In Bangladesh’s booming IT sector, mobile apps power businesses across e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and more. But one question every entrepreneur asks is: “How much will it cost to build my app?” App development cost Bangladesh depends on many factors, from app complexity to platform choices. In this comprehensive guide, we break down those costs for 2026, explain the key drivers, and offer practical tips.
Whether you plan a simple Android app or a feature-rich enterprise solution, you’ll get clear, updated estimates. Plus, we link to Implevista’s own mobile app development services and case studies for more insight.
Why Matters App Development Cost Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s tech industry is growing fast. Millions of smartphone users drive strong demand for Android and iOS apps, from basic utilities to complex fintech and e-commerce platforms. For businesses in Dhaka and beyond, a well-built app can improve customer engagement, automate processes, and unlock new revenue. Key reasons app development is crucial here include:
- Market Potential: Over 180 million mobile connections in Bangladesh mean a large user base. Businesses tap this by launching apps.
- Cost Advantage: Bangladesh offers a cost-effective software ecosystem. Local developers often charge far less than Western counterparts, while maintaining high quality. This makes app projects more affordable.
- Skilled Talent: The country has a large pool of IT graduates and growing startups. Firms like Implevista leverage this talent to deliver apps efficiently.
- Digital Initiatives: Government initiatives like “Digital Bangladesh” and IT parks support tech growth. These policies encourage innovation, benefiting app projects.
- Global Outsourcing: Many international companies outsource to Bangladesh for affordable app solutions. The industry is recognized for providing “affordable, high-quality solutions” from mobile apps to complex IT systems.
Key Point: In Bangladesh, you get competitive app development rates thanks to lower labor costs and supportive policies. This doesn’t compromise quality – top agencies like Implevista emphasize cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.
Factors Influencing App Development Cost
Several factors determine the final price tag of an app. Understanding them helps set realistic budgets:
- App Complexity & Features: The number and complexity of features is the biggest driver. A basic app with a few screens (e.g. login, info pages) costs much less than an app with real-time updates, GPS, payment processing, social feeds or admin dashboards. For example, Implevista notes a very simple app (no backend) can be as low as $300–$500, while adding logins/payments bumps it to $700–$1,200. Once you add complex functions, costs can exceed $3,000 easily.
- Platforms (Android vs iOS vs Both): Developing for one platform is cheaper than two. Android tends to have a larger user base locally, so single-platform Android apps are often a cost-effective start. If you target both iOS and Android, development time roughly doubles, raising costs. Additionally, each platform has its own store fees (e.g. Google Play’s one-time $25, Apple’s $99/year), which add to overhead. Generally, building for both increases the budget.
- Design & User Interface: A standard, simple design is cheaper. Custom graphics, animations, and highly polished UI require more design hours and raise costs. Basic UI/UX design might be part of a low-cost project, while premium UX can become a significant expense.
- Development Team & Location: In Bangladesh, you typically hire an agency or team of developers. Agencies charge more per hour than freelancers but provide assurance and support. Freelance rates (e.g. 2000-3500 BDT/hour) are lower, but risk and coordination costs exist. Implevista’s blog highlights that hiring local Bangladeshi developers can dramatically cut costs compared to overseas alternatives. The “cost of living” difference is why app dev here can cost a fraction of a similar project in Europe or the US.
- Technology Stack: Choices like native vs cross-platform frameworks matter. Using cross-platform tools (Flutter, React Native) can save time if you need both platforms. Conversely, choosing very new or niche tech may require specialized (and possibly expensive) expertise.
- Backend & Integrations: Apps needing server backends (for databases, user accounts, analytics) cost more. Each integration (like payment gateway, third-party API, CRM) adds development and maintenance overhead. Implevista points out that features like live updates, GPS, and custom backend logic push budgets higher.
- Maintenance and Updates: After launch, apps require ongoing support for bug fixes, updates, and scaling. Plan about 15–20% of the initial development cost per year for maintenance. This recurring cost is often overlooked in initial quotes.
Example: A Dhaka-based consultancy noted that mobile app projects often bill BDT 1,500–2,400 per hour, with complete projects commonly in the BDT 100,000–150,000 range (~$1,000–$1,500). Simple informational apps might sit at the low end (around BDT 80,000), while feature-rich apps run significantly higher.
Typical Cost Ranges: Simple, Medium, Complex Apps
Bangladeshi estimates generally categorize apps into simple, medium, and complex. Here’s a rough breakdown of how costs scale:
- Simple Apps ($300–$5,000 / BDT 25k–400k): These have minimal features (like basic login, static pages, simple user flows). According to industry sources, a simple app can range from BDT 80,000 (~$800) upwards. Another firm reports $2,000–$5,000 for simple apps. Such apps are suitable for proof-of-concept or small business needs. Cost drivers are minimal – mostly design and basic coding.
- Medium-Complexity Apps ($5,000–$15,000 / BDT 400k–1.2M): These include more features like user profiles, social integration, a payment system, or a content management back-end. Dcastalia cites $5,000–$15,000 for medium apps. These often have polished design and moderate backend needs. Development time grows, so does cost. For a medium project, expect a few months of work and charges in the lakhs of BDT.
- Complex Apps ($15,000+ / BDT 1.2M+): If your app involves advanced features (real-time tracking, video streaming, complex admin dashboards, or enterprise-grade security), costs jump beyond $15,000 (BDT 1.2M). Highly complex apps (like ride-hailing or fintech) may exceed $30,000. These require specialized developers and thorough testing, leading to higher budgets. Implevista notes that apps with real-time or AI features can easily go over $3,000 (BDT ~300k) once all complexity is accounted for – and in practice, truly advanced apps cost much more.
Regional Benchmark: Globally, mobile app development can range from $10,000 up to $300,000+ depending on scope. Bangladesh sits on the lower end of this global range thanks to cheaper labor. For perspective, a Dhaka consultancy gave an example: even a modest on-demand taxi app might need BDT 400k–700k (~$3,500–$6,000) as a starting budget (for both passenger and driver apps). Scaling up features raises costs substantially.
Estimated Cost for a Basic Android App in Dhaka (2026)
Let’s focus on a concrete scenario: a basic Android app – say 4-6 screens, simple UI, user login, and a small database. What would that cost in Dhaka, 2026?
- Bangladeshi Market Rates: Agencies in Dhaka might quote roughly BDT 150,000–300,000 (≈$1,500–$3,000) for a simple Android app. This aligns with global estimates after adjusting for local rates. Implevista itself notes simple apps can start from BDT 80,000, though this is likely a bare-bones MVP. Realistically, including decent design and testing, a budget around BDT 200k–300k is safer.
- Key Costs: Most of this goes to development (coding). Design might cost an extra ~BDT 50k–100k depending on complexity. If you need backend services (like a cloud database or server), add another ~BDT 50k–100k. Licenses add a one-time Google Play fee (~$25, ~BDT 2,000) plus perhaps minor server fees.
- Example Calculation: A local agency’s rough breakdown might be:
-
- Wireframe & Planning: BDT 5,000
- UI/UX Design (Android): BDT 30,000
- Android Development (no backend): BDT 150,000
- Testing & Fixes: BDT 20,000
- Total ≈ BDT 205,000 (~$2,050).
- Timeframe: Such a project could take 2–3 months (as Implevista states 2–6 months depending on scope). More features or platforms will extend this.
What Influences This Estimate: Adding more features (e.g. a payment gateway, push notifications, offline mode) raises costs. Using cross-platform tools like Flutter can reduce effort if you plan an iOS version later. Hiring highly senior developers or international teams would also increase the quote. The ranges above assume a competent local team.
Estimated Cost for a Basic iOS App in Dhaka (2026)
A basic iOS app (similarly simple feature set) would be comparable in cost to an Android app of the same complexity. Key points:
- Similar Development Effort: Building a simple app for iOS requires about the same number of screens and logic as Android, so labor costs are similar. You might see BDT 200,000–350,000 (~$2,000–$3,500) for a 2026 project of modest scope.
- Apple Ecosystem Costs: The main extra costs are Apple’s licensing and compliance. Apple charges an annual developer fee ($99/year, ~BDT 8,000). Also, if the app uses Apple-specific features or requires strict App Store review, expect slightly longer development/testing.
- Development Team: iOS development often requires macOS tools (Xcode). Freelancers or agencies typically include this overhead. Hiring an iOS specialist may cost on the higher end of the range, but again local rates keep it lower than Western markets.
- Distribution Fees: Google’s fee ($25 one-time) is absent, but remember the Apple App Store fee each year.
- Example: A simple iOS app (again ~4-6 screens) might break down as:
- UI/UX Design: BDT 30,000
- iOS Development: BDT 180,000
- Testing: BDT 15,000
- Total ≈ BDT 225,000 (~$2,250), plus $99/year Apple fee.
- Multiplatform Consideration: Many businesses now choose a cross-platform framework to target both Android and iOS simultaneously. This can be more cost-effective than two separate native projects. For example, building a single Flutter app might cost around BDT 300k–400k and serve both Android and iOS, instead of ~BDT 200k each.
Cross-Platform vs Native Development
When budgeting, consider native (Android and iOS separately) versus cross-platform approaches:
- Native Apps: Built in Java/Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. Gives best performance and access to platform features. But doubling code efforts if you need both platforms. If you choose native, plan separate development time and costs for each.
- Cross-Platform Frameworks: Flutter or React Native allow a single codebase for both platforms. This reduces development time and cost in most cases. For a simple app, cross-platform might cut time by up to 50%. Many Bangladesh agencies (including Implevista) recommend cross-platform to save budget.
- Cost Impact: Cross-platform often lowers total cost. For example, instead of BDT 400k (Android) + 400k (iOS) = 800k, you might do one Flutter app for BDT ~500k. The trade-off: some minor platform-specific adjustments might still be needed.
- When to Go Native: If you need the absolute best performance, or heavy use of platform-specific SDKs (e.g. ARKit on iOS), you might still choose native. But for most business apps, cross-platform is very cost-efficient.
Tips to Control App Development Costs
You have a vision – but you don’t need to burn money. Here are actionable tips (informed by industry experts) to keep your app project affordable:
- Prioritize Features: Focus on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first. Include only core functionalities in the initial version. This approach avoids “feature creep” and saves budget. You can add enhancements later based on user feedback.
- Choose the Right Platform: Start with one primary platform if the budget is tight. Often businesses launch on Android (largest local market share) and then add iOS later.
- Use Cross-Platform Frameworks: Frameworks like Flutter or React Native allow building Android and iOS together. Implevista encourages this to halve development time.
- Leverage Templates & Open-Source: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use existing UI templates or open libraries for common features (login, UI components) to reduce coding time.
- Local Development Team: Hiring Bangladeshi developers is cost-effective. Local agencies or freelancers charge less than overseas developers, often 70-90% cheaper. The skill level is high, and communication is easier.
- Keep Design Simple: Complex custom designs and animations can balloon costs. A clean, functional UI usually suffices. As Implevista notes, “keep design simple” to save money.
- Plan for Testing Early: Automated testing upfront costs time, but saves expensive bug fixes post-launch. Build QA time into your plan to avoid extra rounds of revisions later.
- Milestone Payments: Structure the contract with clear milestones (design sign-off, prototype, beta, launch) and pay per milestone. This keeps the project on budget and on schedule.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle on the first quote. Compare proposals from a few agencies or teams to find the best value. Implevista suggests gathering at least 2–3 quotes and tying payments to deliverables.
By applying these tips, startups in Bangladesh have saved significant costs. For example, Implevista’s guide emphasizes starting with core features and hiring local developers to “cut both time and money”.
The Bangladesh Advantage: Affordable, High-Quality Development
One major reason app development in Bangladesh is budget-friendly is the country’s broader software industry ecosystem:
- Cost-Effective Services: Bangladesh’s IT sector is known internationally for “cost-effective, high-quality solutions”. Many global clients turn to Bangladeshi firms precisely to leverage lower development rates.
- Skilled Workforce: Our growing talent pool means businesses can access experienced developers at more modest wages. Institutions and training programs are feeding a steady supply of tech graduates.
- Government Support: Policies (tax incentives, IT parks, “Digital Bangladesh” initiatives) create a favorable environment. This infrastructure lowers overheads for tech companies, indirectly reducing client costs.
- Quality Focus: Over the past decade, local companies have raised their quality standards. Firms like Implevista emphasize automated testing and user-centric design to ensure even cost-effective apps perform well.
- Competitive Market: The many software companies in Dhaka compete on both innovation and price. This competitive landscape pushes prices down for clients. In fact, industry reports note that Bangladesh’s software firms offer “cost-effective yet high-quality offerings”, making it a smart outsourcing choice.
All these factors mean your app development budget goes farther in Bangladesh. Implevista leverages this edge: as their developers explain, Bangladesh’s reputation for affordable IT services allows them to offer competitive pricing on custom apps. In practice, that means you often pay significantly less here than you would in Western markets for the same scope of work.
Implevista’s digital arm Digital Implevista even highlights how they give “cost-effective solutions without compromising quality” for Shopify app projects – an ethos that applies to mobile apps too. In short, Bangladeshi pricing plus strong expertise means high value for your investment.
What Goes into App Development Pricing?
To recap, these major line items combine into the final cost:
- Planning & UI/UX Design: Storyboarding, wireframes, and graphic design. (Typically 10–20% of the budget.)
- Development (Android, iOS, Backend): The bulk of cost. (Often 40–60% of the budget.)
- Testing & QA: Rigorous device and user testing. (10–20%.)
- Deployment: Publishing to app stores and server setup. (A few percent.)
- Third-Party Fees: Developer licenses ($25 Google, $99 Apple), APIs, hosting.
- Post-Launch Support: Often charged separately, but many allocate ~15–20% of dev cost annually for updates and fixes.
Example Breakdown: For a mid-complexity app ($30k global example from Apptunix), a Bangladeshi agency might allocate roughly:
- 15% (BDT 30k) for design,
- 50% (BDT 100k) for development,
- 15% (BDT 30k) for testing/QA,
- 5% (BDT 10k) for deployment/setup,
- 15% reserved for support.
This adds up to BDT 200k (approx $2,000) as a base estimate, scaling higher for extra features.
Timeline and Payment Models
Development Time: Typically, a simple app (few features) can be ready in 1–2 months, while a medium app takes 3–6 months. Implevista notes most projects finish in 2–6 months. Longer timelines occur if you add more features or platforms.
Payment Structure: Common practice is either a fixed project quote or time-and-materials billing. Agencies often prefer milestone payments: e.g., 20% upfront, then installments at design completion, alpha release, final delivery. This ensures steady progress and accountability. Before signing, make sure you understand what deliverables (screens, code, documentation) are expected at each milestone.
Agile vs Waterfall: Many app teams (including Implevista) use agile methods. This means you’ll see iterative releases. While agile can complicate firm budgeting, it allows flexibility – you can scale the project scope up or down as you go. Fixed-price quotes are safer if your requirements are well-defined and unlikely to change.
Cost Comparisons: Freelancer vs Local Agency vs International Agency
Here’s a comparative view to help you decide which development model best suits your needs and budget.
| Hiring Model | Benefits | Cost Considerations | When to Use |
| Freelancer (Bangladeshi) | Low cost, flexible, ideal for small MVPs | Less predictable delivery, possible quality or support issues, limited team capacity | MVP, prototype, very simple apps |
| Local Agency (like Implevista) | Full team, project management, quality assurance, local presence | Higher than freelancer but more stable, long-term support | Business apps, customer-facing apps, startups wanting reliability |
| International Agency | Global experience, possibly cutting-edge tech | High cost, communication overhead, possibly less cost-effective for local market | Large enterprise projects, global-scale apps, complex custom solutions |
As a leading mobile app development company in Bangladesh, Implevista offers the sweet spot for many businesses — local talent, international quality, and competitive cost.
Understanding app development cost in Bangladesh (2026) means balancing features, quality, and budget. We’ve seen that basic apps can start around BDT 80k–150k, while robust custom apps easily reach BDT 300k–1M+, depending on complexity. Bangladesh offers a unique advantage: world-class developers at lower rates. By carefully scoping your project and applying cost-saving strategies (like cross-platform development and agile planning), you can maximize value.
If you’re planning an app project and want expert guidance, Implevista is ready to help. As a top Bangladeshi app development company, they offer end-to-end solutions – from strategy to launch. Learn about Implevista’s Mobility and Custom Software services and see their portfolio for examples. Reach out for a personalized quote and make your app vision a reality without surprise costs.
👉 Contact Implevista today for a free consultation or check out their case studies and blog for more insights. You can also subscribe to the Implevista blog for the latest articles on app development and tech trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the average cost to develop a mobile app in Bangladesh?
A: It varies widely by complexity. A simple app typically ranges from $2,000–$5,000 (approx BDT 200k–500k). A medium app goes up to $5,000–$15,000 (BDT 500k–1.5M). Complex, feature-rich apps start around $15,000 (BDT ~1.2M) and can be much higher.
Q2: What determines the cost of making an app in Bangladesh?
A: Main factors include app features and complexity (more screens and logic cost more). The platform (Android, iOS, or both) also matters – supporting two platforms roughly doubles development time. Design quality, backend integrations (APIs, payments), and developer expertise level are also key. Bangladesh’s lower hourly rates do reduce labor costs, but scope is the biggest driver.
Q3: How long does it take to develop a mobile app in Bangladesh?
A: It depends on scope. A basic app may take 2–3 months, while a medium app can be 3–6 months. As Implevista notes, most projects finish in about 2–6 months based on requirements. Complex apps with many features can take longer. Agile development and clear milestones help manage timelines.
Q4: Can app development be cheaper in Bangladesh than in other countries?
A: Yes. Bangladesh is a global outsourcing hub because it offers high-quality apps at competitive prices. Lower living costs and a strong talent pool allow companies to charge less than Western firms. Dcastalia emphasizes that Bangladesh’s developer rates are often significantly lower, offering “great value”.
Q5: Is Android app development cheaper than iOS in Bangladesh?
A: Building an app for a single platform costs less than two. Android tends to have a larger user base locally, so some startups launch Android first. In terms of development effort, Android vs iOS are similar. However, iOS involves an annual $99 developer fee, whereas Android’s Google Play fee is a one-time $25. Overall, the base development cost is comparable, but includes the Apple developer license if you’re doing iOS.
Q6: What is the cost of a very simple Android app in Dhaka (2026)?
A: A very basic Android app (a few screens, no complex features) might start around BDT 80,000–150,000 (~$800–$1,500). This is for minimal functionality and a simple design. More realistic quotes often come in around BDT 200k–300k once moderate design and testing are included.
Q7: What about the cost of a similar basic iOS app?
A: A basic iOS app will be in the same ballpark (BDT 80k–150k plus design costs). One must add the Apple App Store fee ($99/year, ~BDT 8,000). If planning for both platforms, consider a cross-platform approach to cut costs.
Q8: How can I reduce my app development cost in Bangladesh?
A: Key strategies include:
- Start with an MVP: focus on core features only.
- Use cross-platform tools (Flutter/React Native) to serve both iOS and Android.
- Hire qualified local developers or agencies (lower rates than international firms).
- Reuse open-source components and keep design simple.
- Plan and freeze requirements early to avoid scope creep.
Q9: Does Implevista offer cost-effective app development services?
A: Absolutely. Implevista emphasizes leveraging Bangladesh’s cost advantage. They note that thanks to affordable local IT services, they can deliver high-quality apps at competitive prices. For example, their digital arm assures clients of “cost-effective solutions without compromising quality”, reflecting the same promise for mobile apps.
Q10: Where can I learn more about app development services at Implevista?
A: Visit the Implevista blog for articles on mobile apps, or check the Mobility services page for details on their offerings. You can also contact Implevista directly for a quote and advice on budgeting your project.
