11June
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mobile App in Manchester?
Mobile apps are now vital for businesses that want to grow, connect with their customers, and stay competitive. Whether it's for e-commerce, healthcare, logistics, or entertainment, a well-designed app can really make a difference. A common question businesses have is: how much does it cost to build a mobile app in Manchester? The answer varies based on several factors, such as complexity, features, platforms, and the agency you select.
Partnering with a professional mobile app development company in Manchester gives you access to local expertise, transparent pricing, and tailored development strategies. Let’s dive into the cost breakdown and understand what you’re really paying for.
Why Compare Manchester to Other Cities Like London?
When looking at app development in the UK, Manchester and London usually rank at the top. Both cities are tech centers, but their development costs and methods can differ a lot.
A mobile app development company London often has higher rates because of higher operational costs, bigger agencies, and a crowded market. In contrast, Manchester provides similar technical skills at more competitive prices. That’s why more startups and small to medium-sized enterprises are choosing Manchester for mobile app development in 2025.
Cost Overview Based on App Type
| App Type | Estimated Cost (Manchester) | Development Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basic App (MVP) | £5,000 - £15,000 | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Mid-Level App | £15,000 - £35,000 | 8 to 14 weeks |
| Complex App (e.g. social media, marketplaces) | £35,000 - £100,000+ | 3 to 6+ months |
Note: These are average estimates for native or cross-platform development and may vary depending on features, design complexity, and integrations.
Key Factors Affecting Mobile App Development Cost
1.App Features & Functionality
Each added feature raises the cost. A basic calculator or a static content app will cost much less than a feature-rich e-commerce platform or an on-demand service app.
Common features that drive costs include:
- Real-time chat or messaging
- User authentication and profile management
- In-app payments or subscriptions
- Geo-location and maps integration
- Push notifications
- Admin dashboards and analytics
If you're collaborating with a mobile app development company in Manchester, they can provide clear estimates for these features. This will help you make cost-effective choices.
2. Platforms: Android, iOS, or Both
Developing for a single platform (either Android or iOS) is usually cheaper. But if you want your app on both, you have two options:
- Native Development (iOS and Android separately): High cost, best performance
- Cross-Platform (React Native, Flutter): More cost-effective, faster deployment
Many Manchester developers recommend cross-platform solutions for startups and MVPs as they reduce both time and cost.
3. UI/UX Design Complexity
Design plays a major role in user engagement. Custom animations, complex transitions, and detailed screen layouts take more time and effort—thus impacting the cost.
A basic UI design can start from £2,000 while complex, branded UI/UX with multiple revisions and prototyping can range between £5,000 - £15,000.
4. Backend & API Integrations
If your app needs to connect with servers, databases, or external services (like payment gateways or CRMs), then backend development is necessary. This adds to the cost depending on
- The complexity of database structure
- Whether the API is third-party or custom-built
- Security layers required
A robust backend can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000+.
5. App Maintenance and Post-Launch Support
Even after launching your app, you’ll need regular updates, bug fixes, performance optimization, and sometimes new feature rollouts.
Ongoing support can cost between 15% to 20% of the original development cost per year. Many companies in Manchester offer maintenance as a monthly or annual package.
Why Choose Manchester for App Development?
Manchester has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the UK. Here’s why businesses are choosing Manchester over other cities:
- Lower hourly rates compared to London
- Skilled talent pool from universities like the University of Manchester and MMU
- Innovative development agencies that offer flexible engagement models
- Strong startup ecosystem with access to accelerators and investment opportunities
Choosing the right mobile app development company in Manchester ensures that you don’t just get an app, but a full-scale development partner who understands your business goals and adapts to your growth.
Comparing London vs Manchester for App Development
Let’s break down the cost difference
| City | Average Hourly Rate | Total Estimated Cost (for mid- level app) |
|---|---|---|
| London | £100 - £150 | £35,000 - £70,000+ |
| Manchester | £60 - £100 | £15,000 - £35,000+ |
While a mobile app development company London may offer extensive portfolios, Manchester offers the same quality, often with more flexibility, better collaboration, and significantly lower prices.
Tips to Reduce App Development Costs
- Start with an MVP: to test your idea quickly and gather feedback
- Choose cross-platform development: to avoid building separate apps for iOS and Android
- Use existing APIs or third-party tools: where custom development isn’t necessary
- Limit features for version 1.0:, then gradually upgrade based on user demand
- Outsource smartly: A Manchester-based team gives you the balance between cost and quality
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to build a mobile app in Manchester? It depends on your project size, required features, platforms, and who you choose to work with. But one thing is certain—Manchester offers a cost-effective and high-quality development environment compared to many other UK cities.
If you’re looking to turn your app idea into reality without overspending, partnering with a trusted mobile app development company in Manchester is a smart move. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling a complex digital platform, Manchester has the right talent and tech to support you.
Still thinking of exploring a mobile app development company London? Compare, ask for quotes, and you’ll see why more businesses are choosing Manchester.
Prabal Raverkar
Director
I'm Prabal Raverkar, and I'm honored to serve as the Director of Young Decade IT Software Solution, a leading IT company based in the vibrant city of Indore. With vast experience in mobile app development, we deliver innovative, user-friendly solutions that meet the needs of businesses across industries. Our expertise in creating high-quality, scalable apps ensures your brand thrives in the digital landscape.
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