How Much Does Making an App Cost? A Realistic Look for Businesses and Nonprofits

In today’s digital-first world, creating a mobile app can be a game-changer for businesses and nonprofits alike. Whether you're trying to better engage your audience, streamline operations, or offer services more conveniently, building an app can offer major benefits. But one of the first—and most important—questions to ask is: How much does making an app cost?

The answer, as you might expect, is: it depends. But in this post, we’ll break it down clearly so you can make an informed decision.

What Drives the Cost of Making an App?

The total cost of developing an app can vary widely, depending on several key factors:

1. App Complexity

• Simple apps (like a basic calculator or information-only app): $5,000 – $20,000

• Moderately complex apps (e.g., event registration, donation portals, customer portals): $20,000 – $60,000

• Highly complex apps (with e-commerce, real-time chat, databases, third-party integrations): $60,000 – $150,000+

The more features you need—like push notifications, user logins, GPS tracking, or payment processing—the more development time and expertise it takes.

Another Pricing Option For Apps

There is another option of using an app development platform to quickly build and publish your app with no-coding required. At Find Engage Reward (FER) we have a monthly subscription of $600 a month that includes implementation, setup, hosting, maintenance, support, and all other expenses. After an initial 3 months, we go to month-to-month contracting so you are not stuck into anything long-term

2. Design and User Experience

Good design isn’t just about looks—it’s about how users interact with your app. Custom UI/UX design can add $5,000 – $15,000 or more to the project, depending on how tailored and interactive the experience needs to be.

3. Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both?

Building an app for iOS only is cheaper than building for both iOS and Android. Native apps (built specifically for each platform) cost more than hybrid apps (built using one codebase for both systems, such as React Native or Flutter).

Expect to pay 30–50% more if you want a native app on both platforms.

4. Development Team: Freelancers vs. Agencies

• Freelancers can cost less ($30–$100/hour), but may require you to manage the project yourself.

• Agencies typically charge more ($100–$200/hour) but provide project management, design, development, and testing all in one.

For nonprofits or smaller businesses, agencies that specialize in small-scale projects or offer nonprofit discounts (like Find Engage Reward) can help bridge the gap.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Many first-time app builders overlook these recurring or secondary costs:

• App Store fees: $99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google Play

• Ongoing maintenance: Expect to budget 15–20% of the original app cost per year

• Backend services: Servers, databases, user analytics, and hosting can cost $20–$500/month or more

• Marketing and promotion: Building the app is only half the battle—getting people to use it is the other half

Is There a More Affordable Way?

Yes. If you’re a small business or nonprofit looking for a cost-effective way to build an app, there are two options:

1. No-code and low-code platforms: These tools (like FER) allow you to build apps with little to no coding experience.

2. Custom, streamlined development: At Find Engage Reward, we offer tailored app solutions for nonprofits and businesses that focus on core functionality without bloated features—saving you time and money.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re asking “how much does making an app cost,” you’re already thinking strategically. An app is an investment—but with the right scope and partner, it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Whether you’re looking to build stronger donor relationships, simplify customer interactions, or launch a new service, a well-designed app can pay for itself many times over in loyalty, engagement, and efficiency.

Ready to Explore Your App Idea?

At Find Engage Reward, we help small businesses and nonprofits turn big ideas into digital tools that deliver. Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that fits your vision—and your budget.