How Much Does it Cost to Build React Native App in 2025?

By Itobuz Technologies • December 24, 2024 edit

Uber, Microsoft, Facebook, and hundreds of major brands across the world have adopted React native in the past 5 years:

In 2024, 8.4% of ALL software developers around the globe used React Native in their day-to-day work
Approximately 30% of mobile app developers worldwide use cross-platform frameworks- the rest use native tools
35% of those mobile app developers use React Native to build natively-rendered apps for both Android and iOS

In other words, despite major advancements in other cross-platform mobile app development frameworks, React Native is still an industry favorite. Why? Several reasons…

Robust features
Constant updates that keep it future-facing
Flexibility
Wide range of performance optimization capabilities
Track record of helping developers build cutting-edge, natively-rendered apps for iOS + Android

…to name a few. If you want to create a cost-effective mobile app for multiple platforms by using the same codebase, React Native is a great choice. But, before you go all-in with this framework you need to understand how the framework functions and how much React Native app development costs. If you want a quick answer to how much the pricing is, here is the cost to develop a React Native app: anywhere between $15k – $300k –

Do you need more details? No worries. Well, this blog covers the following topics in detail:

What is React Native?
Factors Influencing React Native App Development Cost
How Much Does It Cost to Build a React Native App in 2024?
Cost Comparison: React Native vs. Native App Development
Hidden Costs of React Native App Development
How to Reduce React Native App Development Costs
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Hiring React Native Developers: Freelancer vs. Agency
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about React Native

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture regarding React Native app development pricing and whether this framework is right for your project.

Let us start!

What is the React Native Framework?

The React Native Framework is an open-source, cross-platform mobile app development framework:

It was developed by Meta in 2015
It allows developers to build mobile apps for Android + iOS using JavaScript
JavaScript is the most-used programming language in the world
So, React Native has also quickly grown in popularity

Today, millions of JavaScript developers use the React Native Framework to build…

Scalable
Resource-efficient
Cross-platform

…. mobile apps

Key Advantages of the React Native Framework

Here are the main reasons why businesses are increasingly choosing React Native (RN):

Cross-Platform Compatibility = Code Reusability

RN is a cross-platform framework
That means there is no need to duplicate development efforts
When updates or bug fixes are required, changes made in one place apply to both platforms
All these significantly speed up development
Overall, RN allows developers to reuse up to 90% of their code for both Android + iOS

Native Performance

Most app development frameworks use web views to communicate with the device’s native API’s
React Native communicates directly with the device’s native APIs
This direct interaction results in faster load times
It makes RN apps deliver user experiences similar to full-native apps

Fast Refresh = Faster Development Time

Fast Refresh is a feature that enables real-time edits/updates during development
Developers can see changes immediately without losing the app’s state
If there is an error in the code, the feature allows for quick fixes without restarting/re-editing the entire app

Component-Based Architecture

React Native employs a component-based architecture
Developers create small, reusable components for the user interface
Changes can be made at the component level without impacting the entire app
This architecture makes the development process flexible and scalable
Ensuring consistency across the app is also easier with this architecture

Access to Native APIs

RN provides direct access to native device features (camera, mic, GPS)
Developers can use JavaScript to call these functionalities without complex workarounds
These capabilities ultimately enhance user experience on RN apps

Community and Support

The community for the framework is large and active
The internet is packed with free resources on RN
There are many RN-focused contributors on platforms like Stack Overflow

Synced Development

React Native allows for simultaneous development across targeted operating systems
One team can effortlessly manage both iOS/Android versions of the app
This approach reduces costs and development time

Low Maintenance Costs

Maintaining an app with this framework is simpler due to a single codebase for both platforms
It reduces complexity and lowers overall maintenance costs

Readymade Solutions and Libraries

RN is an open-source framework
It means developers get instant access to numerous readymade solutions and libraries as soon as they start using this framework
These resources simplify development and allow developers to focus on writing efficient code
Libraries like Xamarin and Lottie help RN developers deploy apps quickly

Seamless Third-Party Integration

React Native supports easy integration of third-party plugins for both iOS/Android
This capability allows developers to add features quickly
Developers can create rich mobile apps with very low investment costs

Serverless Approach

In 2024, a serverless approach is integral to React Native development
This method allows developers to deploy code without managing complex infrastructure
About 80% of React developers are expected to adopt this model
Platforms like Azure Lambda facilitate efficient cloud-based development
It enables developers to write and deploy code efficiently in the cloud
They can focus more on core business logic instead of managing infrastructure

Introduction of React Native Fabric

React Native Fabric was recently developed by Meta
It drastically enhances the RN framework’s legacy rendering system
This improvement streamlines development and boosts features
Fabric increases interoperability with host platforms
This results in better code quality and performance
A key feature of Fabric is asynchronous rendering
This allows developers to create apps with faster-loading components

Enhanced Communication with JavaScript Interface (JSI)

In another update, RN introduced a new architecture
This architecture improves communication between JavaScript and native code
This is achieved through an efficient JavaScript Interface (JSI)
The JSI reduces overhead and improves app responsiveness during user interactions

Factors Influencing React Native App Development Cost

Now that you know why so many businesses deem this framework “worth it”, let us dissect all the cost factors in React Native app development.

Here are the main factors affecting React Native app development price:

App Complexity

The complexity of your app plays a crucial role in determining its development cost. React Native apps can be categorized into three levels of complexity:

Low Complexity React Native Apps

These apps are straightforward and typically feature basic functionalities
Examples include simple utilities like calculators or timers
These React Native apps require less time and fewer resources to develop

Medium-Complexity React Native Apps

They offer more features
They may require integration with external services
Basic music streaming or social media apps fall into this category
The extra functionalities and integrations increase development time and costs

High-Complexity React Native Apps

Feature-rich RN apps require advanced functionalities
Sophisticated eCommerce platforms or on-demand service apps fall into this category
The extensive features and integrations make the development cost comparatively higher than that of low and medium-complexity ones

Here are the factors that determine how complex your app will be:

Deployment Architecture Model

Does your app need custom architecture or will it work on a pre-built backend solution?

Custom Architecture

This option allows developers to create a tailored backend specifically for your app
It offers greater flexibility + app customization
It can also increase development time and costs

BaaS (Backend as a Service)

In this approach, your app uses a pre-built backend solution
It speeds up development and reduces costs
But, it may limit your app’s customization options

Admin Panel Development

An admin panel is essential for:

Managing app content
Tracking user activity
Analyzing statistics

A robust admin panel:

Enables you to make updates without needing developer assistance
However, the more features you include in the admin panel, the higher the complexity and cost

In-App Purchase Functionality

Including options for in-app purchases adds significant complexity to your app
More purchase options require additional development effort

Integration with Legacy Systems

If your app needs to connect with existing enterprise systems, expect high complexity
Ensuring compatibility with legacy systems involves substantial additional work
You have to work with enterprise app development experts to drive down costs

Use of Device Features

Smartphones have built-in GPS, Bluetooth, HD cameras, mic, and more
Integrating these features into your app increases development complexity and costs

Here is a table showing the average costs for integrating common features into a React Native app:

User Authorization

Expect to spend more if your app requires users to log in or create accounts
Implementing secure authentication processes adds to development time and expenses

Hardware

Connecting your app to hardware devices pushes up the complexity and costs
For example, developing Internet of Things (IoT) apps with RN can be very expensive
Unlike native frameworks, integrating hardware components effectively into RN requires more work + resources

App Design

Designing for RN is usually less expensive than for native apps
You only have to design for one version
So, making your app stand out visually won’t cost as much

But you still have a major cost-based decision to make:

Go for a simple and standard app UI (user interface) design by using pre-existing design patterns and components
Or, create a unique app UI customized specifically to your app’s needs?

Custom UIs are, of course, more complex and expensive. You need to pay for:

As you can see:

Sophisticated, custom app designs demand high expertise and skill
It can take up a huge % of your budget
Overall, custom React Native app development cost might be twice as expensive as going the standard template route

App Maintenance

Once your app is launched, you have to:

Implement updates to introduce new features
Make design changes to enhance UX based on feedback
Fix bugs

All that costs you 15-20% of the total development cost.

Agency Location Hourly Rate

Many US-based companies look abroad to seek affordable React Native App development

Check out the hourly cost of professional-grade React Native development services to see why

How Much Does It Cost to Build a React Native App in 2024?

We have already told you how much it costs to build a React Native app: anywhere between $15k to $300k. Take a deeper dive into React Native app development costs in 2024:

Simple App: $15k to $40k

These apps typically include basic functionalities and are quick to develop
Examples include simple utility apps like To-Do List or basic information hubs

Medium App: $40k to $90k

Medium complexity apps feature more functionalities and integrations
Examples include the earliest version of the social media app Instagram

Complex App: $90k to $300k (or more)

Complex apps include advanced features and require significant development time
Examples are marketplace apps like Airbnb or streaming services like Discord

Here’s a quick reference table summarizing these estimated costs and timeframes:

To estimate your custom, React Native app development cost, use this formula:

Calculate the time needed for each part of the app-making process (in hours)
Add up all those time estimates to get a total time
Multiply that total time by the number of developers working on the project
Finally, multiply that result by the hourly rate for each developer
In short: Total Cost = (Total Hours Needed) x (Number of Developers) x (Hourly Rate)

Based on this formula, we can estimate how much it would cost to build a React Native app in two regions – North America and India:

Cost Comparison: React Native vs. Native App Development

While the cost to develop a React Native app can easily be in the six figures, it will always be lower than the native Android or native IoS app development cost.

Here is a cross-platform vs native app development cost discussion that explains why:

React Native = Cost-Efficiency

React Native allows developers to use a single codebase for both Android/iOS
This fact alone reduces React Native app development pricing by 30%-35%
With Native-only development, you cannot build apps for both platforms using one framework
With Native-only development, you need separate teams and double the effort
With React Native app, reusing code across platforms leads to much less development time and lower costs

Developer Accessibility

React Native is built on JavaScript – the most widely used programming language
This accessibility allows businesses to tap into larger pools of developers worldwide
Developers with JavaScript experience can easily learn React Native
This reduces training time and associated costs
Training time and associated costs for Flutter or Swift are much higher

Lower Overhead Costs

With RN, you only use a single development team for both iOS and Android apps
This results in lower overhead costs + lower maintenance costs across the app’s lifecycle

Hidden Costs of React Native App Development

Here are some hidden costs in React Native development that you should also account for:

App Store Submission Fees

Publishing an app on major platforms means spending:

$99/year for an Apple Developer account
A one-time fee of $25 to be on Google Play Store

Third-Party API Integrations

Integrating third-party APIs to enhance your app’s functionality means spending:

$3.5k to $5k on basic API integrations
$12k to $18k on payment gateways, third-party geo-trackers, and other advanced APIs

Budget for these costs and accordingly create your Reach Native app development pricing plan.

Testing + Debugging

Testing across various devices and operating systems means spending:

$200 to $500 per test for each device or operating system
$800 to $5k on debugging depending on how bug-infested your code is

Post-Launch Marketing and Updates

After launching your app, ongoing updates and marketing efforts cost you:

$1k to $20k (minimum) on initial marketing efforts
20% of the total React Native app development cost on annual maintenance

How to Reduce React Native App Development Costs

You can indeed curtail your overall development budget if you know how to save money on React Native development. Here are some tested suggestions for cost reduction you can follow:

Define a Clear Project Scope

Establishing a well-defined project scope early on is one of the best cost-reduction tips for React Native apps as it reduces the need for extensive debugging or revisions
Clearly outline project goals
Clearly outline the app’s features and functionalities
Use this scope to make the development team clearly understand your project’s requirements and non-requirements

Use Pre-Built Libraries and Components

Leverage the extensive collection of pre-built libraries, and components available in the React Native ecosystem:

Use React Native Elements (RN’s own UI toolkit) to create your app’s UI swiftly
Use React Navigation to instantly implement navigation patterns like stack navigation, tab navigation, drawer navigation, and more in your app
Use React Native Paper to get the Material Design components you need to create appealing, native-level app UIs
Use Auth0 to code social logins and authentication methods for your app
Use Google’s Firebase to build real-time databases, analytics mechanisms, and user sign-up/login systems for your app

Using these pre-built libraries and components:

Saves your developers’ time and effort
Accelerates development
Reduces costs by minimizing the need for custom, from-the-scratch coding

Hire an Experienced React Native Development Agency

Choosing a skilled React Native app development company can lead to more efficient project execution
Experienced teams are familiar with the best (and worst) practices
This experience translates to long-term savings

Build MVP

Start by developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first
Use it to validate your product idea without overextending your budget
Add more expensive features after users review the MVP

Security Assurance

React Native apps have different security considerations compared to native apps
Invest in quality assurance (QA) experts specializing in cross-platform testing to ensure your app remains secure
Early detection of security flaws minimizes the time, cost, and reputational hazards associated with fixing problems later on

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

There are many React Native app development case studies to go through. Just check out their showcase page and you can find big names like:

Amazon
PlayStation
The NFL
Tesla
Walmart
Bloomberg
Discord
Shopify
Microsoft
Meta

Here are two of our favorite React Native app development case studies:

Instagram

Instagram integrated React Native into its existing native app a while back
This integration instantly made the app’s user experience smoother
Developers did not even have to overhaul the entire app
Developer velocity improved considerably
With RN, Instagram can now release features and updates at a rapid rate

Walmart

Walmart’s app used to contain embedded web views
This did not meet user expectations
Walmart decided to rewrite its iOS and Android apps using React Native
After transitioning to React Native, Walmart’s app achieved nearly native-level performance
95% of the codebase was now shared across both platforms
This shift allowed for simultaneous updates
All of this drastically reduced Walmart’s long-term development and maintenance time

Hiring React Native Developers: Freelancer vs Agency

Ready to hire React Native developers to build your own team? Or, do you intend to work with a React Native development agency? Take a look at what you can expect:

Freelance RN Developers

Hiring freelancers is the most cost-effective option
But it may come at the expense of quality control

Mid-Cap RN Development Companies

Partnering with mid-cap RN development companies means getting decent quality service
These types of firms charge $30-$50 per hour

High-Cap RN Development Companies

These agencies charge top-dollar due to their established reputation
Their React Native development services are superior and backed by extensive experience

Here’s how much these professionals cost you:

Conclusion

There you have it – the ins and outs, the costs and cost-savings, in the world of React Native app development! If you are considering developing an app, choosing React Native is a smart move, especially now that you know how to manage costs effectively with this guide.

If you are ready to take the next step, we encourage you to reach out to us at Itobuz.

As a trusted React Native app development company, we specialize in creating world-class custom apps at record rates. We offer free consultations and detailed quotes to help you understand how we can bring your app vision to life while staying within budget.

FAQs on React Native App Development Cost: React Native Pricing FAQs

When Should You Choose React Native for Mobile App Development?

Here are scenarios where React Native is a great choice:

If you already have native apps, transitioning to React Native is easy – reuse code and make those migrations quick
React Native is ideal for building an MVP as changing its code is easier than with native apps’ code
RN boosts developer productivity by enabling code sharing across platforms so it is great for rewriting a faulty app from scratch
If you already have a web app, using RN for transition to mobile development is a cost-efficient move as you get to reuse the same code for web, Android, and iOS

Why Do Businesses Choose React Native App Development?

Lower development costs
Faster time to market
Reduced workforce needs
Native-like experience
Easy web-to-app transformation
Strong community support
Reusable code
Access to pre-built components

What Makes React Native Unique?

RN does not use WebViews – unlike other cross-platform solutions like Cordova and PhoneGap. It runs on actual native views and components and this approach contributes to its uniquely impressive performance.