How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Website or Mobile App in 2025?
Breaking Down Costs, Key Factors, and Real-World Examples
Introduction: Understanding Development Costs in 2025
Imagine this—you’re an entrepreneur with an incredible business idea, and now you need a website or mobile app to bring it to life. You reach out to a few developers, and suddenly, you’re bombarded with wildly different price estimates—some quoting ₹50,000 ($600), while others go as high as ₹50 lakh ($60,000)!
So, how much does it really cost to develop a website or mobile app in 2025?
The answer depends on several factors, including complexity, features, technology stack, and development team location. In this guide, we’ll break down these costs with real-world examples, pricing comparisons, and expert tips to help you budget smartly.
1. Website Development Costs in 2025
A. Factors That Affect Website Development Cost
- Type of Website → A simple portfolio site costs far less than a full-fledged e-commerce platform.
- Design Complexity → Custom UI/UX designs are pricier than pre-built templates.
- Features & Functionality → Payment gateways, chatbots, and AI integrations increase costs.
- Development Team → Hiring an in-house team costs more than outsourcing to freelancers or agencies.
B. Website Development Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Type of Website | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Example |
| Basic Portfolio Website | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 | $250 – $600 | Personal blogs, freelancer sites |
| Small Business Website | ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh | $600 – $1,800 | Service-based businesses |
| E-Commerce Website | ₹1.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh | $1,800 – $6,000 | Shopify, WooCommerce stores |
| Custom Web Application | ₹5 lakh – ₹20 lakh | $6,000 – $24,000 | SaaS platforms, marketplaces |
Example: A startup in India wanted a custom food delivery website with AI-driven recommendations. The project cost ₹12 lakh ($14,500) due to its complex backend and real-time tracking features.
C. Hidden Costs to Consider
Don’t overlook these additional expenses!
- Domain & Hosting: ₹1,000 – ₹10,000 per year ($12 – $120)
- Maintenance & Updates: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 per month ($60 – $600)
- Marketing & SEO: ₹10,000 – ₹1 lakh per month ($120 – $1,200)
2. Mobile App Development Costs in 2025
A. Key Factors Affecting Mobile App Costs
- App Type: Simple utility apps cost less than complex social media or fintech apps.
- Platform: iOS, Android, or cross-platform (React Native, Flutter)?
- Features: AI chatbots, GPS tracking, and payment gateways significantly increase costs.
- Development Team: Hiring a top-tier agency is pricier than freelancers.
B. Mobile App Development Cost Breakdown (2025)
| App Type | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Example |
| Basic App (Single Functionality) | ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh | $1,200 – $3,600 | To-do lists, calculators |
| MVP (Minimum Viable Product) | ₹3 lakh – ₹10 lakh | $3,600 – $12,000 | Early-stage startup apps |
| E-Commerce / On-Demand App | ₹10 lakh – ₹25 lakh | $12,000 – $30,000 | Food delivery, ride-hailing apps |
| Enterprise-Level App | ₹25 lakh – ₹1 crore | $30,000 – $120,000 | Banking, AI-powered apps |
Example: A health-tech startup built an AI-powered remote patient monitoring app. The development cost ₹18 lakh ($22,000) because of real-time vitals tracking and HIPAA compliance.
C. Ongoing App Costs
- App Store Fees: ₹7,500/year ($99 for Apple Developer Program)
- Maintenance & Updates: ₹10,000 – ₹1 lakh per month ($120 – $1,200)
- Marketing & User Acquisition: ₹50,000+ per month ($600+)
3. Custom Development vs. No-Code Platforms: Cost Comparison
In 2025, many businesses opt for no-code or low-code platforms like Webflow, Wix, Bubble, or FlutterFlow to save money.
| Development Method | Best For | Cost | Limitations |
| Custom Development | Businesses needing high customization | High | Requires expert developers |
| No-Code / Low-Code | Startups & small businesses | Low | Limited scalability & customization |
Learn more about no-code vs. custom development
4. Should You Hire an Agency, Freelancer, or In-House Team?
A. Cost Comparison of Hiring Options
| Hiring Option | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost |
| Freelancer | Low cost, flexible | Risk of delays, lack of long-term support | ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh ($600 – $6,000) |
| Development Agency | Expert team, scalable solutions | Expensive for small projects | ₹5 lakh – ₹50 lakh ($6,000 – $60,000) |
| In-House Team | Full control, dedicated team | High salaries, long hiring process | ₹10 lakh+ ($12,000+) per year |
B. Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Partner
- For small projects: Hire a freelancer on platforms like Upwork.
- For growing businesses: Work with a reliable agency like Techo Lab.
- For enterprise solutions: Build an in-house development team.
Example: A fintech startup in Bangalore outsourced app development to an agency for ₹25 lakh ($30,000), which was cheaper than hiring an in-house team.
5. How to Budget for Your Website or App Development?
Smart Budgeting Tips:
- Define Core Features First: Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and add features later.
- Outsource to Cost-Effective Regions: Countries like India, Ukraine, and the Philippines offer high-quality development at lower costs.
- Plan for Maintenance & Updates: Keep at least 20% of your initial budget for future improvements.
Read more on how to budget for app development.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to build a website or mobile app in 2025?
- A simple website may cost as little as ₹20,000 ($250), while a complex e-commerce platform can go up to ₹10 lakh ($12,000).
- A basic mobile app can start at ₹1 lakh ($1,200), whereas a feature-rich enterprise app can exceed ₹1 crore ($120,000).
Need Help with Development?
At Techo Lab, we create high-quality, cost-effective websites and apps tailored to your needs.
