How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Developer to Build an App?

In the fast-growing digital economy, mobile apps and websites have become essential for every business. From startups and small businesses to global enterprises, the demand for custom mobile app development is skyrocketing. But one of the most common questions business owners ask is:

How much does it cost to hire a developer to build an app?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost depends on factors like technology stack, developer expertise, app complexity, and location. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about app development costs in Dubai, USA, and Saudi Arabia, and how hiring the right developer—be it a MERN Stack developer, Android developer, iOS developer, or mobile website developer—can make all the difference.

Why App Development is a Smart Investment

Before jumping into costs, it’s important to understand why investing in app development is critical:

• Business Growth: Apps create direct customer engagement.
• Market Reach: Android and iOS apps expand your visibility worldwide.
• Brand Loyalty: Mobile-first experiences help retain customers.
• Competitive Edge: Apps help you stand out in industries like e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and hospitality.

At Tiso Studio, we help businesses in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the USA transform their digital presence with high-performing apps built on the latest technologies.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Hiring a Developer

1. Type of Developer You Hire

• MERN Stack Developers → Build scalable, full-stack apps with MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
• Hire Android App Developers → Best for businesses targeting Google Play Store users.
• Hire iOS App Developers → Focused on premium-quality apps for iPhones and iPads.
• Mobile Website Developers → Build SEO-friendly, responsive mobile-first websites.\

2. Location of the Developer

Hiring costs vary greatly depending on where you hire from:

• Dubai: A hub for luxury businesses and startups.
• USA: Offers top innovation but comes at premium costs.
• Saudi Arabia: Affordable talent pool aligned with Vision 2030 digital transformation.

3. Project Complexity

• Basic Apps (e.g., booking, small e-commerce) → $5,000 – $20,000
• Medium Apps (e.g., delivery, marketplace, CRM) → $20,000 – $70,000
• Complex Apps (e.g., AI-driven, fintech, enterprise-grade) → $70,000+

Pro Tip from Tiso Studio: Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test your idea affordably before scaling.

Cost Breakdown by Developer Type

MERN Stack Developers

Perfect for businesses that need web + mobile scalability.

• Dubai: $30 – $60/hour
• USA: $70 – $150/hour
• Saudi Arabia: $25 – $50/hour

Best For: E-commerce apps, SaaS platforms, enterprise portals.

Hire MERN Stack developers at Tiso Studio to build secure, scalable, and high-performing apps that adapt to your growth.

Android App Developers

Android powers 70%+ of global smartphones, making Android developers a smart investment.

• Dubai: $25 – $55/hour
• USA: $60 – $120/hour
• Saudi Arabia: $20 – $45/hour

Best For: Delivery apps, retail apps, educational platforms.

Looking to hire Android app developers in Dubai or Saudi Arabia? Tiso Studio provides highly skilled Android experts to bring your ideas to life.

iOS App Developers

iOS apps are synonymous with premium markets and high-paying users.

• Dubai: $35 – $70/hour
• USA: $80 – $160/hour
• Saudi Arabia: $30 – $55/hour

Best For: Fintech, healthcare, luxury, and enterprise apps.

Hire iOS app developers from Tiso Studio to create sleek, secure, and user-friendly iOS applications that align with global App Store standards.

Mobile Website Developers

Even with mobile apps on the rise, responsive websites remain vital.

• Dubai: $20 – $50/hour
• USA: $50 – $100/hour
• Saudi Arabia: $18 – $40/hour

Best For: Retailers, service businesses, and startups needing online presence.

With Tiso Studio’s mobile website developers, you get SEO-friendly, responsive sites that attract customers in Dubai, USA, and Saudi Arabia.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

So, how much does it cost to hire a developer to build an app? The truth is—it depends on your goals, app complexity, and location. But no matter where you are—Dubai, USA, or Saudi Arabia—choosing the right partner can save you time, money, and stress.

Tiso Studio offers end-to-end services to help you hire the right developers for your needs—whether it’s MERN Stack, Android, iOS, or mobile web. Our team ensures your app is future-ready, cost-efficient, and built to scale.

Ready to hire the best developers for your next project?
let’s build your app that truly makes an impact.