In 2024, the mobile app market in Saudi Arabia is growing in leaps and bounds. Forbes has backed up the claim stating that Saudi Arabia is taking a major leap into a tech future. In the country, mobile apps have become more than just a trend- they are a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in 2024 and beyond. That’s why businesses both large and small, are looking to capitalize on this growth by developing their own mobile applications.
However, common questions that arise are:
How much is a mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia charging for it?
What’s the cost breakdown for app development?
What are the factors that influence the overall budget?
How can entrepreneurs and businesses budget for app development?
Well, put a rest to these questions because, in this blog, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the various factors that influence app development costs and offer insights into what you can expect to pay for building an app in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Detailed Cost Breakdown for App Development Projects
A thorough understanding of the cost breakdown for app development projects is essential for budgeting effectively and managing expectations. Here’s a detailed look at the various components that contribute to the overall cost:
Pre-Development Costs
The pre-development stage involves several steps that set the groundwork for a successful project, each with its associated costs. The stage includes works like market research, conceptualization, business analysis, wireframing, and prototyping. This phase can cost between $2,000 and $10,000, (SAR 7,508 to SAR 37541) depending on the scope and depth of the research conducted.
Development Costs
This stage starts with frontend and backend development, where developers build the app’s core functionalities and user interface. Usually, front-end development focuses on user interface and experience. Meanwhile, backend development includes server-side logic, databases, integration with third-party services API creation, etc.
These stage charges are as follows:
| Type of Development Service | Cost |
| Frontend development | Starting from $3,000 (SAR 11,261) |
| Backend development | Starting from $5,000 (SAR 18,771) |
| Third party integrations | Starting from $5,000 (SAR 18,771) |
| Quality testing | Starting from $2,500 (SAR 9,387) |
| Unexpected expenses | Starting from $2,000 (SAR 7,508) |
Post Development Costs
Post-launch maintenance and updates keep the app running smoothly and up-to-date. Regular maintenance includes fixing bugs, addressing user feedback, and making updates to ensure compatibility with new operating system versions. An established mobile app development company will charge on an hourly basis starting from $25/hour (SAR 93.89).
You can also buy the monthly or yearly plans from the companies but its price will vary according to requirements and timeframe.
Key Factors Influencing Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia
To make informed decisions about mobile app development investments in Saudi Arabia, businesses must comprehend the essential factors that affect development costs. Key elements influencing the budget include:
App Type
App type significantly influences mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia. This factor impacts the overall development budget. Here is a breakdown of it:
| Type of Application | Cost Estimation |
| Native app development | Starting from $15,000 (SAR 56,318) |
| Hybrid app development | Starting from $18,000 (SAR 67,580) |
| Web app development | Starting from $10,000 (SAR 37,544) |
| Custom app development | Starting from $20,000 (SAR 75,089) |
| Enterprise app development | Starting from $30,000 (SAR 1,12,634) |
Features and Complexities
The cost to develop a mobile app varies according to implemented features and complexity level.
Basic apps with minimal features, such as calculators or simple games, are typically the least expensive to develop. Meanwhile, moderate, advanced apps cost more than the basic ones. This cost breakdown is as follows:
| Complexity Level | Estimated Cost |
| Basic | Starting from $10,000 (SAR 37,544) |
| Moderate | Starting from $20,000 (SAR 75,089) |
| Advanced | Starting from $30,000 (SAR 1,12,634) |
| Complex Integrations | Starting from $40,000 (SAR 1,50,190) |
Team Size and Expertise
The size and expertise of the development influence app development costs in Saudi Arabia. Smaller teams are cost-effective but may extend the development timeline due to limited manpower. Medium-sized teams strike a balance between efficiency and cost but charge a bit more than small-sized teams.
You would have to pay a lot more than these two types if you hire a large team from a reliable mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia to handle complex or enterprise-level projects. The cost typically starts from:
| Expertise Level | Cost Per Hour |
| Junior Developers | Starting from $25 (SAR 94) |
| Mid-Level Developers | Starting from $40 (SAR 150) |
| Senior Developers | Starting from $50 (SAR 188) |
| Specialized Experts | Starting from $70 (SAR 263) |
Geographical Location
While local Saudi developers often command higher rates due to their familiarity with the market and cultural nuances, they can provide invaluable insights into local user preferences and regulatory requirements. On the other hand, outsourcing to developers in countries with lower labor costs, such as India or Eastern Europe, can potentially reduce overall expenses. To save and balance costs, you can take a hybrid approach and hire app developers from Saudi Arabia as well as other countries.
Design Requirements
Basic and straightforward designs cost less as they are less time-consuming and require fewer resources. Meanwhile, advanced designs with custom graphics, animations, and intricate user interactions cost more as they demand more time and specialized skills.
Along with it, simple user flows and minimalistic design approaches are less costly. However, designs that demand detailed user research, prototyping, and usability testing need more budget.
Conclusion
While budgeting for your app, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value in the long run. The key to a successful app development project lies not just in managing costs, but in finding the right balance between your budget, app’s goals, and the needs of target users.
