How much does a custom mobile app cost — and why
A practical breakdown of what drives mobile app budgets, from platform choice to integrations, based on a decade of Wve Labs builds.
Mobile · June 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Scope drives cost more than platform
iPhone, Android or cross-platform is rarely the biggest line item. The biggest line items are integrations, roles and offline behaviour. An app with three user types and a payments provider costs more than a beautiful single-role app with twice the screens.
The four things that move the number
Integrations with systems you do not control. Real-time or offline requirements. Compliance and audit obligations. And the number of distinct user roles, since each one multiplies design, QA and permissions work.
Where serious engagements start
Wve Labs engagements begin around $25,000 for a focused, launchable product slice. We would rather ship one excellent flow than a broad prototype nobody can put in an app store.
Want this built for your business?
Wve Labs designs and builds custom apps, web platforms and applied AI products. Engagements start around $25,000.