Estimating the Cost To Create an App Like Agoda

Traveling and exploring new places should be enjoyable, but finding and booking the right hotel can sometimes spoil the fun. 

Thanks to technology, planning trips is now faster and easier because of hotel booking apps. 

Apps like Agoda have simplified hotel bookings, turning it into a game of just a few clicks, offering convenience, variety, and competitive pricing at your fingertips.

Developing a hotel booking app requires robust features like search filters, real-time availability, secure payment gateways, and user-friendly interfaces.

If you are looking to create an app like Agoda, understanding the expenses involved in the development process is crucial. It will help you to determine a budget and strategy for your development project. 

The average cost to make an app like Agoda can range from $25,000 to $150,000 depending on the complexity, features, and platform. 

Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes Agoda unique and how much does it cost to develop an app like Agoda.

Agoda: The All-In-One Travel App

Agoda was started in 2005 by friends Michael Kenny and Robert Rosenstein, who both loved to travel. 

The company started in Phuket, Thailand, but soon grew and spread around the world. Agoda was bought by Booking Holdings (previously known as The Priceline Group) in 2007. 

This helped Agoda grow faster and strengthen its place in the online travel business.

Today, Agoda is known as a complete travel platform that provides more than just hotel reservations. 

Agoda now offers flight bookings, car rentals, and transportation services, making it a complete travel option, in addition to its vast network of over 5 million hotels and vacation homes around the world. 

The app and website can be used in 39 languages, making them easy for people around the world to access. 

They provide everything you need, including places to stay, trips, and local activities that you can during your stay.

Key Statistics:

• Agoda offers over 5 million properties abroad. 
• The website serves 39 languages, catering to a diverse user group. 
• As of December 2024, agoda.com ranked #1 in the Accommodation and Hotels area and #326 worldwide.
• When it comes to travel portal users, name recognition of Agoda is at 28% in the United States. The poll was performed using the idea of aided brand recall, showing people both the brand's logo and the written brand name. 

These events show Agoda's significant growth and its part in simplifying trip bookings for users worldwide. Now let's move forward to get the detailed answer of your queries related to the cost of Adoga clone app development. 

Average Cost to Develop an App Like Agoda

Developing a mobile app requires a detailed plan, skilled development, and a user-friendly design. 

The cost to develop a travel app like Agoda usually relies on factors such as the platform (iOS, Android, or both), the complexity of features, design needs, and the development team's location. 

However, the question remains, "How much does it cost to build an app like Agoda?" 

On average, the cost to develop a similar app like Agoda can run from $25,000 to $150,000. 

A basic app with important features like hotel search, booking, and payment methods falls on the lower end, while an advanced app with AI suggestions, multi-language support, and real-time booking updates can cost significantly more.

For businesses planning Agoda like app development, it's important to factor in extra costs such as app upkeep, server hosting, and marketing to ensure long-term success. 

Understanding the cost to develop an app similar to Agoda can help you spend effectively and bring your idea to life.

Here’s a table summarizing the cost and time duration for developing an app like Agoda:

Factors Affecting the Cost to Create an App Like Agoda and Cost-Reduction Tips

Developing a hotel booking app like Agoda involves multiple variables that influence the overall mobile app development cost. By understanding these factors and adopting cost-saving strategies, businesses can achieve their goals without compromising quality.

1. App Features and Functionality

The complexity and variety of features like hotel search, booking, filters, and push notifications significantly influence the cost to create a travel app like Agoda. 

Advanced features like AI-driven recommendations or real-time updates increase costs. 

Prioritizing essential features initially can help reduce the overall Agoda like app development cost.

Cost Reduction Tip: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) by including only essential features. Once the app gains traction, add advanced features in future updates.

2. Platform (iOS, Android, or Both)

Developing for both iOS and Android doubles the workload compared to choosing a single platform, affecting the cost to build an app like Agoda. 

Hybrid development can be a cost-effective alternative, enabling you to target a wider audience while managing expenses efficiently.

You can receive assistance from any on-demand app development company to ensure best cross-platform development.

Cost Reduction Tip: Start with a single platform, either iOS or Android, based on your target audience. Expand to the second platform later using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native.

3. UI/UX Design

An intuitive and attractive interface improves user experience but impacts the Agoda clone app development cost.

Advanced graphics and animations require skilled designers, increasing expenses.

Choosing a minimalist UI/UX design initially can help manage the cost to develop an app like Agoda without compromising usability.

Cost Reduction Tip: Use pre-designed templates and focus on a clean, minimalistic design. Invest in advanced design features only when necessary.

4. Development Team’s Location

The geographical location of the developers directly impacts the cost to create an app like Agoda.

Development rates vary globally, with teams in Asia typically charging less than those in Europe or North America.

Opting for an experienced yet affordable offshore team can optimize your cost to build an app like Agoda.

Cost Reduction Tip: Outsource to regions with lower hourly rates but high-quality talent, like India or Eastern Europe. Use platforms like Upwork to find vetted professionals.

5. Backend Development

A robust backend manages user data, hotel availability, and real-time updates. 

While a scalable backend ensures smooth functionality, it also contributes to the cost to develop a hotel booking app like Agoda. 

Starting with a basic backend setup and scaling as user demand grows can reduce initial costs. To ensure solid backend development, you can opt for a wide range of mobile app development services that can cater to your tech requirements. 

Cost Reduction Tip: Use cloud-based backend services like AWS or Firebase to reduce infrastructure costs and scale as needed.

6. Third-Party Integrations

Integrations like payment gateways, APIs, and maps enhance functionality but increase the cost.

Choosing cost-efficient integrations during the initial phase and upgrading later helps manage the cost to develop an app similar to Agoda effectively.

Hire dedicated developers who possess expertise in implementing APIs into the app. 

Cost Reduction Tip: Opt for free or low-cost APIs during the initial stages and upgrade to premium APIs as your app scales.

7. Testing and Maintenance

Comprehensive testing ensures the app is free of bugs and ready for launch, while regular updates maintain performance.

These ongoing processes affect the Agoda like app development cost. Employing automated testing tools and planning periodic maintenance schedules can reduce long-term costs.

Cost Reduction Tip: Use automated testing tools to reduce manual testing time. Opt for long-term maintenance packages from the development team for discounts.

8. Tech Stack

The choice of programming languages, frameworks, and tools determines the cost to create a travel app like Agoda.

A modern tech stack can improve app performance but comes at a premium. Selecting an optimal tech stack aligned with your budget and goals minimizes unnecessary expenses. 

You can take help from professionals to choose the right tech stack, as it will shape your development process accordingly.

Cost Reduction Tip: Opt for cloud-based solutions and open-source databases to keep the costs manageable. Consider using a minimal frontend design initially and scale up as needed.

9. App Deployment

Publishing the app on platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store involves deployment fees. 

Proper optimization ensures smooth acceptance and visibility, impacting the cost to develop an app like Agoda. 

Partnering with an experienced team ensures efficient deployment and minimized costs.

Cost Reduction Tip: Optimize early to reduce costs later by ensuring the app meets guidelines before submission. Consider using cross-platform deployment tools to cut down on time and cost.

By strategically managing these factors, you can lower the overall cost to build a hotel booking app Agoda while ensuring the app meets user expectations and business goals. 

Let’s proceed to understand the revenue models of travel apps like Agoda, helping you to choose the right strategy for your app.

How Apps Like Agoda Make Money?

Apps like Agoda are highly popular because they have smart revenue strategies in place. These tactics not only generate income but also create a smooth experience for both users and service providers. 

If you're going to create an app like Agoda, knowing these monetization models can help you build a sustainable business. Below are some popular ways such apps make money:

► Commission on Bookings

One of the main ways apps like Agoda make money is through fees on bookings.

When a user gets a hotel or accommodation through the app, the company takes a small portion of the booking amount as a commission.

This is a highly effective way to make income without charging users directly.

How It Works:

• • Users find and book rooms through the app.
  • Agoda gets a fee from the hotel or service provider for every booking made.

Tip: You can start with a low commission rate to draw more users and raise the rate as your user base grows.

► Hotel Listing Fees

Another major income stream for hotel booking apps is charging hotels to list their properties on the website. 

Hotels and other places pay to have their services listed on the app, ensuring exposure among users looking to book.

How It Works:

• • Hotels pay a marketing fee to showcase their property and access on the app.
  • This helps them to reach a bigger public, increasing their bookings.

Tip: Offer freemium models where basic listings are free, but hotels can pay for premium location or extra benefits (like high-quality pictures, priority listings).

► Advertising Revenue

Apps like Agoda also earn money by letting third-party businesses advertise their goods or services on the platform. These ads could be for travel-related services like car rentals, flights, or area activities.

How It Works:

• • Agoda shows ads from third-party companies within the app.
  • The site makes revenue every time a user clicks on or interacts with these ads.

Tip: Focus on targeted advertising that aligns with the user’s tastes, enhancing involvement and raising the possibility for higher earnings.

► Subscription Fees (For Premium Features)

For apps like Agoda, giving premium benefits through subscription deals is another business source.

For instance, users can join a premium membership that gives them access to exclusive deals, savings, and special services.

How It Works:

• • Users pay a subscription fee (monthly or yearly) for added perks like early check-ins, special rates, or extra customer support.
  • Subscriptions can be aimed at both individual users and business accounts (like hotels).

Tip: Start with a free trial to entice users to try paid features and turn them into paying customers.

► Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another way used by hotel booking apps to create revenue. 

Agoda can work with other travel-related services and earn a fee when users book flights, tours, or rental cars through affiliate links on the app.

How It Works:

• • Agoda offers links to trips, tours, or car rental services within the app.
  • When a user clicks on the link and makes a purchase, Agoda gets a fee from the partner company.

Tip: Partner with well-known travel brands that offer high conversion rates, ensuring partner income growth.

► Selling Travel Insurance

Some travel apps, including Agoda, also offer trip insurance goods to users. When a customer books a hotel, they can opt for travel insurance to cover delays, medical issues, and other unexpected events during their stay.

How It Works:

• • Agoda works with insurance companies to sell plans to users booking accommodations.
  • Agoda gets a commission or a flat fee for each policy offered.

Tip: Offer customized insurance plans based on the location or user tastes to increase the chance of sales.

► Sponsored Listings and Featured Properties

Another income plan includes featuring certain hotels or accommodations as sponsored entries. These properties pay Agoda for top placement on the homepage or search results, ensuring more exposure to users.

How It Works:

• • Hotels pay a premium fee to be showcased widely in the app’s search results or site.
  • These ads usually show at the top, attracting more user attention.

Tip: Offer flexible prices for hotels to choose from different levels of exposure based on their budget.

► Dynamic Pricing for Flights and Transportation

Agoda uses dynamic pricing to optimize revenue from flight and transport bookings. Prices fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and availability, benefiting both users and service providers.

How It Works:

• • Users book flights or transport services at real-time rates.
  • Agoda earns a margin on every booking.

Tip: Leverage AI-based algorithms to automate pricing and reduce operational costs.

By adopting these marketing strategies, apps like Agoda can create consistent revenue while still providing users with useful services. If you're planning to build an app like Agoda, knowing these revenue approaches will help you create a profitable business and support long-term growth.

How JPLoft Can Help You Build an Affordable Agoda-Like App

At JPLoft, we specialize in building customized, scalable, and user-friendly hotel booking apps suited to your business needs. 

If you are a startup or an established company, we provide end-to-end solutions that ensure your app stands out in the competitive travel market.

Our team of expert developers works on integrating important features like real-time booking, safe payment gateways, multi-language support, and user-friendly interfaces. 

By utilizing the latest technology and streamlined development methods, we help you lower development costs without losing quality.

As a top travel app development company, we value client happiness and deliver apps meant to boost engagement and income. 

Partner with us to turn your company idea into a powerful app like Agoda that meets both user standards and business goals, all at a reasonable price.

The Final Words 

Creating a hotel booking app like Agoda is an exciting opportunity to enter the thriving travel and hospitality market. By understanding the factors that influence the cost to create an app like Agoda, you can strategically plan your development process. 

Starting with core features, choosing the right platform, and working with an experienced team can help optimize the cost while ensuring quality.

If you want an MVP or a fully-featured app, we are here to help you handle the Agoda clone app development cost effectively. Let’s turn your idea into a successful hotel booking tool!