Food delivery apps have transformed the way people order food. If you’re considering entering this booming market, one of the first things you’re probably wondering is:
How much does it cost to develop an app like FoodPanda?
On average, the cost to develop a food delivery app like FoodPanda ranges between $25,000 to $200,000. The exact price depends on various factors like features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), UI/UX design, and development team location.
But before we break down the numbers, let’s explore what makes FoodPanda so successful and why building an app like it could be a profitable move.
What is FoodPanda App?
FoodPanda is one of the most popular online food delivery platforms, connecting users with restaurants and offering convenient meal deliveries at their doorstep.
Launched in 2012, it operates in multiple countries, making food ordering effortless through its mobile app and website.
How Does FoodPanda Work?
The app follows a simple yet efficient process:
- Browse Restaurants – Users can explore various cuisines and restaurants based on location.
- Place an Order – After selecting their meal, they can customize it and add special instructions.
- Secure Payment – Multiple payment options, including cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery, ensure smooth transactions.
- Real-Time Tracking – Once the order is placed, users can track the delivery status in real-time.
- Quick Delivery – A rider picks up the order and delivers it within the estimated time.
Why Is FoodPanda So Popular?
- Wide Restaurant Network – Collaborations with thousands of eateries provide endless choices.
- User-Friendly Interface – The seamless design makes ordering quick and easy.
- Exciting Deals & Discounts – Regular offers attract more customers.
- Reliable Delivery Service – Fast and accurate deliveries keep users satisfied.
If you’re thinking of creating an app like FoodPanda, the key is to focus on convenience, variety, and speed.
Features of a FoodPanda-Like App
To build an app like FoodPanda, you need a set of features that ensure seamless food ordering and delivery.
Here are 15 essential features every FoodPanda clone app should have:
- User Registration & Login: Users should be able to sign up quickly using email, phone numbers, or social media accounts.
- Smart Search & Filters: Allow users to search restaurants by cuisine, location, rating, or price range for easy selection.
- Restaurant Listings: Display a list of available restaurants with menus, reviews, and delivery time estimates.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Enable users to track their orders from restaurant preparation to doorstep delivery.
- Multiple Payment Options: Support payments via credit/debit cards, digital wallets, UPI, and cash on delivery.
- Push Notifications: Keep users updated on order status, discounts, and promotional offers.
- Loyalty Programs & Discounts: Offer referral bonuses, coupon codes, and reward points to encourage repeat orders.
- AI-Based Recommendations: Suggest restaurants and dishes based on users' past orders and preferences.
- Contactless Delivery Option: Allow customers to request no-contact delivery for safety and convenience.
- Order Scheduling: Users can schedule orders in advance for a preferred time slot.
- Multiple Address Saving: Let users save home, work, and other delivery addresses for quick access.
- Reviews & Ratings: Customers can leave feedback on food quality, delivery speed, and restaurant service.
- In-App Chat & Support: Offer live chat support to resolve user queries related to orders, refunds, and deliveries.
- Delivery Partner App: A dedicated app for drivers with route optimization, order management, and earnings tracking.
- Admin Dashboard: A central panel for managing orders, users, restaurants, payments, and analytics.
Having these features in your FoodPanda-like app ensures a seamless experience for users, restaurants, and delivery partners.
Why Develop an App Like FoodPanda?
The food delivery market is booming, and launching an app like FoodPanda can be a game-changing business move.
But why should you invest in it?
Let’s look at three major reasons backed by real statistics.
1. The Online Food Delivery Market is Skyrocketing
Food delivery apps are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity.
The global online food delivery market was valued at $221.65 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $505.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.3%.
This explosive growth means that creating an app like FoodPanda puts you in a profitable industry with a rising customer base.
2. Customers Prefer Convenience Over Dining Out
A survey found that 63% of consumers prefer ordering food online over dining in restaurants. Factors like quick delivery, diverse cuisine options, and easy payment methods make food delivery apps more appealing.
If you develop a food delivery app like FoodPanda, you tap into this growing demand and provide users with what they’re already looking for—convenience.
3. High Revenue Potential with Multiple Monetization Models
Food delivery apps make money through various channels:
- Commission on Orders – Charge restaurants 15% to 30% per order.
- Delivery Fees – Earn from customers based on distance and peak hours.
- Subscription Plans – Offer premium memberships for free delivery and exclusive discounts.
- Ads & Promotions – Restaurants pay to appear at the top of search results.
FoodPanda itself generated over $750 million in revenue in 2022, proving that investing in an app like FoodPanda can be highly profitable.
With such a promising industry, you might be wondering—how much does it cost to develop an app like FoodPanda?
Average Cost to Develop an App Like FoodPanda
So, how much does it cost to develop a food delivery app like FoodPanda?
On average, the cost to build a food delivery app like FoodPanda ranges between $25,000 to $200,000. The price varies based on app complexity, features, platforms, and development team rates.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated cost based on complexity:
App Type | Estimated Cost |
Basic Food Delivery App (limited features) | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Mid-Level App (real-time tracking, multiple payments) | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Advanced App (AI-based recommendations, analytics, multi-country support) | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
If you’re planning to create a FoodPanda clone app, keep in mind that factors like third-party integrations, design complexity, and backend infrastructure also impact the final cost.
For more details on the same, it’s highly recommended that you consult an app development company.
But what exactly affects the FoodPanda-like app development cost? Let’s dig into the details in the next section.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Develop an App Like FoodPanda
The cost to build an app like FoodPanda isn’t fixed—it depends on several factors. From app features to development team location, each aspect influences the final price.
Let’s break down 10 key factors along with their cost impact.
1] App Complexity & Features
The more features your FoodPanda-like app has, the higher the cost.
App Complexity | Estimated Cost |
Basic (Login, Ordering, Payments) | $25,000 – $40,000 |
Medium (Live Tracking, Reviews, Discounts) | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Advanced (AI Recommendations, Multi-Country Support) | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
2] Platform (iOS, Android, or Both?)
Developing a native iOS or Android app costs less than a cross-platform app.
Platform | Estimated Cost |
Android Only | $25,000 – $80,000 |
iOS Only | $25,000 – $80,000 |
Both (Cross-Platform) | $50,000 – $150,000 |
3] UI/UX Design Complexity
A seamless, visually appealing design enhances user experience but adds to the cost.
Design Type | Estimated Cost |
Basic Design | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Custom UI/UX | $10,000 – $25,000 |
High-End Interactive Design | $25,000+ |
4] Development Team Location
Where you hire your development team significantly affects the FoodPanda-like app development cost.
Location | Hourly Rate |
USA, Canada | $80 – $150/hr |
Western Europe | $60 – $120/hr |
Eastern Europe | $40 – $80/hr |
India, South Asia | $25 – $50/hr |
5] Backend & Database Development
A strong backend ensures smooth order processing and data management.
Backend Complexity | Estimated Cost |
Simple | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Medium | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Advanced | $40,000+ |
6] Third-Party API Integrations
Using APIs for maps, payments, and notifications saves time but increases costs.
Integration | Estimated Cost |
Payment Gateways | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Google Maps API | $2,000 – $5,000 |
SMS/Push Notifications | $3,000 – $8,000 |
7] Admin Dashboard Development
A robust dashboard helps manage orders, users, and payments efficiently.
Admin Panel Type | Estimated Cost |
Basic Panel | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Advanced Panel with Analytics | $20,000 – $50,000 |
8] Security Features & Compliance
To protect user data and ensure secure transactions, security measures are a must.
Security Features | Estimated Cost |
Basic Encryption | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Advanced Security (SSL, GDPR, PCI DSS) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
9] Testing & QA
Rigorous testing ensures a bug-free experience, reducing future maintenance costs.
Testing Type | Estimated Cost |
Manual Testing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Automated Testing | $10,000 – $25,000 |
10] Post-Launch Maintenance & Updates
Regular updates and server maintenance keep the app running smoothly.
Maintenance Plan | Annual Cost |
Basic Support | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Regular Updates & Scaling | $20,000 – $50,000 |
By considering these factors, you can estimate how much it costs to develop an app like FoodPanda and plan your budget accordingly.
Development Process for an App Like FoodPanda
Building an app like FoodPanda requires a structured approach to ensure smooth functionality and a great user experience.
Here’s a brief overview of the development process:
1. Market Research & Planning
- Analyze competitors, target audience, and industry trends.
- Define the unique value proposition (UVP) of your FoodPanda-like app.
- Plan the app’s features, technology stack, and monetization model.
2. UI/UX Design
- Create wireframes and prototypes for easy navigation.
- Focus on intuitive design, quick order placement, and engaging visuals.
- Develop an interactive user flow for a seamless experience.
3. Frontend & Backend Development
- Frontend: Build an attractive user interface (UI) for customers, restaurants, and delivery partners.
- Backend: Develop a strong architecture to handle orders, payments, and user data securely.
4. API Integrations
- Add payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
- Integrate Google Maps API for real-time tracking.
- Implement push notifications for updates and offers.
5. Testing & QA
- Perform manual and automated testing to eliminate bugs.
- Test the app’s speed, security, and performance.
- Ensure seamless cross-platform compatibility.
6. Deployment & Launch
- Deploy the app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Implement marketing strategies for a successful launch.
- Monitor initial user feedback and make necessary improvements.
7. Post-Launch Maintenance & Updates
- Provide regular updates to fix bugs and enhance features.
- Analyze user behavior to optimize the app experience.
- Scale the app as demand grows.
Developing a FoodPanda-like app takes a step-by-step process, but once it’s live, the revenue potential makes it worth the investment.
Now, let’s discuss how long it takes to develop an app like FoodPanda!
How Long Does It Take to Develop an App Like FoodPanda?
The time required to develop an app like FoodPanda depends on the app’s complexity, features, and development approach.
On average, it takes 4 to 12 months to fully develop a functional food delivery app.
Here’s a time breakdown based on development stages:
Development Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
Market Research & Planning | 2 – 4 weeks |
UI/UX Design | 3 – 6 weeks |
Frontend & Backend Development | 12 – 24 weeks |
API & Third-Party Integration | 4 – 8 weeks |
Testing & Quality Assurance | 4 – 6 weeks |
Deployment & Launch | 2 – 4 weeks |
If you’re looking to launch a FoodPanda-like app quickly, strategic planning and the right development team are key factors.
Here’s How to Drive Revenue in Your FoodPanda Clone
Developing an app like FoodPanda isn’t just about building a food delivery platform—it’s about making serious profits. So, how can you maximize your ROI?
Let’s break down the best monetization strategies along with their revenue potential.
A] Commission on Orders (Primary Revenue Model)
- Charge restaurants 15% – 30% commission per order.
- The more restaurants onboard, the higher your revenue.
Revenue Potential: A restaurant generating $50,000/month in sales can bring you $7,500 – $15,000 monthly.
B] Delivery & Convenience Fees
- Charge customers based on distance and demand.
- Offer priority delivery for an extra fee.
Revenue Potential: If 50,000 orders/month have an average $2 delivery fee, that’s $100,000 per month!
C] Subscription Plans (Premium Memberships)
- Provide free delivery, exclusive discounts, and priority support for a monthly fee.
- Example: Swiggy’s Super and Zomato Gold increase customer retention.
Revenue Potential: Even 10,000 users paying $5/month means $50,000 in recurring revenue.
D] Featured Listings & Sponsored Ads
- Restaurants pay to appear at the top of search results.
- Offer banner ads, homepage placement, and category highlights.
Revenue Potential: Charging $500 per restaurant for a 30-day featured spot can generate thousands monthly.
E] In-App Advertising
- Run third-party ads (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or partnerships).
- Targeted promotions for grocery, meal kits, or beverage brands.
Revenue Potential: Food delivery apps earn $10,000+ per month from ad placements.
F] White-Labeling & Franchise Model
- License your FoodPanda-like app to restaurants or startups.
- Offer your platform as a SaaS-based solution.
Revenue Potential: White-label app providers charge $10,000 – $50,000 per client.
G] Surge Pricing During Peak Hours
- Increase prices during rainy days, weekends, or high demand.
- UberEats and DoorDash use dynamic pricing to boost profits.
Revenue Potential: A 10% surge on 100,000 monthly orders can significantly increase revenue.
H] Maximizing Your Revenue Potential
- Combine multiple revenue streams for sustainable profits.
- Attract more users with discounts and loyalty programs.
- Expand beyond food—offer grocery, pharmacy, and alcohol delivery.
If you make an app like FoodPanda with a strong monetization model, your business can generate six to seven-figure revenues annually!
DotStark – Your Trusted Partner for Food Delivery App Development
Building a FoodPanda-like app requires the right expertise, and that’s where DotStark comes in.
As a leading food delivery app development company, we got you covered.
We specialize in food delivery app development, helping businesses create high-performance, scalable, and feature-rich platforms tailored to their needs.
Whether you want a custom-built app or a FoodPanda clone app, we ensure a smooth development process with top-tier functionality.
Why Choose DotStark?
- Custom Solutions – We tailor the app to your business model.
- Scalable Architecture – Grow your platform as demand increases.
- Seamless UI/UX – Designed for a fast, user-friendly experience.
- Advanced Features – AI-driven recommendations, real-time tracking, and secure payments.
- Affordable Development – Get high-quality results without breaking the budget.
Looking to build an app like FoodPanda? Our expert developers are ready to bring your vision to life!
Conclusion
Creating a FoodPanda-like app is a profitable investment in the rapidly growing food delivery industry. With the right features, monetization strategies, and development team, you can build a platform that attracts users, boosts restaurant sales, and drives consistent revenue.
The cost to develop a food delivery app like FoodPanda can range from $25,000 to $200,000, depending on features, platform, and complexity. By choosing DotStark, you get a high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective solution that ensures success in the competitive market.
Now that you have a clear roadmap, are you ready to launch your FoodPanda-like app? Let’s answer some common questions before you start!
Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes 4 to 12 months to build an app like FoodPanda, depending on its complexity. An MVP version can be launched in 2-4 months with core features.
The cost to develop an app like FoodPanda ranges from $25,000 to $200,000, depending on the features, design, and technology used. A basic app costs $25,000 – $40,000, while an advanced version can go beyond $100,000.
Yes! You can generate revenue through order commissions, delivery charges, ads, featured listings, and subscription plans. Many food delivery apps earn millions annually with these strategies.
If you want high performance and a better user experience, go for native apps (separate iOS & Android versions). If you need a budget-friendly and faster solution, cross-platform development is a great option.
DotStark offers custom-built, feature-rich, and scalable food delivery apps with seamless UI/UX, real-time tracking, AI-driven recommendations, and secure payment gateways—all at an affordable cost.

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vanshika@dotstark.com