You’ve got an app idea. Maybe it’s a marketplace, a productivity tool, or the next big SaaS product. But there’s one question hanging in the air – how much is this going to cost me?
The answer used to be intimidating. Traditional app development has a well-earned reputation for being slow, expensive, and filled with surprises – none of them cheap. But thanks to modern platforms like Bubble.io, the rules have changed.
Today, you can build fully functioning, scalable apps for a fraction of the cost and even faster, especially when you hire Bubble.io freelancers or work with a Bubble certified development agency.
Let’s unpack the real cost of app development, compare traditional vs. no-code options, and help you decide whether Bubble is the smartest (and most budget-friendly) path for your big idea.
How Much Does Traditional App Development Cost?
The short answer – a lot. The long answer? It depends on complexity, platform (iOS, Android, or both), features, and the team you hire.
As of 2025, a basic custom-built app starts at around $30,000. If you’re aiming for something more complex – say, with real-time messaging, user dashboards, payment integrations, or backend logic – that figure can easily rise to $100,000 or more.
And that’s just for the initial version. Factor in post-launch updates, maintenance, hosting, bug fixes, and dev support, and the cost balloons even further.
Why Are Traditional Apps So Expensive?
Because you’re building from the ground up, every button, feature, interaction, and database query must be coded manually. This process involves hiring developers, designers, project managers, QA testers, and often infrastructure experts.
The work is meticulous and time-consuming. And when changes happen (which they always do), you pay for the rework. It’s no wonder that many startups burn through their entire budget before ever launching.
Is No-Code Really Cheaper?
Absolutely! And not just a little.
When you use a platform like Bubble, you remove layers of complexity. There’s no need to code every element from scratch. Bubble provides a visual interface that lets developers and non-developers alike build complex applications using drag-and-drop logic and pre-built integrations.
Instead of paying for hundreds of development hours, you’re paying for strategic configuration. That makes no-code development up to 80% more affordable than traditional methods.
Want numbers? You can build a full MVP on Bubble for as little as $3,000 to $7,000 when working with a no code developer or a Bubble.io freelancer. Even a robust app built by a no code development agency usually falls in the $10,000 to $25,000 range, which is far less than the $100K+ tag on conventional builds.
What Kinds of Apps Can You Build with Bubble.io?
When it comes to building without code, Bubble just gets it. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an existing process, it’s built to support projects of all kinds.
- Marketplaces, like Airbnb or Fiverr
- SaaS products, such as project management tools
- Internal business tools, including CRMs or dashboards
- Booking platforms and on-demand service apps
- Social networks with user profiles, feeds, and messaging
These aren’t toy prototypes. Many successful startups run entirely on Bubble, even post-launch. If you’re ready to build something with real traction, hiring Bubble.io freelancers for hire or a certified Bubble agency can take you from idea to market-ready in weeks, not months.
How Long Does It Take to Build an App on Bubble.io?
Speed is one of the biggest reasons startups and founders are turning to Bubble. In traditional software development, building a fully functional app from scratch can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months, or even longer, depending on the complexity and changing feature requirements. This lengthy process often includes rounds of meetings, back-and-forth wireframing, coding, testing, debugging, and deployment, all of which can delay your go-to-market strategy.
In contrast, Bubble accelerates the entire development cycle. That very same app with all the features, integrations, and responsiveness you need can go from concept to launch in just 4 to 6 weeks when built using Bubble’s visual development tools. This isn’t just about skipping code, it’s about skipping bottlenecks.
Looking to test an idea fast? You can develop and launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in as little as 2 to 3 weeks, especially when you collaborate with a skilled no-code developer or an experienced Bubble freelancer. This means you can get real user feedback and iterate before competitors even finish scoping their first sprint.
And let’s not forget, time is money, especially in the startup world. Every week you delay launch is another week without users, feedback, or traction. It’s a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and improve your product-market fit.
With Bubble.io, you’re not just saving time, you’re accelerating growth, reducing risk, and staying ahead of the curve.
Is Building on Bubble.io Really ‘No Code’?
Yes – and no.
You won’t need to write traditional code, but there is still a learning curve. Bubble uses visual logic and workflows that mimic coding structure without the syntax. For tech-savvy founders, this opens the door to DIY app development. For everyone else, it makes collaboration with Bubble.io freelancers and no code development agencies much smoother.
The beauty of Bubble lies in its balance. It’s intuitive enough for beginners, but powerful enough for pros to create complex systems.
What’s the Catch? Are There Hidden Costs?
Good question. While Bubble is much more affordable than traditional development, it’s not 100% free. Here’s where your money might go:
- Bubble subscription plans, starting at $29/month for basic features and scaling up based on app needs
- Custom design or plugins, which might come at a small one-time or monthly cost
- Performance tuning, especially for apps with heavy data usage or large user bases
And if you’re not building it yourself, you’ll also budget for a Bubble.io freelancer or Bubble certified development agency. Still, the overall cost will almost always be lower than traditional routes.
Should You Hire a Freelancer or an Agency?
That depends on your scope, timeline, and budget.
If you need a lean MVP or a proof of concept, hiring a Bubble.io freelancer is often the most cost-effective option. Many freelancers specialize in quick builds and iterative changes. You’ll find plenty of talented Bubble.io freelancers for hire on platforms like Upwork, Codemap, or even the official Bubble directory.
For more complex apps or if you want a full team experience, you may consider working with a Bubble certified development agency. Agencies often bring structured project management, in-house designers, and experience handling larger-scale apps. They’ll cost more upfront, but deliver polished, launch-ready results.
Is Bubble a Good Long-Term Solution?
Some founders worry that no-code tools like Bubble are only good for prototypes. But Bubble.io isn’t just a stepping stone anymore. Remember, it’s a full-fledged platform capable of supporting businesses long-term.
With scalable infrastructure, built-in integrations, and the ability to connect to any API, Bubble can power apps used by thousands of users. Features like custom domains, role-based access, database scaling, and responsive design ensure you won’t outgrow the platform any time soon.
And if your app ever reaches the point where you do need custom code, the data and structure built on Bubble can serve as a solid foundation for transition.
Is It Easy to Find No Code Developers for Hire?
Definitely. The no-code movement has grown rapidly over the past few years. Today, you can find highly skilled no code developers and Bubble.io freelancers for hire across global talent platforms.
Many of these developers specialize in specific niches, including but not limited to e-commerce, marketplaces, internal tools, and more. You can even hire devs who exclusively work with startups or early-stage SaaS products, offering tailored packages for MVP launches.
And for peace of mind, look for experts associated with a Bubble certified development agency as these teams are vetted and have a proven track record of delivering production-level apps.
Can You Maintain the App Yourself After Launch?
That’s one of Bubble’s biggest perks.
Even if you hire a developer or agency to build your app, you can manage it afterward without needing to bring on a full-time tech team. You’ll be able to:
- Add new features
- Adjust workflows
- Update content
- Monitor performance
- Manage users and permissions
Over time, many founders go from being Bubble clients to Bubble builders themselves. It gives you control over your product, reduces ongoing costs, and eliminates the dependency on expensive dev teams for every change.
Final Thoughts
Building an app used to be reserved for venture-backed companies with deep pockets. But thanks to no-code platforms like Bubble, anyone with a solid idea can bring it to life quickly, affordably, and professionally.
If you’re looking to make your idea real without waiting six months or draining your savings, now’s the time to explore Bubble. And if you’re not ready to build it yourself, you can always hire Bubble.io freelancers, work with a no code development agency, or partner with a Bubble certified development agency to get it done right.