Key Takeaways

• App complexity directly influences cost – From simple MVPs to enterprise-grade solutions, the number and type of features greatly affect pricing.
• Platform choice matters – Building for iOS, Android, or both can significantly change your timeline and budget.
• Design is an investment, not a luxury – Custom UI/UX design enhances user retention and can justify higher development costs.
• The right team ensures long-term value – Partnering with a professional agency helps avoid delays, miscommunication, and quality issues.
• Post-launch costs are often underestimated – Ongoing maintenance, updates, and cloud services are essential for sustainable app success.

Thinking of building a mobile app in Singapore but unsure how much it will cost? You’re not alone. Whether you're a startup founder with a big idea or an established business ready to scale digitally, understanding app development pricing is essential before diving into the process.

Singapore is known for its thriving tech ecosystem, efficient talent pool, and high standards of quality. But with that comes a wide range of pricing structures and deliverables that can leave founders feeling overwhelmed.

Let’s break it down clearly—so you can budget smarter, plan better, and set realistic expectations for your app project in 2025.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in Singapore in 2025?

App development costs in Singapore can vary significantly depending on several key factors. On average:

• Basic app (MVP):

Apps with a narrow focus—designed to test an idea or serve a very specific function

Best for: Early-stage startups, internal business tools, market validation

Cost: SGD 20,000 – SGD 60,000

• Medium complexity app:

Apps that serve a functional purpose beyond just static information– often involve some level of interactivity, user management, and integration with external tools or systems.

Best for: SMEs scaling their digital footprint, businesses with operational needs, or consumer-facing platforms

Cost: SGD 60,000 – SGD 150,000

• High-end custom solution:

These are complex, high-performance applications built for large user bases, high security, and scalability.

Best for: Corporates, fast-scaling startups, government agencies, and businesses needing robust digital infrastructure

Cost: SGD 150,000 and above

But what drives these numbers? Let’s explore the core cost components.

1. App Type & Features

The type of app you’re building plays a major role in pricing.

• Simple informational apps (like company profiles or basic utilities) are more affordable and faster to build.

• eCommerce, on-demand, or booking apps require advanced features like user logins, real-time tracking, payment gateways, and databases, which increase development hours and costs.

• Enterprise or AI-driven apps often involve custom backend integrations, security layers, and analytics dashboards, pushing the price higher.

Key takeaway: The more features you include, the more time and expertise it takes to build—so it’s crucial to prioritise what's essential for your launch version.

2. Platform: iOS, Android, or Both?

Developing for a single platform (iOS or Android) is cheaper than building for both.

• Native development (separate codebases for each platform) ensures high performance but increases the workload.

• Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or
  

React Native allow simultaneous development for both platforms, often saving time and cost.

Choosing the right approach depends on your target audience, performance requirements, and future scaling plans.

3. UI/UX Design Complexity

Design isn’t just about looks—it directly affects user experience and app adoption.

• Standard UI templates can reduce costs but might not reflect your brand identity.

• Custom UI/UX design with wireframes, user flows, animations, and responsiveness across devices adds to the budget but enhances usability.

In Singapore, premium app design services are often priced between SGD 8,000 – SGD 25,000 depending on complexity and iteration cycles.

4. Backend Infrastructure & APIs

The backend infrastructure is where your app’s data, user logic, and integrations live.

• Basic apps may only require a lightweight backend or use Firebase.

• Advanced apps with user profiles, transactions, geolocation, and integrations with third-party APIs need a stronger backend architecture.

Backend development can range from SGD 10,000 – SGD 50,000 or more, especially if scalability, performance, and security are non-negotiable.

5. Development Team: Freelancers vs. Agencies vs. In-house

Your choice of development partner directly impacts both cost and output quality.

• Freelancers are the most affordable (SGD 30 – SGD 80/hour), but come with higher risks around consistency, quality, and timelines.

• App development companies (like Lizard Global) offer end-to-end service, higher quality assurance, and dedicated project management. Rates typically range from SGD 80 – SGD 150/hour.

• In-house development requires full-time hires and overheads, making it more suitable for companies building long-term tech products.

6. Ongoing Maintenance & Updates

Launching your app is just the beginning. You’ll need regular maintenance for:

• Bug fixes and performance optimization

• OS and device compatibility updates

• New feature rollouts based on user feedback

A realistic maintenance budget is around 15–20% of your initial development cost per year.

7. Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind

Some expenses are easy to overlook, but they’re essential for a successful app launch:

• App Store/Google Play fees

• Cloud hosting (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)

• Third-party API subscriptions (e.g. maps, payment gateways)

• Security audits & penetration testing

• Marketing and launch costs

Factor these into your total budget to avoid surprises down the road.

What’s the ROI of a Well-Built App?

While development can seem expensive upfront, a professionally built app can drive significant ROI through:

• Higher customer engagement and retention

• Scalable operations

• Competitive differentiation in your market

• Data-driven insights for business growth

Spending strategically on quality development sets your business up for long-term success.

Lizard Global Helps You Build Smart, Scalable Apps

At Lizard Global, we don’t just build apps—we help our clients turn ideas into digital products that drive growth:

• Custom app development tailored to your business needs

• Transparent pricing and project scoping

• Agile methodology with continuous feedback loops

• Stunning UI/UX design based on real user research

• Scalable backend solutions that support long-term growth

• Post-launch supportto keep your app running smoothly

Whether you’re launching a new product or transforming your internal processes, we’re here to bring your digital vision to life—on time and on budget.

Curious about how much your app idea might cost—or how we can help you streamline the development process from start to finish? Contact Lizard Global today for a free consultation and let’s build something amazing together.