App Cost Calculator

Price differences arise from the scope of features, complexity of business logic, and design. A simple app with 5 screens and standard design naturally costs less than an app with payment, chat, backend, and custom animations. Additionally, factors like security requirements, API integrations, and offline capability play a role. I calculate transparently based on effort – each feature is estimated individually.

From my experience, Flutter offers the best balance of performance, development speed, and cost efficiency. Unlike React Native, Flutter renders directly on the GPU – without a JavaScript Bridge. This means native performance at 60fps. Through a single codebase for iOS and Android, my clients save 30-40% on development costs. Google uses Flutter itself for apps like Google Pay and Stadia.

My hourly rate reflects 7+ years of experience in app development and includes: Development (Clean Code, Testing), Project Management (regular updates, coordination), Infrastructure (Git, CI/CD, Code Reviews), and Consulting (technology stack, architecture). I prefer working with fixed prices so you know the costs from the start. The hourly rate serves as the calculation basis.

A simple app can be ready in 6-8 weeks. Medium-complexity apps need about 2-3 months, while comprehensive apps with custom backend and many features take 4-6 months. The exact duration depends on scope, complexity and feedback cycles.

A simple Flutter app with basic features (few screens, simple logic, no complex integrations) starts at about €8,000. This includes development for iOS and Android with a shared codebase, basic UI design and initial testing. Additional features like login, payment or backend increase costs.

I recommend Flutter for most projects as it offers significant advantages:

• Cost savings: One codebase instead of two separate apps saves 30-40% of development costs
• Faster launch: Release both platforms simultaneously
• Easier maintenance: Updates only need to be developed once
• Native performance: Flutter compiles to native code

Native development only makes sense for very platform-specific features or if you already have native apps.

It depends on your app. A backend with API is necessary if you:

• Need user accounts and authentication
• Want to synchronize data between multiple users
• Want to send push notifications
• Want to process payments
• Want to dynamically update content without app update

For pure information apps or tools without cloud synchronization, an app without backend is often sufficient. I develop backends with Laravel incl. admin panel for management.

Yes, absolutely! I develop apps with a scalable architecture that allows later extensions. Many of my clients start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and add more features later. The clean code with BLoC Pattern and Dependency Injection makes extensions easy and maintainable.

The development price includes:

• Complete app development for iOS and Android (with Flutter)
• UI/UX design - either standard Material Design or custom as specified
• Testing on various devices and operating system versions
• App Store preparation - technical preparation for upload
• Documentation for code and features
• Bug fixes during development phase

Not included: App Store fees (€99/year iOS, €25 one-time Android), server hosting (if backend needed), graphics/illustrations from designers, marketing.

I work with a fair milestone-based payment model:

• 30% down payment at project start
• 40% after milestone (e.g. after beta version)
• 30% at final acceptance and code handover

For smaller projects (under €10,000), a 50/50 split can also be agreed. Invoice with 19% VAT, payment by bank transfer.

Yes! After launch, I offer maintenance and support:

• Bug fixes: I fix critical errors quickly
• OS updates: Adaptations for new iOS/Android versions
• Feature extensions: New functions as needed
• Performance optimization: Improvements to app speed

Maintenance contracts are flexible - from hourly as needed to monthly flat rates for continuous support.