July 15, 2025
E-commerce is no longer just a convenience—it’s a core business channel reshaping how consumers buy and how sellers grow. With rising demand across the MENA region, platforms like Noon have gained strong traction by combining product variety, user comfort, and region-focused strategies. For startups and retail enterprises exploring digital expansion, eCommerce app development offers scalable growth with long-term returns. But the first question is always the same—what’s the cost to develop an eCommerce app like Noon?
The answer depends on several factors, including platform type, feature range, and development partners, among others. So, if you’re also looking to enter the e-retail space with impact, this post will give you a clear roadmap of app development expenses.
An Overview of an eCommerce App Like Noon
An eCommerce app like Noon makes shopping convenient for the audience, providing them with multiple products at their fingertips. Be it electronics, fashionable clothes, groceries or beauty products, it offers fast delivery, deals, and regional convenience.
Even, the app’s clean layout, fast search, and flexible payment choices attract both new and repeat users. People trust it for quality and quick service, making it a go-to platform across the Middle East. Its growing user base shows how much people enjoy simple, safe, and quick shopping experiences from the comfort of home.
Business Model of an eCommerce App Like Noon—
- Multi-Vendor Marketplace: Noon connects sellers and buyers under one platform and earns through seller commissions and shipping partnerships.
- Private Label Products: Noon runs its own product line and sells directly to users without third-party sellers involved in the process.
- Flash Deals & Seasonal Sales: It runs daily discounts, bundle offers, and seasonal events to pull more traffic and clear stock faster.
- Warehousing & Logistics: Noon handles its own storage and delivery using in-house fleets to boost delivery speed and customer satisfaction.
- Targeted Ads & Promotions: Brands and sellers pay Noon to push their products higher in search results and featured sections.
Cost to build an eCommerce app like Noon
Since you are planning to invest in an eCommerce app development like Noon? Cost is an essential thing to keep in mind. A simple version costs less, while a feature-rich model requires a larger budget. The design, tools, team, and app scale—each part affects the total spend.
If you aim to test your idea with a basic MVP, the cost usually ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. This type of app covers the basics like product listings, cart, search, and sign-up. On the other hand, a full-featured eCommerce app like Noon may cost anywhere between $60,000 and $250,000. This version includes everything—like advanced filters, real-time inventory, offers, and flexible payment modes.
Some businesses also go for clone apps with ready-made templates, which fall in the range of $8,000 to $30,000, depending on customizations.
Want a clear idea? Here’s a cost overview based on different stages of development:
Development Stage | Description | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Planning & Requirement Analysis | Covers project scoping, market research, and deciding on features and user flow | $3,000 – $7,000 |
UI/UX Design | Includes layout wireframes, user journey maps, and final interface design | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Frontend Development | Converts the visual design into a working user interface for web/mobile users | $8,000 – $25,000 |
Backend Development | Builds admin logic, database functions, user management, and product handling | $15,000 – $50,000 |
Feature Implementation | Adds cart, filters, payments, reviews, search, profile, order tracking, etc. | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Third-party API Integration | Integrates shipping, payment gateways, SMS, and email services | $4,000 – $10,000 |
Admin Panel Development | Custom dashboard for product, user, and order control | $6,000 – $15,000 |
Testing & Quality Assurance | Tests the app for speed, bugs, device compatibility, and user experience | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Deployment & App Launch | Prepares app for live environments across app stores or web platforms | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Post-launch Maintenance | Covers version updates, bug fixes, and performance tracking after launch | $1,500+/month (ongoing) |
Factors Influencing the Cost to Develop an eCommerce App Like Noon
Before jumping into development, understanding what shapes the overall cost is smart. Every feature, flow, and user path plays a role. A clear budget begins with knowing where your money will go. Below are the actual factors that raise or shape the cost of building an e-commerce app like Noon:
Development Team & Hiring Model
The size and type of your development team directly affect the overall cost. Hiring a full in-house team may offer tighter control, but often demands higher salaries and infrastructure. On the other hand, working with a professional agency or outsourcing to a skilled team gives you flexibility, quality, and a controlled budget. Choose a model that matches your goals, timeline, and budget for building an eCommerce app like Noon.
Platform Choice (Android, iOS, Web)
Building the app for both Android and iOS increases cost compared to launching on one platform first. If you include a web version too, it adds more screens, extra testing, and design effort. Each platform needs separate development, making this decision one of the most budget-sensitive parts of the project.
Level of App Customization
Using a ready-made UI kit saves time and money. But if you want custom designs, unique layouts, branded visuals, and extra polish, you’ll need to spend more. Customization increases design complexity, revision time, and backend adjustments, raising your app’s overall development cost with every visual tweak or transition.
Real-Time Data Handling
If users expect live stock updates, instant delivery status, or dynamic pricing, your app must support fast data flow. However, to set this up, you will require some considerable things like advanced backend systems, faster APIs, and real-time syncing tools. These upgrades demand extra time, more resources, and constant monitoring, which increases both build and maintenance costs.
Security & Data Protection Setup
eCommerce apps handle sensitive user data like payment info, personal addresses, and login details. To protect this, your app must follow strong data safety rules. Securing your app with multi-layer authentication, encrypted payments, and safe user sessions increases development time and adds costs for compliance and tech tools.
Third-Party Service Integration
A successful app demands scalable API integration like payment gateways, SMS services, shipping platforms, or email tools. Some come with subscription fees or usage costs. The more services you connect to your app, the more time your team spends on integrations and error handling.
Post-Launch Maintenance
Once the app is live, the work doesn’t stop. Monthly support includes bug fixes, feature updates, and performance tweaks. Whether it’s handling festive traffic or adding new shopping flows, post-launch care needs long-term commitment. This cost becomes part of your monthly app maintenance plan.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Smart Investors
Building an app like Noon doesn’t have to put pressure on your full investment. You can plan smartly, avoid waste, and still get a high-performance eCommerce app that brings strong returns. Let’s walk through some easy-to-follow cost-saving tips that keep your budget in check without cutting corners.
Launch for All Platforms With One Build
Instead of separate apps for Android and iOS, go with a single cross-platform build. This approach saves time, cuts cost, and lets your app reach users on both stores at once. It also reduces your testing hours and shortens the launch period across all devices.
Outsource Skilled Developers Smartly
Hiring an entire in-house team can be costly. You can hire expert freelancers or offshore teams for specific tasks like design, testing, or backend setup. This provides you with skilled support on demand, eliminating the need for long-term staff costs.
Use Pre-Built Features and APIs
You don’t always need to start from scratch. Utilize trusted APIs and ready-made components for tasks such as payments, product filters, and tracking. These tools are secure and help your app go live faster while keeping the budget lighter.
Start Small With an MVP
Build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with the most needed features like product listings and basic search. You can later grow the app after testing what users like. This method breaks your investment into phases and helps avoid big losses early on.
Add Revenue Streams
Plan how your app will earn right from the start. Use smart options like:
- Freemium: Give free tools and lock advanced ones behind a paywall.
- Subscriptions: Charge monthly for premium perks.
- Commission Fees: Take a cut from vendor sales.
- In-App Ads: Show brand banners for added income.
- Sponsored Listings: Let sellers pay for top placement.
With these tips, you can build an app like Noon that fits your budget and still offers strong business value. A smart plan saves time, protects your funds, and speeds up your path to success.
Conclusion
Building an eCommerce app like Noon opens real doors for business growth, user reach, and revenue expansion. But remember, success doesn’t come with shortcuts. You need proper business planning, clear budgeting, and the right development partner.
That’s where RichestSoft stands out. Our team focuses on business-ready solutions that perform well in real conditions. From initial planning to post-launch support, we work closely with you to craft an app that feels smooth, works fast, and fits your budget. If you’re ready to bring your eCommerce idea to life with confidence and clarity, let’s build something impactful together.