App cost calculator
Put a number on your next build.
Compare estimates for vibe coding, no-code platforms and hiring a developer. Start with your idea and see what each approach could involve.
2 minutes · No email required · UK estimates
3 approaches compared side by side
No competitor shows you all three options. We do — so you can make an informed decision based on your budget and skill level.
Vibe Coding
Use AI tools like Lovable, Bolt, or Cursor to build your app yourself. Dramatically lower cost, but requires learning.
No-Code Platform
Build visually on platforms like Bubble or Glide — no coding required. Great for non-technical founders.
Hire a Developer / Agency
Pay UK-based professionals to custom-build your app. Highest quality and highest cost.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are these estimates?
These are ballpark estimates based on UK market rates in 2026. Actual costs vary based on specific requirements, developer rates, and complexity details. Use these as a starting point for budgeting.
What's vibe coding?
Vibe coding is using AI tools like Cursor, Lovable, or Claude Code to build software by describing what you want in plain English. The AI writes the code, you guide it. It's dramatically cheaper than traditional development.
What's a no-code platform?
No-code platforms like Bubble, Glide, and Softr let you build apps using visual drag-and-drop interfaces without writing code. They're subscription-based and great for non-technical founders.
Do I need to give my email?
No. You'll see full results instantly. We offer an optional email summary, but it's completely optional.
How are costs calculated?
We use a transparent algorithm based on your app type, complexity, features, design requirements, timeline, and current UK market rates. The calculator considers base development costs, feature-specific additions, design complexity, and timeline pressure.
How much does it cost to build an MVP?
An MVP costs significantly less than a full product build. With vibe coding, an MVP costs £200–5,000. On a no-code platform like Bubble, expect £500–10,000. Hiring a developer or agency for an MVP typically costs £5,000–30,000 in the UK.
Is vibe coding cheaper than hiring a developer?
Yes — dramatically cheaper. Vibe coding typically costs 5–10x less than hiring a developer or agency for the same outcome. The trade-off is that vibe coding requires your time and some willingness to learn the tools.
How much does a Bubble app cost?
A simple Bubble app costs £500–3,000 to build, a medium app costs £3,000–15,000, and a complex app can cost £15,000–50,000. On top of that, Bubble charges monthly platform fees from $29/month up to $349/month.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App in 2026?
The cost of building an app varies enormously depending on how you build it. In 2026, you have three main options: vibe coding with AI tools, building on a no-code platform, or hiring a traditional developer or agency. Each approach has dramatically different cost profiles.
Our app development cost calculator compares all three approaches side by side — something no other calculator does. Whether you're estimating MVP development costs, planning a full product build, or just wondering how much it costs to build an app in the UK, this tool gives you transparent, ballpark estimates based on current market rates.
| Complexity | Vibe Coding | No-Code | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple app | £200 – £1,500 | £500 – £3,000 | £5,000 – £15,000 |
| Medium app | £1,000 – £5,000 | £3,000 – £15,000 | £15,000 – £50,000 |
| Complex app | £5,000 – £15,000 | £15,000 – £50,000 | £50,000 – £150,000 |
| Enterprise-grade | £15,000 – £40,000 | £40,000 – £120,000 | £100,000 – £500,000 |
Estimates based on UK market rates in 2026. Actual costs vary by features, design complexity, and timeline. Use the calculator above for a personalised estimate.
What Affects the Cost of Building an App?
The biggest cost driver is complexity — how many screens, user types, and integrations your app needs. After that, specific features have the largest impact: payments and subscriptions, AI features like chatbots or recommendations, and real-time messaging all add significant development time and cost.
Design requirements also matter. A functional MVP with basic design costs significantly less than a premium product with custom animations and a unique brand identity. And timeline pressure adds a premium — rushing an app to market in 2 weeks costs more than building over 3 months.
Vibe Coding vs No-Code vs Traditional Development
Vibe coding is the newest and cheapest approach. You use AI coding tools like Cursor, Lovable, Bolt, or Claude Code to build your app by describing what you want in plain English. The AI writes the code; you review and guide it. Costs are mainly your time plus AI tool subscriptions (£20–100/month). You own the code and can host anywhere.
No-code platforms like Bubble, Glide, Softr, and WeWeb let you build visually without writing code. They're ideal for non-technical founders. The trade-off is ongoing platform subscription fees (£50–300/month) and some vendor lock-in — migrating to another platform later can be difficult.
Hiring a developer or agency delivers the highest quality but at the highest cost — typically 5–10x more than vibe coding for the same outcome. UK-based freelance developers typically charge £50–150/hour, while agencies charge £75–250/hour. The advantage is professional delivery with proper architecture, testing, and ongoing support.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an MVP?
An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a stripped-down version of your app with just enough features to test your idea with real users. MVP development costs are typically 40–60% less than a full product build:
- Vibe coding MVP: £200 – £5,000 (1–4 weeks)
- No-code MVP: £500 – £10,000 (2–6 weeks)
- Agency MVP: £5,000 – £30,000 (4–10 weeks)
Monthly Running Costs
Beyond the initial build, every app has ongoing costs for hosting, maintenance, and platform fees:
- Vibe-coded apps: £20–200/month (hosting on Vercel, Railway, or similar + AI subscriptions)
- No-code apps: £50–500/month (platform subscription fees scale with usage)
- Agency-built apps: £200–2,000/month (hosting, maintenance retainer, bug fixes)
Stay in the loop
Get weekly updates on AI tools, building tips, and community events.