How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Grocery Delivery App Like Tesco?
On-demand grocery delivery apps like Tesco have changed how people buy daily essentials. Online grocery shopping has become a daily habit for many people. Apps like Tesco make it easy for users to order groceries from their mobile phones and get them delivered to their doorstep. Because of this growing demand, many startups and retailers want to build a grocery delivery app like Tesco. One of the most common questions is: how much does it cost to develop a grocery delivery app like Tesco?
In this blog, we explain the complete grocery app development cost, including feature-wise and advanced feature-based pricing.
Market Overview of Grocery Delivery Apps
The online grocery market is growing very rapidly all over the world. More people now prefer using grocery delivery apps to buy their everyday needs because these apps save time and are very convenient.
Experts estimate that the global grocery delivery market could reach nearly $1 trillion in value by 2025, showing how big this trend has become.
Mobile phones are a major reason for this growth. Over 60% of online grocery orders are now made from mobile devices, making grocery apps the favorite way to shop for customers.
The rising demand for doorstep delivery, real-time tracking, digital payments, and flexible delivery times has changed the way people shop. Features such as scheduled delivery, live order updates, and secure checkout have made grocery apps even more useful and trustworthy for users.
Big brands like Tesco have shown that grocery delivery apps can be very successful and profitable when built with the right technology and a great user experience (UX). Many customers now choose apps over visiting physical stores because of the speed, comfort, and range of choices available at their fingertips.
What Is a Grocery Delivery App Like Tesco?
A grocery delivery app like Tesco enables users to browse products, add items to their cart, make online payments, and track their orders with ease. Tesco is a well-known household name in the UK, founded in 1919, and trusted by millions of customers for daily grocery needs.
The Tesco-like apps support real-time inventory updates, multiple delivery options, and smooth order management. They usually follow a single-store or multi-store business model and connect customers, store managers, and delivery partners on one powerful platform.
Average Cost to Develop a Grocery Delivery App Like Tesco
The cost to develop a grocery delivery app like Tesco depends on app features, platform, and business model. A grocery app typically comprises a customer app, an admin panel, and a delivery system, which collectively impact the total cost of grocery delivery app development.
On average, the online grocery app development cost ranges between $12,000 and $60,000+.
A basic grocery app costs around $12,000–$20,000. It includes user login, product listing, cart, checkout, and basic payment options. This is best for startups and small grocery stores.
A mid-level grocery delivery app costs $20,000–$35,000. It includes real-time order tracking, multiple payment gateways, vendor management, and delivery partner features.
An advanced Tesco-like grocery app costs $35,000–$60,000+. It includes AI recommendations, real-time inventory, smart delivery routes, loyalty programs, and high security. This model is ideal for large and fast-growing businesses.
The final price depends on the number of users, vendors, delivery partners, and advanced features you choose.
Grocery Delivery App Development Cost by App Type
The cost of developing a grocery delivery app varies depending on the type of app you choose. Different business models require different features, panels, and integrations, which directly impact the cost to develop a grocery delivery app like Tesco. Below is a clear cost explanation by app type.
Single Store Grocery App Cost
A single-store grocery app is best for local supermarkets and independent grocery shops. This type of app focuses on selling products from one store only, which keeps development simple and affordable.
Estimated Cost: $12,000 – $18,000
This grocery app development cost includes product listing, search, cart, checkout, basic payment integration, and simple delivery management. It is ideal for startups or local stores planning to enter online grocery delivery with a limited budget.
Multi-Vendor Grocery Marketplace Development Cost
A multi-vendor grocery marketplace allows multiple grocery sellers to list and sell products on one platform, similar to large online grocery platforms.
Estimated Cost: $25,000 – $40,000
Hyperlocal Grocery Delivery App Cost
A hyperlocal grocery delivery app is designed for fast deliveries from nearby stores. It connects users with local vendors based on location.
This hyperlocal grocery app development cost includes real-time order tracking, nearby store discovery, live inventory updates, and optimized delivery logic. It is ideal for quick commerce and same-day grocery delivery businesses.
Estimated Cost: $22,000 – $38,000
Subscription-Based Grocery App Cost
A subscription-based grocery app is used for daily, weekly, or monthly grocery deliveries such as milk, vegetables, or essentials.
The subscription-based app development pricing covers subscription plans, recurring payments, automated order scheduling, and delivery reminders. It helps businesses build long-term customer retention and predictable revenue.
Estimated Cost: $18,000 – $30,000
Planning to build a grocery delivery app like Tesco?
Feature-Wise Grocery Delivery App Development Cost Breakdown
The grocery delivery app development cost mainly depends on the features added to different panels. A complete grocery delivery app like Tesco usually includes a customer app, vendor/store panel, delivery partner app, and admin panel. Each panel has its own features and cost.
Customer App Features & Cost
Customer app features directly affect user experience, engagement, and retention. These features play a major role in the cost to develop a grocery delivery app like Tesco.
| Customer App Features | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| User login & profile management | $800 – $1,200 |
| Product search & filters | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Cart & checkout system | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Multiple payment gateway integration | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| Order tracking & push notifications | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Customer App Total Cost | $6,000 – $10,000 |
Vendor / Store Panel Features & Cost
The vendor panel allows grocery stores to manage products, inventory, and orders easily. These features increase the cost of grocery app development but are essential for smooth operations.
| Vendor Panel Features | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Store profile & product management | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Inventory & stock management | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Order management dashboard | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Offers, discounts & pricing tools | $800 – $1,200 |
| Vendor Panel Total Cost | $4,500 – $7,500 |
Delivery Partner App Features & Cost
The delivery partner app ensures fast and accurate order delivery. These features impact the grocery delivery app development pricing by improving delivery efficiency.
| Delivery App Features | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Delivery agent registration | $600 – $1,000 |
| Order assignment system | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| GPS navigation & route tracking | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Earnings & payout management | $800 – $1,200 |
| Delivery App Total Cost | $3,500 – $5,500 |
Admin Panel Features & Cost
The admin panel manages the entire grocery delivery system. It controls users, vendors, deliveries, and revenue, making it a key part of the grocery app development.
| Admin Panel Features | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| User, vendor & delivery management | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Commission & revenue tracking | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Reports & analytics dashboard | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| CMS & system settings | $800 – $1,200 |
| Admin Panel Total Cost | $4,500 – $7,500 |
Advanced Features & Their Impact on Grocery App Development Cost
Advanced features help improve performance, automation, and user experience in a grocery delivery app like Tesco. However, these features also increase the overall Tesco app clone development cost. Below is a clear feature-wise cost table.
AI-Based Advanced Features
AI features improve personalization and smart decision-making in grocery apps. These features increase user engagement but raise the overall cost of AI-powered grocery app development.
| AI-Based Features | Purpose | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| AI product recommendations | Shows personalized products to users | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Smart demand forecasting | Predicts product demand and reduces stock issues | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Voice-based product search | Allows users to search for products using voice | $1,200 – $2,500 |
Real-Time & Automation Features
Real-time features help manage orders, inventory, and delivery smoothly.
| Automation Features | Purpose | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Real-time inventory synchronization | Keeps stock updated automatically | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Smart delivery route optimization | Reduces delivery time and fuel cost | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Dynamic delivery fee calculation | Adjusts delivery charges automatically | $800 – $1,500 |
Security & Compliance Features
Security features protect user data, payments, and platform operations. Security features are essential for trust and increase app development pricing.
| Security Features | Purpose | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Secure payment encryption | Protects online transactions | $800 – $1,500 |
| Role-based access control | Controls access for admin, vendors, and staff | $700 – $1,200 |
| Fraud detection & monitoring | Prevents fake orders and misuse | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Have an app idea in mind?
Let’s discuss your grocery app requirements and estimate the cost for free.
Platform-Wise Grocery App Development Cost
The platform you choose directly affects the cost to make a grocery delivery app like Tesco.
| Platform Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Android grocery app development cost | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| iOS grocery app development cost | $7,000 – $13,000 |
| Web admin panel development cost | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Cross-platform grocery app development cost | $10,000 – $18,000 |
Cross-platform development helps reduce the cost to build a grocery delivery app compared to separate Android and iOS apps.
UI/UX Design Cost for Grocery Delivery App
The best UI/UX design improves user experience and increases conversions.
| UI/UX Design Tasks | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Wireframing & prototyping | $800 – $1,500 |
| Custom UI design | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| UX optimization & testing | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Total UI/UX Design Cost | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Third-Party Integration Cost
Third-party tools are required for payments, maps, and notifications.
| Third-Party Integrations | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Payment gateway integration | $800 – $1,500 |
| Maps & GPS APIs | $700 – $1,200 |
| SMS, email & push notifications | $500 – $1,000 |
| ERP & POS system integration | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Maintenance & Ongoing Cost After Launch
Ongoing maintenance keeps the app secure, fast, and updated.
| Maintenance Activities | Estimated Cost (USD / Year) |
| App maintenance & updates | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Cloud hosting & server cost | $800 – $2,500 |
| Security updates & bug fixes | $700 – $2,000 |
Hidden Costs in Grocery App Development
When planning to create a grocery delivery app, many businesses focus only on the development cost. However, some additional expenses appear during or after the project. A reliable grocery delivery app development company helps identify these hidden costs early, allowing you to plan a better budget and avoid unexpected expenses in the future.
App Store Publishing Fees
To make your grocery app available to users, it must be published on app stores. Google Play and Apple App Store charge publishing and renewal fees. These costs are small, but they are required every year to keep your app live.
Payment Gateway Transaction Charges
Every online payment made through your app includes a transaction fee charged by the payment provider. As orders increase, these charges also increase. This is an ongoing cost that directly depends on how many users place orders.
Third-Party Service Subscriptions
Grocery apps often use third-party services for maps, notifications, SMS, emails, and analytics. Most of these services work on monthly or usage-based plans. Over time, these subscriptions add to the total running cost of the app.
Scalability & Future Enhancement Costs
As your grocery business grows, your app also needs upgrades. Adding new features, improving performance, or handling more users requires extra development and server costs. Planning for scalability early helps avoid sudden expenses later.
Cost Optimization Tips for a Grocery App Like Tesco
Building a grocery app does not always mean high cost. With the right planning, you can reduce expenses and still build a strong and reliable app.
MVP Development Approach to Reduce Initial Cost
Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This means launching your app with only essential features. It helps you enter the market faster, test user response, and reduce initial investment.
Feature Prioritization Strategy
Not all features are needed at the beginning. Focus on important features first and add advanced options later based on user feedback. This step-by-step approach helps control development costs.
Choosing Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform development authorize one app to work on both Android and iOS. It saves time and reduces app development costs compared to building separate apps for each platform.
Outsourcing to Cost-Effective Development Regions
Outsourcing development to regions with skilled but affordable talent can significantly lower costs. You get quality work at a reasonable price, which is ideal for startups and growing businesses.
Final Thoughts
The cost to develop a grocery delivery app like Tesco depends mainly on features, platforms, and advanced technologies. If you start with an MVP and scale gradually, you can control costs and grow faster. Choosing the right grocery app development company also helps you save money while building a high-quality app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it usually cost to build a grocery delivery app?
Can I reduce the cost of grocery app development?
Are there any ongoing costs after the app is launched?
How long does it take to develop a grocery delivery app?
Get in Touch
Our developers are focused to bring optimum outcomes through our.
Mr. Saddam Husen, (CTO)
Mr. Saddam Husen, CTO at Comfygen, is a renowned Blockchain expert and IT consultant with extensive experience in blockchain development, crypto wallets, DeFi, ICOs, and smart contracts. Passionate about digital transformation, he helps businesses harness blockchain technology’s potential, driving innovation and enhancing IT infrastructure for global success.
