The Complete Guide to Mobile App Development Costs in the UK (2025)

When UK businesses consider developing a mobile app, the first question is always: "How much will this cost?" The answer isn't straightforward, as mobile app development costs vary significantly based on complexity, features, and the development approach you choose.

Factors That Influence UK App Development Costs

The cost of developing a mobile app in the UK typically ranges from £10,000 for a basic app to £150,000+ for complex, enterprise-level applications. Several key factors determine where your project falls within this range:

App Complexity and Features Simple apps with basic functionality (information display, simple forms) generally cost £10,000-£25,000. Medium complexity apps with user accounts, payment integration, and API connections range from £25,000-£60,000. Complex apps with advanced features like real-time chat, geolocation, or AI integration can cost £60,000-£150,000+.

Platform Choice Developing for both iOS and Android simultaneously increases costs by approximately 60-80% compared to single-platform development. However, cross-platform solutions using React Native or Flutter can reduce this premium to 20-40% while maintaining native performance.

Design Requirements Custom UI/UX design adds £3,000-£15,000 to your project cost, depending on the number of screens and complexity of interactions. Using pre-built design templates can reduce costs but may limit your app's uniqueness.

UK Market Rates and Regional Variations

Freelance developers in London typically charge £400-£800 per day, while those in other UK regions may charge £250-£500 per day. Development agencies often have higher overheads, with rates ranging from £80-£150 per hour depending on location and expertise.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Many UK businesses underestimate ongoing costs. App store fees (£79/year for Apple, £20 one-time for Google Play), hosting and backend services (£50-£500/month), and maintenance (15-20% of initial development cost annually) should all be factored into your budget.

Making Your Budget Work

To maximise value from your app development budget, consider developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first. This approach allows you to test core functionality with users before investing in advanced features, typically reducing initial costs by 40-60%.

Whether you're a London startup or a Manchester enterprise, understanding these cost factors helps you make informed decisions about your mobile app investment.