Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are making waves in various industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, real estate, and retail. More and more businesses are investing resources into immersive AR/VR applications to improve user experience and stay ahead of the competition. But before diving into development, a common question arises: “What is the cost of building an AR/VR app?”

Well, the answer is not as simple as it seems. The cost of developing an AR/VR app depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the app, the platform you choose, design elements, the type of content, and more. In this blog, we will highlight the key components that affect pricing, helping you make an informed decision.

Key Factors That Influence the Cost of AR/VR App Development

To understand the pricing structure for AR/VR app development, it is important to take into account some important factors. From the complexity of the app to the design choices and the platform you choose, every single aspect plays a vital role in shaping the total development cost.

1. Type and purpose of the app

The type of AR/VR app you want to build plays a big role in determining the cost. Apps can vary widely, from simple AR filters for social media to in-depth immersive VR training simulations. Here are some common types:

AR filters and face tracking (think Snapchat filters)
AR product visualization apps (great for e-commerce and furniture)
VR training simulations (used in healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing)
AR/VR gaming apps
Virtual tours for real estate or tourism

Basic AR apps can cost from $10,000 to $30,000, while more complex VR solutions can easily exceed $100,000.

2. App complexity and features

The more features you want to include, the higher the development cost. Some common features that can affect the price include:

3D object recognition and tracking
Real-time environment mapping
Multiplayer support
Voice and gesture controls
GPS/location-based functionalities
Cloud storage and backend integration

If you are aiming for a feature-rich app with AI integration or multi-user support, be prepared for a budget that is significantly higher than the basic version.

3. Platform: iOS, Android, or cross-platform

Choosing the right platform is extremely important. If you choose native development on iOS or Android, you will get better performance, but this means you will have to create separate codebases for each one. On the other hand, cross-platform development with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can save you some money.

However, if you want a high-end VR experience, you will have to optimize for specific hardware like the Meta Quest, HTC Vive, or Apple Vision Pro, which can increase both your development time and cost.

4. 3D content and design

Creating custom 3D models, animations, and environments can be one of the most expensive parts of developing an AR/VR app. If your app requires:

Detailed avatars or characters
Complex animations
Realistic environments
Cinematic transitions

then you can expect increased development time and cost. To keep expenses in check, consider outsourcing 3D modeling or buying pre-made assets from places like Sketchfab or the Unity Asset Store.

5. Development Time and Team Structure

The cost of building an AR/VR app depends on how many developers you have and how long it takes to complete the project. A typical team usually includes:

Project Manager
AR/VR Developer
3D Designer
UI/UX Designer
QA Tester

Engaging a skilled AR/VR development company can streamline everything and save you time and resources. Generally, hourly rates range from $30 to $100, depending on where you are and your level of experience.

6. Maintenance and Upgrades

After launching your app, you’ll need to keep performing ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and updates to ensure it stays relevant and works well with new OS versions or hardware upgrades. It is wise to budget an additional 15-20% of the total development cost each year for maintenance.

Conclusion

Creating an AR/VR app is an exciting journey, but its cost can vary depending on your goals and technical details. For example, a simple AR app with just one feature can cost you around $15,000 to $30,000, while more complex VR training applications for businesses can easily cost over $150,000.

To get the best results, it is important to collaborate with a skilled development partner who truly understands immersive technology and can customize solutions according to your specific business needs.

Technoloader, a top AR/VR app development company, provides scalable and high-quality AR/VR solutions for both startups and established enterprises. Whether you want to create a prototype or a fully immersive app, our talented team is ready to help you bring your vision to life.

Cost of Developing an AR/VR App: Key Factors That Influence Pricing

Know the key factors that influence the cost of developing an AR/VR app, from platform choice to features, design, and technology stack.