How much does it cost to develop a mobile app in 2025?

Have you ever wondered how much it really costs to develop a mobile app in Kazakhstan? And what factors influence this price? We will go through the process step by step and find out which factors shape the budget for creating your future digital masterpiece.

1. Functionality: the more complex, the more expensive

Developing a mobile app is like building a house. If you need a "cottage" — a calculator or notepad, the costs will be minimal. But if you aim for something big — an online store, delivery service, or social network with video calls, be prepared for serious investments.

Each new feature requires time, testing, and integration. For example, video calls, chats, and multimedia are additional developments that complicate the app's architecture and increase costs. However, if done right, such investments pay off handsomely.

For example, one of our clients decided to launch a marketplace for delivering farm products in Almaty and Astana. Implementing a chat with sellers and integrating online payments through Kaspi Pay increased the budget, but made the app more convenient and competitive.

2. Choice of platform: iOS, Android, or cross-platform?

One of the first tasks is to decide which devices the app will be developed for.

iOS – development has a limited number of models and a predictable ecosystem.

Android – more complex and expensive due to the variety of devices and OS versions, which increases testing and adaptation time.

Cross-platform – allows you to create an app for both iOS and Android, saving money and time.

For example, a tour operator wanted to create an app for booking tours around Kazakhstan. We suggested a cross-platform solution, which reduced the budget by 30% and allowed for a faster market entry.

3. Design and UX/UI

A beautiful interface is not just about pictures, but about user interaction. Good UX design increases user engagement, reduces bounce rates, and keeps customers longer.

The more complex the design, the higher the cost. It is often better to start with black-and-white mockups and then add details later.

4. Integrations and additional features

Connecting maps, payment systems, and push notifications makes the app more convenient, but increases the budget.

5. Development timeline: time is money

If you need it urgently, be prepared to pay more. Expedited development requires the involvement of additional specialists and overtime.

6. Stages of development

Each stage of development affects the budget:

• Idea and planning – the foundation of the project, competitor analysis, and formulation of requirements.
• Prototyping and design – visualization of the interface.
• Programming – implementation of the planned.
• Testing and debugging – identification and correction of bugs.
• Launch and support – updates and working with user feedback.

7. How much does app development cost?

Examples of calculations

Approximate budgets for 2025:

• Simple apps (Calculator, notes) – $8,000 to $15,000.
• Medium complexity (online stores, food delivery) – $20,000 to $50,000.
• Complex projects (corporate systems, video calls) – from $50,000 and up.

8. Cost comparison by region

USA – $150,000 — $300,000 

Eastern Europe – $50,000 — $100,000 

Kazakhstan – $20,000 — $60,000

Bottom line

The cost of developing a mobile app depends on: functionality, platform, design, integrations, and timelines. In Kazakhstan, the cost of services is lower than in the USA, but the quality can be at the same level. Looking for a reliable team and transparent development?

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