The cost to hire an app developer in Canada in 2025 typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the developer’s experience, the complexity of the app, and the location. In major tech hubs like Toronto, rates for experienced developers are on the higher end, averaging $120–$150 per hour. In Montreal, the rates are slightly lower, usually between $90–$110 per hour, while cities like Calgary or Halifax are more affordable, with average rates around $80–$100 per hour.

1. Developer Experience and Expertise
The experience level of the developer plays a major role in determining the cost to hire a mobile app developer in Canada. Developers with more experience typically charge higher rates but deliver better efficiency, quality, and advanced solutions for complex projects.

Junior Developers ($50–$80/hour): Junior developers usually have 1–3 years of experience and are ideal for simple or small-scale apps, such as informational apps, calculators, or basic tools. They are cost-effective for startups or businesses with limited budgets but may require guidance and supervision throughout the development process.
Mid-Level Developers ($80–$120/hour): With 3–5 years of experience, mid-level developers are capable of handling moderately complex apps, including e-commerce platforms, social media apps, or apps with API integrations. They provide a balance between cost and quality, making them a popular choice for companies looking to optimize their app development cost while maintaining professional standards.
Senior Developers ($120–$150/hour or more): Senior developers, having 5+ years of experience, specialize in complex mobile apps, such as enterprise applications, AI-powered apps, real-time data processing apps, or apps with advanced security features. Hiring a senior developer ensures high-quality output, faster delivery, and expert solutions, but the hourly rate is higher. Their expertise is especially valuable for projects requiring custom app development, scalability, and long-term maintenance.
2. App Complexity and Features
The complexity of your app is one of the most significant factors that determine the total cost of hiring an app developer in Canada. More complex apps require advanced features, specialized skills, and longer development time, which increases the overall mobile app development cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown by app type:

Simple Apps ($5,000–$20,000): Simple apps include basic tools like calculators, to-do lists, or informational apps. They have minimal functionality, a straightforward design, and require less development time. These apps are perfect for startups or small businesses looking to test an idea without a large investment. Hiring a junior or mid-level developer for simple apps can help you save costs while achieving a functional product.
Moderate Apps ($20,000–$50,000): Apps with moderate complexity typically include features like user authentication, API integrations, e-commerce platforms, or social media functionality. These apps require more planning, UI/UX design, and testing, which increases development effort and cost. Mid-level developers are ideal for these projects as they provide a balance of efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Businesses looking to scale their app or add more interactive features often fall into this category.
Complex Apps ($50,000–$150,000+): High-complexity apps demand advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, real-time data processing, complex backend systems, or enterprise-level security. Examples include gaming apps, enterprise software, fintech apps, or AI-driven platforms. Senior developers with specialized skills are recommended for these projects to ensure high-quality development, scalability, and performance. The app development cost in Canada for such projects is higher, but investing in quality ensures long-term success and minimal maintenance issues.
3. Location of the Developer
The geographical location of your app developer in Canada significantly affects the hourly rates and overall app development cost. Cities with high demand for tech talent and higher living expenses usually have higher rates, while smaller cities or regions can be more affordable.

Major Tech Hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) – $100–$150/hour: These cities are Canada’s leading technology centers, attracting highly skilled developers and specialized teams. Due to high demand for mobile app development, living costs, and competitive markets, developers in these areas charge premium rates. Hiring a developer in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal is ideal for complex apps, enterprise projects, AI integration, or apps requiring advanced security. Businesses seeking top-tier app development expertise often prefer developers from these hubs despite the higher cost.
Smaller Cities or Regions ($50–$100/hour): Developers located in smaller cities such as Calgary, Halifax, or other towns typically offer more affordable mobile app development rates. While the talent pool may be smaller compared to major hubs, these developers can deliver excellent results for simple apps, startups, or projects with a limited budget. Choosing a developer in a smaller city can help reduce app development costs in Canada without compromising on quality for straightforward projects.
4. Development Approach
The development approach you choose plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost of hiring an app developer in Canada. Deciding between native and cross-platform development affects both your budget and the app’s performance across devices.
Native Development: Native development involves building separate apps for iOS and Android. Each platform requires its own codebase, which increases development time and costs. Expect 20–40% higher costs compared to cross-platform solutions. Native apps provide optimized performance, advanced features, and better integration with device hardware, making them ideal for complex, enterprise-level apps or apps with demanding functionalities. Hiring senior developers with expertise in Swift (iOS) and Kotlin/Java (Android) is usually recommended for native projects.
Cross-Platform Development (React Native, Flutter): Cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter allow developers to build apps for both iOS and Android simultaneously, significantly reducing development time and costs by 15–30% compared to native development. Cross-platform apps are suitable for startups, moderate-complexity apps, or projects with tight budgets while still maintaining good performance. Choosing cross-platform app development can help businesses launch faster and save on the overall mobile app development cost in Canada.
5. Additional Costs to Consider
When calculating the total app development cost in Canada, it’s important to factor in additional expenses beyond developer fees. These costs can significantly impact your budget and project planning.
App Maintenance (15–20% of initial cost annually): After your app is launched, regular maintenance, bug fixes, updates, and server management are essential to ensure smooth performance and user satisfaction. For example, if your app costs $50,000 to develop, annual maintenance can range from $7,500 to $10,000. Budgeting for maintenance helps prevent unexpected issues and ensures long-term app stability.
Design and Testing: UI/UX design and thorough testing are critical for user engagement and app quality. Simple app designs may cost between $2,000–$5,000, while complex designs with advanced animations, interactive features, or multiple screens can exceed $10,000. Comprehensive testing—including functionality, performance, and security testing—ensures your app meets quality standards and reduces post-launch fixes.
Third-Party Services and Integrations: Many apps rely on external services such as payment gateways, cloud hosting, APIs, or analytics tools. These services can add additional costs, typically ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity and scale of integration. Planning for these services during the budgeting phase ensures your app development project in Canada stays on track.
6. Cost Estimates by App Type
Understanding the costs to hire an app developer in Canada depends largely on the type and complexity of your app. Here’s a detailed overview of typical mobile app development costs based on app complexity:
Simple Apps ($5,000–$20,000): Simple apps include basic tools like to-do lists, calculators, informational apps, or simple utility apps. They require fewer features, straightforward design, and minimal backend integration, making them ideal for startups, small businesses, or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) launches. Hiring a junior or mid-level developer is often sufficient for these projects, keeping costs lower while ensuring a functional product.
Moderate Apps ($20,000–$50,000): These are moderately complex apps with features like user authentication, API integrations, e-commerce functionality, or social media capabilities. They require more development time, enhanced UI/UX design, and thorough testing. Mid-level developers or small development teams are best suited for these projects. App development cost in Canada for this category balances affordability and professional quality, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Complex Apps ($50,000–$150,000+): High-complexity apps include AI-driven platforms, real-time data apps, enterprise applications, gaming apps, or apps with advanced security features. These projects require senior developers, larger development teams, or specialized skills, resulting in higher costs. Investing in quality development ensures scalable, secure, and high-performing apps that meet advanced business needs and long-term goals.
Conclusion
Hiring an app developer in Canada costs $50–$150 per hour, with total project costs ranging from $5,000 to $150,000+ based on the app’s complexity, developer experience, and location. To optimize your budget, define your project requirements clearly, consider cross-platform development for multi-platform apps, and factor in ongoing maintenance costs. Choosing the right developer ensures a high-quality app that aligns with your goals and delivers long-term value.
FAQs:
How much does it cost to hire an app developer in Toronto?
The cost to hire an app developer in Toronto typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour. Junior developers charge $50–$80, mid-level $80–$120, and senior developers $120–$150 or more, depending on experience and project complexity.
What is the cost to hire a senior app developer in Calgary?
The cost to hire a senior app developer in Calgary is typically $120–$150 per hour or more. Rates depend on their experience, technical expertise, and the complexity of the mobile app project. Senior developers are ideal for advanced apps like enterprise or AI-driven solutions.
How much does it cost to hire a Flutter developer in Hamilton?
To hire a Flutter developer in Hamilton, expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour depending on the developer’s experience and project complexity. Simple apps may cost $10,000–$25,000, while more complex apps can range from $50,000 up to $120,000 or more. Rates are usually a bit lower in Hamilton compared to major Canadian tech hubs, making it a cost-effective location for app development.
Average cost of hiring an iOS developer in Mississauga?
The average cost to hire an iOS developer in Mississauga is $40 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and project requirements. Annual salaries typically range from $80,000 to $90,000, with rates for senior developers reaching the higher end of the scale. Specialist agencies or highly experienced freelancers may charge slightly more for complex work.
How much does Android app development cost in Brampton?
Android app development in Brampton typically costs $15,000 to $100,000 depending on the app’s complexity, features, and design. Simple Android apps start around $15,000, while medium-complexity apps range from $30,000 to $70,000 and complex apps can reach over $100,000. Costs may vary by development team and additional custom features.
How much does it cost to hire a full-stack developer in Regina?
The average cost to hire a full-stack developer in Regina is about $50 to $55 per hour, with an annual salary around $105,000 depending on experience and skills. Salaries can range from $82,500 to $145,000 per year, reflecting the developer’s expertise and project complexity. Overall, Regina offers competitive rates for full-stack development compared to other regions.