Curious about the cost of localizing your mobile app for China? We break down what affects pricing and how to stay within your budget.
Why Transparent Pricing Matters
Price is always a key factor in any project—and mobile app localization is no exception.
When one of our content writers asked me if I’d be willing to share insights into Chinese app localization pricing, I said yes without hesitation. Why? Because transparency builds trust, and we believe in offering clear value to the clients and teams we serve.
This post doesn’t represent fixed industry-wide rates. Instead, it offers estimated pricing ranges based on real projects we’ve completed at AZ-Loc, tailored to a variety of app sizes and complexities.
What Affects Chinese App Localization Pricing?
We exclude all non-translatable code to help you save money and protect your app integrity.
Pricing Tiers for Chinese App Localization
Small App: USD \$50+
Best for: New apps with minimal content
If your app contains fewer than 500 words, pricing starts at USD \$50. This includes:
- Human translation into Simplified Chinese
- Proofreading
- Basic QA
Note: This package covers text-only translation. No UI, API, or cultural adaptation is included.
Example project:
Targo WeissBeerger (Mobile) — 502 words
Medium App: USD \$200+
Best for: Apps with 2,000–5,000 words and growing functionality
Estimated cost starts at USD \$200 for:
- Full human translation
- Second-linguist proofreading
- Quality assurance
Excludes:
- UI/UX cultural customization
- Local API adaptation (e.g., WeChat login)
Example projects:
Targo SessMe — 960 + 820 words
Ultimeyes — 15,748 words
Large App: USD \$1,200+
Best for: Full-fledged platforms or mobile apps with 20,000+ words
For serious app developers, pricing starts at USD \$1,200+. This includes:
- Professional translation
- Linguist-level proofreading
- QA review
Bonus tip: Allow CAT tool use and save up to 10% by leveraging translation memory.
Example projects:
Photomyne (Mobile) — 6,526 + 2,453 + 3,390 + 435 words (Simplified + Traditional Chinese)
MindLab E-learning — 31,563 / 52,117 + 23,000 + 1,038 words
How to Reduce Localization Costs
- Use CAT tools for repeated content to get discounts
- Separate content from code to speed up processing
- Pre-identify strings that don’t need translation
- Bundle content for fewer delivery rounds
We make sure our team only works on translatable content, and your code stays untouched.
Final Thoughts: Budget with Confidence
Chinese app localization pricing depends on word count, content complexity, and your QA or cultural needs. Use this guide to forecast your budget and prioritize what matters most—while avoiding overspending on duplicate work.
Get a Custom Quote
Want to know exactly how much your app localization will cost?
👉 Get Your Free App Localization Quote
No hidden charges. No guesswork. Just transparent estimates based on your actual app content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much does it cost to localize a mobile app into Chinese?
A: Costs range from USD \$50 for a small app (under 500 words) to \$1,200+ for large, content-heavy apps. Prices depend on content volume and complexity.Q2: What’s included in Chinese app localization pricing?
A: Typically includes translation, proofreading, and QA. UI/UX adaptation, coding integration, and local platform APIs may cost extra.Q3: Can I reduce the cost of app localization into Chinese?
A: Yes! Using CAT tools can cut costs by 10% or more by reusing repeated content.
Meta Description (SEO)
Learn the real cost of Chinese app localization for small, medium, and large apps—based on real projects. Includes pricing tips, word count insights, and how to reduce costs with CAT tools.
Internal Links (To Add)
- What is the Role of Localization in Translation Services?
- How CAT Tools Improve Translation Efficiency
External Links (To Add)
- https://developer.android.com/distribute/best-practices/launch/localization-checklist
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/952865/china-mobile-app-user-growth/
Image Suggestions
- Infographic of pricing tiers (small, medium, large)
- Screenshot mock-up of a CAT tool in action
- Visual UI of localized vs. original app
- Case study slide with word counts and pricing overlay
- CTA banner: “Get Your Free Quote”
Planning to localize your mobile app for Chinese consumers? Let us know and will prepare a best affordable pricing plan for you.
