Mobile app development costs are far from uniform. From developer salaries and infrastructure expenses to ongoing maintenance, the financial investment in 2024 varies as much as the apps themselves. However, one thing remains constant: consumer demand for mobile apps is at an all-time high.

In fact, the mobile application market is projected to exceed $600 billion in revenue by 2025-2026. If you're considering building an app, now is the opportune time. But with a plethora of development options available, choosing the right path can be challenging.

This article clarifies the landscape by exploring the various costs associated with mobile app development, comparing the pros and cons of using a mobile app development agency versus in-house developers versus no-code platforms, and providing guidance on leveraging no-code solutions for those inclined to take that route.

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a full-time Android app developer in 2023 surpassed $126,000, while iOS developers averaged over $133,000. Let's delve into the specifics of hiring an in-house developer.

Talent.com reports that the average salary range for an in-house app developer in the USA in 2023 was $90,000 to $156,000 annually, with a median of approximately $115,000. However, these figures can fluctuate considerably based on experience and proficiency in specific programming languages and frameworks.

Entry-level developers (1-3 years of experience) typically earn around $90,000 annually. Intermediate developers (4-7 years) generally command salaries between $90,000 and $120,000. Full-stack developers with extensive expertise and specializations in high-demand technologies like Java, Objective-C, Kotlin, Xcode, or Flutter can earn upwards of $150,000 or more.

These substantial salaries reflect the intense competition for skilled developers. Highly experienced professionals are particularly sought after and well-compensated in the current tech market.

Calculating the total cost of an in-house developer requires factoring in expenses beyond base salary. Training costs can exceed $1,200 per employee, not including potential turnover expenses. Equity or stock options, while incentivizing, can dilute ownership. Employee benefits, equipment, and continuing education also contribute significantly to the overall cost.

Hiring an in-house developer presents both advantages and disadvantages:

Carefully weigh these factors against your project’s needs and long-term goals to determine if an in-house developer is the optimal solution.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average freelance Android developer salary in 2023 was around $122,000 annually. Agency costs vary significantly depending on project scope, experience, expertise, and technology stack.

While agencies and freelancers are generally more expensive than in-house developers for long-term projects, they can be more cost-effective for short-term engagements. However, this excludes ongoing maintenance, which is billed separately. Hourly rates are influenced by experience, expertise, and tech stack knowledge:

These rates can vary based on location, app complexity, and market demand.

Beyond hourly rates, consider onboarding time, communication overhead, and the cost of your own time spent managing external partners.

Evaluate these factors to determine if this approach aligns with your specific requirements.

No-code platforms empower anyone to create mobile apps without coding. Defx, for example, is a robust no-code solution for building cross-platform apps. This eliminates the need for expensive development teams, enabling you to create apps quickly and efficiently.

Defx's pricing ranges from $49 to $149 per month, offering significant cost savings.

No-code builders offer a fast, budget-friendly, and user-centric approach, especially for startups and simpler projects. While limitations exist, the efficiency and affordability often outweigh the drawbacks.

Defx offers free app store publishing as part of its subscription, a significant advantage.

Defx minimizes these costs by enabling self-management and updates within its subscription.

Defx excels as a no-code app builder for several reasons:

Try Defx free for 14 days to experience its power and build your app independently.