Cost To Develop A Food Delivery App: A Comprehensive Guide

Revenues in the global food delivery market has tripled since 2017 and is projected to reach $173.57 billion by 2025. And nearly 1 in 3 diners said they prefer ordering directly from a restaurant’s own app rather through a third-party aggregator.

This augurs well for restaurant owners as this shift is a strategic opportunity than just a trend. Yet, all this boils down to one common barrier: How much does it actually cost to develop a food delivery app?

Whether you’re running a single-outlet restaurant, managing multiple branches, or operating a cloud kitchen, knowing the financial commitment — and the smart ways to mitigate expenses— is crucial.

This blog breaks it all down: development models, must-have (and skip) features, hidden costs, and ways to get more for less.

Estimated Cost Breakdown (2025 Rates)

Basic App (Single Platform, Minimal Features)

Ideal for small restaurants getting to understand the intricacies of online delivery.

Component	Details	Estimated Cost
Platform	Android or iOS	$3,000 – $5,000
Features	Menu browsing, order placement, payment gateway	Included
Admin Panel	Basic order and menu management	$1,000 – $2,000
Design	Basic UI using template-based layouts	Included
Backend/Database	Cloud-based, single-tenant setup	$800 – $1,200
Delivery Module	Not included	—
Estimated Timeline	4–6 weeks	—
Total Estimated Cost		$4,800 – $8,200

Mid-Range App (Cross-platform, More Features)

Suited for growing restaurants or chains who are looking to put more control into the process and provide a better UX.

Component	Details	Estimated Cost
Platform	Android and iOS (cross-platform tech)	$6,000 – $8,000
Features	Real-time tracking, scheduled orders, reviews	Included
Admin Panel	Role-based access, multi-outlet support	$2,000 – $3,000
Design	Custom branding with interactive UI	$1,000 – $1,500
Backend/Database	Scalable with inventory and analytics	$2,000 – $3,000
Delivery Module	Basic driver app with route and status updates	$1,500 – $2,500
Estimated Timeline	8–10 weeks	—
Total Estimated Cost		$12,500 – $18,000

Advanced App (Custom Design, Admin + Delivery Modules)

Built for large-scale restaurants, cloud kitchens, or multi-brand setups where online delivery is a must.

Component	Details	Estimated Cost
Platform	Native Android & iOS (high-performance builds)	$10,000 – $14,000
Features	Loyalty points, auto-assign delivery, wallet	Included
Admin Panel	Centralized control for brands/branches	$3,000 – $5,000
Design	Premium UX/UI, animations, localization	$2,000 – $3,000
Backend/Database	Multi-tenant with advanced analytics & sync	$3,000 – $5,000
Delivery Module	Full-featured app with route AI and offline sync	$3,000 – $5,000
Integrations	POS, CRM, third-party logistics, marketing tools	$2,000 – $3,000
Estimated Timeline	12–16 weeks	—
Total Estimated Cost		$23,000 – $35,000

Monthly Maintenance and Hosting Costs

Service	Details	Monthly Cost
Cloud Hosting & DB	AWS, Firebase, or similar	$50 – $300
Third-party APIs	Maps, payment gateways, notifications	$20 – $100
App Maintenance & Bug Fixes	Based on feature set & usage	$200 – $800
Version Updates	OS updates, feature tweaks	$100 – $300
Total Monthly Cost		$370 – $1,500

Key Features That Impact the Cost

While the core features of a food delivery app (like browsing a menu or placing orders) are elementary, it’s often the lesser-known but essential functionalities that drive up development costs.

These features either involve complex logic, third-party integrations, or require ongoing server costs, making them important to consider early on in the planning process.

Customer App Features

1. Scheduled Orders

Allowing users to place an order in advance (for a future date/time) involves backend scheduling, queuing, and automated triggers. This increases development scope and testing effort.

2. Dynamic Delivery Charges

Automatically adjusting delivery fees based on distance, weather, or traffic requires geofencing, live APIs, and distance-mapping logic—adding both technical complexity and API costs.

3. In-App Wallet & Loyalty Points

Implementing an in-app wallet or reward system (where customers earn and redeem points) demands secure transaction handling, ledger maintenance, and syncing across multiple devices and platforms.

4. Personalized Recommendations

Using order history and behavior to suggest meals in-app involves machine learning, user segmentation, or third-party AI APIs. While valuable for engagement, it adds significant dev and data infrastructure work.

5. Multi-language & Localisation

If the app needs to support multiple languages or regions (e.g., English + local language), every UI string, image, and layout must adapt, increasing design, QA, and backend complexity.

Admin Panel Features

1. Role-Based Access Control

Allowing different levels of access for managers, staff, or support teams (e.g., kitchen-only view vs. full access) adds granular permissions logic that must be maintained securely.

2. Real-time Inventory Sync

Connecting with the restaurant’s POS system to auto-update item availability in real time requires API-level integration, which varies based on the POS vendor’s capabilities and may need custom middleware.

3. Multi-brand or Multi-location Management

Running more than one outlet or brand from the same admin panel introduces filtering logic, user segmentation, and dynamic routing—all of which require scalable database architecture.

4. Integrated Marketing Tools

Features like push notification scheduling, coupon creation, or promotional banners need a UI for content management and a system to track customer engagement—adding time and backend workload.

Delivery Personnel App Features (Optional)

1. Smart Order Auto-Assignment

Instead of manually assigning drivers, smart logic (based on proximity, delivery load, or past performance) automates task distribution. This typically involves routing algorithms and live tracking services.

2. Delivery Time Estimation

To show customers accurate delivery times, the app must calculate prep time, distance, traffic, and driver availability in real time—requiring integration with mapping APIs and backend processing.

3. Offline Mode & Sync

Allowing drivers to continue using the app in low-connectivity zones (and auto-sync when back online) is technically tricky and requires robust local storage management and error handling.

Factors That Influence App Development Cost

The cost of building a food delivery app does not culminate with a number of screens or pages — it also includes a combination of technical decisions, business requirements, and infrastructure choices. Below are the key factors that impact both upfront and long-term costs.

Platform Choice: Android, iOS, or Both

• Single platform (Android or iOS) is cheaper and faster to build.
• Both platforms require either separate native development (more expensive) or cross-platform solutions like Flutter or React Native (cost-effective but may limit custom features).

💡 For restaurants, Android is often prioritized first due to wider reach in emerging markets.

Native vs. Cross-platform Development

• Native apps (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) provide better performance and custom UI but double the cost if you build for both platforms.
• Cross-platform frameworks allow a shared codebase, reducing development time and budget by 30–40%.

Cross-platform is ideal for MVPs or startups, while native is better for performance-heavy, highly customized apps.

Design Complexity and Branding

• Basic designs using templates are affordable.
• Custom UI/UX, animations, branded visuals, and multi-language support increase design time and cost.

For example, adding dynamic UI elements like sliding menus, onboarding walkthroughs, or micro-animations can significantly raise front-end costs.

Number Of Features & Feature Complexity

• Every additional feature = more design, backend logic, testing, and QA effort.
• Costlier features include:
  • Real-time tracking (requires GPS + backend events)
  • Scheduled orders
  • Loyalty programs and wallets
  • Smart delivery assignment
  • Offline mode for delivery agents

A feature-rich app will naturally push the cost into the mid-to-high tier range, especially if custom logic or third-party integrations are involved.

Backend Infrastructure & Server Costs

• Complex apps need scalable cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) to handle user data, orders, payments, etc.
• Costs include database management, security, and storage—often a recurring monthly expense.

Expect $50–$300/month depending on volume.

Integration with Existing POS or CRM

• Connecting your app to a restaurant’s POS or CRM requires custom API work and thorough testing.
• The cost depends on the openness and documentation of the existing system.

Custom middleware may be needed if no standard APIs exist — a hidden but important cost.

Third-party API Integrations (Payment, Maps, SMS, etc.)

Each third-party integration adds complexity and cost—both in setup and ongoing usage.

• Payment Gateways (Stripe, Razorpay): 1.5%–3% per transaction
• Maps & Geolocation (Google Maps, Mapbox): pay-per-use or tiered pricing
• SMS/OTP Services (Twilio, MSG91): charged per message
• Push Notifications (Firebase, OneSignal): some are free; others charge for high volume

APIs must also be updated and maintained to remain compatible over time.

Maintenance and Updates

• Post-launch maintenance includes bug fixes, OS compatibility updates, minor UI/UX changes, and security patches.
• Expect to spend 15–25% of your initial development cost annually on upkeep.

Apps with many third-party dependencies or complex features require more frequent updates, increasing long-term cost.

Development Approaches and Their Cost Implications

There’s more than one way to build a food delivery app, and each process comes with trade-offs in terms of cost, time, control, and scalability. Below are the four most common approaches restaurant owners consider.

Hiring a Freelance Developer

Best for: Very small projects or MVPs with minimal complexity
Cost Range: $3,000 – $10,000 (depending on region and feature scope)

Freelancers can be affordable, but this may not be a reliable option — especially with deadlines, maintenance, and post-launch support. You may also need to hire multiple freelancers for backend, frontend, and design work, which adds project management responsibilities on your hands.

Verdict: Good for test projects, not ideal for production-ready apps that need to scale or integrate with third-party systems.

Working with an App Development Agency

Best for: Restaurants looking for a polished, end-to-end product
Cost Range: $12,000 – $35,000+

Agencies offer a complete team—designers, developers, QA, and project managers—delivering professional results with accountability. You get a contract, structured timeline, and post-launch support.

However, this route is pretty much expensive and may involve longer timelines due to full custom development cycles.

Verdict: Reliable but costly. Best if you want full control, long-term scalability, and a branded experience.

Using White-label Food Delivery App Solutions

Best for: Restaurants wanting to launch fast with lower upfront costs
Cost Range: $4,000 – $15,000 (one-time or license-based)

White-label platforms offer pre-built, customizable solutions based on proven delivery app frameworks. You save time and money by avoiding development from scratch while still getting a branded product.

✅ Appscrip: A Leading White-label Option

Appscrip offers high-performance white-label delivery apps modeled after industry leaders like UberEats and DoorDash. You get:

• Fully branded Android/iOS apps
• Customer, delivery agent, and admin modules
• Real-time tracking, wallet, multi-language support
• Scalable architecture with support and upgrades

Verdict: Ideal for restaurant owners who want a quick, cost-effective, and feature-rich launch with room to grow. Appscrip bridges the gap between affordability and enterprise-level capability.

Building In-house with Your Own Tech Team

Best for: Large chains or cloud kitchens with long-term tech vision
Cost Range: $100,000+ annually (salaries, infrastructure, benefits)

If you’re tech-savvy or have a long-term roadmap, hiring an internal team offers total control. However, it requires significant capital, time, and operational effort.

You’ll need developers, designers, QA testers, DevOps, and product managers—plus the tools and infrastructure to support them.

Verdict: A heavy investment best suited for mature restaurant brands or startups aiming to enter the food-tech space seriously.

Comparison Table: Food Delivery App Development Approaches

Factor	Freelance Developer	App Development Agency	White-label Solution (e.g. Appscrip)	In-house Tech Team
Initial Cost	$3,000 – $10,000	$12,000 – $35,000+	$4,000 – $15,000	$100,000+ / year
Time to Launch	1–2 months	3–4 months	2–4 weeks	8+ months
Technical Expertise Required	High (you manage coordination)	Low to Medium	Low	High
Scalability	Limited	High	High (depending on vendor)	Very High
Customizability	Moderate	Full	Medium to High	Full
Post-launch Support	Varies (often inconsistent)	Included (usually with SLA)	Included (Appscrip offers SLA support)	Requires dedicated team
Ownership of Code	Yes (if contracted)	Yes	Depends on licensing	Yes
Best For	MVPs, side projects	Restaurants wanting full control	Fast launches with budget in mind	Enterprise-scale restaurant brands
Upsell Note	—	—	Appscrip is ideal for fast, affordable, branded delivery apps	—

Hidden and Recurring Costs to Watch Out For

Even after launch, there are ongoing expenses that restaurant owners should plan for:

• App Store Fees
  Apple and Google charge a yearly developer fee ($99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google). They also take a 15–30% cut on in-app purchases if applicable.
• Payment Gateway Charges
  Each transaction typically incurs 1.5%–3% in processing fees, depending on the provider (Stripe, Razorpay, etc.).
• Marketing and Promotions
  Running campaigns on Google, Meta, or via SMS/email marketing to acquire and retain users can cost $200–$1,000/month based on scale.
• Bug Fixes and Tech Support
  Post-launch, expect regular maintenance needs. Fixes, updates, and user support can add up to $100–$500/month, depending on usage and complexity.

Ways to Optimize Costs

• Start with MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  Launch with core features first to test user response. Add advanced features later based on actual demand—this avoids overbuilding and overspending early.
• Use Open-source or White-label Platforms
  Instead of building from scratch, white-label platforms offer ready-to-deploy solutions.
  👉 Appscrip is a top-tier white-label food delivery app provider, offering scalable, customizable solutions modeled after UberEats or DoorDash, significantly cutting time-to-market and costs.
• Outsource Smartly: Offshore vs. Local Developers
  Offshore development (e.g., India, Eastern Europe) can reduce labor costs by 40–60%. However, quality and communication matter—choose experienced vendors with a track record in food-tech.

Understanding the Need for a Custom Food Delivery App

Online food delivery is more than a convenience—it’s now a core revenue stream for many restaurants. Third-party platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Uber Eats, or DoorDash offer a quick entry into the delivery market, but building a custom food delivery app gives restaurants long-term strategic advantages.

Here we shall explore the business opportunities involved in developing your own app.

Benefits of Having Your Own App

1. Control Over Customer Experience

Third-party aggregators provide limited ability to customize how your restaurant is presented. With your own app, you control:

• Branding: Logo, colors, fonts, tone, and messaging
• Menu display: Showcase popular dishes, combos, or limited-time offers
• User journey: Personalized ordering, promotions, and loyalty rewards
• Feedback handling: Address customer reviews directly and retain full transparency

This results in a more polished and tailored experience for your customers, building trust and satisfaction.

2. Reduced Dependency on Third-Party Platforms

Relying solely on third-party apps can be risky:

• High commission rates (often 20–35% per order)
• Algorithm-driven visibility (you compete with many restaurants)
• Limited access to customer data

With your own app, you bypass the gatekeepers. You’re no longer at the mercy of their changing policies or algorithms, and you gain full access to customer insights such as ordering patterns, contact information, and preferences—critical data for business growth.

3. Better Margins and Brand Loyalty

When customers order through your own app:

• You save on commission fees
• You can offer exclusive discounts or loyalty programs
• You retain full control of the transaction and user data

This means better profit margins per order and the ability to nurture repeat business through personalized offers, push notifications, or rewards. Over time, this leads to stronger brand loyalty and customer retention—two things third-party platforms can’t guarantee.

Who Should Consider Building One?

A custom food delivery app isn’t just for large restaurant chains. It can be a high-impact tool for various types of food businesses:

1. Single-Outlet Restaurants

If you run a popular local restaurant or cafe, a custom app can help:

• Maintain direct relationships with loyal customers
• Offer delivery and takeaway without sharing revenue with aggregators
• Build a local brand that customers recognize and trust

Especially in neighborhoods or smaller cities where repeat customers form a large part of the business, an app can boost long-term profits and customer engagement.

2. Multi-Branch Chains

Restaurant chains with multiple locations benefit even more:

• Centralized admin panel to manage all branches
• Geo-location-based services to route customers to the nearest outlet
• Consistent branding across all customer touchpoints
• Scalable infrastructure to support growth

An app becomes a digital bridge connecting all your outlets while standardizing service and promotions.

3. Cloud Kitchens and Virtual Brands

For delivery-only kitchens with no dine-in presence, an app is critical:

• It becomes the primary customer-facing platform
• Reduces reliance on food aggregators for visibility
• Supports niche or multiple virtual brands from a single backend
• Enables A/B testing of offers and menu variations in real time

Cloud kitchens operate on slim margins, and a branded app allows them to retain more profits while offering a consistent and streamlined ordering experience.

Conclusion: Cost To Develop A Food Delivery App

A food delivery app isn’t just a digital add-on anymore — it’s a revenue engine. While the development cost can range anywhere from $4,800 for a basic version to $35,000+ for a fully customized solution, the long-term ROI through customer retention, direct orders, and brand loyalty makes it worth the investment.

The smartest approach? Start lean with an MVP or a white-label platform like Appscrip, and scale features as you grow. Whether you’re bootstrapped or backed, there’s a cost-effective route for every restaurant. The key is clarity: know what you’re paying for, and build with purpose.