How Much Does It Cost to Hire Cross Platform App Developer?

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How Much Does It Cost to Hire Cross Platform App Developer?

Introduction

In a world where mobile apps are powerful, for many companies, it is not a question of if they will create a mobile app, but rather, when. The opportunity to dominate the digital world while it is in its infancy is compelling for all companies. So, so how much does it cost to hire cross platform app developer? The typical tech response would simply be: It depends. The good news is that once companies understand how cross-platform app development cost factors are affected, they can ask the right questions and budget accordingly. 

There are many reasons why cross-platform app development remains the right choice for many brands. First, cross-platform app development saves developers time. With cross-platform app development, there is only one codebase for iOS or Android. Cross-platform app development requires less time than developing two separate native models and is also cheaper, which is attractive to both technology start-ups and large businesses who want to reach a wider audience while spending less time developing.

The Rise of Cross-Platform Development

Cross-platform development can be appealing since it can help minimize your development process. A company can hire cross platform developers to develop either platform and save time and cost, rather than having two separate teams in iOS and Android. With the introduction of React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin, there definitely has been disruption in the app space, tools, and communities that have helped developers to efficiently develop high-quality apps. In addition, each framework's system enables faster development across all platforms while also minimizing maintenance and updates. 

Updates and changes to one codebase are reflected across all platforms since one set of code will be producing the app for all platforms. The strategic benefits of cross-platform development can often outweigh the cost of application development.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Hire Cross Platform App Developer

The ultimate cost of hire cross platform app developer is influenced by multiple interconnected factors. It is important to understand this factors to set your expectations appropriately and budget effectively. Cost of geographical location is probably one of the most significant cost factors. 

Location of the Developer/Development Team

Developer rates vary considerably by country and even by region because the cost of living, demand for developers, and overall economy vary greatly.

Region

Countries

Hourly Rate Range (USD)

Key Advantages

North America

USA, Canada

$60*– $200*+

Direct communication, cultural alignment, strong project management

Western Europe

UK, Germany, Netherlands

$40*– $150*

Competitive rates, high quality, good balance of expertise and cost

Eastern Europe

Poland, Ukraine, Romania

$30*– $90*

Skilled talent pool, competitive pricing, strong cost-to-quality ratio

Asia

India, Philippines, Vietnam

$20*– $70*

Most cost-effective, large talent pool, good for offshore development

Latin America

Brazil, Argentina, Mexico

$25*– $70*

Attractive rates, emerging tech scene, favorable time zones for North America

Experience Level of the Developer

Just like any other specialized field, experience dictates the price.

Role

Experience Level

Hourly Rate Range (USD)

Key Responsibilities / Strengths

Junior Developers

0–2 years

$20*– $50*

Basic functionalities, simpler app components

Mid-Level Developers

2–5 years

$40*– $80*

Moderate complexity, API integration, decent UI/UX design

Senior Developers

5+ years

$80*– $200*+

Architecture, complex integrations, performance optimization, project leadership

Tech Leads/Architects

8+ years (typically)

$100*– $250*+

Overall technical direction, high-level design, oversight of development strategy and architecture

Complexity and Features of the App

The more features and functionality that you want, the higher the price. 
Along with complexity of UI/UX design, full custom animations, offline possibilities, push notifications when requested, integrated payment gateways, and other third-party API integrations. All of these things will including development time and at the end of the day, they all cost more.

App Complexity Level

Description

Estimated Cost Range (USD)

Simple Apps

Minimal features; basic functionality such as calculators, utility tools, or informational apps

$5,000* – $20,000*

Medium Complexity Apps

Includes user authentication, API integrations, custom UI, and moderate functionality (e.g., messaging, task managers, simple e-commerce apps)

$20,000* – $70,000*

Complex / Enterprise-Level Apps

Advanced features like real-time updates, AI/ML, complex UI/UX, high security (e.g., social networks, healthcare apps, gaming, on-demand apps)

$70,000* – $250,000*+

Technology Stack Used

Although the purpose of cross-platform development is efficiency, the choice of framework may still impact cost because of developer availability and functionality specific to the frameworks. Here are some cross-platform frameworks:
  1. React Native: Developed by Facebook, React Native is a cross-platform mobile app framework allowing developers to use JavaScript and React for mobile app development and deployment. 
  2. Flutter: Google’s UI toolkit for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Flutter does great UI and performance. Developers training in Flutter usually cost similarly to React Native developers $40* to $80*/hour. 
  3. Ionic: Cross-platform hybrid app framework developed to allow for web-based hybrid apps to create and build mobile apps built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Again, if you have web developers, Ionic is less expensive because it is easier for web based developers to flip-flop using the same technologies.
Each specific framework will have an impact on the number of developers knowing the specific framework and whether that hoursly rate reflects demand.

Engagement Model

How you decide to engage the developer or development team also plays a part in the overall cost.
  1. Freelancer: This is generally the most flexible and potentially cost-effective option if you're working on a smaller project or a particular aspect of the app. The rates vary widely by experience as well as platform (e.g. Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal). You pay for the hours worked or a fixed price per milestone.
  2. In-House Hire: Hiring a full time employee is a combination of salary, benefits, office space and recruiting costs. This mode of engagement offers maximum control and commitment but is usually the most expensive, with hire cross platform app developers in North America having annual salaries typically exceeding $100,000*.
  3. Development Agency: Agencies provide all the necessary personnel for a project (developers, designers, project managers, QA) and a defined process. They typically work on a fixed-project price scope basis or dedicated-team model. This option may appear to be more expensive upfront, but they come with expertise, reliability, and accountability. An offshore cross-platform app developing service provided by an agency can represent a significant cost saving.
  4. Dedicated Team: This hybrid option is where you purchase a team from an agency, who then works solely on your project in an extension of your in-house team. This model allows some flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to an in-house team.

Post-Development Support and Maintenance

The cost remains even after the app is up and running. Ongoing maintenance, bug fixing, updates to support new OS launches, level of apps and features, etc. are necessary for an app to endure as successful. Typically, maintenance will be about 15-20% of the original cost of development annually. From a budget perspective, maintenance costs should also form a part of your long-term thinking while developing your app. 

Average Cost Ranges for Hiring a Cross-Platform App Developer

While no one can pin down an exact number without the specifics, here is a general idea of what app developers' hourly rates are (as of 2025) for cross-platform development in regions of various experience: 

Region

Junior (per hour)

Mid-level (per hour)

Senior (per hour)

North America

$60* - $75*

$75* - $120*

$120* - $180*+

Western Europe

$40* - $65*

$65* - $100*

$100* - $140*+

Eastern Europe

$30* - $40*

$40* - $60*

$60* - $90*

Asia (e.g., India)

$15* - $30*

$30* - $50*

$50 *- $70*

Latin America

$25* - $35*

$35* - $60*

$60* - $85*


These rates are averages, and will fluctuate based on the specific framework (for example, Flutter vs React Native), the devs niche skills (for example, FinTech, gaming), and demand & supply market convo. Engaging an off-shore cross-platform app developing service would potentially provide hourly rates far below the above averages, but enable you to work with experts who are simply cost-effective because they live in a different country. 

Where to Find and How to Evaluate Cross-Platform App Developers

It's important to source the right talent. You can take a look at the following places: 
  1. Freelance Platforms: Freelance platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Fiverr have a huge pool of freelance cross-platform developers. Of these the most vetted talent is found on Toptal. 
  2. Digital Agencies: A number of agencies focus specifically on cross-platform development services and provide comprehensive solutions from design to development, to deployment, and maintenance. Agencies are a great route to take if you want more of a structured approach and have a complete team working for you. 
  3. Referrals and Networking: Personal referrals can lead to credible developers who have the skills you require. 
  4. Professional Networking Sites: LinkedIn and other professional networking sites, can also prove useful when sourcing potential candidates.
When evaluating developers, consider:
  1. Portfolio and Experience: Review their past work, particularly any projects that are similar to your app concept.
  2. Technical Skills: Assess their proficiency in your chosen framework (React Native, Flutter etc.) and related tech stack. 
  3. Communication Skills: Communication is vital (especially while working with a remote team or during an offshore development project) and must be clear and consistent. 
  4. Problem Solving Skills: Clarify their approach to challenges and how they solve those challenges. 
  5. Client Testimonials & Reviews: Remember to review their history to assess reliability, and its/or quality of work.

The Benefits of Choosing Cross-Platform Development Despite the Cost

Although hire cross platform app developer will cost you money, the long-term advantages consistently outweigh the upfront costs.
  1. Faster Time to Market: Development time with a cross-platform app is shorter due to the single code base, making it possible to launch the app faster than if developing two different native apps. This allows you to get your app to market faster than your competition.
  2. Reduced Development and Maintenance Costs: Cross-platform development allows you to save money on both initial development and ongoing maintenance costs because you are developing only one app as opposed to two
  3. Greater Audience Reach: If you build a cross-platform app you will be able to publish to iOS and Android at the same time increasing your potential audience.
  4. Re-used Code: Because you are developing one app and utilizing the same code in both platforms there is less duplication with cross-platform app development.
  5. Consistent User Experience: Developing with a single code base allows for greater consistency in look/feel across platforms.
If you are looking for a more technical understanding of cross-platform software development.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision to Hire Cross Platform App Developer

Cross platform app developer hiring costs can vary greatly depending on such factors as geographic location, experience of the developer, complexity of the app, and whether you are hiring a freelance, part-time, or contractor developer. At AIS Technolabs, we believe that having an idea of what you want your app to do, knowing why costs differ, and doing your due diligence vetting process to find the right development partner to suit your budget and your business, is your first step in hiring a cross platform app developer.Shorter time to for your app to be launched into market, bigger pool of users to capture, much easier maintenance, plus other benefits, all offer great long-term value. With the right budget and investment of development, AIS Technolabs will help you consider multiple ways to develop your cross-platform app and spend your money wisely to build effective, quality, user-friendly cross-platform apps that can enhance customer engagement, and grow your business quickly.

FAQs

Ans.
It usually costs between $10,000* and $100,000*+, depending on complexity, features, and platform support needed.

Ans.
Developers typically charge $25/Hour to $150/Hour, but with PPA models, you pay based on results, milestones, or specific actions.

Ans.
Yes, if you know frameworks like Flutter or React Native, or you can hire experienced developers to build it for you.

Ans.
Payments range from $5,000* to $150,000*+ based on app complexity and features.