How Much Does It Cost to Build a Food App Like Deliveroo In the UK

Do you also find it convenient to have your favourite meal delivered to your doorstep, all with a few taps on your phone? This is the magic of food delivery apps like Deliveroo!

With the online food delivery market in the UK projected to experience an annual growth rate of 7.74%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$70.00bn by 2029, it is clear that these apps have changed the way people order and enjoy food.

With the online food delivery market in the UK projected to experience an annual growth rate of 7.74%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$70.00bn by 2029, it is clear that these apps have changed the way people order and enjoy food.

With the online food delivery market in the UK projected to experience an annual growth rate of 7.74%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$70.00bn by 2029, it is clear that these apps have changed the way people order and enjoy food.

This article will explore the development costs of making a food app like Deliveroo, key factors influencing the costs, and many more.

So, stay connected because this article will help you budget effectively and have detailed knowledge regarding the cost of developing a food delivery app.

Overview of Deliveroo's Success

Deliveroo is a popular food delivery app in the UK. It connects restaurants, delivery drivers, and customers through a user-friendly platform. It is a successful app because of its user-friendly interface, various restaurant networks, and reliable delivery system.

The app ensures the meals are delivered to the customer on time, which helps boost the user experience. However, the time and resources required to build the app are significant. Deliveroo’s business model includes three primary components:

👉 Customers

👉 Riders

👉 Merchants

Each part is supported by technology that ensures the app functions well and efficiently. If you want to achieve the same success as Deliveroo, you must understand the elements used for such a platform.

It is a global online platform and a local business connecting customers, riders, and merchants within their local neighborhoods. Deliveroo offers various benefits to these three components of the marketplace.

🔵 Customer: Appealing consumer value proposition.

🔵 Rider: Flexible work hours, attractive earnings, and security.

🔵 Merchant: Logistics, new consumers, and online tools to grow business effectively.

This app's success was possible because it thoroughly understood the needs and requirements of the customers, riders, and merchants while fulfilling its aim to change how people eat and shop by connecting customers, restaurants, shops, and riders.

Why Invest in a Food Delivery App?

The food delivery industry is increasing, and there is no better time to invest in building an app like Deliveroo. If you are still not sure, the reasons mentioned below will help you learn why this sector attracts investors and why it can be a beneficial new business idea.

Growing Demand

Food delivery apps have become convenient for many people, especially those with busy lifestyles. A report from Statista shows that the global online food delivery market size was valued at US$1.22tn in 2024, and it's expected to reach US$1.91tn by 2029.

Increased Convenience

We all love it when we can conveniently order food from our favorite restaurant with only a few clicks. These food apps offer enhanced convenience along with flexible payment options. Quick deliveries make food apps more attractive to users.

Profit Potential

Platforms like Deliveroo have become profitable, with millions of consumers and many merchants and riders connected with them. The below image shows the exact figures.

The food apps usually earn through commission charges from restaurants, delivery fees, and subscription models. The earning potential is high, especially if you can enter a growing market or offer unique services.

Scalability

Food delivery apps are scalable, allowing you to grow your business when expanding to other cities or regions. The technology infrastructure is already in place, and the right marketing strategy can help you attract new users.

Core Features of a Food Delivery App

To build an app like Deliveroo, you need to include key features to ensure smooth functionality. Let’s explore these features in detail.

User Registration and Profile Management

The first essential feature of a food app like Deliveroo is user registration. The user should be able to sign up using their email, phone number, or social media accounts.

This feature allows them to create accounts and store preferences such as payment methods and delivery addresses. If you offer your customers the option to customise their choice, it will help ensure your customer is returning.

Restaurant Discovery and Search

Another feature of a food app is search and filter options. The app allows users to search for restaurants based on their preferred dishes, ratings, distance, and pricing.

The search options make it easy for customers to find what they want quickly. Once the user finds a restaurant, they can browse the menu, and the user can also see the food easily through organised categories, such as starters, main courses, and desserts.

For instance, if you are ordering from McDonald’s, you can choose the food you want to eat from the menu section, like burgers, wraps, salads, shares & bundles, and more.

Order Customisation

One of the excellent features of a food delivery app is the ability to customise orders. The users can customise their meals based on their preferences.

This feature improves the user experience by giving them complete control over their orders, whether they want to change ingredients, add extra toppings, or specify cooking instructions or preferences. They can also select a quantity before adding the item to their cart.

Real-Time Order Tracking

The users are offered live updates regarding their order status. Once you place an order, you can track its progress from the moment the restaurant accepts your order until the rider delivers it to your doorstep.

The user can see the map on the app that will show the route taken by the rider and the estimated delivery time, which will help users know when their order will be arriving instead of getting anxious.

Push notifications or in-app updates alert the users about the order status, including when it’s being prepared, dispatched, or when the delivery is approaching.

Secure Payment System

Security is essential whether you are buying from an e-commerce app or doing any online transaction, and a food delivery app is no different.

Food apps like Deliveroo should support multiple payment methods such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Google Pay), and cash on delivery.

The app also saves the payment details, allowing users to pay conveniently and quickly for their next orders.

Ratings and Reviews

Ratings and reviews help you know whether the restaurant you are ordering from serves delicious and good-quality food. The app allows users to rate their food, delivery service, and the app experience, which helps build digital trust and credibility.

The user can easily rate their experience, leave comments, share food photos, and provide feedback on the delivery process. Overall, this feature lets users rate restaurants, dishes, and delivery drivers. This feedback helps improve the service.

Driver Management System

The app has features that are not only for customers but also for riders. Riders can also view, accept, and track orders.

The details like order pickups, delivery addresses, and estimated delivery times are also visible to the riders. The driver management system lets drivers know when the customer has placed the order, when it is ready for pickup, and when they delivered it.

Another benefit of this feature is that it ensures the drivers are compensated for their work, whether through hourly rates, pre-delivery payments, or customer tips.

Admin Panel

An admin panel is one of the essential features that help monitor and control operations, such as managing restaurant listing,  tracking orders, processing payments, and handling customer support.

The panel allows the admin to approve or reject restaurant partnerships, update menus, manage promotions, and review customer feedback.

The admin panel helps manage customer service requests, resolve issues, and handle complaints.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Food App Like Deliveroo?

Now, let’s talk numbers. The cost of building an app like Deliveroo is anywhere from £50,000 to £200,000.

However, the development cost can vary depending on various factors such as the app's complexity, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and development region.

Suppose you are building a food app with essential features like user registration, menu browsing, and real-time tracking. In that case, the cost will be less than a fully customised app with more advanced features like AI-driven recommendations, multiple languages, and full scalability.

However, you should also know that the additional costs for servers, APIs, databases, maintenance, and updates can increase the cost of developing a food app. Here is a breakdown of the costs of building a food app like Deliveroo.

Cost Based on Development Approach

The cost of developing a food delivery app like Deliveroo depends not only on factors such as team location, app complexity, and features but also on the development approach you choose for building your app.

Here are some of the development approaches that affect the app development costs.

In-house Development

Cost: £120,000 and £400,000

If you are considering in-house development of your food app, you should know that it involves hiring your own development team.

You will have to hire developers, designers, testers, and other team members to develop your app. This approach benefits you because you can choose how the development process will take place.

However, this approach can be costly because you will have to pay for salaries, office space, equipment, and software licenses.

Freelance Development

Cost: £40,000 and £150,000

Hiring freelancers can be a great option if you want a more affordable option than in-house development. Freelancers usually charge you on an hourly or project basis.

The costs for freelance app developers can vary based on their expertise and location. A freelancer from regions such as Eastern Europe or India offers lower rates than regions with high cost of living like London.

Outsourcing to a Development Agency

Cost: £80,000 and £400,000

Outsourcing development to a professional Android and iOS app development agency can come in the middle of in-house development and hiring freelancers if you are considering the hiring options and their costs.

The agency has the expertise, skills, and an excellent team that helps create your food app just how you want it. Agencies in the UK may charge £80 to £250 per hour.'

MVP Development Approach

Cost: £30,000 to £80,000

If you have a new startup idea related to a food app, MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the best development approach. This approach is for startups with limited budgets.

An MVP version of your food delivery app will include only the essential features, like restaurant search, ordering, payment system, etc.

This development approach helps launch the app quickly and test the market and your business idea. It also saves you money by reducing development costs.

Native Development

Cost for a single platform (iOS or Android): £40,000 to £70,000

Cost for both platforms: £80,000 to £140,000

Native development means building separate apps for iOS and Android platforms. The app development services and teams create the app that offers the best performance, reliability, and user experience. These components are also essential for your food app's success but come at a higher cost.

Cross-Platform Development

Cost: £35,000 to £60,000

Cross-development involves creating an app that can run on both platforms, including iOS and Android.

With the help of cross-platform app development frameworks, like Flutter or React Native, the developers can write one codebase for both platforms. This method also reduces development time and cost.

Web-Based Development

Cost: £25,000 to £50,000

Another development approach is web-based development. It involves using browser technologies to offer app-like experiences without downloading the app. It may be quicker and cheaper to develop, but it doesn’t have advanced mobile features.

Cloud-based Platforms and SaaS Solutions

Cost: £20,000 to £60,000

Another cost-effective approach is using cloud development platforms or SaaS solutions for food apps.

These platforms are pre-built with a ready-to-use infrastructure, which you can change and customise according to your needs. However, this approach may limit some of the app’s customisation options.

Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Building a Food Delivery App

Many factors come together to develop a food delivery app, which makes it essential to understand the factors that affect the cost of developing a food app like Deliveroo. Let’s take a look at the factors below.

App Features

The features you choose for your food app can influence the app making charges. This is because these features will indicate whether your app will be complex or simple.

If your app includes essential features like user log in, restaurant listing, and order placement, it will cost less than advanced functionalities like live GPS tracking and in-app chat.

For instance, a push notification system is essential, but integrating this feature with personalisation can add to the development costs.

Design Complexity

A user-friendly and visually appealing design of your app ensures that it will attract customers and have the potential to convert them into repeat customers.

However, creating a custom-designed app with animations or special effects requires more time and resources, which can result in more costs.

Development Team Location

The app’s features and design impact the development costs, but the geographic location of the team or agency you choose to develop your food app in the UK also influences the price.

If you hire UK-based developers, it will cost you £60–£120 per hour for experienced professionals, while outsourcing the team to Eastern Europe or South Asia can provide the same services for £20–£50 per hour.

Team Size and Expertise

Another factor that affects the cost of developing a food app like Deliveroo is the size and expertise of your development team.

A smaller team may cost less but may take more time to complete the project, while larger teams ensure fast project delivery but at a higher cost. This makes it essential to find a balance between team size and your budget.

Platform Choice

The platform you choose to develop your food app, whether for Android, iOS, or both, can affect costs.

Native apps (built for one platform) offer better performance but require different development teams, increasing the budget. However, you can save costs by choosing a cross-platform app, which uses a single codebase to develop an app.

Technology Stack

The technologies you use for developing the app, such as backend languages, frontend development, payment integrations, and more, help enhance your app’s value.

However, advanced technologies like AI for personalised recommendations or blockchain for secure payments can increase development costs.

Third-party Integrations

The integrations of third parties can ensure the best user experience and increase the app’s functionality, but they result in additional costs required for setup and maintenance.

Each third-party API has its pricing model, which adds to the total development costs. The third-party integrations include:

👉 Payment Gateways like PayPal or Stipe

👉 Mapping Services like Google Maps

👉 Analytics Tools like Google Analytics

Testing and Maintenance

The app requires effective testing before it is put on the App Store or Google Play Store. The testing ensures your app works well on different devices and platforms.

The ongoing maintenance ensures it remains up-to-date and bugs-free according to emerging technologies and changing user behaviour. The servers, databases, and third-party services are also monitored regularly to prevent 502 status codes or other code errors.

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Put an App on the App Store?

Steps to Develop a Food App Like Deliveroo

It is not like you used some codes or technologies, and boom, the app has been developed. Building an app like Delivroo requires a properly structured approach.

Many steps need to be followed, from planning to app launch. Here are the steps that are implemented when creating a food app.

Market Research and Analysis

Who are you developing your app for, or what are your customers' needs? You should know the answers to these questions because they will help create the app that matches your business needs and user expectations.

So, start by understanding the target market, competitors, and customer needs. Conduct thorough market research, as it will help you learn about the demand for food delivery apps in the UK.

Research popular competitors like UberEats, Just Eat, and Grubhub to identify what services they are offering and what is missing. This missing point will help you meet the consumer's unmet need and achieve great results.

Conceptualisation and Planning

Once you have researched thoroughly, you have to define the scope of your app. This means you need to decide the features you want to implement, such as search filters, restaurant partnerships, delivery tracking, and payment systems.

You also have to decide on the monetisation model. The monetization model includes:

👉 Commission-based: Charge partner restaurants a percentage per order.

👉 Subscription-based: Offer users premium features for a monthly fee.

👉 Promotions: Include loyalty rewards or discounts to attract customers.

Planning these aspects early ensures a food app meets your business objectives and customer expectations.

Wireframing and Prototyping

The next step is wireframing and prototyping. Wireframes are blueprints for the app’s layout and navigation. Prototypes test the app’s flow and interactions, which helps check the app’s functionality before the development begins.

App UI/UX Design

If your food app is not used or navigated easily by the users or they don’t find it visually appealing, there is a chance that they may leave your app even before using it.

So, this phase involves creating an effective UI/UX roadmap, as it will help make a clean and engaging design.

The UI should be simple, with clear buttons, readable fonts, and relevant icons, which you can implement if you follow the UI design principles.

The UX should ensure that users can place their orders conveniently and quickly. The app is designed to work efficiently across different screen sizes at this stage.

App Development (Frontend & Backend)

This step is the major part of the development process. App development is divided into two parts:

👉 Frontend (Client-side)

👉 Backend (Server-side)

The frontend focuses on the app’s interface and user engagement, while the backend involves the server, database management, and app processes to ensure the best functioning of the app. Development involves coding languages like:

👉 React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps.

👉 Swift for iOS.

👉 Kotlin for Android.

For the backend, the technologies below are commonly used.

👉 Node.js

👉 Python

👉 Ruby on Rails

This phase is where most of the resources are required and used. It also requires excellent teamwork between designers and backend and frontend developers.

Integration of Key Features

This step includes integrating all the essential features into the app, such as payment gateways, restaurant listings, live order tracking, push notifications, and driver management systems.

Each feature is integrated effectively and smoothly for the best user experience. For instance, live tracking of orders and riders will require the developers to include GPS technology and support payment methods like credit cards, digital or mobile wallets, and cash on delivery.

Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

Once the developers have built the app, now it is time to test it. It involves many types of testing, including functional, usability, security, and performance testing. The testing helps fix bugs, optimise app performance, and ensure the app is secure.

Launch and Marketing

The app launch occurs when the food app is tested thoroughly to ensure the app is functioning well. Before going live, the app development team ensures the app is listed on the Google Play and Apple App Store.

This step also involves developing a marketing strategy to promote your app. This includes digital marketing like SEO, social media, Google ads, influencer marketing, and restaurant partnerships.

Post-launch Support and Maintenance

App maintenance is essential to ensure smooth operation. This includes:

👉 Handling customer complaints.

👉 Addressing technical issues.

👉 Providing regular updates with new features and improvements.

App maintenance is an ongoing process that helps fix bugs, enhance security, and adapt to changing user preferences. For a food delivery app, the cost of maintaining the app could range between £15,000 and £50,000 per year.

How to Optimize the Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App?

The developing cost of building a food app depends on the features, platform, development approach, design, and technology stack you choose. However, there are many ways that you can select if you want to optimise the cost of developing a food delivery app like Deliveroo.

Begin with an MVP

Instead of launching a fully-featured app, start with essential features like user registration, restaurant listings, and basic order tracking. This allows you to test your new business idea and market. You can add more features based on user feedback and when your app gains momentum.

Outsource Development

Another way is to hire a development team from cost-effective regions like India or Eastern Europe. You can save more costs if you outsource development than building in-house or hiring developers from Western countries. Look for agencies or freelancers with excellent expertise in food app development.

Use Pre-built Solutions

Instead of building your food app from scratch, use pre-built platforms for common functionalities like user authentication or payment processing. This helps reduce development time and costs while maintaining the app’s quality.

Avoid Over-Complication

You may want to add every trendy feature, but sticking to what is essential for your app’s initial version is also important. A simple app that works well is better than an overly complex one. This is because complex systems can confuse users and increase development costs.

Plan Ahead

A clear roadmap and plan ensures your project stays on track and within your budget. Communicate regularly with your development team to avoid costly changes or delays.

Use Open-Source Tools

Many tools and frameworks are available as open-source, meaning you can use them for free. Technologies like React Native or Firebase can reduce development costs.

What are the Revenue Models Adopted by Food Delivery Apps Like Deliveroo?

Till now, we have discovered how much it costs to build a food app like Deliveroo and how the development costs can be reduced.

Food delivery apps like Deliveroo use multiple revenue models that help them earn profits. Below are the detailed revenue streams adopted by Deliveroo and similar apps.

Commission-Based Model

The app can generate revenue by charging the restaurant partners in the commission-based business model. Restaurants pay a percentage of around 15% to 30% of each order placed through the app.

The percentage can vary depending on the restaurant size, location, and order value. This fee accounts for the platform’s exposure, logistics, and marketing support.

For instance, if a customer places an order worth £40, and the agreed commission is 20%, Deliveroo earns £8 from that transaction.

Delivery Fees

Another revenue model is the food app, which can charge delivery fees from the customers. The delivery charges will depend on the factors like:

👉 Distance between the restaurant and delivery address.

👉 Order Size

👉 Peak hours or high-demand times

Some platforms even include tiered pricing, offering fast delivery options for an extra fee.

Subscription Plans

Deliveroo generates revenue through subscription services like Deliveroo Plus, which offers customers benefits in exchange for a monthly fee. Users have to pay a fixed monthly charge, depending on the plan. In return, they enjoy perks like:

👉 Free delivery on orders above a certain amount.

👉 Exclusive discounts or offers.

This revenue stream also extends to restaurants, and they also enjoy various benefits after they subscribe to the plan, such as priority listing at a fixed monthly fee.

In-App Marketing

Deliveroo partners with brands to run targeted marketing campaigns directly within the app. Brands pay to display their products, offer discounts, or promote specific menu items.

This revenue model works because it is a low-effort method and a high-reward revenue stream.

Data Monetisation

Another revenue model involves collecting data on user behaviour, order patterns, and restaurant performance.

The app offers data analytics to restaurants and brands at a fixed price, which can help them improve their menus, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Surge Fees

The food app can increase delivery fees during high-demand times to manage the surge. During peak hours, delivery fees are increased to encourage more drivers to come online and manage demand.

Interesting Reads: How Does Airbnb Make Money: Business Model & Revenue Source

How Can Arramton Help You Develop a Cost-Effective Food App Like Deliveroo?

Food delivery apps stay in trend because of the convenience and quick food delivery service they offer to consumers. However, it is essential to build an app that has an impressive design that allows users to use it easily.

Arramton also has expertise in building a cost-effective food delivery app that can be customised based on your needs and goals.

Their team of skilled developers and designers has years of experience creating successful apps. They know what works and can guide you in making the best decisions that meet your budget.

Whether you want an MVP or a fully-featured and customised app, Arramton delivers the best-quality apps that match your audience's demand and expectations.

They even offer post-launch support, such as ongoing maintenance and updates, to ensure your app's smooth functioning and performance.

You can also get your food app built by partnering with Arramon Infotech, which is one of the best food delivery app development companies.

The Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand the total cost of building a food app like Deliveroo and the factors influencing the cost, such as app features, platform choice, design, development team location, and ongoing maintenance.

The development cost also varies based on your chosen development approach, such as in-house, freelance, outsourced, native, cross-platform, MVP, and cloud-based development.

We have learned the steps in building a food app like Deliveroo, from market research to post-launch support and maintenance. You can also reduce the development cost by following the strategies mentioned above to optimise the cost of building a food delivery app.

If you are looking for an app delivery development company in the UK that can develop a food app within your preferred budget, you can contact Arramton today to build the best, high-quality, and scalable food delivery app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How much does it cost to develop a food app like Deliveroo in the UK?

Ans: The cost to build an app like Deliveroo can vary depending on various factors, such as the app’s complexity, the selected features, the development team’s location, and scalability. However, the cost ranges between £50,000 and £150,000.

Q2 How long does it take to build an app like Deliveroo?

Ans: The time required to build an app like Deliveroo takes 6-12 months, depending on complexity and team size. Simple MVPs can be completed in 3-6 months.

Q3 What are the must-have features for a food delivery app?

Ans: The essential features of a food delivery app include:

👉 Intuitive UI.

👉 Real-time tracking..

👉 Secure payment options.

👉 Ratings and reviews.

👉 Restaurant search filters.

Q4 How does Deliveroo make money?

Ans: The Deliveroo makes money using the revenue models, such as:

👉 Commissions: A percentage from partner restaurants.

👉 Delivery Fees: Charges to customers.

👉 Subscription Plans: Deliveroo Plus offers free deliveries for a monthly fee.

Q5 Is it better to develop an app in-house or outsource?

Ans: Outsourcing is a cost-effective option, especially for startups, as it provides access to skilled developers at lower rates. However, in-house development offers better control and meets your business goals.