How I Learned What It Really Costs to Develop an App in 2025
Meher Kapoor💡 Thinking of building an app? Start here.
I recently decided to explore an app idea and ran into the same wall everyone does:
How much does it actually cost to develop an app?
And what’s the roadmap to get started — especially if you're not technical?
🎥 The Video That Finally Made It Make Sense
This video from Code Brew Labs covers the topic in a way I hadn’t seen before — not just ballpark estimates, but actual cost breakdowns based on:
✅ Type of app (custom, SaaS, white-label)
✅ Technology used (native vs cross-platform)
✅ Developer location (India vs US vs UK)
✅ Time & complexity
✅ Maintenance & hidden post-launch costs
It’s a solid starting point, whether you’re building MVPs or planning for scale.
App Development Cost: What I Took Away
| App Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic App | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-Complexity | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Full-Scale SaaS | $70,000 – $200,000+ |
Outsourcing to India or a hybrid model (local + offshore) can dramatically cut costs while retaining quality — if you know what to look for.
How to Develop an App: Quick Roadmap
Define the problem + user
Decide your app model (SaaS, custom, white-label)
Choose platforms (iOS, Android, Web)
Get estimates based on real scope
Plan for post-launch hosting + support
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a startup founder, indie hacker, or someone just curious about the real cost of building an app in 2025, I highly recommend checking it out.
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