App Store Localization Costs: A Budget Guide for Indie Developers

Localization on an Indie Budget

For indie developers, every dollar matters. App Store localization can range from free (your time only) to thousands of dollars (professional services). This guide breaks down realistic indie developer app store localization budget options.

Understanding the Cost Components

What You're Localizing

App Store metadata includes:

• App Name (30 characters × n locales)
• Subtitle (30 characters × n locales)
• Keywords (100 characters × n locales)
• Description (4,000 characters × n locales)
• Promotional Text (170 characters × n locales)
• What's New (4,000 characters × n locales)

Total content per locale: ~4,500 characters or ~800 words

What Affects Cost

• **Number of locales** - More languages = higher cost
• **Method chosen** - DIY vs. professional
• **Ongoing maintenance** - One-time vs. continuous updates
• **Quality expectations** - Good enough vs. perfect

Option 1: Full DIY

Cost: $0-50

Time: 10-40 hours

Approach

• Research keywords using App Store search suggestions
• Use free AI tools for initial translation
• Self-review or ask friends who speak target languages

Realistic Cost

• Your time (opportunity cost)
• Optional: ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or similar

Pros

• Zero direct cost
• Full control
• Learn the process

Cons

• Time-intensive
• Quality varies without native review
• Keyword research challenging without local knowledge

Best For

• First localization attempt
• One or two additional languages
• Developers with multilingual friends/community

Option 2: AI Localization Tools

Cost: $19-100/month

Time: 2-5 hours

Approach

• Use specialized App Store localization tools
• AI handles translation with ASO optimization
• You review and push to App Store Connect

Realistic Cost

• Tool subscription: $19-100/month
• Time for review: 2-5 hours
• Total for 5 locales: ~$50-100

Pros

• Fast results
• ASO-aware translation
• Handles character limits automatically
• Direct integration with App Store Connect

Cons

• Quality varies by tool
• May still need native speaker review for high-value markets

Best For

• Multiple locales needed
• Ongoing updates required
• Time is more valuable than money

Option 3: Freelance Translators

Cost: $0.05-0.15 per word

Time: 5-10 hours of management

Approach

• Hire freelance translators per language
• Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or specialized translation marketplaces
• You provide context, they translate

Realistic Cost Per Locale

• ~800 words × $0.08/word = $64 per locale
• 5 locales = ~$320
• Plus your management time

Pros

• Native speaker quality
• Human judgment on cultural nuances
• Can ask questions and iterate

Cons

• Need to find and vet translators
• Communication overhead
• Variable quality and reliability
• Slower turnaround

Best For

• Key markets requiring high quality
• When you need cultural adaptation, not just translation
• One-time projects with clear scope

Option 4: Translation Agencies

Cost: $0.15-0.25 per word

Time: 2-4 hours of management

Approach

• Work with professional translation agency
• They handle translator management, quality control
• You provide source content and receive finished translations

Realistic Cost Per Locale

• ~800 words × $0.20/word = $160 per locale
• 5 locales = ~$800
• May include keyword research for additional fee

Pros

• Professional quality assured
• One point of contact
• Revision processes built in
• Experience with App Store content

Cons

• Higher cost
• Less flexibility for quick changes
• May not understand ASO optimization

Best For

• Important app launches
• When quality is non-negotiable
• When you have budget but limited time

Option 5: Hybrid Approach

Cost: $50-300

Time: 5-10 hours

Approach

• Use AI tools for initial localization
• Hire native speakers just to review (not translate)
• Focus professional review on high-value markets only

Realistic Cost

• AI tool: $50
• Native review (3 markets × 1hr × $30): $90
• Total: ~$140 for 5+ locales

Pros

• Best quality/cost balance
• Fast initial results
• Human verification for key markets
• Scalable to many locales

Cons

• Requires coordinating multiple steps
• Review-only roles harder to find than translation

Best For

• Quality-conscious indie developers
• Multiple locales with varying importance
• Apps with ongoing update cycles

Cost Comparison Table

Budget Recommendations

Micro Budget ($0-50)

• Start with English variants (en-GB, en-AU)
• DIY one additional major language
• Use free AI tools and community review

Small Budget ($50-150)

• Use AI localization tool
• Focus on 5 high-value locales
• Self-review with translation checking

Medium Budget ($150-500)

• AI localization for all target locales
• Native review for top 3-5 markets
• Professional keyword research for 2-3 key markets

Larger Budget ($500+)

• Professional translation for top markets
• AI + review for secondary markets
• Full keyword research across locales
• Screenshot localization included

Maximizing Limited Budget

Prioritize Markets

Don't spread thin. Do 3 markets well rather than 10 markets poorly.

Best ROI markets for most apps:

• German (de-DE)
• Japanese (ja)
• French (fr-FR)

Phase Your Investment

• Month 1: English variants (minimal cost)
• Month 2: Top market with AI + review
• Month 3: Second market
• Continue based on results

Invest in Keywords

If budget is tight, prioritize keyword research over perfect descriptions. Keywords drive discovery; descriptions convert.

Use Free Resources

• App Store search autocomplete for keyword ideas
• Community feedback on translations
• Tool free trials for initial localization

Ongoing Costs

Localization isn't one-time. Budget for:

• **Release notes:** Each update needs localized notes
• **Promotional text:** Seasonal updates, announcements
• **Keyword refresh:** Quarterly optimization
• **Description updates:** Major feature changes

Ongoing monthly estimate: $20-100 depending on update frequency

ROI Consideration

Before worrying about cost, consider return:

• If localization costs $100 and generates $50/month additional revenue, ROI is positive within 2 months
• Japan and Germany often show 50-100% download increases post-localization
• Even modest improvements compound over app lifetime

The question isn't "Can I afford localization?" but "Can I afford to miss international markets?"

Getting Started on a Budget

• **Start free:** English variants (en-GB, en-AU, en-CA)
• **Trial AI tools:** Most offer free trials
• **Research first:** Know your target keywords before translating
• **Measure results:** Track ROI from first localization
• **Reinvest returns:** Use international revenue to fund expansion

App Store localization doesn't require a large budget. It requires smart prioritization and willingness to start small and grow. The most expensive option is often leaving money on the table by ignoring international markets entirely.