Asking how much it costs to develop an app is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer is that a simple app can start from around SEK 40,000, a more complete business app often lands somewhere between SEK 200,000 and SEK 500,000, and larger apps with advanced integrations, backend systems, admin panels and scalable architecture can cost more than that.
For those who want to test an app idea quickly, we also offer an MVP Sprint, where we build a first working mobile app in 6 weeks at a fixed price from SEK 60,000 excluding VAT.
The longer answer is that the price depends on what the app needs to do, which features are required, whether it should be built for iOS, Android or both, and how much technology is needed behind the app itself. A mobile app is often more than just a few screens on a phone. In many cases, it also requires a backend, database, API, integrations, admin interface, security, hosting and ongoing development.
How much does it cost do build an app?
Here is a simplified overview of what app development can cost:
| Type of app | Approximate cost |
| Simple app with a few views and limited functionality | From approx. SEK 40,000 |
| MVP / first version of an app | From approx. SEK 60,000 |
| App with login, backend and admin panel | Approx. SEK 200,000–500,000 |
| Advanced app with multiple integrations, user roles, payments or scalable platform | From approx. SEK 500,000 and up |
These are approximate price levels, but they give a more useful answer than “it depends”. A simple app could be an app with static content, basic forms or a limited number of functions. A more advanced app could be a customer portal, booking app, internal field service app, SaaS product, e-commerce app or an app connected to business systems, CRM, payment solutions or BankID.
At ScriptSector, we help companies develop apps for iOS and Android, from idea and design to backend, integrations, publishing and ongoing development.
Why does the price vary so much?
The cost of developing an app is mainly affected by scope, functionality and technical complexity. An app with only a few screens and simple logic requires significantly less work than an app that needs to handle user accounts, payments, push notifications, permissions, integrations and an administration interface.
Common factors that affect the cost include:
- Number of features and user flows
- Whether the app should be built for iOS, Android or both
- Whether the app should be native, cross-platform or web-based
- Need for UX, design, wireframes and prototypes
- Login, user roles and permissions
- Backend, database and API
- Admin panel or web interface
- Integrations with business systems, CRM, payments, BankID or other external services
- Security, performance and scalability
- Testing, launch in the App Store and Google Play
- Hosting, support and ongoing development after launch
An internal time-reporting app has completely different requirements compared to a digital platform with subscriptions, a customer portal, multiple user roles and integration with an accounting system.
Examples: What can different apps cost?
To make it more concrete, app development can be divided into a few common levels.
Simple app: from around SEK 40,000
A simple app is suitable when the need is clear and the functionality is limited. This could be an app with information, simple forms, a few views or features that do not require an advanced backend.
This type of app may be the right choice if you want to digitize a smaller workflow, create a simple internal solution or build a first version where the features are few and clearly defined.
MVP or early first version: from around SEK 60,000
An MVP is suitable when you want to test an app idea without building the full vision right away. The goal is to create a first version that can be used, demonstrated and developed further.
With our MVP Sprint, we build a working mobile app for iOS and/or Android in 6 weeks. The package includes prioritized scope, design, backend, API and source code at a fixed price. It is not a clickable prototype, but a real first version of the app.
This is often a smart option for startups, companies that want to validate an idea, or organizations that need to get started quickly while still building on a technical foundation that can be developed further.
Complete business app: around SEK 200,000–500,000
A more complete app often requires more than the mobile app itself. This may include login, backend, admin panel, API, integrations, database, push notifications, payments or different user roles.
This level is common for companies that want to build a customer app, internal app, booking solution, field service app, membership app or digital service where the app is an important part of the business.
Advanced app or digital platform: from around SEK 500,000 and up
Larger app projects may require more extensive planning, architecture and development. This is especially true if the app needs to handle many users, advanced integrations, real-time data, payment flows, subscriptions, offline support, advanced security or multiple systems that need to communicate with each other.
In these projects, app development is often part of a larger digital product development process. That means you need to think not only about the first launch, but also about scalability, hosting, support and continued development over time.
An app Is often more than the app itself
Many people underestimate what is required behind a mobile app. What the user sees is the interface on the phone, but behind the app there are often several technical components that make everything work.
A complete app solution may include:
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Backend and database
- API between the app and the server
- Admin panel where staff can manage content or users
- Integrations with CRM, business systems, payments or other platforms
- Security solutions, permissions and business logic
- Hosting, monitoring and ongoing maintenance
This is why app development should be seen as digital product development, not just "building an app".
What does it cost to publish an app?
In addition to the development cost itself, there are a few smaller external costs that may be added. To publish an app in the App Store, you need an Apple Developer account. For Google Play, you need a Google Play Developer account.
If the app uses external services, there may also be costs for payment solutions, map services, SMS, email delivery, BankID, hosting or other third-party services.
The development cost is usually the largest part, but it is important to understand early on which external services the app will need.
Common mistakes that make app development more expensive
A common mistake is starting development too early, before the goals, features and priorities are clear. This often leads to changes during the project, which can affect both the budget and timeline.
Other common mistakes include:
- Trying to build too many features in the first version
- Not clearly separating “must-have” from “nice-to-have”
- Underestimating the need for backend and integrations
- Not planning for hosting and ongoing development after launch
- Choosing technology without considering long-term maintenance
- Skipping design, testing and user experience
For most companies, it is better to start with a clear first version, often called an MVP, and then continue developing the app based on real user feedback and actual usage.
How can you keep the cost down?
The best way to keep the cost down is not to choose the cheapest technical solution, but to build the right things in the right order.
Before requesting a quote for app development, it is useful to answer a few questions:
- What problem should the app solve?
- Who will use the app?
- Which features are absolutely necessary in the first version?
- Does the app need to work on both iOS and Android?
- Does the app need to connect to existing systems?
- Are there requirements for security, roles or permissions?
- How should the app be hosted and further developed after launch?
The clearer the scope is, the easier it becomes to estimate cost, timeline and technical solution.
How does ScriptSector work with app development?
ScriptSector helps Swedish companies, startups and SMEs create custom digital solutions. We build apps for iOS and Android and support the entire process: idea, requirements, design, development, backend, integrations, publishing and continued development.
We begin by understanding the goal of the app, which users it should create value for, and which features are most important in the first version. We then help you choose the right technical approach, whether that means a native app, React Native app, web app or a combination.
Read more about how we work with app development for companies.
Conclusion: How much does it cost to develop an app?
A simple app can start from around SEK 40,000. A first MVP can be built from around SEK 60,000 excluding VAT through our MVP Sprint. A more complete business app often costs between SEK 200,000 and SEK 500,000, while larger and more advanced solutions can cost more.
The most important thing is not only to ask what the app costs, but what value it should create. A well-built app can streamline workflows, create new revenue streams, improve the customer experience or become the foundation for an entirely new digital service.
Do you want to know what your app would cost to build? Contact ScriptSector and we will go through your idea, your goals and the features needed to create a realistic budget and a clear way forward.