How much does a mobile app cost in 2026? Prices, examples and quotes
In 2026, creating a mobile app in France generally costs between 5 000 € and more than 200 000 € excluding VAT. A prototype or limited MVP can start at around 5 000 to 15 000 €, while a professional app with user accounts, payments and administration often requires 20 000 to 60 000 €. A complex marketplace can exceed 100 000 €.
But how much should you actually budget for a booking app, a restaurant, a shop or a business?
Here are the prices, hidden costs and solutions that can help you launch an iPhone and Android app without unnecessary spending.
Guide by Antoine Cazals — Updated on 14 November 2026.
How much does a mobile app cost? 2026 prices
| Project | Indicative price excluding VAT |
|---|---|
| Interactive prototype | 2 000 – 8 000 € |
| Simple MVP | 5 000 – 20 000 € |
| Professional app | 20 000 – 60 000 € |
| Advanced app | 60 000 – 120 000 € |
| Complex marketplace | 100 000 – 250 000 €+ |
These ranges are indicative benchmarks drawn from pricing guides published by French professionals. They are not fixed prices offered by Antoine Cazals.
According to La Fabrique du Net, the median price of the mobile projects analyzed is 30 000 €. This median does not mean that every app costs that amount: the scope of functionality remains the deciding factor.
To get an accurate quote, you need to define the required features, users, platforms and integrations.
Mobile app prices by business type
Booking app: 10 000 to 45 000 €
A booking app lets users check availability, choose a service, book a time slot and receive confirmation.
It can include a calendar, user accounts, notifications, payments and a business dashboard.
The budget increases when multiple locations need to manage their availability independently or when external software needs to be connected.
E-commerce app: 12 000 to 60 000 €
An e-commerce app lets you sell through a smartphone, with a catalog, shopping cart, payments and order tracking.
If a Shopify or WooCommerce store already exists, some features can be reused.
An app connected to an existing catalog may cost less than an entirely new e-commerce infrastructure.
Restaurant app: 5 000 to 30 000 €
A restaurant can use an app to display its menu, manage reservations, offer click & collect or build customer loyalty.
The price depends in particular on point-of-sale integration, payments, orders and loyalty programs.
For an independent establishment, a well-designed mobile website can sometimes be more cost-effective than a dedicated app.
Coaching app: 8 000 to 40 000 €
A fitness coaching, training or wellness app can include programs, videos, subscriptions and personalized progress tracking.
Community spaces, recurring payments and integrations with connected devices increase the budget.
Marketplace: 30 000 to 150 000 € and above
A marketplace connects several categories of users.
It often requires separate accounts, advanced search, messaging, payments, commissions and an administration interface.
The main cost driver is the complexity of interactions between users, not just the number of screens.
Internal business app: 10 000 to 80 000 €
A business app can streamline field operations, scheduling, inventory management or document workflows.
Its price depends on security, permissions, offline functionality and connections to the company's software.
iOS and Android: do you need to develop two apps?
No. Cross-platform technologies such as Flutter or React Native allow much of the development work to be shared.
Native development remains relevant when a project requires highly specific technical integration.
A Progressive Web App (PWA) can also be a cost-effective alternative when the required features and distribution constraints allow it.
The right choice depends on how the app will be used, not just the initial cost.
How much does publishing on the App Store and Google Play cost?
Developer accounts involve fees that are separate from development costs.
- Apple Developer Program: 99 USD per year, or the local equivalent.
- Google Play Console: a one-time registration fee of 25 USD.
Additional fees may apply to certain digital transactions under the platforms' rules.
Publishing also requires testing, store listings, a privacy policy and compliance with Apple's and Google's rules.
How much should you budget for maintenance?
An app needs ongoing maintenance after launch.
iOS and Android updates, bug fixes, software dependencies and security involve recurring costs.
An annual allowance of 10 to 20 % of the development budget can be a starting assumption, to be adjusted according to the services included.
For an app costing 30 000 €, this represents an indicative budget of 3 000 to 6 000 € per year.
Hosting, paid APIs and marketing may add to this budget.
Real-world example: BookAfterwork, an app published on iPhone and Android
The BookAfterwork experience illustrates the steps needed to turn a web service into a mobile product.
BookAfterwork is a French platform dedicated to organizing professional events: after-work gatherings, seminars, team building and corporate parties.
It lists more than 1 400 partner venues.
Its app, available on the App Store and Google Play, extends the functionality of the web platform.
The project highlights five key challenges in particular:
- Adapting the experience to smartphones.
- Managing several categories of users.
- Integrating messaging and notifications.
- Preparing for publication on both stores.
- Maintaining the app after launch.
This experience provides a concrete reference for mobile app launches and distribution.
However, it does not allow the cost of a similar app to be inferred without analyzing its specifications.
Are you considering a booking app, a marketplace or a service app? Antoine Cazals can assess which features your project truly needs.
Sample quote: a booking app for 25 000 €
Here is a hypothetical estimate for an iOS and Android booking app.
| Service | Budget excluding VAT |
|---|---|
| Scoping and specifications | 2 000 € |
| UX/UI design | 3 000 € |
| Mobile development | 9 000 € |
| Backend and database | 6 000 € |
| Testing and fixes | 3 000 € |
| Publication preparation | 2 000 € |
| Total | 25 000 € |
This budget assumes an app with a limited scope and no particularly complex integrations. It is not a binding commercial offer.
How can you reduce the cost of your mobile app?
1. Launch an MVP
Start with the essential features. An initial version lets you validate user interest before investing more.
2. Reuse existing systems
An existing website, database or operational API can reduce the work required.
3. Choose suitable technology
Cross-platform development can reduce duplicated work. No-code tools or a PWA may suit some simple projects.
4. Use artificial intelligence
AI tools can speed up programming, testing and documentation. They do not replace security checks, validation or maintenance.
5. Plan for future development from the start
A suitable architecture helps avoid some costly rebuilds as the number of users grows.
Mobile app or website: which is more cost-effective?
A website is often better suited to helping people discover a business through Google.
A mobile app can become worthwhile when users return frequently, need notifications or use features specific to their phones.
The two solutions can complement each other: the website helps acquire new customers, while the app supports customer retention.
See also our guide to website creation costs.
FAQ: mobile app pricing and development
What is the minimum cost of creating an app?
A no-code solution or prototype can cost a few thousand euros. For a custom app, you generally need to allow for a larger budget.
Can you create an app for 1 000 €?
It is possible with some self-service tools or very simple templates. This budget rarely covers full professional development.
How much does an iPhone and Android app cost?
A limited cross-platform MVP can start at around 10 000 to 20 000 €. A more comprehensive professional app often requires 20 000 to 60 000 € or more.
How long does it take to develop an app?
An MVP can take one to three months. A more comprehensive app often requires three to six months. Complex projects can take more than a year.
How much does a booking app cost?
A booking app can cost around 10 000 to 45 000 € excluding VAT, depending on the calendar, payments, user accounts and integrations.
Can you create an app without knowing how to code?
Yes, using no-code tools. However, their suitability depends on customization, security and scalability requirements.
Do you need a website as well as an app?
It is not mandatory, but a website can improve visibility on Google, introduce the business and help attract customers.
Is financial assistance available to fund an app?
Some projects may qualify for regional grants or innovation-related funding schemes. Eligibility requirements must be checked individually.
Who owns the app's source code?
That depends on the contract. It is important to clarify intellectual property ownership, usage rights, account access and handover terms before signing.
How do you choose a mobile app developer?
Compare their past work, the scope of their quotes, proposed technologies, maintenance, timelines and code ownership terms.
Have your mobile app developed with Antoine Cazals
Would you like to create an iOS or Android app, a marketplace, a booking app or a business tool?
Antoine Cazals helps you assess your digital project, with an approach focused on user experience, cost control and alignment with your web strategy.
Every project requires a personalized estimate.
Describe your idea, features and budget.
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Methodology and sources
The prices are indicative ranges for the French market, not contractual rates offered by Antoine Cazals. Actual budgets vary depending on the provider, technology, scope and services included.
Sources consulted:
- La Fabrique du Net — mobile app prices and budgets, November 2026.
- CNTL Digital — mobile app development costs, June 2026.
- Sortlist — comparison of French price ranges, August 2026.
- Apple Developer — developer program fees.
- Google Play Console — registration and publishing fees.