React Native App Development Cost [A Simple Yet Complete Pricing Guide]

When considering cross-platform app development, React Native stands out as a popular choice.

If you plan to use this framework, understanding React Native app development cost is important, especially to suit your budget and needs.

Read this blog to learn more about React Native app development and its associated costs.

What is a React Native App?

A React Native app is a JavaScript-based mobile app for iOS and Android devices using a single codebase.

These apps deliver smooth performance on cross-platform compatibility, native-like performance, reusable components, hot reloading, declarative syntax, and native module access.

A React Native app aims to streamline mobile app development by allowing developers to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms while maintaining a native look and feel.

What Is the Typical Cost to Build a React Native App?

The average estimated costs for building a React Native app start from $15,000 to $300,000 or more.

The costs rely on the complexity of the app being developed.

• Simple AppsThe apps have minimal features, like user authentication, basic UI components, and simple navigation. Examples include calculator apps or to-do lists. The price ranges from $15,000 to $35,000, and the project is expected to take between 3 to 6 months.
• Medium Complex AppsThe apps usually include e-commerce or social networking apps, which need integration with third-party APIs, in-app purchases, and more complex UI components. The estimated cost falls between $35,000 and $80,000, and the projected duration for completion spans from 6 to 9 months.
• Complex Apps: The apps have complex features such as real-time data processing, extensive backend integrations, advanced animations, and custom UI/UX designs, commonly found in enterprise-level applications or gaming apps. The cost is anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000, with the project timeline between 9 to 12 months.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Building a React Native App?

Complexity of the App

The complexities of the app are influenced by various aspects, including:

• Backend Architecture: This includes critical components such as cloud storage, database management, user authentication, and hosting. There are two options for the backend – Custom or BaaS. With the Custom option, developers receive their mobile app architecture, whereas, with BaaS, they operate within a pre-built backend architecture.
• Admin Panel: Entrepreneurial features such as app activity tracking, statistics, and content management are included. Opting for more features in the admin panel affects the overall cost of the React Native app, typically ranging between $10,000 to $25,000.
• Third-party Integration: Additional integrations enhance the app’s functionality and user engagement by providing more services such as SMS notifications, push notifications, or geolocation. The cost of API integration typically falls within the range of $7,000 to $10,000.
• Utilization of Mobile Device’s Features: Incorporating built-in smartphone features like Bluetooth, GPS, and Barometers can make the app more interactive. That said, this may incur additional development costs.
• Integration with Enterprise/Legacy Systems: Integration with existing in-house legacy systems is often necessary for enterprise-grade applications. By default, these types of applications are classified by the level of complexity – medium to high.
• IoT Integration: Integration with Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows users to remotely control and monitor various devices. Implementing IoT integration can be a significant investment, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.

User Authentication

For a mobile solution requiring user login or authorization, the cost of building a React Native app will be slightly higher compared to one without such features.

Hardware Integration

The more hardware components added to the app, the more it costs to develop with React Native.

Due to its attached development complexity, using React Native for IoT apps is harder than native development.

Therefore, it increases its development costs.

App Design

Based on its unique requirements, the UI/UX design adapts to the app’s category, features, and functionality.

A more visually appealing design with interactive features makes users more engaged.

However, it also makes the React Native app development cost more expensive because designers and developers need more time and effort.

App Maintenance

Beyond the app launch, regular updates are essential to meet user expectations.

Maintenance tasks include app updates, design changes, and bug fixes, which require additional expense.

These maintenances alone typically cost around 20% of the total React Native development cost annually.

Team Size

The size of the team working on the app impacts the React Native app development cost.

Freelancers are cheaper but may lack quality.

High-cap agencies charge more due to their market position.

Opting for mid-cap companies, with rates starting at $30-$50 per hour, balances cost and quality, potentially being more open to innovative ideas without high prices.

Agency’s Location

Setting up an in-house team involves extra expenses like salaries and training while outsourcing to an agency typically offers more affordable solutions.

However, hourly rates for React Native app development vary depending on the agency’s location:

• North America: $100-$150
• South America: $60-$120
• Eastern Europe: $30-$100
• Western Europe: $40-$120
• India: $20-$90
• Australia: $60-$100

How Long Does It Take To Build a React Native App?

Apps with greater complexity, API integrations, and features require more time for development compared to simpler applications.

• Simple Apps, characterized by minimal features like user authentication and basic UI components, generally take about 3 to 6 months to complete.
• For Medium Complex Apps, which often include e-commerce or social networking features, the development timeline extends to around 6 to 9 months.
• Complex Apps, known for their advanced functionalities like real-time data processing and extensive backend integrations, may require 9 to 12 months for development.

These varying project durations significantly impact the overall cost of React Native app development, as longer timelines lead to increased labor and resource expenses.

How to Successfully Grow Your React Native App?

To successfully grow your React Native app, focus on building strong community engagement and gathering user feedback to continually improve the app’s features and user experience.

Regularly update your app with new features and bug fixes to keep users engaged, while also improving performance to improve the overall user experience.

Monitor user behavior insights with analytics and consider expanding to other platforms like the web or desktop.

What Are the Risks and Challenges of Building a React Native App?

Developing a React Native app may come with compatibility issues with specific device features.

The challenge also comes from the need for platform-specific code for advanced functions and dependence on third-party libraries that may lack support or updates.

It is also tricky to manage the app development complexity across various platforms and ensure consistent performance.