Cost to Hire Mobile App Developers in Saudi Arabia: Pricing & Budget

Key Takeaways: 

• The cost to hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia typically ranges from SAR 95/hour ($25/hour) for junior developers to SAR 380+/hour ($100+) for senior experts.

• Junior developers offer lower hourly rates, but senior expertise often reduces rework, delays, and long-term development costs.

• Hidden factors like onboarding, rework, QA cycles, compliance, and maintenance significantly impact the final hiring budget.

• You can reduce the mobile app developer hiring cost in Saudi Arabia with clear scope definition, smart platform choices, and the right mix of skills.

• Hiring the right app developers in Saudi Arabia is less about price and more about alignment with your business goals, scalability needs, and long-term vision.

If you’re considering hiring mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to understand the cost structure, as it can vary based on experience and expertise.

Hiring mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia can range from SAR 95/hour ($25/hour) for junior developers and can go up to SAR 380+ per hour ($100+) for senior experts. 

The price you pay reflects the developer’s skill set, experience, and the complexity of your app, so it’s important to find the right fit for your project needs.

Let’s get to know the overall cost to hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Developers in Saudi Arabia? 

So, are you planning to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia? 

With the market growing rapidly and user demand rising across industries, developing a mobile app in Saudi Arabia is a smart move for businesses aiming to scale and stay competitive.

The cost of hiring mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia varies, with junior developers charging around SAR 95/hour ($25/hour), while senior experts can command rates of SAR 380+/hour ($100+).

For project-based work, costs usually start from SAR 25,000($6,660) for simple apps and can exceed SAR 300,000+ ($80,000+) for complex, feature-rich applications, depending on experience level, app complexity, and hiring model. 

By Developer Experience & Type (Hourly):

• Junior (1-2 yrs): $20 - $25/hour (SAR 75 - 95+).

• Mid-Level (2-5 yrs): $30 - $60/hour (SAR 115 - 225+).

• Senior/Expert (5+ yrs): $40 - $100+/hour (SAR 150 - 375+).

• Local Saudi Developers: Can command higher rates, $50 - $150+/hour, sometimes $200+/hour for specialists.

• Offshore/Freelancers: Can offer their services for around $10-$40/hour, depending on experience.

Understanding the cost to develop an app in Saudi Arabia starts with knowing how much it takes to find the right developer, as multiple factors influence development time, resources, and overall project effort.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Find and Hire a Mobile App Developer in Saudi Arabia 

When you plan to hire a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia, the cost is shaped by experience level, hiring model, and project complexity. 

Factors like tech stack, timelines, and required expertise also influence the final hiring budget.
Here are some factors that affect the cost of hiring a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia:

Here are comprehensive points with detailed pointers:

1. Developer Experience and Expertise Level

The experience level of a mobile app developer is one of the primary factors influencing the cost to hire a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia. Different expertise tiers come with varying price points and capabilities.

For example, when you hire Android app developers, junior talent may handle basic features, while experienced Android specialists command higher rates for performance optimization, security, and scalable architecture.

• Junior Developers (1-2 years): Entry-level developers typically charge SAR 5,000-8,000 per month or $15-25 per hour for freelance work. They can handle basic app functionalities but require supervision for complex tasks.

• Mid-Level Developers (3-5 years): These professionals command SAR 10,000-18,000 monthly or $30-50 hourly. They work independently on moderate complexity projects and bring proven track records.

• Senior Developers (5-8 years): Expect to pay SAR 20,000-35,000 per month or $60-90 per hour. They architect solutions, mentor teams, and handle enterprise-grade applications.

• Lead/Principal Developers (8+ years): Premium talent costs SAR 35,000-50,000+ monthly. They drive technical strategy, make critical architectural decisions, and ensure scalability.

• Specialized Skills Premium: Developers with expertise in emerging technologies like IoT, blockchain, or machine learning can charge 20-40% more than standard rates.

• Portfolio Quality: Developers with published apps on App Store or Google Play with high ratings and substantial downloads justify higher rates due to proven success.

2. Technology Stack and Platform Choice

The technology stack of a mobile app significantly affects the cost to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia, as different technologies require different skill sets and development approaches.

• Native iOS Development (Swift/Objective-C): Native iOS apps usually cost 15–25% more because of Apple’s strict guidelines and the need for Mac-based development environments. Monthly developer costs range from SAR 12,000–30,000, especially when preparing to publish your app on App Store with full compliance and performance checks.

• Native Android Development (Kotlin/Java): Android development is generally more affordable, with monthly costs between SAR 10,000–28,000. However, device and OS fragmentation can increase testing effort before you submit your app to the Play Store and ensure smooth performance across devices.

• Cross-Platform Development (Flutter/React Native): Can reduce the cost of hiring an app developer in Saudi Arabia by 30-40% since one codebase serves both platforms. Developers charge SAR 12,000-25,000 monthly.

• Hybrid Solutions (Ionic/Cordova): Most cost-effective for simple apps, with rates around SAR 8,000-18,000 monthly, but may have performance limitations for complex applications.

• Backend Technology Requirements: Apps requiring robust backend systems (Node.js, Python, PHP) need full-stack developers who command premium rates of SAR 15,000-35,000 monthly.

• Database Expertise: Complex data management using PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Firebase adds 10-20% to development costs due to specialized knowledge requirements.

• Third-Party Integration Complexity: Payment gateways (Mada, Apple Pay), social media APIs, mapping services, and cloud platforms require additional expertise and increase costs by 15-30%.

3. Engagement Model and Contract Type

Your chosen hiring approach directly impacts the overall cost to hire an app developer in Saudi Arabia, with each model offering distinct advantages and pricing structures.

• Full-Time In-House Employees: Total cost ranges from SAR 12,000-50,000 monthly, including salary, health insurance, housing allowances, and other benefits mandated by Saudi labor law. Provides maximum control and availability.

• Freelance Developers: Hourly rates between SAR 60-350 ($15-90) depending on expertise. No overhead costs, but availability may be limited, and project management falls on your team.

• Contract-Based Hiring: Fixed-term contracts (3-12 months) cost SAR 10,000-40,000 monthly with fewer benefits than full-time positions, offering flexibility for project-based work.

• Development Agencies: Comprehensive mobile app development services, including design, development, app testing, and maintenance, cost SAR 80,000-500,000+ for complete projects. Higher upfront costs, but include project management and quality assurance.

• Dedicated Development Teams: Offshore or nearshore teams cost SAR 25,000-100,000 monthly for 3-5 developers, providing full-stack capabilities at competitive rates.

• Part-Time Arrangements: Developers working 20-30 hours weekly charge SAR 6,000-20,000 monthly, suitable for maintenance or gradual development projects.

• Equity-Based Partnerships: For startups, offering equity stakes can reduce immediate cash outlay by 30-60%, though total compensation value remains competitive.

4. Project Scope and Complexity

The intricacy of your application requirements is a crucial determinant of the cost of hiring an app developer in Saudi Arabia, as complexity directly correlates with development time and expertise needed.

• Simple Apps (MVP/Basic Functionality): Apps with 5-10 screens, basic UI, and limited features cost SAR 30,000-80,000. Examples include calculators, simple catalogs, or basic information apps requiring 1-2 months of development.

• Moderate Complexity Apps: Applications with user authentication, database integration, push notifications, and 10-20 screens cost SAR 80,000-200,000, requiring 3-4 months and mid-level developers.

• Complex Applications: E-commerce platforms, social networks, or on-demand service apps with payment processing, real-time chat, geolocation, and advanced features cost SAR 200,000-500,000+ with 6-12 month timelines.

• Enterprise Solutions: Apps requiring enterprise security protocols, CRM integration, multi-role access control, and scalability cost SAR 500,000-2,000,000+ and need senior developer teams.

• Custom Features Development: Advanced functionalities like AI-powered recommendations, augmented reality, video streaming, or offline synchronization add SAR 50,000-200,000 to base costs.

• API Development and Integration: Creating custom APIs or integrating multiple third-party services adds 15-25% to development costs due to complexity and testing requirements.

• Security Requirements: Apps handling sensitive data (healthcare, finance) need enhanced security measures, penetration testing, and compliance verification, increasing costs by 20-35%.

5. Timeline and Urgency Requirements

When it comes to hiring a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia, the time taken to develop a mobile app can dramatically impact costs. 

Accelerated timelines often mean extra resources, tighter schedules, and a greater commitment, all of which drive up the overall investment.

• Standard Timeline Projects: Normal 3-6 month development schedules allow optimal resource allocation with standard rates of SAR 12,000-25,000 monthly per developer.

• Rush/Express Development: Requesting 30-50% faster delivery typically increases costs by 25-40% as developers prioritize your project and work extended hours.

• Milestone-Based Deadlines: Projects with strict phase deadlines (beta launch, funding rounds, marketing events) may require additional developers, increasing monthly costs by 50-100%.

• Extended Timelines: Projects spanning 12+ months with flexible deadlines can negotiate 10-20% lower rates as developers appreciate stable, long-term engagements.

• After-Hours Work: Development requiring evening or weekend work for coordination with international teams adds a 15-30% premium to standard rates.

• Resource Scaling Needs: Projects requiring team expansion mid-development to meet deadlines can increase total costs by 40-60% due to onboarding and coordination overhead.

• Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: Hiring during peak periods (Ramadan, major holidays) may increase rates by 10-15%, while off-peak periods offer better negotiation leverage.

6. Location Within Saudi Arabia

Geographic factors within the Kingdom affect the cost to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in living costs, demand, and talent availability.

• Riyadh (Capital City): As the largest tech hub, developer rates are 15-25% higher than the national average. Monthly salaries range from SAR 15,000-50,000 due to high demand from government and corporate clients.

• Jeddah (Commercial Hub): The second-largest market with rates 10-20% above average, monthly costs range from SAR 13,000-45,000. Strong startup ecosystem and international business presence drive competitive salaries.

• Khobar/Dammam (Eastern Province): Rates are 5-15% lower than Riyadh, with monthly salaries of SAR 11,000-40,000. The oil industry's digital transformation creates a steady demand for app developers.

• Smaller Cities (Taif, Abha, Tabuk): Cost savings of 20-35% compared to major cities, with monthly rates of SAR 8,000-30,000. However, the talent pool is limited for specialized skills.

• Remote Work Options: Hiring developers from smaller cities to work remotely can reduce the cost to hire a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia by 15-25% while accessing broader talent pools.

• Vision 2030 Impact: Government initiatives in cities like NEOM and tech cities are creating new tech hubs with competitive salaries that rival Riyadh and Jeddah.

• Cost of Living Adjustments: Developers factor housing costs (SAR 1,500-4,000 monthly), transportation, and living expenses into their rates, making location a significant variable in total hiring costs.

So, these are some factors that affect the cost to hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia. Other than these factors, there are several hidden factors that affect the pricing to hire developers. 

Hidden Factors Affecting the Overall Cost to Hire Application Developers in Saudi Arabia

Even after you calculate the cost to hire application developers in Saudi Arabia, these hidden elements quietly influence your final spend.

Each factor below includes a quick table so you can clearly see where money actually goes.

1] Onboarding and Knowledge Transfer Time

Before real coding begins, developers must understand your product vision, users, workflows, and expectations. 

This phase is billed time, even if no visible features appear yet. 

Weak documentation or unclear requirements stretch onboarding further, increasing the mobile app developers' hiring cost in Saudi Arabia without progress. The better prepared you are, the less you pay here.

2] Communication Gaps and Rework

Miscommunication is expensive. Every unclear instruction leads to revisions, redesigns, or rewritten code billed at the mobile app developers' hourly cost in Saudi Arabia.

Slow feedback or frequent scope changes quietly inflate costs without adding value. Tight communication loops save more money than negotiating lower rates.

3] Testing, QA, and Bug Fix Cycles

App Testing is not optional. 

Device compatibility, OS versions, edge cases, and performance checks take time. If QA is underestimated, bug fixing alone can consume 20–30% of development effort. 

This directly raises the cost to hire application developers in Saudi Arabia, especially close to launch deadlines.

4] Developer Turnover Mid-Project

When a developer exits mid-project, progress stalls. The replacement needs time to understand code, logic, and decisions. 

These transition hours are billed but add no new features, quietly increasing the mobile app developers' hiring cost in Saudi Arabia and risking delivery delays.

5] App Store Compliance and Rejections

App Store and Play Store rejections cost more than time. 

Fixing guideline issues, permission handling, or UX concerns adds unplanned hours at the mobile app developers' hourly cost in Saudi Arabia. 

Early compliance planning avoids last-minute fixes that feel small but cost big.

6] Long-Term Maintenance and Update Expectations

Your app needs ongoing care. OS updates, security patches, performance tuning, and minor improvements continue after launch.

If maintenance isn’t defined upfront, these tasks slowly raise the cost to hire application developers in Saudi Arabia over time, often catching businesses off guard.

Your app needs ongoing care through OS updates, security patches, performance tuning, and small improvements. Without defined app maintenance services, these tasks gradually increase costs and catch businesses off guard.

Now that you understand the visible and hidden factors influencing the cost to hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia, the next step is to know how to control these costs without compromising quality, timelines, or scalability. 

Tips to Reduce the Overall Cost to Hire Mobile App Developers in Saudi Arabia 

Here’s the good news. You don’t need to cut corners to control the cost of hiring application developers in Saudi Arabia. 

What you need is clarity, planning, and a few smart decisions that prevent waste before it starts. These tips help you stay in control of budgets while still building a solid, scalable app.

Tip 1: Lock the Scope Before You Hire

Unclear requirements are the fastest way to inflate the mobile app developer hiring cost in Saudi Arabia. Before you speak to developers, define features, user flows, and priorities clearly. 

When you know exactly what you want, you avoid rework, fewer change requests, and unnecessary billed hours that quietly drain your budget.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Skill Mix, Not Just Seniority

You don’t need senior developers for every task. Balance your team with mid-level talent for core features and senior developers for architecture and reviews. 

This approach keeps the mobile app developers' hourly cost under control while maintaining quality where it actually matters.

Tip 3: Pick Platforms Strategically

If your audience is Apple-heavy, it makes sense to hire iOS app developers early and focus on one platform first. Building everything at once increases cost and complexity. 

A phased launch lets you validate faster, reduce upfront spending, and invest only where user demand proves strong.

Tip 4: Compare Regional Expertise, Not Just Rates

Sometimes working with an experienced AI development company in Dubai or nearby regions for specific modules makes more sense than hiring everything locally. 

You get specialized expertise without long-term overhead, which helps you optimize costs without slowing down development or compromising on innovation.

Tip 5: Plan for Maintenance From Day One

Ignoring post-launch support is a hidden budget killer. OS updates, security patches, and performance tuning are unavoidable. When mobile app maintenance is planned upfront, you avoid sudden spikes in the mobile app developer hiring cost later and keep your app stable without constant emergency fixes.

How to Hire the Right Mobile Application Developer in Saudi Arabia?

If you’re wondering how to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia, the answer isn’t just about rates or resumes. It’s about finding someone who understands your business goals, your users, and the technical demands of your app. When you get this right, you save time, control costs, and avoid painful rework later.

Below are the most practical and proven ways to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia, explained simply so you can choose what fits your project best.

1. Hire Through Local Tech Hubs and Networks

One of the most reliable ways to start is by exploring tech communities in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Local meetups, startup events, and innovation hubs connect you directly with experienced talent. This approach works well when you want cultural alignment and on-ground availability.

2. Use Professional Hiring Platforms

If you’re figuring out how to hire a mobile app developer in Saudi Arabia efficiently, platforms like LinkedIn, Bayt, or specialized tech hiring portals are a strong option. You can filter candidates by skills, experience, and industry exposure, which saves you weeks of manual screening.

3. Partner With a Mobile App Development Company

For businesses that want speed and accountability, working with a development company is often the safest route. You get a vetted team, project management, QA, and post-launch support in one package. This hiring method reduces risk and keeps delivery predictable.

4. Consider Freelancers for Short-Term Needs

Freelancers work well for MVPs, feature upgrades, or maintenance tasks. If your scope is clear and timelines are flexible, this can be a cost-effective option. Just make sure expectations, milestones, and communication are clearly defined from day one.

5. Evaluate Skills Beyond the Resume

No matter which hiring route you choose, focus on problem-solving ability, communication, and real project experience. Ask how they handle scalability, security, and future updates. This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical when deciding how to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia the right way.

6. Start Small Before You Commit Long-Term

A pilot task or short contract helps you test collaboration before scaling. It reduces risk and gives you clarity on work quality, timelines, and reliability. This is one of the smartest app developers in Saudi Arabia, with hiring ways if you’re unsure at the start.

Where Can You Hire the Right App Developers in Saudi Arabia? 

Finding skilled app developers in Saudi Arabia requires strategic planning and careful vetting. Start by exploring established tech hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, where numerous talented developers concentrate. Online platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and local job boards such as Bayt and Tanqeeb offer access to qualified candidates.

When searching for a mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia, JPLoft stands out as a leading choice, offering comprehensive iOS, Android, and cross-platform development solutions. Prioritize firms with proven portfolios showcasing successful projects and a deep understanding of local market dynamics, Arabic language integration, and cultural nuances essential for Saudi users.

Consider attending tech meetups, startup events, and innovation forums where you can network with developers directly. Evaluate candidates based on technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and understanding of your industry. Request references, review past client testimonials, and conduct thorough technical assessments. Many companies also offer dedicated development teams for long-term projects, ensuring consistency and quality throughout your app's lifecycle.

Conclusion

Hiring mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia is not just about comparing hourly rates. It’s about understanding how experience, technology choices, engagement models, timelines, and even hidden factors shape the final cost. 

As you’ve seen, the cost to hire app developers in Saudi Arabia can vary widely based on your project’s scope and long-term goals.

The smartest approach is to plan early, define requirements clearly, and choose a hiring model that balances cost with quality. When you align the right talent with the right strategy, you reduce waste, avoid surprises, and build an app that scales smoothly. 

With the right partner and a clear roadmap, you can stay within budget while still delivering a reliable, high-performing mobile application that supports your business growth in the Saudi market.