How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Mobile App in the UK?
Whether you're building a prototype, MVP, or full-scale product, this guide breaks down the true cost of mobile app development in the UK, and how you can avoid burning your budget before launch.
Date Published
12 Nov 2025
Date Updated
21 Nov 2025
Written By
Exline Labs Team
Reading Time
2 min read
Service Type
Mobile ApplicationsIntroduction
You’ve got an app idea. You’ve sketched the features. And you have decided to have a mobile app developed. But one question still looms large:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
Whether you're building a prototype, MVP, or full-scale product, this guide breaks down the true cost of mobile app development in the UK, and how you can avoid burning your budget before launch.
Average Mobile App Development Costs (UK)
| App Type | Estimated Cost |
| Simple MVP (no-code or hybrid) | £2,000 – £5,000 |
| Standard app with 1–2 features | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| Full-featured custom app | £15,000 – £50,000 |
| Enterprise-grade app | £50,000 – £100,000+ |
What Affects the Cost of a Mobile App?
1. Features & Functionality
Every feature adds time. A login page is cheap. Real-time chat, booking systems, or geolocation? That’s more costly.
2. Platform (iOS, Android, or Both)
Cross-platform app development (React Native, Flutter) is cheaper than building separately in Swift and Kotlin.
3. Design Complexity
Custom animations, brand-led UI, and micro-interactions increase cost.
4. Backend Infrastructure
If you need cloud sync, APIs, AI features, or admin dashboards, costs increase accordingly.
5. Development Approach
- No-code tools (cheapest)
- Freelancers (mid-range)
- Agencies (high-quality & full service)
Examples of Realistic Budgets
| Scenario | Description | Estimated Cost |
| Startup MVP | Login + profile + basic UI | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| Marketplace App | Listings + payments + chat | £15,000 – £30,000 |
| SaaS App with Admin | User roles + dashboard + API | £25,000 – £50,000 |
| AI-powered Chat App | GPT integration + workflows | £30,000 – £60,000 |
How to Keep Your Mobile App on Budget
- Define must-have vs nice-to-have features
- Build an MVP first - validate, then scale
- Choose hybrid frameworks for cost-efficiency
- Work with a sprint-based agency (like Exline Labs)
App Maintenance Costs (Ongoing)
Budget 15–25% of your initial build per year for:
- Bug fixes
- OS updates
- App store compliance
- Minor feature updates
Have any Questions?
How much does a simple mobile app cost to build in the UK?
Between £5,000 and £10,000 for an MVP with core features.
What’s the biggest cost factor in app development?
Features! Especially complex ones like payments, real-time chat, or AI integrations.
Is Android or iOS cheaper to build?
They’re similar. Most startups use cross-platform frameworks to target both.
Is Android or iOS cheaper to build?
They’re similar. Most startups use cross-platform frameworks to target both.
How can I reduce mobile app costs?
Start with an MVP, use hybrid tech, and work with a lean development team.
Can I build an app under £5,000?
Yes, using no-code tools or limited-scope builds for early validation.
Are mobile app costs higher in London?
Typically yes, due to higher agency and freelancer rates.
Do app stores charge for submission?
Yes. Apple: £99/year, Google Play: £25 one-time.
Should I use a freelancer or agency?
Freelancers are cheaper, but agencies offer end-to-end delivery and lower risk.
What are hidden costs in app development?
App store fees, cloud hosting, maintenance, and third-party services (e.g., payment gateways).
How does Exline Labs price mobile app projects?
We offer sprint-based pricing tailored to startups, with transparent scope and milestone billing.
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