Launch of a Revolutionary App Cost Calculator
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April 4, 2025

Planning your app? Don’t waste a week (or $5,000) guessing the budget.
We built the App Cost Calculator to take the stress—and spreadsheets—out of app planning. In just 3 minutes, you’ll get a detailed cost estimate, timeline, and recommended tech stack tailored to your mobile app idea.
- Whether you're building a marketplace app, SaaS, or a mobile MVP, this tool uses ChatGPT + real data from 10,000+ projects to guide your decisions like a senior tech lead would.
- Need payment integration? It tells you when to prioritize Stripe over reviews.
- Want investor-ready numbers? You’ll get clear MVP pricing that helps you raise funding faster.
It’s powered by GPT-4o-mini, GPT-4o, and DALLE-3 for visual UI suggestions—and delivers up to 95% accuracy in estimation.
Stop winging your Scope of Work. Start with the tool that startup founders actually use to save time, avoid budget blowups, and move faster.
👉 Try the App Cost Calculator — it’s free and ridiculously smart.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in 2025?
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:
App Cost Calculator: Prices by App Type and Complexity

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:
Hourly Developer Rates by Country: Compare App Costs

Need help hiring developers? Check How to Hire Remote Developers Within Budget.
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.
If you're struggling to estimate your mobile app budget, an AI app cost calculator like this one can help you compare countries, tech stacks, and feature costs in seconds.
Want to know what comes after the tech spec? Read What Happens After Your App Specification Is Done.
Plan Your App with ChatGPT: Budget, Timeline, Features

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 the AI App Cost Calculator Works
Want to know how much it costs to build an app for your startup? Use our AI-powered app cost calculator to get a complete plan in minutes—budget, timeline, features, and stack recommendations included.
- Describe your app idea. Example: A fitness tracker with real-time GPS and calorie counters.
- Add the features you want—payment gateways, user accounts, or AI chatbots.
- Choose your platform: iOS, Android, or both.
Why Use an AI App Budget Estimator
- 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.
Why We Created This App Cost Calculator
"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."
🎥 Watch Igor Kim, CEO of Ptolemay, explain why AI-based planning is the future of app development:
“We’ve seen too many founders waste weeks and thousands of dollars on vague estimates. That’s why we built this calculator—to give you clarity, fast.” – Igor Kim, CEO @Ptolemay
Who Is This Calculator For?
This AI-powered app cost calculator is built for:
- Startup founders who need to understand how much it costs to build an app without hiring a full team of consultants.
Example: You’re validating a mobile app idea and need investor-ready numbers within a day. - Product managers looking to plan new features or entire MVPs with cost clarity.
Get an accurate MVP budget estimate and a breakdown of the required dev team roles. - Non-technical entrepreneurs who want to speak the same language as their developers.
Use it to get a clear Scope of Work, tech stack suggestions, and timelines—even if you don’t write code. - Investors and consultants who want fast, reliable estimates to evaluate startup feasibility.
Perfect for vetting projects during due diligence or accelerating portfolio growth.
Looking to build a mobile app with limited funding? This calculator helps you prioritize core features and cut unnecessary spending—perfect for seed-stage teams and bootstrapped projects.
Real Cases: How Founders Use It
Case 1: Pre-seed MVP Planning
A solo founder needed a cost estimate for a wellness app to show investors. Instead of hiring a tech consultant, they used our calculator to define their MVP, features, and timeline—in 12 minutes. That plan helped them raise their first $80K round.
Case 2: Time Saved on Planning
We helped a productivity app founder reduce project planning time from 2 weeks to 15 minutes. The AI-generated roadmap helped align the dev team and cut unnecessary features, saving $6,000 on Scope of Work prep.
Case 3: Tech Stack Clarity for a B2B SaaS
A first-time founder had no idea whether to use Flutter, React Native, or go native. Our calculator showed that cross-platform tech could save them 30% on dev costs—backed by feature-specific recommendations.
App Cost Calculator FAQ: Planning, Accuracy, and GPT Tips
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.
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.
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.
Looking to raise capital? Don’t miss How to Get Funding for Your App Startup.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get Expert Feedback on Your AI App Plan
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.