Back to blog

Launch of a Revolutionary App Cost Calculator

Olga Gubanova

-

December 17, 2024

Want to save a week of planning and up to $5,000 on Scope of Work preparation for your app?

At Ptolemay, we’ve developed a cutting-edge tool that changes app planning. Use ChatGPT to build an app plan directly in our free App Cost Calculator to streamline your project planning process.

In just minutes, you’ll get:

  • Development stages break down a detailed cost estimate.
  • A realistic timeline tailored to your app’s complexity.
  • Expert-recommended tech stack suggestions.
Need a marketplace app? Our calculator shows when you should prioritize payment systems over user ratings—insights that save headaches later.

Powered by advanced AI models like GPT-4o-mini, GPT-4o (for complex projects), and DALLE-3 for visual design inputs, our calculator ensures precise and actionable insights. With data from over 10,000 completed projects, we’ve created a tool that reduces estimation errors by up to 95%, helping you make smarter, faster decisions.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App?

Pinpointing the exact budget needed for your unique app—how do you tackle this challenge without getting lost in the vast sea of global development costs?

With rates that vary significantly from one region to another, finding a precise cost estimation for your mobile app project might seem daunting.

See for yourself:

Table: App Development Costs by Complexity: Simple, Medium, Complex, and Advanced Projects

App Complexity Starting Price (USD) Description
Simple $10,000 - $20,000 Basic apps with minimal functionality. Examples: digital brochures, simple calculators, or informational apps.
Medium $30,000 - $50,000 Moderate apps with user login, notifications, and simple backend. Examples: restaurant apps, service booking, or educational apps.
Complex $60,000 - $80,000 Advanced functionality with real-time data syncing. Examples: e-commerce, social networking, or fitness tracker apps.
Advanced $70,000+ High-end apps with AI, real-time updates, and custom features. Examples: marketplace apps, banking apps, or enterprise solutions.
App Development Cost Graph: Starting Prices by Complexity (Simple, Medium, Complex, Advanced)
A simple MVP for a boutique app might cost $10,000. Adding AR or AI bumps it to $30,000—but the user experience triples in value.

Moreover, the cost of the application may depend on the country of origin:

Table: Comparative Guide to Minimum Hourly Development Rates by Country

Country Minimum Hourly Rate (USD) Description
USA $100 Top-notch quality and reliability. Ideal for complex projects like healthcare or enterprise software needing high customization and compliance.
Canada $90 High quality akin to the USA, slightly lower in cost. Ideal for secure, high-quality apps such as fintech solutions.
Brazil $30 Good for budget-conscious projects. Skilled in mobile and web apps, perfect for mid-level projects like on-demand services.
Ukraine $25 Popular for startups and MVPs. Strong cross-platform expertise, ideal for cost-effective and high-quality app development.
India $20 Best value for straightforward projects. Ideal for e-commerce sites or utility apps needing rapid development at a low cost.
South Africa $40 Growing tech sector. Suitable for educational or localized apps, balancing cost-efficiency and familiarity with emerging markets.
Graph: Comparison of Minimum Hourly Development Rates by Country (USA, Canada, Brazil, Ukraine, India, South Africa)

To bridge this gap, we've developed the AI Plan Generator, a revolutionary tool powered by advanced AI models trained with real-world data from over seven years of full-cycle app development experience. Our experts meticulously trained ChatGPT-based algorithms using anonymized data from thousands of successful projects completed by our partners. Each dataset was carefully refined to ensure accuracy and reliability, matching the insights of seasoned developers.

With this level of precision, the calculator delivers a cost estimation that rivals the thoroughness of professional developer research—but you get the results in just 3 minutes.

Plan Your App with ChatGPT: Get Accurate Cost Estimates and Development Roadmaps

App Cost Calculator: Features and Benefits

Calculating your app's development cost just got a whole lot easier—and smarter. Whether you're planning an e-commerce app for boutique shops or a health tracker for fitness enthusiasts, our AI-powered plan generator streamlines the entire process. By using ChatGPT to build your app plan, you not only get a precise cost estimate but also a comprehensive roadmap tailored to your project's needs.

How It Works

  1. Describe your app idea.Example: A fitness tracker with real-time GPS and calorie counters.
  2. Add the features you want—payment gateways, user accounts, or AI chatbots.
  3. Choose your platform: iOS, Android, or both.

Why This Matters

  • Customized Planning: Whether it's a simple utility app or a complex platform with user accounts and data analytics, our calculator guides your budgeting step by step.
  • Investor-Ready Insights: Use the detailed cost estimates and comprehensive plan to strengthen your pitch to investors, showcasing a solid financial and development strategy.
  • Efficient Team Building: Understand the exact roles needed—be it mobile app developers, backend engineers, or UI/UX designers—making it easier to assemble the right team.
  • Feature Prioritization: Identify must-have features for your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and plan additional functionalities for later stages.
  • Accelerated Decision-Making: No more waiting weeks for a detailed estimate. Make informed decisions quickly and keep your project momentum going.

Example:

Sarah had a bold idea: a tutoring app that pairs students and teachers globally. She thought she’d need $100,000. The calculator showed she could start with $50,000 by focusing on key features like video calls and skipping extras like file sharing in Phase 1. Now, her MVP is thriving.

Not sure which features to include in your app? Check out our complete guide to app features by category here.

From App Cost Calculator Developers

"We know how tough it can be to figure out app development costs. We've been there—trying to plan a budget without clear numbers feels like taking shots in the dark. That’s why we created this tool.

With the help of ChatGPT and years of hands-on experience building apps, we designed the App Cost Calculator to make the process simple and reliable. You get more than just numbers—you get a clear breakdown of costs, timelines, and tech recommendations tailored to your app idea.

We built this for entrepreneurs and startups like you because we know how important it is to make smart decisions early on. This tool helps you move forward with confidence, turning uncertainty into clarity in just a few minutes."

FAQ: How to Plan Your App with ChatGPT

1. How can ChatGPT help developers in planning an app?

ChatGPT can simplify app planning by breaking down complex tasks into clear steps. For example, it can help you decide on the core features, recommend the right tech stack, and give a rough timeline for each development phase. If you’re building a marketplace app, it might suggest essentials like user profiles, a payment system, and search functionality. This way, you save time on research and can quickly create a realistic project roadmap.

2. Can AI, like ChatGPT, help me build an app plan myself?

Yes, ChatGPT can guide you through creating an app plan, even if you’re working solo and don’t have a technical background. Imagine you have an idea for a fitness app; ChatGPT can suggest key features like GPS tracking, workout logs, and progress charts. It also helps you estimate costs and timelines, giving you a structured plan that’s easy to follow. It’s like having a virtual project assistant, so you’re not in the dark when planning your app.

Discover the step-by-step guide to planning your app with ChatGPT in detail here.

3. How much will it cost to build my app using a plan created by ChatGPT?

The cost of your app depends on factors like feature complexity, chosen platform, and team rates. ChatGPT’s guidance gives you a detailed breakdown of these costs. For instance, a basic app might start at around $10,000, but a more complex app with real-time features and AI could cost over $50,000. ChatGPT’s estimates help you set a realistic budget so you’re prepared before hiring developers.

4. How do I use the ChatGPT API to make an app plan?

To use the ChatGPT API for app planning, describe your app idea and its requirements. Feed in details about the target audience, platform, and key features. For example, if it’s a food delivery app, you might specify features like live tracking, order management, and payment options. The API then generates a plan that includes feature suggestions, estimated timelines, and cost projections. It’s a fast way to build your idea without spending days researching.

5. Can ChatGPT suggest APIs or features for my app plan?

ChatGPT can recommend specific APIs and features to enhance your app’s functionality. For instance, if you’re building an e-commerce app, it may suggest integrating Stripe for payments, Google Maps for location services, or Twilio for customer support messaging. ChatGPT’s insights can save you hours of research and ensure you choose reliable tools that suit your app’s purpose.

6. How accurate is a ChatGPT-generated app plan?

The accuracy of ChatGPT’s app plans is high, especially if you provide clear details. Our model is trained on thousands of successful projects, so its estimates are close to what you’d get from experienced developers. If you outline your app’s features well, ChatGPT can produce a budget and timeline up to 95% accurate, helping you make informed decisions early on.

7. What is an app plan created by ChatGPT used for?

A ChatGPT-generated app plan serves as your project’s roadmap. It covers everything from feature lists and cost estimates to timelines and required team roles. For example, if you’re pitching to investors, this plan shows you have a clear vision, solid numbers, and a realistic approach. It’s not just a rough outline—it’s a structured document that helps keep everyone on the same page and sets a clear direction for development.

8. How do I create a custom app plan using ChatGPT?

To create a custom app plan, describe your app idea to ChatGPT in detail. Share specifics like the app’s target users, the main purpose, and any special features you have in mind. ChatGPT will then put together a tailored plan, including key features, timeline estimates, and recommended tech stacks. For example, if you’re building a learning app, ChatGPT might suggest progress tracking, quizzes, and user profiles, making sure the plan fits your vision.

9. How do I integrate ChatGPT into my app planning process?

Integrating ChatGPT into your app planning process is simple. Use it to flesh out ideas, identify core features, and set priorities for development. For instance, if you’re debating between building user authentication or analytics first, ChatGPT can help you decide based on your goals. You can also use the ChatGPT API to automate parts of your planning, like generating timelines and cost estimates. This lets you focus on decision-making rather than getting bogged down in details.

A Little Extra for Those Who Read to the End

Ready to turn your app idea into a reality? Use ChatGPT to build an app plan with our free App Cost Calculator. Enter your project details to get an instant, tailored cost estimate. As a bonus, just reply "Calculator" to your estimate email, and we’ll set up a free session with our Senior Experts. They’ll provide personalized advice to refine your plan, optimize your budget, and help you bring your app to life faster and smarter.

Meet Our Expert Flutter Development Team

Our full-cycle Flutter development team at Ptolemay specializes in building high-quality, cross-platform apps from start to finish. With expert skills in Dart, backend integrations, and seamless UX across iOS and Android, we handle everything to make your app launch smooth and efficient.