The Alchemist CodeHow much does it cost to build an app?
There is no single price: it depends on platforms, features, integrations with your systems and whether it uses AI. Here is what drives the price, and you can outline your project in two minutes. With that summary we send you scope, schedule and price in writing, at no cost.
Pick what you need
The complexity you see is a rough guide. We give you the price in writing once we understand your case.
Six factors that decide the cost
Platforms
iPhone, Android, web or desktop. With Flutter, iOS and Android share almost all of the code, so the second platform costs far less than building two apps.
Screens and features
Each feature has its own weight: payments, maps, chat or offline mode add more than a list or a form.
Backend and integrations
Connecting your ERP, invoicing or payments is usually the most variable part, because it depends on how the other system is built.
Design
Starting from an idea needs product design; starting from approved screens shortens the path.
Artificial intelligence
Beyond development, AI has a usage cost. We measure it in a proof of concept before you commit the budget.
Release and maintenance
Apple review, store listings and yearly updates. An app nobody maintains eventually can no longer be updated.
What you’ll pay that nobody mentions
These aren’t our fees: you pay each provider directly, and our proposal lists them upfront.
- Apple Developer account
- US$99 per year
- Google Play account
- US$25, one time
- Servers and database
- Depends on users and traffic; you get a monthly estimate before we start
- Third-party services
- Maps, SMS, email or AI: paid per use to the provider
- Domain and email
- If the app has its own website or email
Three ways to work together, all in writing
Fixed-scope project
For a new app or an MVP.
- Scope, timeline and price in writing before we start
- Screens approved before code
- Release on the App Store and Google Play
Dedicated team
For a product that evolves every week.
- Monthly engineering and design capacity
- Priorities you set every week
- Frequent builds on your own phone
Maintenance and support
For apps already in the stores.
- iOS, Android and dependency updates
- Critical issue: response within 4 business hours
- Servers, monitoring and reviews
- Contract and NDAWe sign your NDA before you share the details.
- You own the codeAt handover: repositories, documentation and access.
- CFDI or USDMexican invoices, or USD by wire or card.
- 60-day warrantyDefects fixed at no cost after delivery.
- Procurement-readyTax certificate, compliance opinion, model contract and NDA.
About pricing
How much does an app cost?
It depends on platforms, features, integrations and whether it uses AI. That is why we don't quote a catalog price: after a free call you get scope, schedule and price in writing.
Why don't you publish a fixed price?
Because two apps with the same label can cost very different amounts. A price without knowing the scope is either padded to cover the risk or ends in extra charges. We prefer to set it in writing before we start.
How can I lower the cost?
Start with the smallest version that solves the problem (an MVP), use Flutter for iOS and Android from one codebase, and leave non-essentials for a second phase. It also pays to use off-the-shelf software for the standard parts and build custom only what sets you apart.
Is maintenance required?
You don't have to hire us for it, but someone has to do it: Apple and Google change their requirements every year, and an app without updates eventually can't be published.
Can I pay in pesos or dollars?
Yes. We invoice in US dollars or Mexican pesos (CFDI), by wire or card.
What does success look like for your product?
The first call and the proposal are free. The person who will lead your project replies in person.