How Much Does It Cost to Build a Food Delivery App like HungerStation?

Food delivery apps have been around in Saudi Arabia for a while, and they are growing fast. According to Statista, the food delivery market is expected to reach $15.13 billion by 2029. The main reason for this growth is that people are busier than ever and prefer quick and easy solutions. Now, ordering food through an app has become a common habit for many users.

In recent years, there has been a huge rise in food delivery apps. As people rely more on digital services, these apps have become a modern necessity. Companies like HungerStation have made food ordering simple and efficient, changing the way people buy food.

With this growing demand, many businesses and entrepreneurs are developing their food delivery apps to enter this booming market. However, the big question remains: How much does it cost to build a food delivery app like HungerStation?

This article will help you understand the key cost factors and guide you in estimating how much it will cost to develop a food delivery app like HungerStation.

What is HungerStation?

HungerStation is a Saudi Arabian online platform for delivering food and groceries. It has gained recognition as one of the first and biggest services of its type in the Kingdom. The company started in 2012 and now works under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader in food delivery.

HungerStation’s digital platform links customers to a wide array of restaurants and grocery stores, making food ordering and delivery smooth.

With its easy-to-use interface and convenient features, HungerStation makes ordering food fast, simple, and hassle-free.

1. Browse Restaurants – Search for restaurants based on location, cuisine type, and popularity.
2. View Menus – Check out detailed menus with pictures and prices before placing an order.
3. Use Filters to find specific dishes or choose meals based on dietary preferences.
4. Schedule Orders – Plan ahead by scheduling food deliveries for a later time.
5. Track Orders in Real Time – Know exactly when your food will arrive with live order tracking.
6. Secure Payment Options – Pay safely using credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, or cash on delivery.
7. Leave Reviews & Ratings – Share feedback about restaurants and rate your experience.

Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App Like HungerStation

Developing a food delivery app similar to HungerStation involves multiple factors, including platform choice, features, technology stack, and development resources. You might need to spend anywhere from USD 30,000 to USD 250,000 or even more. Here’s a brief estimate for food delivery apps like HungerStation.

Here’s a brief estimate for food delivery apps like HungerStation.

• Basic Food Delivery App (MVP – Minimum Viable Product)

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a food delivery app influences essential features to validate the business idea with minimal investment. Key functionalities include user registration, restaurant listings, cart and checkout systems, basic order tracking, and a simple admin panel to manage orders and restaurants.

Developers create the MVP for one platform (Android or iOS) to cut initial expenses. A small team of 1-2 coders and 1 UI/UX designer handles the project. A basic food delivery app costs between $25,000 and $50,000, based on design complexity and coding rates.

• Mid-Level Food Delivery App (Like HungerStation – Core Features)

A mid-level food delivery app packs all the features of an MVP and adds more advanced functions similar to HungerStation. This version needs to be developed for both Android and iOS, plus a web-based admin panel to manage the business.

The team grows to 3-5 developers, 1-2 designers, and a QA specialist to make sure everything works well. The price tag for a mid-level food delivery app falls between $50,000 and $120,000.

Key Features

1. Separate apps for users, restaurants, and delivery partners
2. Real-time GPS tracking for orders
3. Multiple payment options (cash on delivery, credit/debit cards, digital wallets)
4. Push notifications for order updates
5. Ratings and reviews system
6. Basic analytics for business insights

• Advanced Food Delivery App (Full-Featured, Scalable Solution)

A high-end food delivery app uses top-notch tech and can grow, making it a strong rival to big names like HungerStation. This app works on iPhones, Android phones, computers, and tablets. To build it, you need a team of 5-10 coders who can do all parts of the app, 2-3 designers, tech experts to keep it running, and people to check for bugs.

This team makes sure the app runs well and stays safe. The price tag for a top-notch growable food delivery app is between $120,000 and $250,000 or more. The final cost depends on how complex the features are and where the team is based.

Key Features

1. AI-based recommendations for personalized user experiences
2. Dynamic & surge pricing for demand-based adjustments
3. Subscription model (e.g., free delivery for premium users)
4. Multi-language and multi-currency support for wider reach
5. Advanced admin dashboard with deep analytics
6. Cloud kitchen integration for optimized restaurant operations

Factors Affecting HungerStation-Like Food Delivery App Development Costs

The cost of developing a food delivery app similar to HungerStation varies significantly based on multiple critical factors. Understanding these elements helps in budgeting and planning a scalable, high-performing application that meets market demands.

• App Complexity and Features

The features integrated into your food delivery app directly impact development costs. A basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with essential functionalities, such as user registration, restaurant listings, and payment processing,g will cost significantly less than a full-featured app with advanced capabilities.

1. Live order tracking with maps
2. Multiple payment options (credit cards, wallets, PayPal)
3. In-app chat for customer support
4. Personalized recommendations based on past orders
5. Loyalty programs and reward points
6. Delivery driver tracking for real-time updates
7. Multi-language support to cater to a global audience

The more sophisticated the features, the higher the development time and cost. For example, AI-based dynamic pricing algorithms or cloud kitchen integrations require specialized expertise, increasing expenses.

• Platform Choice: iOS, Android, or Both?

Choosing between single-platform and multi-platform app development affects the total cost of a project. Developing a native iOS app usually costs 15–20% more than Android because of Apple’s strict design rules and unique development tools. When building a food delivery app like HungerStation, the platform you choose, Android or iOS, plays a big role in the cost, development time, and how resources are used.

Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native offer cost efficiencies through code reuse but may compromise performance for graphics-intensive features. Progressive web applications present an economical alternative for certain business models, though with limitations in mobile functionality.

1. Single platform (iOS or Android) → Lower cost
2. Both platforms (iOS + Android) → Almost double the cost

• Development Team Location

Where your development team is located significantly impacts costs. Hiring a team from Asia or Eastern Europe can save you 40-60% compared to hiring developers in the USA or Western Europe. Developers charge different hourly rates based on their region:

• Development Model

User interface design expenditures scale with the level of customization and interactive elements incorporated. Basic template-based designs satisfy minimum functionality requirements, while custom-designed interfaces with animated transitions and adaptive layouts enhance user engagement at a higher cost.

There are three main ways to develop your app, each with its pros and cons:

1. In-house team → Maximum control but the most expensive option. You need to hire developers, designers, and project managers.
2. Freelancers → more affordable, but managing them remotely requires strong communication skills.
3. App development agency → A full-service option with experienced professionals. Higher cost but ensures quality and reliability.

• Design Quality

The user experience (UX), user engagement, and retention get a major boost by a good app design, but the quality of design directly impacts the associated development costs. Basic design UI/UX with template-driven interfaces involving a bare minimum of interactivity are cheap to turn around but can usually fail to distinguish themselves from their competition.

Advanced designs, with micro-interaction, smooth animation, and adaptable layout, ensure usability, but those implementations will run longer and need very talented designers, raising costs.

1. Basic UI/UX design → Lower cost
2. Advanced design with animations & interactions → Higher cost
3. If your goal is to stand out from competitors, investing in a high-quality custom design is worth it.

• Ongoing Maintenance

Ongoing operational costs represent a frequently underestimated component of total ownership. Application maintenance typically consumes 15-25% of initial development costs annually, covering security updates, compatibility patches, and minor enhancements.

Major version updates introducing significant new functionality incur additional development cycles at 30-50% of original project costs. Once launched, you’ll need regular updates to:

1. Fix bugs and security issues
2. Add new features
3. Ensure smooth performance

Key Features to Include in a Food Delivery App Like HungerStation

Creating a food delivery app like HungerStation requires a seamless blend of user-friendly design, real-time tracking, and secure payment options to enhance customer satisfaction. With the rise of on-demand food delivery services, integrating AI-driven recommendations, multiple payment gateways, and efficient order management is crucial for success.

Below are the key features required for a HungerStation-like app:

• User Panel Features

1. User Registration & Login: Via email, phone number, or social media.
2. Restaurant Listings & Menus: View available restaurants and browse menus.
3. Order Placement: Add food items to the cart and place an order.
4. Live Order Tracking: Track the real-time status of orders.
5. Multiple Payment Options: Credit/debit cards, wallets, cash on delivery, etc.
6. Reviews & Ratings: Provide feedback on restaurants and delivery service.
7. Promotions & Discounts: Apply coupon codes for discounts.

• Restaurant Panel Features

1. Menu Management: Add or modify menu items, pricing, and availability.
2. Order Management: Accept, process, and track incoming orders.
3. Delivery Partner Coordination: Assign orders to delivery personnel.
4. Analytics & Reports: View sales performance and customer trends.

• Delivery Partner Panel Features

1. Registration & Profile Setup: Sign up and verify identity.
2. Order Notifications: Receive order requests in real time.
3. Navigation & Route Optimization: Use integrated maps for efficient deliveries.
4. Earnings & Payment Management: Track completed deliveries and earnings.

• Admin Panel Features

1. User & Restaurant Management: Monitor users and partnered restaurants.
2. Order Management System: Oversee the entire order cycle.
3. Payment Processing & Commission Management: Handle financial transactions.
4. Reports & Analytics: Gain insights into business performance.

Building an App Like HungerStation: Steps to Follow

Building a food delivery app like HungerStation requires following all the steps that lead to success. Every stage, from research to launch and later updates, plays a key role. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a successful food delivery app.

• Market Research and Planning

Before you start development, you need to do solid market research to understand your competition and what users want in your area. This step involves looking at existing food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and HungerStation to find gaps and chances in the market. A close look at what customers like, how they order, and what bugs them about current options will shape your product strategy.

Coming up with a clear Unique Selling Proposition (USP) plays a key role in setting your app apart in a busy market. This could include special delivery choices, one-of-a-kind restaurant team-ups, or cutting-edge features that rivals don’t offer.

At the same time, figuring out who you’re aiming for – maybe students, office staff, families, or a mix – will guide how you market and which features you focus on.

The planning phase ends with creating a full business plan that shows your revenue model (commission structures, subscription plans, or delivery fees), operational strategy, and plans to get customers. This document should also include money projections and growth targets to guide your development path.

• User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design

The design phase turns your market research into an easy-to-use, good-looking interface that boosts user engagement. A good food delivery app needs a clean, simple layout that’s easy to use and looks nice. The user flow should be made to guide customers from finding restaurants to confirming orders, with a special focus on the checkout process to reduce cart abandonment.

How to Improve UX of Digital Products with AI UI/UX?

Usability testing plays a key role in this stage. Here, we test prototypes with actual users to spot navigation issues or confusing parts. This step-by-step approach helps improve the interface before we start building it, which saves a lot of time and money down the road. We also think about making the app easy for everyone to use.

This includes things like making sure colors stand out from each other and using text sizes that are easy to read. These steps ensure that all potential customers can use the app without problems.

• App Development

The development phase brings your design concepts to life through careful technology selection and robust engineering. A crucial early decision involves platform selection – whether to develop native apps for iOS and Android separately or use cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cost efficiency.

Each approach has trade-offs in performance, maintenance, and development time that must be weighed against your business objectives.

Back-end development focuses on creating a scalable architecture capable of handling order processing, user authentication, and real-time updates. This includes implementing secure data storage solutions, efficient API structures, and reliable server infrastructure.

Essential third-party integrations, such as payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), mapping services (Google Maps), and communication tools (Twilio for SMS), must be carefully implemented to ensure seamless functionality.

• Testing and Quality Assurance

Rigorous testing is conducted to ensure the app performs flawlessly across various devices, operating systems, and network conditions. This includes functional testing to verify that all features work as intended, performance testing to evaluate speed and responsiveness under load, and security testing to protect sensitive user data.

Cross-device compatibility testing ensures the app renders correctly on different screen sizes and resolutions, while payment processing undergoes particularly stringent verification to prevent transaction failures. User acceptance testing with a sample of your target audience provides valuable feedback on real-world usability before full launch.

• App Launch and Marketing

The app launch begins with submission to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, following each platform’s specific guidelines for approval. A strategic marketing campaign should be implemented simultaneously, combining social media promotions, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising to generate initial traction.

App Store Optimization (ASO) is critical for discoverability, involving careful keyword selection in your app’s title and description, along with compelling visuals. A well-planned launch might include limited-time promotions or referral incentives to drive early adoption and generate valuable user reviews.

• Post-Launch Support and Updates

After launch, ongoing maintenance ensures optimal performance through regular updates addressing bugs, security patches, and operating system compatibility. Monitoring user feedback and app analytics provides insights for feature enhancements and identifies areas needing improvement.

A structured update roadmap should balance new feature development with performance optimizations based on user behavior data and market trends. Establishing responsive customer support channels helps maintain user satisfaction while providing valuable input for future development priorities. This continuous improvement cycle is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic food delivery market.

HungerStation’s Revenue Model

The revenue model of a food delivery app like HungerStation revolves around multiple income streams, ensuring profitability and scalability. With the growing demand for online food ordering and doorstep delivery, these platforms generate revenue through commission fees, delivery charges, advertising, and subscription plans. By leveraging technology-driven logistics and strategic partnerships, food delivery apps maximize earnings while enhancing customer experience.

Let’s explore the key revenue streams that drive a successful food delivery business model.

• Commission-Based Model

The cornerstone revenue stream for most food delivery platforms involves collecting a percentage-based commission from each completed transaction. This model typically ranges between 15-30% of the order value, with variations based on restaurant partnerships and market conditions. Tiered commission structures may be implemented, offering reduced rates for high-volume restaurant partners or during promotional periods.

The platform’s commission covers marketplace maintenance, payment processing, and customer support infrastructure. This approach aligns platform success with restaurant success, as both parties benefit from increased order volumes.

• Subscription Plans for Restaurants

Food delivery platforms can establish recurring revenue through premium subscription packages for restaurant partners. These packages often include value-added services such as:

1. Featured placement in search results and category listings.
2. Access to advanced analytics and customer insights.
3. Prioritized customer support and account management.
4. Increased menu customization options.
5. Co-marketing opportunities and promotional support.

Subscription tiers can be structured as monthly or annual commitments, with pricing scaled according to restaurant size and desired feature sets. This model provides predictable cash flow while helping restaurants enhance their digital presence.

• Delivery Fee from Customers

Delivery fees represent a direct revenue stream from end customers, typically calculated using a multi-factor algorithm that considers:

1. Base delivery charges covering operational costs
2. Distance-based pricing adjustments
3. Demand-based surge pricing during peak periods
4. Special handling fees for large orders or premium restaurants

Platforms may offer fee waivers or reductions as part of loyalty programs or promotional campaigns. Transparent fee breakdowns and real-time estimates help maintain customer trust while optimizing revenue potential.

• Advertisements and Promotions

The platform’s digital real estate offers multiple advertising avenues for restaurant partners seeking enhanced visibility. Sponsored listing placements, featured collection inclusions, and targeted promotional campaigns represent premium advertising products. These marketing solutions employ various pricing models, including cost-per-click, fixed placement fees, and performance-based arrangements.

The advertising infrastructure supports both broad awareness campaigns and hyper-localized promotions, with premium positioning available during high-traffic periods. Advanced analytics enable restaurants to measure campaign effectiveness and optimize advertising expenditures.

• Loyalty Programs and Memberships

Platforms develop sophisticated loyalty ecosystems combining paid membership tiers with engagement-based reward structures. Premium subscription options offer unlimited free deliveries or reduced service fees in exchange for recurring payments. Multi-level loyalty programs incentivize increased order frequency through points-based redemption systems and exclusive perks.

These initiatives not only generate direct revenue but also significantly improve customer retention metrics and lifetime value. The programs often incorporate gamification elements and personalized offers to maximize participation rates and emotional connection with the platform.

Challenges in Building a Food Delivery App

Building a food delivery app is not just about development costs, it also comes with operational and business challenges. From managing high competition to ensuring efficient logistics, businesses need to tackle multiple hurdles to succeed.

• Market competition

Competing with big brands like Uber Eats, Zomato, and HungerStation is tough. These companies already have a strong customer base and brand trust. To stand out, a new food delivery app needs aggressive marketing, unique features, and competitive pricing. Implementing AI-driven recommendations, personalized offers, and seamless app navigation can enhance customer engagement and retention.

• Logistics and Delivery Management

Managing real-time orders and coordinating with delivery drivers is complex. Ensuring fast and accurate deliveries requires route optimization, fleet management solutions, and real-time tracking. Advanced AI and IoT-based logistics management can improve delivery efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and prevent order delays. Integration with automated dispatching systems and predictive analytics can further streamline operations.

• Customer Retention

Acquiring customers is expensive, so retaining them is crucial. Offering loyalty programs, discounts, and excellent customer service helps keep users engaged. A smooth ordering experience, timely deliveries, and personalized offers can encourage repeat orders. Using AI chatbots for instant customer support, push notifications for deals, and data-driven insights can significantly improve user retention.

• Restaurant Partnerships

Convincing restaurants to join the platform can be challenging, especially when competitors offer better commissions or incentives. To attract restaurant partners, a food delivery app must offer lower commission rates, marketing support, and exposure to a larger customer base.

Additionally, automated order management systems, integrated POS solutions, and detailed analytics dashboards can help restaurants improve their operations, making the partnership more appealing.

Future Trends in the Food Delivery Application Industry

The food delivery industry is evolving rapidly with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models. Companies are leveraging AI, automation, and blockchain to enhance efficiency, security, and customer experience. As competition grows, personalization, faster deliveries, and cost optimization will define the future of food delivery apps.

• AI and Machine Learning for Personalization

AI-driven recommendations based on user preferences and past orders are transforming food delivery platforms. By analyzing customer behavior, AI suggests personalized meal options, promotions, and discounts, improving user engagement. Additionally, AI chatbots provide instant customer support, order assistance, and real-time updates, ensuring a seamless experience.

• Drivers and Robot Deliveries

Companies like Uber Eats and Domino’s are testing autonomous delivery solutions, including self-driving vehicles and drone deliveries. These innovations reduce delivery time, lower operational costs, and improve efficiency. The adoption of robotic delivery systems and AI-powered route optimization will make food delivery faster and more reliable in the future.

• Cloud Kitchens and Virtual Restaurants

More restaurants are shifting to cloud kitchens, operating exclusively through food delivery apps without a physical dining space. This model reduces rental costs, minimizes overhead expenses, and increases profit margins. With the rise of virtual brands, restaurants can experiment with multiple cuisines under different labels, maximizing revenue potential.

• Blockchain for Safe Transactions

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing food delivery by ensuring secure, transparent, and fraud-free transactions. Blockchain-based payments provide tamper-proof records, enhanced security, and reduced chargeback fraud. Additionally, smart contracts can automate payments between restaurants, delivery partners, and customers, streamlining financial operations.

Conclusion

Building a food delivery app like HungerStation requires advanced technology, strong logistics, and strategic partnerships. The food delivery industry is growing fast, with increasing demand for quick, convenient, and affordable meal deliveries. To succeed, businesses must focus on user-friendly app design, AI-powered recommendations, real-time tracking, and secure payment solutions.

Challenges like high competition, delivery management, customer retention, and restaurant onboarding can be tackled with innovative features, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, future trends like robotic deliveries, cloud kitchens, and blockchain payments will shape the industry’s future.

By investing in cutting-edge technology, seamless operations, and customer engagement, businesses can build a successful and profitable food delivery app that meets modern consumer needs.

Build Your HungerStation With Appventurez

In the highly competitive food delivery industry, having a strong development team is essential for building a successful, user-friendly, and scalable app. A trusted app development partner ensures that your platform is equipped with the latest features, seamless navigation, and high performance to meet customer demands.

Appventurez is digital transformation services company, helping businesses create top-notch, efficient, and scalable applications. With an experienced team of developers and designers, Appventurez has a proven track record of building high-performing food delivery apps tailored to various business needs. Their custom solutions ensure that every app aligns with business goals, target audience, and market trends, providing a competitive edge.

Using cutting-edge technology, Appventurez integrates AI-driven recommendations, secure payment gateways, real-time tracking, and cloud-based infrastructure to create fast, secure, and reliable food delivery apps. Their end-to-end development process, from conceptualization to launch, ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for businesses.

Additionally, Appventurez focuses on scalability, enabling apps to handle increasing orders and users without performance issues, ensuring long-term success in the growing food delivery market.