No matter what industry you are operating in, the huge competition has made it important for everyone to leverage the digitization benefits to address a large audience. Talking about Canada alone, the year 2022 alone registered a valuation of App market is $6.9 billion by 2022. With a CAGR of 8.19%, the market is expected to achieve a valuation of $10.8 billion by the end of 2027. However, what it takes to join the digital revolution is an investment. So, the very first question that arises is about the cost of creating an app in Canada.
Creating a mobile app in Canada can cost CAD 15,000 to CAD 300,000. The exact price depends on the app’s type, how complicated it is, your business goals, and the development team you choose.
For a typical app of average complexity, here’s how much it costs if you pay $30 per hour:
- For an Android app: $62,000
- For an iOS app: $78,000
- For a cross-platform app: $95,000
How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Mobile Application in Canada?
Let’s have a rough idea about the app development cost in Canada with the help of a table:
| Mobile App Complexity | Project Timeline | App Development Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Mobile App | 3 – 4 months | CAD 15,000 – CAD 20,000 |
| Mid-size Mobile App | 4 – 7 months | CAD 25,000 – CAD 30,000 |
| Large-size Mobile App | 5 – 9 months | CAD 35,000 – CAD 40,000 |
| Complex Mobile App | 6 – 10 months | CAD 45,000 – CAD 50,000 |
| Enterprise-level Mobile App | 8 – 12 months | CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000 |
However, you need to understand that several factors are hidden behind these numbers of estimated app development costs in Canada. In this blog, we will talk all about the app development cost, factors determining app development cost, and many other relevant information that will help you ensure that you pay right for your app development in Canada.
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Create an App in Vietnam?
Team Composition, Costs, and Time Frame for App Development in Canada
Here’s an estimation of the team composition, their roles, and the associated costs and time required for developing simple, medium, and complex apps in Canada.
👉 Simple App
| Role | Team Members | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Time Frame (Months) | Total Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | 1 | $8,000 | 2 – 3 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
| iOS/Android Developer | 1 | $7,000 | 2 – 3 | $14,000 – $21,000 |
| UI/UX Designer | 1 | $6,000 | 1 – 2 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| QA Tester | 1 | $5,000 | 1 – 2 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Cost | $41,000 – $67,000 |
👉 Medium App
| Role | Team Members | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Time Frame (Months) | Total Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | 1 | $8,000 | 3 – 6 | $24,000 – $48,000 |
| iOS Developer | 1 | $7,000 | 3 – 6 | $21,000 – $42,000 |
| Android Developer | 1 | $7,000 | 3 – 6 | $21,000 – $42,000 |
| UI/UX Designer | 1 | $6,000 | 2 – 4 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Backend Developer | 1 | $8,000 | 3 – 6 | $24,000 – $48,000 |
| QA Tester | 1 | $5,000 | 3 – 6 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Total Cost | $117,000 – $234,000 |
👉 Complex App
| Role | Team Members | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Time Frame (Months) | Total Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | 1 | $8,000 | 6 – 12+ | $48,000 – $96,000+ |
| iOS Developer | 2 | $7,000 each | 6 – 12+ | $84,000 – $168,000+ |
| Android Developer | 2 | $7,000 each | 6 – 12+ | $84,000 – $168,000+ |
| UI/UX Designer | 1 | $6,000 | 4 – 8 | $24,000 – $48,000 |
| Backend Developer | 2 | $8,000 each | 6 – 12+ | $96,000 – $192,000+ |
| QA Tester | 2 | $5,000 each | 6 – 12+ | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
| DevOps Engineer | 1 | $7,000 | 6 – 12+ | $42,000 – $84,000+ |
| Total Cost | $438,000 – $876,000+ |
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Create an App in Manila, Philippines?
Core factors determining app development cost in Canada
While the app development cost in Canada can range from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars, several factors play their role in determining the exact cost. For example, if you are looking to integrate your application with industry 4.0 technologies like blockchain, AR/VR, or metaverse, the budget can go twice of base cost. Similarly, there are a number of other components that will skyrocket your cost as well as bring down the numbers.
App development costs in Canada are dependent on the Complexity
The complexity of a mobile app means how many features, functions, and parts are in the app’s code, and how hard it is for a developer to build it. For example, a typical banking app is usually more complicated than a simple to-do list app because it has more features.
However, just because an app has one main purpose doesn’t mean it’s always simple. Some single-purpose apps sometimes have a lot of complexity. Instagram, for example, allows users to share videos and photos, but it also uses complex algorithms to choose which posts and advertisements to display to users. Similar to this, Spotify’s primary function is music streaming, but it has advanced features like a sophisticated system for offline music streaming.
As you can imagine, the longer it takes to develop a solution, the more complex it is. It will also cost more as a result. We can examine the costs in three categories:
- Basic apps
- Average apps
- Complex apps
👉 To gain a better understanding of this:
| Complexity Level | Estimated Development Timeframe | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 – 6 Months | CAD 20,000 to CAD 32,000 |
| Average | 3 – 8 Months | CAD 40,000 to CAD 65,000 |
| Complex | 12 Months | Starts from CAD 90,000 |
App development cost in Canada is dependent on the Operating System
There are two operating systems that you can develop your mobile app. The first one is Android and the second one is iOS. There are around 3.9 billion Android users in the world while the iOS operating system is being used by around 1.46 billion people. While there are several operating systems that you can target, developing an app for these two operating systems is already sufficient to target more than 90% of world smartphone users.
However, depending on your target audience, you have to make a strict decision regarding the operating system. Not only in reach but there is also a big factor that will help you determine your app development cost. The billing for iOS mobile app development, android mobile app development, and cross-platform mobile app development is entirely different.
| App Complexity | Platform | Cost Range (CAD) | Time Frame (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | iOS | $10,000 – $30,000 | 2 – 3 months |
| Android | $10,000 – $30,000 | 2 – 3 months | |
| Cross-Platform | $15,000 – $35,000 | 2 – 3 months | |
| Medium | iOS | $30,000 – $70,000 | 3 – 6 months |
| Android | $30,000 – $70,000 | 3 – 6 months | |
| Cross-Platform | $35,000 – $80,000 | 3 – 6 months | |
| Complex | iOS | $70,000 – $150,000+ | 6 – 12+ months |
| Android | $70,000 – $150,000+ | 6 – 12+ months | |
| Cross-Platform | $80,000 – $160,000+ | 6 – 12+ months |
App development cost in Canada is dependent on the App Type
The type of mobile application you are developing is also a core contributor to the app development cost in Canada. Different types of applications serve different purposes to the target audience. For example, a standalone app serves the purposes like offline maps, note-taking, media players, photo editors, and much more. Similarly, some apps require continuous internet connectivity such as social media apps, ride-hailing services, travel apps, podcast apps, etc. Then comes the chatbot apps, IoT or wearable apps, messaging applications, AR/VR apps, enterprise mobile apps, etc.
| Type of App | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Offline Standalone App | CAD 65,000 |
| Apps with constant internet connectivity | CAD 100,000 |
| Chatbot Apps | CAD 120,000 |
| IoT or wearable applications | CAD 95,000 |
| Messaging Applications | CAD 65,000 |
| Augmented Reality Apps | CAD 270,000 |
| Enterprise Mobile App | CAD 650,000 |
App development cost in Canada is dependent on the Team Engagement Models
Different hiring models for app development affect the app development cost in Canada. The very first engagement model is an internal team where you can hire an entire team of developers to work in your organization. The team will be developing the software under your monitoring. The next is hiring an agency or app development company where you will be handing over your project to the company and will get the completed project after a certain timeline. Third is a freelance model where you can build your team of app developers, designers, and testers on a freelance basis.
The overall cost of development varies greatly in all these hiring models. Also, you should only choose one of the given models based on your project requirements and the nature of the project.
| Team Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Internal Team | CAD 500,000 |
| Software Development Company | CAD 80,000 |
| Freelancers | CAD 70,000 |
App development cost in Canada is dependent on the Country of the Development Team
If you are developing a mobile app for the first time, it might sound weird to you but the origin of the app development team plays a significant role in determining the app development cost in Canada. An app development team from the USA can cost you twice as much as it will cost in any Southeast Asian country like India. Similarly, the hourly prices are also very different for these countries.
| Region | Estimated Hourly Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| USA | CAD 130 |
| Western Europe | CAD 110 |
| Australia | CAD 120 |
| Eastern Europe | CAD 70 |
| India | CAD 35 |
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App in India?
Step-wise process for mobile app development in Canada
While the process of app development doesn’t have much to do with the app development cost in Canada, having basic knowledge about the app development cost can help you ensure that your development partner is adopting the right approach. It will help you confirm that things are being processed in the right order so that unnecessary changes don’t result in feedback charges.
1. Discovery and Ideation (10% of Total Mobile App Development Cost)
As the name suggests, this is the foundation phase of the project where the relevant stakeholders talk about vision, budget, features, and the whole blueprint of the application. The competitor’s research, market research, suggestions, timeline, and many other important decisions are taken in this stage.
2. Designing and Prototyping (10% of Total Mobile App Development Cost)
First of all, the user interface of the application is designed where the designers develop a prototype of the app. This prototype carries all the visuals, features, and navigation of the application to give an idea about the overall appearance of the application. The core purpose of this prototype is to get suggestions and feedback from the relevant stakeholders so that the necessary changes can implemented here only.
3. Core Development (40% of Total Mobile App Development Cost)
This is the third stage where the developers impart functionalities in the application. Using the right programming languages, the front end and back end of the application are developed to bring the features to life.
4. Quality Analysis (20% of Mobile App Development Cost)
Quality analysis is the fourth stage where the team of testers performs several quality tests for the application. It includes bug testing, speed testing, performance testing, feature testing, and much more. The quality analysis stage makes sure that only the best version of the application is deployed for use by the target audience.
5. Deployment of the application (10% of Mobile App Development Cost)
As you can understand with the name, this is the deployment stage where the development team will deploy your application to the app market. This step helps to make the software available to the target audience. For the same, the app is deployed to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on the platform of app development you have chosen.
6. Maintenance and Support (10% of Mobile App Development Cost)
Once the mobile app is deployed to the app platform, you need to opt for maintenance and support. It includes the timely update of the software, adding or removing the features, changing the themes, addressing the bugs, enhancing the user experience, and much more. This is also one of the factors that contributes to cost to create an app in Canada.
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Create an App in China?
Tips to keep the app development cost low in Canada
While the app development cost in Canada is lower than many of the compared Western countries, it is never a good idea to save some dollars by compromising the product quality. However, certain considerations can help you keep your app development cost low in Canada. Let’s have a look over these considerations.
👉 First of all, ensure that you conduct thorough research before discussing the designs and development.
👉 You should also research the cost-efficient technologies and platforms that can help you lower the app development cost.
👉 Choose the right app development team in Canada that can deliver the application in the given timeframe without impacting the timeline and budget.
👉 You can hire a development team from a country like India which will save you more than half of app development costs in Canada.
👉 Ask your development partner to submit the MVP so that you can assess the features and navigations in the earlier stages and provide feedback.
👉 You can go for a simple design and user interface instead of a complex design. It can save you a good amount of money.
👉 Get a professional to evaluate your budget daily so that you can identify and avoid hidden costs.
Additional factors affecting mobile app development cost in Canada
Other than some of the factors mentioned in the earlier sections, some other core components will play a vast role in determining your app development cost. Let’s understand these factors so that we can get a better idea about the cost of building an app in Canada.
1. Business Logic of the Application
Business logic refers to the main functions of the application along with some other considerations. It also includes the outcomes that you expect at the end of your project. The following attributes are considered under the business logic:
- Size of mobile app
- Technology stack for the application
- Size of the development team
- The frame for the project
- Quality analysis requirements
- Third-party integrations
2. Technology architecture
Moving ahead, these factors talk about the technology requirements of the project. Whether it is the technology stack that you are using or the operating system that you want to develop your software for, everything plays an important role in determining the overall app development cost in Canada.
- Technology stack
- Multi-tenancy
- Scalability
3. Application niche
This factor is determined by the industry you are working in. For example, if you are working in the finance industry and want a software for the same, it will cost you entirely different as compared to software for the education industry. The reason behind the statement is that different niches of software require different types of features to execute the operations. Here are the core industries that focus on app development:
- Fintech and Banking
- Education
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Travel and Tourism
- Social media
- Real estate
4. Infrastructure services
There are infrastructure services and resources that you have to purchase for your app development. There are several options for the hosting providers and servers that charge different fees.
👉 Hosting Cost
| Hosting Provider | Monthly Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | $135 |
| Google Cloud Platform | ~ $65 |
| Microsoft Azure | $135 |
| DigitalOcean | $25 |
👉 Data Storage Cost
| Database Provider | Monthly Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | $135 |
| MongoDB Atlas | $40 |
| Google Cloud Platform | $130 |
| Firebase | $25 |
👉 API Cost
| API Provider | Estimated Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| Google Maps | $0.50 per 1,000 requests |
| Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| SendGrid | $9.95 per month |
| Twilio | $0.0075 per message |
👉 Development Environment
| Development Tool | Monthly Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| GitHub | $10 per user |
| JetBrains | $25 per month |
| CircleCI | $30 per month |
| Docker | $10 per month |
👉 Scalability and Performance
| Infrastructure Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | $0.008 per hour |
| Google Cloud Platform | $0.18 per GB-hour |
| Cloudflare | $20 per month |
| New Relic | $149 per month |
How do you choose the right app development team in Canada?
Selecting the best app development team in Canada is essential to the project’s success. To make sure you choose the best team, keep the following points in mind:
👉 1. Team Structure:
Choose a dedicated team instead of freelancers. A team works together better and takes more responsibility for the work.
👉 2. Requirement Focus:
Choose teams that focus on really understanding what you need, rather than just finishing the job quickly. This way, the end result will match exactly what you want and what you need.
👉 3. Documented Processes:
Make sure the team writes down all the steps they follow, like project plans, User epic story, Figma drawings, and other documentation. This helps everyone talk clearly and makes it easier to share what needs to happen with everyone involved. It also stops problems from coming up because of misunderstandings.
👉 4. Milestone-Based Payments:
It’s better for teams to get paid after completing important stages of a project instead of receiving payments based on random percentages (like getting 20% upfront and 30% in the middle). Clear milestones with specific goals and deadlines help manage money and projects more effectively.
👉 5. Client References:
Request contact details of at least 4-5 previous clients to get genuine feedback. Depending only on videos and written reviews might not give the full picture.
👉 6. Trial Contracts:
Before signing a big contract, try a smaller one first. This smaller contract will be for making user stories, proposals, and Figma designs. It helps you see how quickly they respond, how they work, and if they’re available when you need them.
👉 7. Maintenance and Support:
Analyse how’s their support after post delivery are they charging flat pricing? If Yes so tell them to do that Top UP system where you will get hours and every time when the works comes the hours has been decreased so you only pay when the work is comes up not for the monthly basis.
👉 8. Engagement Models:
There are several engagement models hourly cost, dedicated team, or the contract basis model. All of these hiring models have benefits that you can leverage during your app development. However, you should make sure that your app development team is flexible for these hiring models.
👉 9. Security Expertise:
You would always like to prefer that your application is secure from data hacking and breaches chances. So, ensure that your app development company in Canada has the expertise to create a secure environment for your application.
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Make an App Like Tinder?
Hidden factors determining app development cost in Canada?
There are some hidden costs associated with all the digital services that can not be avoided for the smooth functioning of the application. However, the hidden costs are not as huge as the cost assigned to core factors, still, it is a better idea to have an understanding of these hidden factors.
👉 Maintenance and marketing
As the name suggests, maintenance refers to hiring the development team to remove the bugs timely and provide the necessary updates to the software as required. Then comes the marketing where the target audience of the application is informed about the existence and features of the application. It will include the costs associated with search engine optimization, email marketing, product hunt launches, social media marketing, etc.
👉 Integrations
Integration refers to adding third-party services and APIs that provide the application with the required dataset. The cost of integration can go from hundreds of dollars to even thousands of dollars.
👉 Regulatory compliances
There are particular regulatory compliances for the different countries and regions for a particular type of software or application. So, you have to pay to make the software compliant with the guidelines provided by the government.
👉 Multilingual support
Multilingual support is required when you are planning to launch your mobile application in more than one country. It makes the software accessible to a wide range of audiences coming from different backgrounds. However, there is a cost associated with the decision to make the app multilingual.
👉 Data recovery and backups
You must place the data recovery and backup option for your software. It helps to restore the data after a hacker or breach attack on the application. So, the details of your application along with the user information are always safe. To leverage this feature, you have to bear some add-on amount in your app development cost.
Why choose Developer Bazaar Technologies for your app development in Canada?
Developer Bazaar Technologies has been operating in the app development landscape for years and thus carries and experience of developing the mobile application for businesses coming from different industries. Our long experience has enabled us to explore the areas where we can easily bring down the app development cost in Canada without impacting the overall features and quality of the application. At the same time, we provide free consultation sessions where you can discuss the requirements of your application, get an idea about the cost, and receive the necessary input about the project.
Moreover, Developer Bazaar Technologies is always committed to innovation so that you can leverage the benefits of the latest and trending technologies without a burden on your pocket. We ensure the best cost of building a mobile app in Canada to make the experience even more seamless for you. DB Solutions provides ample maintenance and support that helps you ensure that the final application is working according to expectations.
How does AI affect App Development in Canada?
AI is changing how apps are made in Canada. It’s making them smarter and better for users in many industries. For mobile apps, AI uses things like machine learning and understanding language to make them more helpful. These new abilities let apps study how people use them, personalize what they show you, and even guess what you might like. This makes users more interested and likely to keep using the apps.
AI also helps developers by doing boring jobs like writing code, testing apps, and fixing problems. This speeds up how fast new apps can get to people. It means developers can spend more time making apps that are fun and easy to use.
In Canada, companies are using AI more and more to build apps that can change when things in the market change. They can also give real-time information using data.
In areas like healthcare, finance, and stores, AI is used to make apps that suggest things just for you, use money and things wisely, and keep things safe. For example, AI chatbots and helpers are making customer service better in Canadian apps by answering questions right away, anytime.
Overall, AI is not just changing how apps are made in Canada, but it’s also making a new kind of smart apps that meet what users want and what businesses need.
👉 AI App Development Cost in Canada
| Development Stage | Cost Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Project Planning | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| UI/UX Design | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Backend Development | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Frontend Development | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Integration of AI Features | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Testing and Quality Assurance | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Deployment and Launch | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Maintenance and Updates | $1,000 – $5,000 per month |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Build A Mobile App In Canada?
Building a mobile app in Canada can cost different amounts depending on how complex the app is. Generally, it can cost CAD 8,000 to CAD 200,000. The final price depends on things like what the app can do, how many features it has, and how long it takes to develop.
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Build An IPhone App In Canada From Scratch?
Developing an iPhone app in Canada typically costs between CAD 25,000 to CAD 200,000. Factors like app features, size, complexity, and team size influence the final price. Choose a reputable iOS app development company with good reviews to ensure quality within your budget.
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Build An Android App In Canada From Scratch?
Creating an Android app in Canada typically costs between CAD 15,000 to CAD 100,000. Costs depend on factors like app complexity, category, Google Play deployment, developer rates, and project timeline. Skilled development teams can deliver high-quality apps with advanced features tailored to your needs.
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Build A Cross-Platform App In Canada From Scratch?
Cross-platform app development in Canada costs between CAD 20,000 to over CAD 100,000. It uses a single codebase for iOS, Android, and other platforms, reducing time and costs compared to separate native apps. However, it may sacrifice some performance and native feel. Factors like code reuse, framework choice, developer rates, design, team size, and app complexity affect costs.
Q. What Are The Average Hourly Rates For App Development In Canada?
In Canada, the cost of making apps varies a lot. It can be as low as CAD 25 per hour or as high as CAD 80 per hour. The price depends on how skilled the developers are and what kind of services they offer.
Q. What Is The Cost And Timeline For App Development In Different Locations?
The price and time it takes to make an app can vary depending on where you live. Here are the details for different places:
| Region | The Cost of App Development (CAD per hour) | The Timeline for App Development |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 40 – CAD 80 | Two to four weeks |
| United States | CAD 45 – CAD 90 | Two to three weeks |
| Latin America | CAD 30 – CAD 80 | One to three weeks |
| Asia | CAD 30 – CAD 50 | One to three weeks |
| Eastern Europe | CAD 35 – CAD 90 | One to three weeks |
Q. What Are The Post-Release Expenses Of An App in Canada?
After launching your app, ongoing expenses include maintenance, which typically costs 15% to 20% of the total development price. This covers updates, bug fixes, and improvements to ensure your app runs smoothly and securely. Monitoring tools are crucial for tracking how users interact with your app, providing insights into usage patterns and user engagement. This data helps you make informed decisions to enhance performance and user experience. As your app grows, budgeting for updates and new features is important to stay competitive. Additionally, ensure compliance with licensing agreements for any third-party services used to avoid legal issues.
Q. How Much Does It Cost To Maintain An App In Canada?
App maintenance, which typically costs 15% to 20% of your app’s development expenses in Canada, involves ongoing tasks like monitoring, updating, and optimizing your mobile application after it’s launched. For example, if your app development cost CAD30,000, expect maintenance to range from CAD4,500 to CAD6,000 annually. This upkeep ensures your app runs smoothly and securely. Factors influencing maintenance costs include feature upgrades, technology updates, maintenance agreements, supporting different platforms (like Android or iOS), improving code quality for better performance, and updating third-party tools to stay current with latest services. Maintaining your app keeps it competitive and user-friendly over time.
Wrapping Up
So, it can be concluded that several factors define the cost of creating an app in Canada. However, particular considerations can help significantly to bring down the cost as well as leverage the advanced features of the application. We suggest you follow the defined method of choosing the app development partner so that you can receive the complete worth of your investment. If you are working on an idea and looking to execute the vision with a digital product, we invite you for a consultation session where we can navigate the path of transforming ideas into reality.
