On-Demand App Development Cost Breakdown | A Complete Guide

In the past few years, on-demand delivery apps have completely changed the way we shop, eat, and access services. From groceries and food to healthcare and home services, everything is just a few taps away.

As per Cognitive Market Research, the global on-demand delivery service market size alone is expected to reach $21,821 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.30%. This clearly shows that this trend is not slowing down anytime soon.

What’s even more exciting is that this boom is not limited to one industry. Businesses in multiple sectors are jumping on board. That’s why the demand for on-demand delivery apps is higher than ever.

So, if you are thinking of developing your own app, here’s the good news: you do not need to break the bank to do it. The cost to develop an on-demand app can range between $25,000-$300,000.

But before you start the development process, it is important to understand what goes into building an app and how much it might actually cost.

So, let’s begin!

What is an On-demand App?

An on-demand application enables a user to purchase a product or a service and get doorstep delivery with just a single tap. For example, home service, grocery delivery, food delivery, taxi booking, and so on.

Basically, it is a mediator between a customer and a business. It is a fast and really convenient process of making money. You might have seen an app like Uber and DoorDash that provides on-demand services to customers.

Market Overview of On-Demand Applications

Did you know that on-demand apps are transforming the whole scenario of the market? Current market statistics underscore the huge growth opportunities for startups. Let’s have a look at the statistics to prove the same.

• The on-demand app market size was valued at $200 billion in 2024, and it is forecasted to hit $320 billion by 2033 worldwide. This shows the huge market expansion in the coming years. Meanwhile, the on-demand delivery service market size alone is expected to reach $21,821 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.30%.

• The user acquisition of food delivery services is expected to reach 2% in 2025.
• If we talk about the on-demand service market revenue, it is projected to hit $83.82 billion by 2032. Isn’t this surprising? Well, the market will boost with the integration of AI, ML, and blockchain technology.
• The global gig economy was valued at $582 billion in 2025, and it is expected to reach $2178 billion by 2034. And one of the amazing parts is that North America, as always, leads the whole market. These stats show not only the market expansion, but a smooth shift in how people work and use services.
• More than 80% of mobile phone users have at least one on-demand service app downloaded on their phone.

If you are looking to invest in on-demand app development, then you must know that the demand for the on-demand service market is truly promising.

Therefore, if you are a startup or you already have an offline business and want an online presence, then you must build an on-demand app.

But before that, you should clearly understand the cost of developing an on-demand app.

Category-wise Breakdown of On-demand App Development Costs

If you are planning to launch an on-demand app, one of the first things you will want to know is the cost. The answer depends on a few key factors like app complexity, features, platform choice, and type of app.

From a food delivery app to a home service app, each type comes with its own development cost. Generally, the cost to develop an on-demand app ranges between $25,000-$300,000.

Now, let’s break down the on-demand app development cost into different categories. This will give you a clearer idea of what to expect from the types of service you are planning to offer.

1. AI-Powered On-Demand App

AI-powered on-demand apps are harder or more complex as they use ML, recommendation systems, or chatbots. These applications often cost more than regular on-demand apps.

The overall AI-powered on-demand app development cost depends on the features and AI usage, which can be between $40,000 – $300,000.

If you add features like real-time personalization, voice assistants, or predictive analysis, the cost to develop an AI app will increase.

2. On-Demand Taxi Booking App

Taxi booking apps need real-time GPS tracking, driver and rider profiles, fare calculation, route optimization, and in-app payments.

If you want to develop a basic version of an on-demand taxi booking app like Lyft with core features, the cost can be around $30,000.

However, if you want a complex application with features like ride history, surge pricing, driver rating, and push notifications, the taxi app development cost can go beyond $180,000.

3. On-Demand Grocery Delivery App

A grocery delivery app requires features like product listings, cart, payment, delivery tracking, and order history.

If you also want customer support and admin panels, that adds to the cost of developing an on-demand grocery delivery app.

If you want to build an app like Shipt, the cost to develop an on-demand app starts at $25,000, while a more advanced app with customised features can go up to $180,000.

If you are including AI for suggestions, the on-demand grocery delivery app development cost might be higher.

4. Doctor On-Demand App

This doctor-on-demand app needs features like video calls, appointment bookings, medical record storage, and doctor profiles. Since it covers sensitive data, extra security is also needed.

A simple telemedicine app, like a doctor-on-demand app with minimal features, can cost $25,000. But if you want advanced features like e-prescription, insurance integration, or an AI-based symptom checker, the doctor on-demand app development cost will possibly be up to $150,000.

5. On-Demand Laundry App

Laundry apps usually include pickup scheduling, order tracking, a payment gateway, and user accounts. A basic version can cost around $25,000 with features like user registration, booking a slot, and delivery time.

If you want features like subscription models, GPS tracking for delivery, or multi-vendor support, the laundry app development cost can go up to $85,000.

The backend should also be able to manage orders, timings, and pricing easily.

6. On-Demand Beauty Services App

These on-demand beauty services apps connect users with beauticians at home or salons. You will need profiles, appointment scheduling, payment, reviews, and maybe even video consultations.

If you have a salon business and want an online presence for the same, then you should build a simple app that can cost around $15,000.

But if you want a full-featured app, the cost of building a beauty salon app can go beyond 150,000, depending on design and complexity.

7. On-Demand Fitness App

On-demand fitness apps provide live sessions, personal training bookings, workout tracking, and maybe even diet plans.

If you are integrating video content, fitness challenges, and AI-based recommendations, the on-demand fitness app development cost goes up.

You can also build a meditation app like Calm, if you want to focus more on yoga and meditation services, then it will cost between $30,000 – $250,000.

However, mobile app maintenance and content updates also affect the cost.

8. On-Demand Handyman App

The on-demand handyman application helps users find electricians, plumbers, and other repair services.

You can integrate features like service selection, schedule booking, location tracking, reviews and ratings, and payments.

If you run a handyman business, then you should build an app for its online visibility. The cost to build a handyman app with minimal features can start from $20,000.

However, the on-demand handyman app development cost can go beyond $200,000 if you add customized features like multiple service providers, real-time availability, and push notifications.

9. On-Demand Courier App

Courier delivery apps need real-time tracking, pickup and drop-off scheduling, push notifications, and proof of delivery. A simple app might cost $30,000.

For apps with advanced logistics tracking, route optimization, and driver apps, the on-demand courier app development cost can go up to $150,000.

If you integrate it with maps and payment gateways, the overall cost can increase.

10. On-Demand Food Delivery App

This app type is in high demand and needs restaurant listings, menus, cast, order tracking, and delivery management.

If you make an app like DoorDash with core features only, the cost to develop an on-demand food delivery app can be around $35,000.

However, a full-featured app like Uber Eats with multiple panel features like ratings, coupons, and real-time tracking can cost up to $450,000.

So, it is advisable to develop a cross-platform food delivery app that will be within your budget.

11. On-Demand Milk Delivery App

On-demand milk delivery app development is a simpler niche app focused on recurring deliveries. It is used for delivering milk to customers regularly, often every day.

It needs simple features like choosing the amount of milk required, setting delivery times, making payments, and pausing or changing orders.

If you develop a simple milk delivery app, it can cost somewhere around $25,000. But if you want some extra features like live delivery tracking, customer support, etc, the on-demand milk delivery app development cost goes up to $105,000.

Factors Affecting the Cost To Develop An On-Demand App

Now that you are well-versed in the cost of developing an on-demand app by different categories. But there are many factors that might influence the on-demand app development cost.

So, let’s have a look at the crucial factors.

1. App Discovery

The on-demand app idea vision is thoroughly checked before you start planning. A mobile app development team leverages multiple methods to test the app idea you have been provided, like competitor research, checking user persona, and testing market capitalization.

The objective of the app discovery stage is to validate your app idea before working on a prototype and a rough feature list. This might take some time, around 40-70 hrs, and can affect the cost of building an on-demand app.

2. App Complexity

The next factor that affects the cost of making an on-demand app is app complexity. The number of features you will use in your on-demand app defines its complication.

If you want a simple application like EverWash with those core features and a simple backend, the cost to build a car wash app is less.

However, a medium complexity on-demand application includes API integration, a custom user interface, and a basic backend structure. Lastly, the complex on-demand app, as the name suggests, is a very complex app.

It covers advanced features, a dynamic backend with multiple network relationships. All these elements can increase the on-demand app development cost.

3. App Platform

The app platform is an essential factor that can affect the on-demand mobile app development cost. The direct response to this query is the app platform and the number of OS versions your app can have. But what does it cost to develop an iOS app?

If you build a native app, the cost difference is not huge between Android and iOS apps. However, the cost can be a little more if you develop a Hybrid app that combines the features of both native and web apps. It can affect the cost of developing an on-demand app, as the cost is really high.

4. Team Structure

The cost of creating an on-demand app fluctuates depending on who is creating it, a freelancer or a mobile app development company.

A freelancer will charge less as compared to a development team. The difference in cost to develop an on-demand app varies based on the team size.

The largest app development company with a team of 4000+ professionals costs more in comparison to an app developed by a mid-cap development firm with a team size of up to 1000 professionals. However, a freelancer with a team of 50+ experts costs much less to build.

5. Team Location

Lastly, the on-demand app development cost is directly affected by the development team’s location. When you move from the west to the east, the living costs change. When we communicate about rate variation, we think about the per-hour costs.

Additionally, if you hire a mobile app developer from North America, the hiring cost will be around $70-$150 per hour. But if you hire from Asia or Russia, the cost to hire a developer is less.

Why is Nimble AppGenie the Cost-effective Partner for On-demand App Development?

Nimble AppGenie can help you build a robust on-demand app by providing customized, top-rated solutions that align with your business requirements.

We are the leading on-demand app development company that has expertise in numerous app categories.

From taxi booking to food delivery apps, our expert developers can develop all types of on-demand apps within your budget with the use of the latest technology.

When we consider the cost to develop an on-demand app, we offer transparent pricing options.

We always prioritise security, scalability, and maintainability in all our on-demand solutions and make sure your investment facilitates long-term value.

So, feel free to consult with Nimble AppGenie’s experts to pinpoint your budget and discuss on-demand app development cost options.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the cost to develop an on-demand app in 2025 requires analyzing different factors. From app design to app complexity, each factor plays a crucial role in influencing the on-demand app development costs.

Additionally, if you integrate third-party services and make sure to perform thorough testing can affect the total budget. However, by clearly evaluating these areas efficiently, you can manage the cost to make an on-demand app.

We hope this blog has helped you know the right on-demand app development cost. Now it is time to turn your idea into reality by consulting an experienced app development company.

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Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.