tasks it must do, and the systems it connects to.
Then compare quotes by their list of stages: design, development, backend, testing, publishing and maintenance. The guide to building an app walks you through that scope.
What Carvalho Karsten does before quoting
Carvalho Karsten starts every project with a review of your idea, your users and your integrations. You get the stages, the timeline and the price of each stage in writing.
If the full app is beyond your budget, the review shows a smaller first version that fits it. Read how iOS and Mac app development works, or send a description of your app and request a project review.