"How much does a mobile app cost?" has no single answer, because an app is not an off-the-shelf product; it is a project priced by its features, integrations and design. The trouble is that many quotes cover only development, and other costs appear after launch: the server, store fees, third-party services and maintenance.
This guide explains what drives the cost of an app built with Flutter, which costs to put in your budget, and how to read our published packages as starting points.
What drives the cost of an app
| Factor | Examples | Effect on cost |
|---|---|---|
| Number of screens and features | Sign-in, cart, orders, bookings, wallet | Each feature adds design, development and testing |
| User types | Customer, driver, supervisor, admin | Each role means extra screens and permissions, sometimes a second app |
| Admin panel and back end | Managing content, orders, users and reports | Often a large share of the work, not the app alone |
| Integrations | Payment gateway, Odoo ERP, maps, SMS | Depends on the other side offering documented APIs |
| Design | Custom brand design, Arabic and English | Two languages and text directions need design and testing for each |
| Device features | Camera, location, notifications, offline use | Offline use and sync are among the most complex items |
One codebase for iOS and Android
Maham Pro builds its apps with Flutter, an open-source framework supported by Google for building multi-platform apps from a single codebase. What that means for cost:
- Screens and app logic are written once instead of twice.
- Later fixes and additions are also made once, which affects maintenance cost.
- Some items remain: testing on devices for each platform, each store's setup, and Apple's and Google's review requirements.
So do not expect two platforms to cost the same as one, but the shared work is not repeated as it would be with two separate apps.
Published packages as starting points
Maham Pro publishes its app development packages on the pricing page:
| Package | Total project price starts at |
|---|---|
| Basic | SAR 15,000 |
| Advanced | SAR 32,000 |
| Enterprise | On request |
These are starting points, not a final price for every project. The actual cost is set by the scope of work after requirements analysis and written into a separate quote. We do not promise delivery times before the scope is defined, because duration follows the features, the integrations and how quickly designs are approved.
Costs outside the development price
Store developer accounts
- Apple: the Apple Developer Program costs USD 99 per membership year, or the local-currency equivalent where available; eligible nonprofits, accredited educational institutions and government entities can request a fee waiver.
- Google Play: a one-time registration fee of USD 25.
We recommend holding these accounts in your company's name, not the developer's, so that you keep ownership of the app's store listing. Note too that Google requires new personal developer accounts to run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 consecutive days before applying for production access, which is another reason to use an organisation account.
Store commissions on digital sales
If the app sells subscriptions or digital features, the stores' in-app payment systems and commissions apply. For example, Apple's Small Business Program lowers the commission to 15% for developers whose proceeds did not exceed USD 1 million in the previous year. Physical goods, or services delivered outside the app, are paid for through other methods such as a payment gateway. Details are in app monetization models.
Server and third-party services
- Hosting for the server and database.
- Payment gateway fees per transaction, under your contract with the provider.
- Services such as SMS or maps if used, priced by their providers.
Maintenance after launch
Apple and Google regularly update their operating systems and store policies, which can require app updates for the app to stay accepted and working, on top of fixing feedback and adding features. Our support plans are optional monthly subscriptions, separate from the project fee, listed on the pricing page.
Requirements that affect scope, best known early
- Privacy policy: both stores require a privacy policy link, and Google requires a completed Data safety section.
- Account deletion: if users can create an account, they must be able to delete it from within the app.
- Demo account for review: Apple asks for demo sign-in details and a back end that is live during review.
- Value beyond a website: Apple generally does not accept an app that is just a repackaged website.
- Personal data: collecting it in Saudi Arabia falls under the Personal Data Protection Law.
How to control cost without weakening the app
- Start with a core first version: the features the app cannot work without, then add the rest based on real use.
- Write the requirements before asking for quotes: users, screens, systems to integrate. Quotes based on a vague brief cannot be compared.
- Approve designs before development: changing a design is far cheaper than changing code.
- Use the systems you already have: if you run Odoo or another system, it may serve as the back end instead of building a new one.
An example from our work
The Masrof school wallet app is built with Flutter for iOS and Android and includes a wallet, balance top-ups, purchase tracking and product and price listings. It shows that a real app combines the app itself, a back end and payment integration, not just screens.
FAQ
Does the price include publishing to the stores?
Each package's scope is shown on the pricing page; the store account fees themselves are paid to Apple and Google by the account holder.
Can I get a final price without an analysis?
The introductory session can point to the closest package; the final price is set after requirements analysis, in a separate quote.
Do I own the source code?
That is a point the contract should state clearly; ask any developer about it before signing.
Next step
Prepare a short description of your idea, your users and the systems you want to connect. Explore our mobile app development service and the app development stages, or book a free 30-minute introductory session and we will identify the closest package for your project.