In today’s digital era, travel apps have become an integral part of our lives, providing convenience and accessibility to travellers worldwide. However, entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enter the travel app market often face the challenge of understanding the cost involved in developing a travel app. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the factors that influence the cost of travel app development in 2024. From outsourcing options to location considerations, team size, platform choices, and functionality, we will cover all the essential aspects to help you make informed decisions about your travel app development project.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Travel App?

Travel app development costs heavily rely on the app’s features and complexity. The cost to develop a basic travel app can range between US$10,000 – US$30,000, which increases up to US$70,000 for an intermediate app. Likewise, the cost to build a travel app with advanced features can exceed US$70,000.

Travel Industry in a nutshell

The travel industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2019, the global travel and tourism industry contributed approximately 10.4% to the world’s GDP, amounting to a staggering $8.9 trillion. 

This sector also supports numerous jobs worldwide, employing over 330 million people, which accounts for approximately 10% of global employment. These statistics highlight the importance of the travel industry in driving economic growth and providing livelihoods for millions of people.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), international tourist arrivals reached 1.46 billion in 2019. This figure represents a 4% increase compared to the previous year and demonstrates the growing interest in travel among individuals worldwide. 

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the highest number of international tourist arrivals, followed by Europe and the Americas. These statistics indicate that people are increasingly exploring different parts of the world and seeking new travel experiences.

The rise of technology has also played a significant role in shaping the travel industry. Online travel bookings have become increasingly popular, with travellers using various websites and mobile applications to plan their trips and make reservations. In 2023, online travel bookings accounted for approximately 57% of all travel bookings globally, amounting to around $755 billion. This trend highlights the shift towards digital platforms in the travel industry and the importance of providing seamless online experiences for travellers.

Factors Affecting Travel App Development Cost

Before we delve into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the key factors that influence the cost of developing a travel app. These factors include:

• Outsourcing or Hiring Freelancers
• Location of the development team
• Team Size
• Platform Choice
• Backend Infrastructure and Administration Panel
• Design Complexity
• Functionality
• App Maintenance Costs
• Hidden App Development Costs

Now, let’s explore each of these factors in detail and understand how they impact the overall cost of travel app development.

Outsourcing or Hiring Freelancers: Choosing an Approach

When embarking on a travel app development project, the first decision you need to make is whether to outsource the development or hire freelancers. Both options have their pros and cons.

Outsourcing app development to a dedicated company can provide you with several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to focus on your core business while leaving the technical aspects to experts. Additionally, outsourcing offers a cost-effective solution, as you don’t have to invest in infrastructure or bear the overhead costs associated with an in-house team. Moreover, outsourcing provides access to a wide talent pool, ensuring you have the necessary expertise to build a successful travel app.

On the other hand, hiring freelancers may seem like a cost-saving option, but it comes with its own set of challenges. While freelancers may offer lower rates, they may not provide the same level of security and compliance as a professional app development company. Additionally, working with multiple freelancers for different tasks can lead to communication and coordination issues.

Ultimately, the choice between outsourcing and hiring freelancers depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of responsibility and compliance required for your app development project.

Location of the development team

The location of your app development team can significantly impact the cost of making travel apps. Different regions have varying hourly rates due to factors such as the cost of living, corporate taxes, and market demand.

Regions with a high cost of living and corporate taxes, such as North America, Australia, and Singapore, tend to have higher developer rates, ranging from $70 to $200 per hour. On the other hand, developing countries such as India and Indonesia, offer more affordable rates of $15 to $30 per hour.

Eastern Europe, particularly countries like Poland, provides a good balance between cost and quality. Developers in Poland, for example, tend to charge an average of $40 to $60 per hour. 

When considering the location for your travel app development, it’s important to weigh the cost against the level of expertise and quality required for your project.

Team Size

The size of your development team directly impacts the cost of travel app development. The more people involved in the process, the more money you will spend.

A typical travel app development team consists of various roles, including business analysts, UI/UX designers, project managers, developers, and quality assurance engineers. Each role adds value to your project and incurs costs based on their skill sets and work experience.

For example, a business analyst helps convert your ideas into technical requirements, estimate mobile app development costs, and recommend features based on market trends. 

A UI/UX designer visualises your app’s interface and creates wireframes and prototypes. Developers translate documentation into code, while quality assurance engineers test every aspect of your app to ensure its functionality and performance.

The cost of each role depends on factors such as hourly rates, the complexity of the project, and the level of expertise required. It’s essential to consider the team size based on your project requirements and budget.

Below is a rough breakdown of cost/hour for each of the verticals mentioned above:

Platform Choice

Determining the platform for your travel app, whether iOS, Android, or both, is another crucial factor that affects the development cost. Each platform has its own set of characteristics, development tools, and user base.

iOS and Android are the two major platforms dominating the mobile market. iOS is known for its strong presence in markets like the US, North America, Australia, and northern Europe, while Android holds the majority of the market share globally.

When choosing between iOS and Android, consider factors such as your target audience, geographic location, and budget. If your target audience primarily consists of iOS users or resides in regions where iOS is dominant, developing an iOS app may be the best choice. 

On the other hand, if your target audience is more aligned with Android users, opting for an Android app may be more suitable.

Another option to consider is cross-platform development, which allows you to build an app that works on both iOS and Android using a single codebase. 

Cross-platform development can save time and cost, as you don’t need to build separate apps for each platform. ScaleupAlly promotes Cross Platform Development using React Native or Flutter to the founders and businesses as this help keeps the cost under the radar. 

Choosing the right platform for your travel app depends on your target audience, market research, and budget considerations.

Backend Infrastructure and Administration Panel

Most travel apps require a backend infrastructure to enable client-server interaction. The backend handles tasks such as data verification, authentication, processing business logic, data storage, and security. Additionally, an administration panel may be necessary to manage app content, user permissions, payments, and notifications.

The complexity of the backend infrastructure and administration panel can impact the development cost of your travel app. Simple apps with fewer backend functionalities will be less expensive to develop, while complex apps with extensive backend requirements will incur higher costs.

It’s worth considering ready-made solutions for basic administration panel needs to reduce development costs. However, if you require a custom and complex administration panel, it will need to be built from scratch, contributing to the overall development cost.

Design Complexity

The design complexity of your travel app also plays a role in determining the development cost. The more sophisticated and customised the app design is, the more time and effort developers will need to implement it.

Also read: Cost of designing mobile app in 2024

Simple travel apps with native user interfaces and limited functionality will be quicker and cheaper to develop. Examples of simple travel apps include weather forecast apps, note-taking apps, or simple booking apps.

On the other hand, complex travel apps may require custom designs, animations, and a wide range of features. These apps support broad goals, and nonlinear workflows, and may have a large number of design screens with complex transitions. Examples of complex travel apps include advanced booking platforms, multi-functional travel guides, or trip planning apps.

The design complexity of your travel app should align with your target audience and the level of user experience you aim to provide. Remember that a well-designed app can enhance user engagement, satisfaction, and overall success.

Functionality

The functionality of your travel app is a significant determinant of the development cost. The more features and functionalities you want to include, the more time and effort it will take to develop.

Common features in travel apps include user registration and login, search functionalities, booking and payment systems, geolocation services, push notifications, and user profiles. The complexity of these features can vary based on your specific requirements.

It’s important to prioritise the must-have features for your travel app to stay within your budget and development timeline. Starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) that includes essential functionalities can help you validate your app idea and gather user feedback. You can then gradually add additional features and enhancements based on user demand and market trends.

App Maintenance Costs

App development is not a one-time investment. After your travel app is launched, ongoing maintenance and updates are necessary to ensure its optimal performance, security, and user satisfaction.

App maintenance costs typically cover activities such as supporting the latest operating system versions, bug fixing, performance optimization, code updates, server maintenance, and third-party service upgrades. These costs are usually not included in the initial development estimation and should be considered as part of your long-term app budget. The annual maintenance normally starts with 50% of the development cost.

It’s important to allocate resources for app maintenance to keep your app up to date, fix any issues, and implement new features or improvements based on user feedback.

Hidden App Development Costs

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are hidden costs associated with travel app development that may impact your overall budget. These costs include:

• Fees for third-party integrations: Implementing ready-made integrations such as payment gateways, push notifications, or social logins may require subscribing to a service that incurs additional costs.
• Admin, marketing, and management costs: Managing app content, user permissions, payments, and notifications may require additional tools or services that come with their own costs.
• Infrastructural costs: Setting up and maintaining the backend infrastructure, including content delivery networks, servers, and data storage, may incur additional expenses.
• App Store and Google Play charges: App Store charges an annual fee of $99 for an Individual Developer Account, while the Google Play store charges a one-time fee of $25.

Taking these hidden costs into account during the planning stage can help you avoid any surprises and ensure you have a realistic budget for your travel app.

Travel App Development Cost Breakdown Based on App Type

The cost of developing a travel app can vary based on the specific application category and its complexity. 

Here, we provide a breakdown of travel app development costs for different app types. 

1. Travel Booking App

• Development Cost: $30,000 – $60,000 using Cross Platform Tech
• Development Timeline: 5-8+ months
• App Examples: Expedia, Booking.com, Airbnb

Travel booking apps are complex platforms that involve features such as search functionality, real-time availability, booking and payment systems, reviews and ratings, and user profiles. The development cost for a travel booking app can range from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the level of customization and functionality required.

2. Travel Guide App

• Development Cost: $10,000 – $50,000 per platform
• Development Timeline: 3-6 months
• App Examples: TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, Guides by Lonely Planet

Travel guide apps provide users with information about destinations, attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. They may include features such as offline maps, user reviews, personalised recommendations, and itinerary planning. The development cost for a travel guide app can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per platform, depending on the complexity and level of customization.

3. Trip Planning App

• Development Cost: $10,000 – $70,000 per platform
• Development Timeline: 3-12 months
• App Examples: TripIt, Sygic Travel, TripCase

Trip planning apps help users organise their travel itineraries, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities. These apps may offer features such as itinerary sharing, real-time updates, offline access, and integration with booking platforms. The development cost for a trip planning app can range from $10,000 to $70,000 per platform, depending on the functionality and integration requirements.

4. Hotel Booking App

• Development Cost: $10,000 – $50,000 per platform
• Development Timeline: 3-6 months
• App Examples: Hotels.com, Trivago, Agoda

Hotel booking apps allow users to search for and book accommodations based on their preferences and budget. These apps typically include features such as search filters, user reviews and ratings, real-time availability, and secure payment options. The development cost for a hotel booking app can range from $10,000 to $30,000 per platform, depending on the complexity and integration requirements.

5. Flight Booking App

• Development Cost: $30,000 – $100,000 per platform
• Development Timeline: 4-12 months
• App Examples: Skyscanner, Kayak, Expedia

Flight booking apps enable users to search for and book flights, compare prices, and track flight status. These apps may include features such as flexible date search, price alerts, seat selection, and secure payment options. The development cost for a flight booking app can range from $30,000 to $100,000 per platform, depending on the level of customization and integration required.

Please note that these cost estimates are approximate and can vary based on the specific requirements, functionality, and complexity of your travel app.

Tips to Save Money on Travel App Development

While travel app development can involve significant costs, there are several strategies you can employ to save money and optimise your budget. Here are some tips to help you save money on travel app development: 

• Define a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Start with a basic version of your travel app that includes essential features and functionality. This allows you to validate your app idea, gather user feedback, and reduce initial development costs.
• Utilise Open-Source Frameworks: Take advantage of open-source app development frameworks to accelerate development and reduce costs. Open-source frameworks provide ready-made modules and libraries that can be customised to suit your travel app requirements.
• Consider Cross-Platform Development: Opt for cross-platform development to build a travel app that works on multiple platforms using a single codebase. This approach can save time and cost compared to building separate apps for each platform.
• Outsource Development: Consider outsourcing your travel app development to a reputable and experienced app development company. Outsourcing can provide cost savings, access to a skilled team, and the ability to focus on your core business.
• Prioritise Features: Identify the must-have features for your travel app and prioritise their development. This allows you to allocate resources efficiently and avoid spending on unnecessary features.
• Design Templates and UI Kits: Utilise free or affordable design templates and UI kits to expedite the design process and reduce design costs. These resources provide pre-designed elements that can be customised to match your travel app’s branding and user interface.
• Optimise Backend Infrastructure: Optimise your travel app’s backend infrastructure to minimise costs. Consider using cloud-based services and scalable architecture to reduce infrastructure and maintenance expenses.
• Maintenance and Updates: Allocate resources for ongoing app maintenance and updates to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction. Regular updates can help prevent major issues and reduce long-term development costs.

By implementing these cost-saving strategies, you can optimise your travel app development budget and achieve a successful app within your financial means.

How ScaleupAlly can help you in building travel and tourism apps?

ScaleupAlly can provide valuable assistance in building a travel and tourism app by offering expertise, guidance, and services in various aspects of app development. 

Here’s exactly how ScaleupAlly can help you in creating a successful travel and tourism app:

• Market Research and Analysis: ScaleupAlly conducts in-depth market research to identify trends, user preferences, and opportunities within the travel and tourism industry. This research helps in understanding your target audience and competitive landscape.
• Customised App Strategy: We work with you to develop a customised app strategy tailored to your business goals and objectives. This includes defining the app’s unique selling points and features.
• User Experience (UX) Design: ScaleupAlly also provides expertise in UX design, ensuring that your app offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface. We create wireframes and prototypes to visualise the app’s flow and functionality.
• Development Services: ScaleupAlly can also assist in the actual development of the app, helping you choose the right technology stack, develop the frontend and backend, and integrate essential features such as booking engines, payment gateways, and location-based services.

• Quality Assurance and Testing: We also ensure the quality and reliability of your app through rigorous testing processes, including functional testing, usability testing, and performance testing, to identify and fix any issues before launch.
• Scalability Planning: ScaleupAlly can help you plan for scalability, ensuring that your app can handle increased user traffic and data as your business grows. This involves selecting scalable infrastructure and architecture.
• Data Security and Compliance: We also provide advice on data security measures and compliance with industry regulations to protect user data and maintain trust.

• Monetization Strategy: ScaleupAlly can also assist in developing a monetization strategy for your travel and tourism app, whether it’s through bookings, commissions, ads, subscriptions, or partnerships.

• Marketing and Launch Support: In addition to this we also offer guidance on marketing strategies and tactics to promote your app effectively to global or local audiences. This includes app store optimization (ASO) and digital marketing strategies.
• Post-Launch Support: ScaleupAlly provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your app remains up-to-date, secure, and performs optimally. We can also help you gather user feedback for continuous improvement.
• Integration with Third-party APIs: ScaleupAlly can assist in seamless API integration, if your app requires integration with external services like flight or hotel booking engines.

• User Engagement and Retention: ScaleupAlly also provides strategies for user engagement and retention, including push notifications, loyalty programs, and personalised recommendations.

By leveraging the expertise of ScaleupAlly, you can navigate the complexities of travel and tourism app development more efficiently, reduce development risks, and increase the likelihood of creating a successful app that meets the needs of travellers and tourists while achieving your business objectives.

Conclusion

Developing a travel app involves careful planning, consideration of various factors, and a thorough understanding of the associated costs. By considering factors such as outsourcing options, location, team size, platform choice, design complexity, functionality, and hidden costs, you can estimate and manage the cost of travel app development effectively.

Remember to define a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), leverage open-source frameworks, and prioritise features based on user needs. Consider outsourcing to a reputable app development company and utilise design templates and UI kits to expedite development and reduce costs. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to ensure the optimal performance and success of your travel app.

With a clear understanding of the factors influencing travel app development cost and the tips for cost optimization, you can embark on your travel app development journey confidently. Invest in a robust and user-friendly travel app to provide travellers with enhanced experience, convenience, and seamless travel planning.