Knowing the mobile app development cost in Singapore is essential for planning and budgeting. In 2023, there were up to 5.72 million phone users here. As the mobile app industry is growing fast, businesses in Singapore must optimize their investment to develop a powerful mobile app without sacrificing quality.

The cost in developing an app depends on various factors. You have to consider your project scope, the type of app, and many other things to establish a detailed budgeting plan.

This article covers everything you need to know about the cost of mobile app development in Singapore. We will also explore the factors influencing the price and provide tips for effective planning. Let’s read on!

Want to know the exact cost of your app project? Get a free quote now!

Factors Affecting App Development Cost In Singapore

factors affecting app development cost in singapore

Mobile application development cost in Singapore varies depending on multiple factors, such as the app’s complexity, platform, features, and design. The size, experience, and location of the development also affect the answer. So, estimate the cost to build an app to optimize your budget.

App Complexity

Startup apps are simple because they require fewer features and integration. Thus, you can predict low-cost mobile app development. In contrast, complex apps for enterprises demand advanced functionalities, sophisticated designs, and multiple third-party integrations. Thus, the costs will increase.

You should have an app development cost calculator to get insights into various situations. This way, you can estimate expenses for your mobile apps, which is beneficial for your planning decision.

App Platform 

The app development price depends on the chosen app platform. Native and hybrid app development costs differently.

Native App Development Cost

iOS app development costs may vary due to Apple’s stringent guidelines and standards. It often involves higher costs as you need more specialized skills and expertise.

Moreover, you must ensure that your mobile app design is responsive across various Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, watches, and tablets. These extra steps increase development time and expenses.

Similarly, the Android app development cost can range widely because you have to cater to different devices using the Android operating system. Dealing with different screen sizes and resolutions of smartphones and wearables can be challenging. This complexity leads to a higher cost to make an app.

Hybrid App Development Cost

Hybrid apps are a great choice for low-cost app development. They use a single codebase to run on both iOS and Android platforms. This approach eliminates the need to create separate apps for each operating system. Hence, you can cut down on costs.

Features And Functionalities

Each feature and functionality has different complexity levels and requires different development time. Hence, it plays a vital role in assessing the average cost to develop an app.

Core Features

Core features are basic functionalities that define the app’s primary purpose. For example, a simple app needs a login section, search, product listing, payment gateways
(for ecommerce), user registration, and content display. These features are standard and don’t require extensive customization. Since they involve less development time, the cost to build an app with these core features is low.

Advanced Features

Some apps demand advanced features, like real-time chat, geolocation, in-app purchases, push notifications, and integrations with third-party services. You need specialized expertise to build such sophisticated features. Therefore, they will raise the mobile app development price.

Examples of Feature Cost Impact

You need to develop specific features for each type of app. Yet, you can choose to create just core features or enhance your app with more advanced ones. For example, if you want to build an ecommerce app, include these features:

  • Core features: Product listing, search, and checkout.
  • Advanced features: Produce recommendations, AR try-ons, and personalized shopping experiences.

The same idea applies to social media apps. Here is something to consider:

  • Core features: Feeds, posting, and user profiles.
  • Advanced features: Live streaming, advanced analytics, and group chats.

No matter what app you build, the core features have a lower cost impact. Meanwhile, advanced features, which are more expensive, can enhance user experience and add unique functionalities.

Design Complexity

Design is an important part of developing a mobile app. Some factors that matter are:

  • Increased design hours: Complex designs necessitate more design hours because you have to create and refine them until they meet user expectations. The additional time impacts the overall mobile application development cost.
  • Specialized skills: Designers with specialized skills such as animation, interactivity, and illustration charge more. Then, expect increased app development charges.
  • Development time: Some user interface (UI) elements extend project timelines because designers and developers have to work more carefully. The prolonged development phase raises the app development rates.
  • Testing and refinement: Complex designs need thorough testing and refinement. You must ensure all elements work correctly across various devices and screen sizes to identify and fix issues soon. Thus, testing adds to the development cost.

Development Team Size And Experience

The development team size and experience influence the cost of developing an app. Here’s how:

Team Size And Cost

You need different team sizes to fit the requirements of your project. The team size then somehow determines the cost. For example:

  • Small teams: A small development team typically consists of one or two developers, a designer, and a project manager. The small team size allows for faster decision-making. You can also reduce the app development team cost. However, there will be potential bottlenecks and limited resources.
  • Medium teams: You need a project manager, multiple developers, designers, and sometimes a QA engineer to form a medium development team. This way, you can allocate your resources better and increase efficiency. Yet, the labor costs will be higher.
  • Large teams: Aside from the primary roles, a large development team also has specialized positions, such as frontend developers, backend developers, and UX UI designers.

Developer Experience and Cost

Mobile app developers have different experience levels, which influences their rates. You need an app cost calculator to estimate the cost.

  • Junior developers: You can ask for lower hourly rates. Yet, junior developers require more supervision and time to complete tasks.
  • Mid-level developers: This option is the most popular because mid-level developers can balance cost-effectiveness with experience and efficiency.
  • Senior developers: If you need extensive expertise, problem-solving skills, and faster development times, choose senior developers. But please note that they charge higher rates.
  • Specialized developers: Your mobile app may require specific skills, such as AI, AR, or blockchain. In this case, you can find specialized developers who come with premium rates.

Location Of The Development Team

The location of the development team impacts the average cost to make an app. For example, Indian developers often give competitive pricing due to low labor costs. Thus, this country is an ideal destination for budget-conscious businesses. On the other hand, North American developers command the highest app development rates.

App development charges in Singapore are quite high. However, this investment is worth it. Singaporean developers offer a balance of quality and support. Their advanced expertise and robust infrastructure lead to high levels of professionalism. Their extensive experience also makes it attractive to worldwide businesses.

App Development Cost Breakdown

app development cost breakdown

The cost structure for app development includes multiple elements because you go through various steps. Here is a breakdown of the cost to create a mobile app.

Mobile App Design Cost

Typical cost range: 15 to 25% of the total development cost

The cost of making an application starts with the design phase. You need to work with the app’s visual identity, UI UX design. This phase involves designing its layout, color themes, and interactive elements. A well-designed mobile app can easily capture users’ attention.

The mobile app design cost varies depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the design. For example, an app with more screens and complicated elements cost more. Plus, the number of design iterations can impact the price.

App Development Cost

Typical cost range: 40 to 60% of the total development cost

App development is the most important part. Hence, it costs the most. You have to deal with the coding, programming, and integration of app features. All these tasks are complex, demanding more time and resources.

The complexity of the features influences the average cost to develop an app. You should also consider the development platform, like iOS, Android, hybrid, or cross-platform, since each solution has a specific pricing.

The development team size and experience matter, too. This development phase requires a high level of expertise. If you plan to hire more developers who have a strong technical background, pay more.

App Testing And Quality Assurance Cost

Typical cost range: 10 to 15% of the total development cost

After developing the app, you must test it to identify and fix bugs. Rigorous testing ensures its performance and reliability. The average cost to develop an app includes this testing fee.

The more test cases you perform, the higher the cost in developing an app. Device compatibility and bug severity tests impact costs, too. You should also consider the testing tools and software, which may come with subscription and licensing fees.

Deployment And Launch Cost

Typical cost range: 5 to 10% of the total development cost

The cost to launch an app counts when you prepare and submit it to app stores, such as Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Both stores charge fees for submissions.

Then, you need to create promotional materials to attract potential users. Costs in this step include advertising on social media platforms and improving SEO.

Initial launch activities like discounts and rewards can also engage early users. These promotions require effective budget allocation.

Post-Launch Maintenance And Support

Typical cost range: 5 to 10% of the total development cost

Once the app is live, you still need to offer ongoing support, which involves bug fixes, updates, and feature enhancements. You have to pay for the app maintain cost to ensure your mobile app remains functional and secure.

The more frequent the updates, the higher the app cost. The complexity of updates affects maintenance costs, too. Simple bug fixes are less expensive, while complex feature additions require more time and expertise.

You may also need to build a support team. A larger team can handle more tasks and provide quicker responses. Yet, this solution comes with higher labor expenses.

Cost Estimates For Different App Types

Different app types have unique cost structures that affect the app development cost calculator.

Types Of App

You can classify mobile apps based on their complexity levels. The price to create an app differs, too. For example:

  • Basic apps: These apps include simple features, fewer screens, and minimal design. The basic app development cost ranges from SGD $10,000 to SGD $20,000.
  • Medium-complexity apps: The more advanced features of medium-complexity apps demand more development effort. Thus, the cost is higher, between SGD $20,000 to SGD $50,000.
  • Enterprise-level apps: Apps on this level are highly complex. You need a larger development and longer development time. The development cost can be somewhere from SGD $50,000 to SGD $100,000.

Examples Of App Types And Their Cost Ranges

You can also divide mobile apps into different categories depending on the industry they serve. The live streaming app development cost differs from the e-wallet app development cost because they have specific features. Here are some app types and their cost ranges:

  • Social media apps: SGD $8,000 – SGD $25,000
  • Medical and telemedicine apps: SGD $30,000 – SGD $100,000
  • Logistics and delivery apps: SGD $15,000 – SGD $25,000
  • Ecommerce, live stream, and shopping apps: SGD $10,000 – SGD $500,000
  • Restaurant apps: SGD $8,000 – SGD $25,000
  • Banking, payment, and e-wallet apps:  SGD$30,000 – SGD $300,000
  • Fitness apps: SGD $25,000 – SGD $50,000
  • Educational apps: SGD $25,000 – SGD $100,000
  • Fintech apps: SGD $30,000 – SGD $300,000
  • Game apps:  SGD $80,000 – SGD $150,000

Cost Of Hiring An App Development Team In Singapore

cost of hiring an app development team in singapore

In-house development ensures better communication and complete control over the development process. However, the cost in making an app can be higher due to salaries for the development team and infrastructure expenses.

On the other hand, outsourced development can cut down the average price for app development since you can avoid overhead expenses. Moreover,  the talent, expertise, and experience of the app development company allows for faster time to market and optimized results.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Development Partner

If you intend to outsource your mobile app development project to an external service provider, consider these factors:

  • Expertise and experience: Check the agency’s portfolio and client reviews to assess their expertise and experience.
  • Cost: Consider the costs of different partners to find the most cost-effective solution.
  • Communication: Ensure your partner is responsive and uses effective communication channels during the project.

How To Find The Right Development Team In Singapore? 

Singapore gathers a lot of experienced mobile app development companies. You can try the following tips to find a perfect partner:

  • Define your project requirements
  • Create a list of potential companies
  • Examine their experience and expertise
  • Check their market reputation
  • Ask for a consultation
  • Discuss the cost
  • Conduct a trial project
  • Finalize your decision

Additional Considerations Of App Development Cost In Singapore

additional considerations of app development cost in singapore

Dominating the Singaporean industry is not easy, especially when it comes to cost. So, before starting your project, please check these considerations:

App Store Fees

The cost to build an Android app or iOS app includes these fees:

  • Fees for listing: If you want to list your app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, pay an initial submission fee. The cost to publish an iOS app is SGD $99 annually. Meanwhile, Google Play Store charges a one-time fee of SGD $25 for registration.
  • In-app purchase fees: Both app stores charge a percentage on in-app purchases, impacting overall app development fees.
  • Subscription fees: Those two stores also take a percentage of the subscription revenue. Apple charges up to a 30% commission rate on transactions and subscriptions.

Marketing And Promotion Costs

Marketing helps your mobile app reach more users. Hence, include marketing and promotion in the application development price.

  • App store optimization (ASO): ASO is about optimizing your app’s metadata to improve its ranking in app store searches.
  • Paid advertising: You can invest in search or display ads to quickly reach your target audience.
  • Social media marketing: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have a broad user base. So, you can promote your app through these social media channels to engage with your target audience.
  • Influencer marketing: Influencers can create content that expands your app’s reach and credibility.

Ongoing Maintenance And Updates Costs

You must pay for the mobile app maintenance cost to update it. Let’s see what your budget plan should have:

  • Bug fixes: Your mobile app may encounter issues that need addressing. Regular bug fixes ensure your app runs smoothly. The cost of these fixes contributes to the overall development cost.
  • Feature updates: You may want to add new features to keep your app engaging. Feature updates require ongoing development efforts and resources, affecting the maintenance budget.
  • Security patches: You can protect your app against potential threats by implementing security patches.
  • Server costs: If your app relies on backend infrastructure, you will deal with hosting and server maintenance costs.

Potential Return On Investment (ROI)

A mobile app development cost calculator involves the ROI. You can then make informed decisions about your app investment.

  • Revenue generation: Identify potential revenue streams, such as in-app purchases, ads, upselling products and services, paid apps, and sponsorship. Once you understand these options, you can forecast potential earnings.
  • User acquisition cost (CAC): CAC measures how much you spend to get new customers.
  • Customer lifetime value (CLTV): This figure estimates the total revenue a single customer may generate over their lifetime.
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs): You can track metrics like user engagement and retention rates to measure your app access.

Cost-Saving Strategies

You can save the cost of creating an app using open-source solutions. Hybrid development approaches also help by allowing you to build a single app that works across multiple platforms. Then, you can reduce development time and expenses.

Prioritize Features

Instead of including all the possible features in your mobile app, just focus on the most important ones. You can try these strategies:

  • Core features: Choose essential functionalities that deliver the app’s core value. By focusing on the primary features users need the most, you can streamline the development process and reduce unnecessary expenses.
  • Phase features: If your app needs too many features, implement the high-priority ones first. Then, plan to add other features in subsequent phases.
  • MVP: You can launch a basic version of the app as an MVP. This approach helps you gather user feedback and iterate on the product. An MVP only comes with the minimum necessary features, minimizing initial costs.

Consider Open-Source Solutions

Open-source solutions have pre-built components and libraries to speed up the development process. Since you can use a single programming language for multiple platforms, you can eliminate the need to run multiple teams.

For example, Flutter is an open-source framework by Google. Thanks to its extensive library, you can develop your mobile app quickly and efficiently. The Flutter development cost is worthwhile.

You can also try the Ionic framework to build cross-platform mobile apps. The framework ensures efficient use of resources while maintaining high app quality.

Hire TechTIQ Solutions As Your Trusted Mobile App Development Partner In Singapore

TechTIQ Solutions is a trusted mobile app development company in Singapore since 2017. Why should you choose us for your next project?

  • First, we have more than 250 experienced developers, which helps you reduce app making charges.
  • Our team can work with platforms like Android, iOS, and hybrid solutions for low mobile app development cost.
  • We have partnered with businesses from different industries, such as healthcare, restaurants, banking, and more.
  • Our deep understanding of advanced technologies like AI, ML, and IoT ensures we can meet your app’s requirements.
  • Our ISO certifications guarantee our commitment to quality.
  • We provide an NDA to ensure your project’s privacy.

Get a free quote for your app development project!

Our Cost-Effective Mobile App Development Project That We Developed

Price is a big concern for many businesses. Understanding your worries, TechTIQ Solutions offers affordable services without compromising quality.

When working on the YPO project, we provided a fixed-price and ongoing support engagement model to ensure a low cost to develop an app. We used React Native, .NET backend on AWS, and ReactJS for the frontend to deliver a responsive, feature-rich app despite challenges.

ypo mobile app project

For Welio, another successful app project, we developed a comprehensive platform. In spite of the tight deadlines, we managed to offer efficient solutions that meet complex requirements. By simplifying processes, we could also reduce the price to create an app.

welio mobile app project

FAQs

Which types of apps do TechTIQ Solutions develop?

As an experienced mobile app developer in Singapore, TechTIQ Solutions is excellent at developing many types of apps, such as:

  • Social media apps
  • Medical and telemedicine apps
  • Logistics and delivery apps
  • M-commerce apps, live stream apps, and shopping apps
  • Restaurant apps
  • Banking, payment, and e-wallet apps
  • Fitness apps
  • Educational apps
  • Fintech apps

One of the best things about working with TechTIQ Solutions is the affordable mobile application development price. If you worry about the cost to produce an app, choose us! We are ready to bring your vision to life without breaking the bank!

Should I choose a native app or a hybrid app?

The best choice depends on your requirements and budget. For example:

  • Native apps: If you need a high-performing app with device-specific features, choose this solution. Native apps offer better user experience but come with higher costs. iOS app development price is often higher due to the separate development process.
  • Hybrid apps: If you have a lower budget, go for hybrid apps. They use a single codebase for multiple platforms. Thus, you can reduce development time and application development cost.

Should I take design and development services from the same company?

Yes, you should. Here are some benefits you can gain from taking design and development services from the same provider:

  • Working with one company ensures designers and developers are on the same page. Thus, you can foster collaboration.
  • A unified team streamlines workflows to optimize resource allocation. This integration helps lower the cost to develop an app.
  • Only one company handles both design and development. This way, you can reduce the risk of project delays and lower app making charges.

Are mobile apps and mobile web apps the same?

No. Mobile web apps can run in a web browser on various devices and don’t need a specific operating system. You can access them via URLs. Meanwhile, mobile apps work on specific operating systems and must be downloaded from app stores. When considering mobile app development cost, remember to think about the difference between developing for specific platforms and creating a web app for multiple devices.

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