Mobile apps power many everyday activities—you can order food, book a ride, or manage finances with just a few taps on your phone. As more Filipinos embrace digital solutions, businesses in the Philippines are investing in app development in-house or with third-party providers.
While app-building tools like no-code and low-code platforms make development more accessible, creating a fully functional app entails costs. Factors like coding, design, UI and UX, backend infrastructure, and marketing should be part of the budget planning. Otherwise, you may face unexpected expenses or compromise app quality.
This guide breaks down the cost of app development in the Philippines and the key factors that affect pricing to prepare you for a smooth and efficient development process.
How Much Does It Cost to Make an App in the Philippines?
Mobile app development costs in the Philippines vary based on the complexity, features, and expertise of the development team. Here’s a sample breakdown of app development costs in the Philippines:
- Small, basic apps – PHP150,000 to PHP400,000 (up to PHP950,000 for additional features)
- Medium-sized apps – PHP400,000 to PHP1.5 million (with an average of PHP1 million)
- Large, complex apps – PHP 1.5 million and above (sometimes reaching PHP2.8 million or more)
In comparison, app development in the United States can cost $5,000 to $300,000 (PHP 280,000 to PHP17 million ), with developers charging about $100 (around PHP5,000) per hour. Other countries offer different hourly rates:
- Philippines, India and Vietnam – $20 to $40 (PHP1,000 to PHP2,200)
- Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and China – Around $30 (PHP1,700)
- Ukraine and Romania – $25 (PHP1,400)
- Poland – $40 (PHP2,200)
- UK, Germany, and France – $150 to $400 (PHP8,500 to PHP22,900)
Compared to global rates, mobile app development costs in the Philippines offer competitive pricing—making it attractive for businesses needing quality solutions at a reasonable price.
10 Factors That Affect App Development Cost in the Philippines
Multiple factors influence mobile app development costs in the Philippines, and understanding them helps you stay within budget while ensuring quality and functionality.
1. App complexity and features
The more complex an app is, the higher the development cost. Simple apps with limited functionality, such as a basic calculator or note-taking app, are on the lower end of the price spectrum.
Meanwhile, large, feature-rich apps require advanced functionalities: real-time tracking, payment gateways, and multilingual support. For ride-hailing platforms or online marketplaces, these can push costs above PHP 1,500,000 or more because of longer development time and higher resource needs.
2. Type of app
Not all apps are the same. Therefore, their type can also affect their cost:
- Native apps provide the best performance and device compatibility since they’re built specifically for iOS or Android using programming languages like Swift/Objective-C or Java/Kotlin. However, developing separate apps for both platforms doubles the cost.
- Hybrid apps use frameworks like Flutter or React Native to create a single codebase for both platforms. They reduce development time and costs by up to 40%. However, they may sacrifice some performance areas.
- Web apps are optimized websites that work on mobile devices. They are the least expensive option but have less advanced features and may not deliver the same seamless experience as native or hybrid apps.
3. Design and user experience (UX/UI)
A well-designed app enhances user satisfaction, but crafting an intuitive and visually appealing interface comes at a price. Custom UI/UX design that includes unique layouts, animation, and brand-specific elements adds to the cost compared to using pre-built templates.
Due to its iterative nature, UI/UX design typically accounts for 20%–25% of the total development cost. It requires regular feedback and revisions.
4. Development team and hiring model
Who you hire to build your app can affect your expenses:
- App development firms often charge more but offer expertise across various domains.
- Independent or small developer teams offer more affordable rates but may have limitations for complex projects.
- Outsourcing to the Philippines is a cost-effective solution, thanks to its highly skilled pool of developers. Filipino developers typically demonstrate high proficiency in the latest technologies, strong English communication skills, and cultural compatibility for easy collaboration.
5. Backend development and infrastructure
Apps that require data storage, account management, or real-time updates need robust backend infrastructure. However, backend development increases initial development costs and ongoing maintenance expenses for databases, APIs, and cloud access. These complex tasks use advanced technologies like NodeJS, .NET, or Python.
6. Third-party integrations
Adding APIs for payment gateways, social media logins, maps, or push notifications improves app functionality but increases development time and cost. Since each integration requires testing and customization, assessing which features are essential to balance performance and budget is vital.
7. Security and compliance requirements
Apps handling sensitive data, like banking or healthcare information, must comply with strong security regulations, requiring:
- Two-factor authentication
- Data encryption
- Regular security audits
Compliance with local and international standards adds complexity and costs but safeguards app users’ data.
8. App testing and maintenance
Thorough testing is necessary for an app to work smoothly on different devices and systems. Performance checks must include how it functions, how fast it runs, and how secure it is—all of which add to the initial cost.
After launch, ongoing maintenance like fixing bugs, releasing updates, and keeping it compatible with new system versions usually costs about 15%–20% of the original development cost each year.
9. Marketing and app store costs
Launching an app adds extra costs, like app store fees. Google Play charges a one-time fee, while Apple has an annual membership fee. On top of that, both platforms take a cut from in-app purchases.
10. Hidden costs
Beyond development, several hidden costs may arise:
- Legal fees include drafting terms of service and privacy policies to follow data privacy laws.
- Licensing fees for third-party software like premium APIs, libraries, or tools often involve recurring licensing costs.
- Infrastructure and content delivery network (CDN) costs include hosting, server maintenance, etc.
Take the Best App-roach
The cost of making an app in the Philippines varies depending on its complexity, design, backend development, extra features, data security, and maintenance. That’s why you need the right team to turn your app idea into reality in a budget-friendly manner.
Manila Recruitment can connect you with top tech talent. Our offshore agency in the Philippines taps skilled developers, designers, and project administrators who can handle everything from start to finish. Whether you’re building a basic app or a complex system, we’ll match you with experts who fit your needs and company culture.
Contact us today to find the best app developers.
Connect with Lawrence Barrett on LinkedIn
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