How much does it cost to build a web app? We wish that answering this question was as simple and definitive as telling you how much the iPhone 14 models cost or how much the price of a cup of cappuccino is at Starbucks.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. The web application development cost is affected by many factors. Some factors can be estimated and accounted for, while other unknowns can significantly increase the cost.
This blog post will help you understand what goes into the cost of web app development, so you can make an informed decision when deciding to build a web application.
What Is a Web App and Why Build a Web Application?
Before we dive deep into how much does it cost to build a web app, it’s important to understand some basic fundamentals of a web app. This includes having an idea of what a web app is and why to build one.
A web app is an application that runs on the internet and utilizes web browsers and server software to access, store, and interact with data stored in the cloud or on a server instead of running on the user’s device.
Web applications are typically used to provide users with convenient access to services, information, content, and tools that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Some common examples of web apps include:
- Google Apps like Gmail, Google Docs, and more
- Microsoft 365
- Trello
- Canva
- Netflix
The rapid adoption of cloud technology, IoT devices, and mobile computing has made web applications increasingly popular. As a result, the market for web applications is booming. They are widely used by small and medium-sized businesses.
A research estimates that the global market size of progressive web applications (a type of web app and one of the most popular) will reach USD 10.44 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 31.9%.
So now that you know what a web application is and why you might want to build one, let’s talk about why you need to develop a web application. This can be easily understood by looking at the benefits web apps provide.
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What Are the Benefits of a Web App?
Web apps, including static, dynamic, progressive web apps, and others, offer several benefits to businesses that help them improve their operations and provide better customer experiences.
Some of the key benefits that you can expect from a web app include the following:
Easy Development and Deployment
One of the biggest advantages of web apps is that they are easy to develop and deploy. The development cycle for web apps is much shorter than that for native apps, which means you can get your web app to the market faster.
In addition, web apps can be quickly deployed on multiple web servers, browsers, and devices. The same app version can work across multiple operating systems and devices, eliminating the need to develop multiple versions of the same application and providing a seamless user experience.
Highly Affordable
When compared to native apps, web apps are much more affordable in terms of development costs. This makes web apps a great option for businesses on a budget. Plus, there is no need for end-user downloads, which eliminates the cost of placing your app on various app stores.
Moreover, web apps are much easier to maintain and update. This means that you can make any changes quickly and easily without having to go through multiple app store approvals.
Better Security
Another great and essential benefit of web applications is that they can be built with stronger security protocols than native apps. Web applications are stored in the cloud and accessed using a website. Therefore, users don’t need to download and install anything on their devices. This eliminates the risk of software vulnerabilities or malicious files infecting their devices.
Enhanced Scalability
Finally, web applications are extremely scalable. Businesses can easily upgrade them without the need to invest in additional infrastructure or costly hardware. Plus, they also require minimal resources to operate, making them well-suited for businesses of all sizes.
These are just some of the key benefits that web apps offer businesses. Now that you know what a web app is and why you should develop one, it’s time to look at the factors that you need to consider when building one. Let’s take a look!
What Factors Affect the Cost of Development of a Web App?
While the factors for each development project and business vary, there are certain things that you need to consider when building a web application. Here’s a look at some of the most common factors that affect the cost of the development of a web app.
The Intricacy and Scope of Work
The biggest factor, in our opinion, that affects the cost of developing a web app is the complexity and scope of work involved in it. Naturally, the more complex features you want and the larger the scope of work, the higher the cost is going to be. This is because, whether you develop the app in-house or outsource it, a lot of time, energy, and resources will need to go into the development process if you want a high-quality product. This will, of course, increase the cost.
Type of Application
The cost of developing a web application also depends on the type of application you are building. For example, if you’re building a single-page application (SPA) or a progressive web app (PWA), the cost is going to be significantly lower. On the other hand, if you require a complex and feature-rich application, such as an e-commerce platform or a social media app, a multi-page application (MPA), the cost will be much higher. The difference in the cost can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the features and complexities required.
The Hired Development Team
Who develops the web application is also a major factor that affects the cost. There are different options available, such as in-house development, individual freelancers, or web development agencies. The cost for each one of them varies, depending on their experience and expertise. Each also offers different advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them carefully before making a final decision. For example, an in-house team may give you complete control over the project. On the other hand, a development agency may cost less and prove better than hiring individual freelancers.
Location of the Development Team
Expanding on the above point, another factor that affects the cost of developing a web application is where you choose to hire your development team. The location of the development team has an impact on the cost of the web app. For example, if you hired a web development agency in the US or Europe, the cost is likely to be much higher than if you hired their counterparts in India or South America. This is due to the difference in the hourly rate in different regions.
Technologies Used
Depending upon the requirements of the web application, you may need to use different technologies. This can include programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and databases. Each technology has its own cost involved in using it, so the total cost of the web app development also depends on which technology is used. Additionally, some technologies are more complex to use than others and may require the developers to have more expertise. This can also increase the cost.
Project Urgency
If you need a web app to be developed within a short period of time, it is likely to cost you more than if you had a longer timeline. This is because the development team will need to dedicate extra resources and time to complete the project in a shorter span of time. This will increase the cost by a certain percentage. Therefore, it’s best to plan and give the development team enough time so that you can get the app developed for a competitive cost.
Unexpected Expenses
Some businesses can face unexpected expenses during the development of their web application. These can arise due to changes in the requirements of the web app, unforeseen technical issues, or any other such incident. These kinds of expenses can be handled by creating a contingency fund or budgeting for them. Failing to do so can increase the cost of the web application.
Post-Release Expenses
Finally, even after the development and deployment of the web app, there are certain expenses you will incur. These include maintenance and support costs, such as bug fixing and feature updates. You may also need to pay for hosting and SSL certificates. All of these costs should be taken into consideration when you’re preparing your budget for the development of the web application.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the cost of developing a web application can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. It is recommended to have an estimate of the time and cost before you start the development process so that you can plan and budget properly.
Additionally, it’s always best to hire a professional web development agency that has the right experience and expertise to handle your project. With their help, you can ensure that your web application is not only built to high standards but also completed within your budget.
If you need to know how much your project could cost, feel free to contact us. We’d be more than happy to provide you with an estimated price. Thank you for considering our services!
