Ewan Byte Team
Software Development Experts
What an app really costs, before and after launch
The cost of a mobile app in Nepal ranges from under a lakh to well over ten lakhs. The difference is almost entirely scope. This guide breaks down what you are paying for, so you can set a realistic budget and compare quotes.
Quick answer
At Ewan Byte, mobile app development starts from NPR 90,000 for businesses in Nepal. That covers a focused app with a small set of screens. Apps with payments, live tracking, chat or a large admin system cost more and are quoted after a requirements meeting.
For comparison, estimates published by other Nepali developers put simple apps at about NPR 50,000 to 1,50,000 and mid-sized apps at NPR 1,50,000 to 5,00,000.
What drives the price
- Number of screens and user roles: a customer app is one product; customer, driver and admin apps are three.
- Backend and admin panel: most apps need a server, database and a web panel to manage them.
- Payments: eSewa, Khalti, Fonepay, ConnectIPS or card payments each need integration and testing.
- Real-time features: live location, chat and notifications.
- Offline use: working without internet and syncing later.
- Design: custom design and animation compared with standard components.
Android, iOS or both?
Most smartphones in Nepal run Android, so a local business can often start there. If you need both, a cross-platform framework such as Flutter lets one codebase serve Android and iOS, which is usually much cheaper than building two native apps.
Costs after launch
- Store accounts: Google Play charges a one-time registration fee and Apple charges a yearly developer fee.
- Server: hosting for the backend, which grows with your users.
- SMS and notifications: OTP messages are charged per SMS.
- Updates: new Android and iOS versions need the app to be updated from time to time.
Do you actually need an app?
Not always. If customers only need to see information or place an occasional order, a fast mobile-friendly website is cheaper and needs no installation. An app earns its cost when people use it often or when you need the phone itself: camera, location, notifications or offline use.
How to keep the cost down
- Launch with the few features users cannot do without, then add more based on real use. See our MVP guide.
- Start with one platform.
- Agree a fixed scope and price in writing.
What you get with Ewan Byte
A fixed written quote, regular test builds on your own phone while we develop, publishing to the Play Store and App Store under your own account, full source code ownership, and support after launch. See our web, mobile and desktop app development service or request a quote.
