The food delivery industry is booming, with apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat transforming the way people order food. Whether you're a business owner wanting to create a food delivery app or an entrepreneur looking to enter this lucrative market, understanding the costs involved is essential. How much does it cost to develop a food delivery app? This is one of the most common questions that businesses ask when planning to build their own food delivery platform. The costs can vary greatly depending on several factors, and in this guide, we will take you through the essential components that impact food delivery app development costs in 2025.
1. Factors That Influence the Cost of Developing a Food Delivery App
Before getting into the exact costs, it's important to understand the factors that affect the price of developing a food delivery app. Here's what influences the final cost:
1.1. App Type and Platform
The cost of developing a food delivery app largely depends on whether you're creating an app for iOS, Android, or a cross-platform solution. A native mobile app (built separately for both iOS and Android) will cost more than a single-platform app (either for iOS or Android). If you're looking for a more cost-effective option, building an app using cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter may help save costs.
1.2. App Features
The complexity of the app features plays a major role in determining the overall cost. Basic features like food ordering, payment integration, and order tracking will cost less compared to more advanced features like real-time GPS tracking, push notifications, and admin dashboards. Common features that add to the cost include:
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User profile management
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Order tracking
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In-app payment processing
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Multi-payment gateway support
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Reviews and ratings system
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Integration with third-party services (like Google Maps)
1.3. App Design
The design of your app also impacts the cost. If you're aiming for a custom-designed app with an advanced, interactive UI/UX, the costs will increase. A simple, minimalistic design will be more affordable.
1.4. Development Team Location
The location of your development team can significantly affect the price. Developers in regions such as the UK or the US charge higher rates than developers from countries like India, Ukraine, or Eastern Europe. However, opting for higher-cost developers often results in better quality and faster delivery of the app.
1.5. Maintenance and Updates
Once your app is live, you'll need ongoing maintenance to ensure it functions correctly and stays up to date with the latest features and security standards. This includes adding new features, fixing bugs, and ensuring compliance with the platform guidelines, which should be factored into the long-term cost.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App in 2025?
The overall cost of developing a food delivery app can vary widely depending on several factors. Here's an estimate of what you can expect to pay:
2.1. Estimated Development Costs
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Basic Food Delivery App: £20,000 to £40,000
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Medium-Complexity App: £40,000 to £70,000
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Advanced Food Delivery App: £70,000 to £100,000+
3. How to Estimate the Cost of a Food Delivery App Like Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo?
Creating an app similar to major platforms such as Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo requires a higher investment because these apps include advanced features and need to be scalable to handle a large number of users. Here’s an overview of costs for apps similar to these services:
3.1. Uber Eats-Like App
If you want to create an app similar to Uber Eats, which includes advanced features such as real-time GPS tracking, payment gateway integration, and order management, the cost can range from £50,000 to £80,000 for a basic version. A more feature-rich app with integration to third-party services can go beyond £100,000.
3.2. Deliveroo-Like App
For an app similar to Deliveroo, with restaurant partnership features, order tracking, and delivery management, the estimated cost is between £40,000 and £70,000.
3.3. Just Eat-Like App
To build an app like Just Eat, focused on offering a platform for restaurants to showcase their menus and receive orders, costs range between £30,000 and £60,000 for a basic version. Adding additional features such as multi-vendor support or customisation can push the cost upwards.
4. Additional Considerations When Estimating Food Delivery App Development Costs
4.1. DoorDash-Like App
Developing an app similar to DoorDash involves integrating features like real-time order tracking, driver geolocation, and multiple payment methods. This type of app can cost anywhere from £40,000 to £90,000 or more, depending on the complexity.
4.2. Factors that Affect Costs in the UK
In the UK, app development costs can be higher due to factors like developer hourly rates and the quality of developers. However, the UK offers advantages such as access to skilled developers familiar with the latest trends in UX/UI design, GDPR compliance, and app security.
5. How to Reduce the Cost of Developing a Food Delivery App?
While developing a food delivery app can be expensive, there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:
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Start with an MVP (Minimal Viable Product): This approach allows you to focus on the core features of your app and test it in the market before building out more advanced functionality.
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Outsource to Affordable Markets: Consider outsourcing development to countries with lower developer rates like India or Ukraine. This can reduce your overall development costs.
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Use Pre-built Solutions: If you don't need custom features, consider using pre-built solutions or platforms to get a quick, affordable start.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does it take to develop a food delivery app?
The timeline for developing a food delivery app depends on the complexity of the features. A basic app could take around 3-6 months, while a more complex app with advanced features may take 6-12 months or more.
Q2: How much does it cost to develop an app like Uber Eats?
The cost of developing an app like Uber Eats can range from £50,000 to £80,000 for a basic version. A fully-featured version can cost upwards of £100,000, depending on the additional features you want to integrate.
Q3: How can I reduce the cost of developing a food delivery app?
You can reduce the cost by starting with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), outsourcing to countries with lower development rates, or using pre-built solutions. These approaches can significantly lower your initial investment.
Q4: Can I monetise my food delivery app?
Yes, you can monetise your app in several ways, such as:
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Charging restaurants a commission for each order
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Offering premium subscriptions for users or restaurants
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Charging delivery service fees
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Including in-app advertisements
Q5: What are the essential features for a food delivery app?
The essential features include:
Q6: Should I choose a custom-built app or a pre-built solution?
If you have specific needs and want complete control over the design and features, a custom-built app is the best option. However, if you need a more affordable and quicker solution, a pre-built food delivery platform might be a good choice.
7. Conclusion
The cost of developing a food delivery app in 2025 can vary widely depending on your needs, features, and the platform you choose. On average, a basic food delivery app may cost around £20,000 to £40,000, while more advanced apps similar to Uber Eats, Just Eat, or Deliveroo can cost upwards of £100,000.
By understanding the factors that impact the cost, such as app type, features, and platform, you can better plan and budget for your food delivery app. Whether you're in the UK or anywhere else, it’s crucial to work with experienced developers who can deliver a high-quality app that meets the needs of your customers. With the right approach, you can build an app that competes with the top players in the industry.
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Expert in Software & Web App Engineering
