App Development Cost in India (2026 Guide)
What it typically costs to build an MVP, mobile app, web app, AI app or SaaS product in India - and what drives the price up or down.
Ranges below are typical market estimates, not a fixed price list. Your exact cost depends on your requirements.
Cost by App Complexity
| Complexity | Typical scope | Typical cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple app / MVP | One core workflow, 5-10 screens, login, basic admin panel | ₹25,000 - 60,000 | 1-3 weeks |
| Medium complexity | Multiple user roles, payments, notifications, 2-4 integrations, 15-30 screens | ₹60,000 - 2 lakh | 3-6 weeks |
| Complex product | Real-time features, AI agents, marketplaces, many integrations, high scale | ₹2 - 6 lakh+ | 1.5-4 months |
Why Apps Cost Less in 2026
If you were quoted lakhs for a simple MVP a few years ago, prices have changed. Four shifts have brought the cost of building software down sharply:
AI-assisted development
Developers now use AI coding tools for boilerplate, tests and refactoring, so the same feature takes a fraction of the hours it did a few years ago.
Ready-made building blocks
Authentication, payments, file storage and hosting are mature services you plug in, not systems you build from scratch.
One codebase for every platform
React Native, Flutter and Next.js let one team ship web, Android and iOS without tripling the work.
Free and usage-based cloud
Generous free tiers mean most MVPs cost little or nothing to host until they have real traction.
What Affects the Cost of an App?
Number of features and screens
Every screen and workflow needs design, development and testing. Scope is the single biggest cost driver.
Platforms
Web, Android and iOS. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter cover Android and iOS from one codebase, which costs far less than two native apps.
User roles
A marketplace with buyers, sellers and admins is effectively three products sharing one backend.
Integrations
Payments, maps, WhatsApp, CRM and AI each add setup, edge cases and testing.
Design depth
A clean design system is quick; heavy custom illustrations and animations take longer.
Security and compliance
Healthcare, fintech and enterprise customers may require audits, encryption and extra infrastructure.
Ongoing Costs After Launch
- Hosting and database
- Often ₹0 - 5,000 per month at launch thanks to free tiers on Vercel, Supabase and Firebase, growing with usage.
- Maintenance and updates
- Commonly budgeted at 15-20% of the build cost per year for fixes, OS updates and security patches.
- Third-party services
- Payment gateway fees per transaction, SMS/WhatsApp messages, maps and AI API usage.
- App store accounts
- Google Play charges a one-time $25 registration fee; Apple's developer program is $99 per year.
How to Reduce App Development Cost
- Launch an MVP with one core workflow, then add features based on real user feedback.
- Use a cross-platform framework instead of separate Android and iOS apps.
- Use proven services for authentication, payments and hosting instead of building them.
- Have designs signed off before development starts to avoid expensive rework.
- Choose a partner that gives a fixed quote for a fixed scope.
This is exactly how we approach MVP development: a tight scope, proven building blocks and a fixed quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to make an app in India?
In 2026, a simple app or MVP typically costs ₹25,000-60,000, a medium-complexity app ₹60,000-2 lakh, and a complex product ₹2-6 lakh or more. The final price depends on features, platforms, integrations and design.
How much does an MVP cost?
A focused MVP with one core workflow usually costs ₹25,000-60,000 and can be built in 1-3 weeks. Srutved can deliver focused MVPs in as little as 15 days.
Is it cheaper to build one app for Android and iOS?
Yes. Cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter let one codebase run on both platforms, which typically costs much less than building two native apps.
Are there costs after the app is launched?
Yes - hosting, third-party services like payments and SMS, app store accounts, and ongoing maintenance, commonly budgeted at 15-20% of the build cost per year.
How can I get an exact quote?
Share your idea with us. After a free scoping call we send a fixed quote with a feature list and timeline.
Get a fixed quote for your app
Tell us about your idea and get a clear plan, timeline and fixed quote. Your MVP could be live in as little as 15 days.