Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How Much Should You Charge for Mobile App Development?
Freelance mobile app developers charge $90–$180/hr, with full app projects ranging from $15,000 for an MVP to $80,000+ for a complex multi-platform product. React Native and Flutter developers often charge slightly less than native iOS/Android specialists.
Floor
$90
per hour
Typical
$140
per hour
Premium
$180
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Platform — iOS only, Android only, or cross-platform (React Native/Flutter)
- App complexity — simple utility vs. social platform vs. marketplace
- Backend requirements — existing API or greenfield backend
- Third-party integrations (push notifications, payments, maps, analytics)
- Design work — using provided Figma or designing from scratch
- App Store submission and compliance support
- Ongoing maintenance and update retainer
Real quote breakdowns
Simple utility app MVP
A wellness startup needs a React Native MVP with user auth, a habit tracker, and push notifications for iOS and Android.
Breakdown
120 hours × $140/hr + $1,200 for App Store submission setup. Covers core screens, Firebase auth, and notifications.
On-demand service app
A local services company needs a Flutter app with booking flows, real-time status tracking, and Stripe payment processing.
Breakdown
220 hours × $165/hr + $6,700 for backend API development. Covers booking engine, map integration, and driver-side app.
Enterprise field service app
A construction firm needs a native iOS app for field workers with offline data sync, photo capture, and ERP integration.
Breakdown
380 hours × $180/hr + $3,600 for QA and device testing. Covers offline-first architecture, CoreData, and API bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Should I quote mobile app work hourly or as a fixed project?
For MVPs and well-scoped projects, fixed pricing gives clients cost certainty and protects you if you work efficiently. For iterative product development with evolving requirements, hourly or a sprint-based retainer works better. Many freelancers do a paid discovery sprint first, then transition to fixed-phase contracts.
How do I handle scope creep on mobile app projects?
Use a detailed feature list in your contract with explicit change order language. When clients request additions mid-project, provide a written estimate for the added scope and get approval before proceeding. A change order rate — often 10–20% above your base rate — discourages casual scope additions.
Is React Native cheaper to build than native apps?
Cross-platform apps (React Native, Flutter) can reduce development time by 30–50% compared to building separate native apps, but they're not always cheaper per hour. Developers who know React Native or Flutter well command similar rates to native developers. The savings come from building once for two platforms.
What should I charge for App Store updates and maintenance?
Post-launch maintenance retainers typically run $1,500–$4,000/month depending on update frequency and backend complexity. At minimum, budget for OS update compatibility checks each fall when Apple and Google release new versions — this alone is worth a 4–8 hour annual retainer.