How Much Does It Cost to Outsource App Development?

Outsourcing app development is becoming a popular choice for business owners who are looking to bring a seismic change in the competitive industry. App owners are avoiding building an in-house team due to higher costs. But the question remains the same, how much does it cost to outsource app development?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The average cost to outsource app development lies between $5000 to $25,000. However, there is no one answer to this question as the cost can directly depend on various factors. It varies according to the app’s complexity, functions & functionalities you want to incorporate, the development team's location, expertise, and many more. 

In this comprehensive guide, you will get a complete breakdown of the cost elements that will help you understand what impacts your outsourcing budget. You will also know why you should choose to outsource your app development project. So, stay tuned till the end.

 Why Outsourcing App Development Is Worth It?

 When you outsource app development, you can avail the following benefits :

1. Access to Global Talent: You can work with experienced developers worldwide. They will have the expertise to handle all the complexities of your project.
2. Faster Time to Market: As an app owner, you can quickly launch your app in the competitive market. No doubt, skilled teams deliver projects faster and within a limited time.
3. Cost Savings: One of the major advantages of outsourcing is that it helps you avoid in-house hiring, training, and infrastructure costs.
4. Focus on Core Business: You can delegate technical tasks while managing business growth. When you assign your development project, you can work on core business activities.

Different Outsourcing App Development Models

If you want to reduce the cost of outsourcing app development, then you need to understand different pricing models. This will help you to make a more informed decision based on the specific requirements of your project. Here are a few of the pricing models that you can choose from to cut down your app development cost.

1. Fixed-Price Model: It is most suitable for well-defined projects with a set budget. For instance: if you are running a startup with a fixed feature list.

2. Time & Material Model: This pricing model is Ideal for projects with evolving requirements. Thus, you only need to pay for the actual work done by the developers' team.
3. Dedicated Team Model: App owners looking for long-term collaboration where the development team works exclusively for you can choose this model. It is most suitable for growing businesses.

Key Factors Affecting App Development Costs

When you outsource app development, various factors will directly affect the overall cost. So, before handing over your development project, make sure to consider the following factors :

1.    How Complex Your App Is?

The cost will directly vary based on your app's complexity. It can be divided into three types :

○     Basic Apps: If you are looking to build a simple app with minimal features, it can cost you around $5,000 - $20,000.

○     Moderate Apps: Apps owners who are looking to integrate APIs, real-time chat, and payment systems need to pay more. The cost can range somewhere between $15,000 - $70,000.

○     Complex Apps: Those who want to develop a feature-rich app with advanced integrations can expect that their cost will exceed $80,000. The more complexity, features & functionality you want in your app, the higher will be the overall outsourcing app development cost.

 

2.    For Which Platforms You Are Developing Apps?

Another crucial factor that affects the cost of your app development project is choosing the app platform. You need to decide whether you want to hire mobile app developers to build apps for iOS, Android, or Both. If you are looking to develop for both platforms, it will surely increase the overall cost of your project. However, feel free to connect with top mobile app development company in India to build apps for different platforms at budget-friendly prices.

3.    Expertise & Location of Developers

Next comes the experience of developers. Generally, developers or industry experts with higher expertise charge more. The main reason is that they have the relevant knowledge, skills, and practical experience to handle the complexities of your app.

Additionally, the location of developers also plays a crucial role. If you are hiring from North America, the cost can be around $70-$150/hour. On the other hand, if you are outsourcing app development in Eastern Europe, the cost can be reduced to $35-$60/ hour. However, you need to note that it is not necessary if a developer is charging high, so it will ensure the success of your app. To outsource app development to the right team, app owners need to critically evaluate their portfolio, check out their reviews, and discuss their projects in detail.

4.    App Development Team Size

The cost also depends on the development team size. Teams include project managers, developers, designers, and QA specialists. This means that the larger the team, the higher the cost. It’s advisable to hand over your project to the leading mobile app development company. So, you don’t need to invest in hiring team members for specific tasks.

5.    Your App Design or UI/UX Design 

One of the crucial factors that determines the app development cost is the UI/UX design. A visually appealing design attracts more target audiences. Moreover, users keep coming back to navigate your app. Therefore, you must invest in improving your app design. If you choose to have custom designs, then the cost can be high compared to the template-based interfaces. App owners can hire mobile app developers to ensure the unique and appealing UI/UX design of their app. They have the expertise to make your app look more attractive at the lowest prices.

Wrapping Up

One of the most cost-effective ways to build your app is to outsource app development. However, you need to do it strategically. Before assigning the project to any development team, you need to consider the app's complexity, platform, and development team's location to estimate costs accurately. Make sure to select the right outsourcing model and development partner to maximize your investment and complete your project without stretching your budget. Remember, the cost is an investment in your app’s future success. So, don’t think twice about investing in app development projects to succeed in the competitive marketplace.