A straightforward mobile app may cost a few thousand euros, while an MVP with its own backend can run into tens of thousands. Features, integrations, design and ongoing operation matter more than the number of screens. We prepare a firm quote only after agreeing the scope.
App development quotes can look very different because they often describe different products. A small offline tool is not the same project as a platform with accounts, payments, administration and messaging. This guide explains how to compare scope and plan a realistic budget. The examples below are FYstart’s indicative EUR ranges, not a survey of UK market prices.
Indicative mobile app development costs
The ranges below are for initial planning only, not a binding price list. They are in EUR, not GBP. Your written proposal should state the scope, currency, tax treatment, delivery conditions and exclusions.
| Project type | Budget | What it can include |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward app | €2,000–€8,000 | A limited feature set, simple workflows and few integrations. |
| MVP with backend | €8,000–€25,000 | A working first release with accounts and a dedicated server-side system. |
| Complex digital product | €25,000–€60,000+ | More demanding workflows, integrations, roles and operational requirements. |
What has the biggest effect on price?
- User journeys, permissions and the number of distinct roles.
- Backend, administration, payment flows and third-party integrations.
- Bespoke UX/UI, accessibility and interactions.
- Offline behaviour, security, testing and future maintenance.
A form that stores a few fields is very different from a process that checks availability, verifies permissions and takes payment across several services. Comparing screen counts alone will not tell you which quote offers better value.
Why start with an MVP?
An MVP is a first usable version focused on the central customer problem. It lets you learn from real use before funding every planned feature. It should still be reliable and safe to use; “minimum” describes scope, not quality.
- Identify the main user and the problem worth solving.
- Choose the smallest complete journey that delivers value.
- Agree how you will gather feedback and decide what comes next.
- Keep security, data handling and maintainable architecture in scope.
iOS, Android or both?
The right choice depends on your audience, device requirements and budget. Shared code can reduce duplicated work, but both platforms still need testing. Specialised hardware or operating-system features may need native modules. Technology should follow the product requirements.
What happens after launch?
Plan for hosting, external services, updates, fixes, monitoring and support. User numbers, stored data and integrations can change operating costs. Agree who owns accounts and code, how releases are handled and what maintenance includes before launch.
From our work: Fermeria
Fermeria combines user accounts, in-app chat and push notifications. Its budget therefore needs to cover the connected backend and communication rules as well as the screens. A visually simple interaction can depend on substantial work behind the interface.
What should a proposal include?
- A defined feature set and explicit exclusions.
- Technical approach, milestones and responsibilities.
- Testing, acceptance and handover arrangements.
- Ownership, hosting, maintenance and change-request terms.
For an introductory call, tell us who the app is for, the problem it solves and your expected timing. We can then outline a first release and a useful estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can you quote from an idea alone?
We can discuss indicative scope and complexity. A firm quote requires agreed features, integrations and delivery conditions.
Does an MVP always cost less?
Its scope is usually smaller, but technical complexity still matters. A specialist MVP can be more demanding than a simple complete app.
Are the example prices in pounds?
No. They are explicitly in EUR. We agree the quotation currency and invoicing terms separately; these are not claimed to be UK average prices.
Sources
This article draws on the sources listed and the experience of the FYstart digital studio.