Guide to Food Delivery App Development Cost in 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App in the UK in 2025?

The food delivery industry is booming, with apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat transforming how people order meals. Whether you're a UK-based business owner or an entrepreneur looking to enter this high-growth sector, understanding the cost of food delivery app development is critical in 2025.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Developing a Food Delivery App

Before diving into pricing, it’s important to understand what determines the development cost of a food delivery app in the UK and globally. Key influencing factors include:

App Type and Platform

The choice between iOS, Android, or cross-platform development impacts your costs. Native apps for both platforms typically cost more. Choosing frameworks like Flutter or React Native can reduce your budget without sacrificing performance.

App Features

The complexity and number of features significantly affect the development budget. Common features include:

• User profile management
• Order tracking in real-time
• In-app payment processing
• Multi-payment gateway support
• Reviews and ratings system
• Third-party integrations (e.g., Google Maps)

App Design

A custom-designed food delivery app with interactive UX/UI will cost more than a simple, minimalistic layout. In the UK, good design is also a competitive advantage.

Development Team Location

Hiring developers in the UK means higher hourly rates, but often better expertise and faster delivery. Outsourcing to Eastern Europe, India, or Ukraine can lower costs but may require closer project management.

Maintenance and Updates

Post-launch support is essential. Budget for regular updates, bug fixes, and compliance with Apple and Google Play guidelines to keep your app running smoothly in 2025 and beyond.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App in 2025?

Here’s a breakdown of development costs for food delivery apps in 2025, whether you're in the UK or elsewhere:

Estimated Development Costs

• Basic App: £20,000 - £40,000
• Medium-Complexity App: £40,000 - £70,000
• Advanced App: £70,000 - £100,000+

How to Estimate the Cost of an App Like Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo?

Top-tier platforms like Uber Eats or Deliveroo require higher investment due to advanced features and scalability needs.

Uber Eats-Like App

An Uber Eats-style app with real-time tracking, payment gateway integration, and order management can start at £50,000 and exceed £100,000 depending on feature depth.

Deliveroo-Like App

With order tracking, delivery partner management, and restaurant listings, a Deliveroo-like food app may cost between £40,000 and £70,000 in the UK market.

Just Eat-Like App

Basic Just Eat-style apps start around £30,000. If you add multi-vendor support or deep customization, the price can rise significantly.

Additional Considerations When Estimating Food Delivery App Costs

DoorDash-Like App

A UK DoorDash clone with live order tracking and delivery driver integration can range from £40,000 to £90,000 depending on functionality.

UK-Specific Development Costs

UK-based development offers access to top-tier talent, GDPR compliance, and high design standards. However, this also means higher development rates compared to offshore teams.

How to Reduce the Cost of Developing a Food Delivery App?

• Start with an MVP: Launch with only essential features and gather user feedback before scaling.
• Outsource Smartly: Offshore development to countries like India or Ukraine can significantly reduce costs.
• Use Pre-built Solutions: Skip custom builds if time and budget are tight. Consider white-label food delivery platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to develop a food delivery app?

Development time depends on complexity. Basic apps can take 3–6 months; complex apps take 6–12 months or longer.

How much does it cost to build an app like Uber Eats in the UK?

Expect to invest £50,000 to £80,000 for a basic Uber Eats-style app in the UK. A fully-featured version may exceed £100,000.

How can I reduce food delivery app development costs?

Start small with an MVP, use offshore teams, or leverage pre-built platforms for faster, cheaper launches.

Can I monetise my food delivery app?

Yes. Monetisation options include:

• Commission fees from restaurants
• User or vendor premium subscriptions
• Delivery service charges
• In-app advertisements

What features are essential for a food delivery app?

• User registration and authentication
• Real-time GPS-based order tracking
• Multiple payment options
• Ratings and reviews
• Push notifications

Should I choose a custom app or a pre-built solution?

If you need flexibility and custom features, go custom. For fast, cost-effective launches, a pre-built white-label app may be suitable.

Conclusion

Developing a food delivery app in the UK in 2025 can range from £20,000 for a basic MVP to over £100,000 for a fully-featured Uber Eats competitor. The key cost factors include platform type, app complexity, developer location, and ongoing maintenance.

With smart planning, cost-saving strategies, and the right development team, you can build a scalable and successful food delivery app tailored to your market. Whether you're in London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK, investing in a high-quality food delivery platform positions your business for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving market.