How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in 2026?

An honest breakdown of mobile app development costs in the Netherlands in 2026. From simple apps to complex platforms with backend and payments.

The short answer: how much an app costs in 2026

App development costs fall into three categories, depending on complexity:

These prices are estimates for an app that runs on both iOS and Android, built with React Native.

What determines the price of an app?

Platforms: iOS, Android, or both?

With React Native, we build your app once and it runs on both iPhone and Android. That saves significantly compared to two separate native apps.

Functionality

More functionality = more development time. The biggest cost factors:

• User accounts and authentication — login, profiles, password recovery
• Payments — Stripe, iDEAL, in-app purchases
• Push notifications — real-time notifications
• Offline support — storing and syncing data without internet
• API integrations — connecting to external systems (CRM, ERP, databases)
• Realtime features — chat, live tracking, collaboration

Backend and infrastructure

Does your app need a server side? A database? An admin panel? This is often the biggest cost factor. An app with a simple API is cheaper than a full multi-tenant SaaS platform with dashboards and billing.

Design

A standard template app is cheaper. A custom-designed app with animations and a polished user experience costs more but stands out in the App Store.

App Store and Google Play

We handle the full submission to the App Store and Google Play, including developer accounts, store listings, and screenshots.

One-time costs vs. ongoing costs

Beyond development, there are ongoing costs:

One-time (development)

• Design and development of the app
• App Store and Google Play submission
• Testing and QA
• Documentation and handover

Ongoing (monthly)

• App Store developer account: €99/year (Apple), €25 one-time (Google)
• Backend hosting: €20 - €200/month (depending on traffic)
• Push notification service: €0 - €50/month
• Maintenance and updates: €100 - €500/month (bugfixes, new features, OS updates)
• Monitoring: €10 - €50/month

How to save on app development

1. Choose React Native — one codebase for iOS and Android instead of two separate apps
2. Start with an MVP — build the core features first, launch, and expand based on real user feedback
3. Use existing components — why reinvent the wheel?
4. Think about your backend — a simple API is cheaper than a full SaaS platform

Frequently asked questions

How much does a simple app cost?

A simple app with basic functionality (no backend, no payments) starts from about €5,000. Think of an informational app, a calculator, or a simple tool.

How long does it take to build an app?

A simple app takes 4-8 weeks. A full app with backend and payments 8-16 weeks. Complex platforms can take 4-6 months.

Can I expand my app later?

Yes. We build apps modularly, so you can add new features without rebuilding everything. Start with an MVP and scale.

Do you offer maintenance after launch?

Yes. We offer ongoing maintenance — bugfixes, updates for new iOS/Android versions, and new features. This is billed as a monthly amount based on the size of the app.

Do I need two separate apps for iOS and Android?

No. We use React Native, which lets us build one codebase that runs on both platforms. That saves time, money, and maintenance.

What if my app needs a backend?

No problem. We also build the server side of your app — APIs, databases, admin panels, and integrations. This is scoped together with the app during the discovery call.

Ready to build your app?

Book a free 15-minute call to discuss your app idea. No pitch, no pressure. Book a call or check out our mobile app service.