The complete change in the travel industry brought by the surge of online booking and leading this wave is Expedia.
If you have clicked on this blog, it means you are looking to develop an app like Expedia.
Well, the average cost to develop an app like Expedia is typically around $30,000 to $150,000 depending on various factors which we will discuss below.
With the help of this complete guide you will get in-depth information on different aspects of the development process along with the estimated cost impact and also the different steps involving in building an app like Expedia.
Now, before anything let us take a look into what Expedia really is.
Understanding Expedia
The leading online travel booking platform which feature an extensive range of services for travelers, including hotel reservations, flight bookings, car rentals and vacation packages.
Founded in 1996, the organization has skyrocketed into establishing themselves as one of the biggest travel companies in the entire globe, operating numerous websites and brands globally.
Expedia is poplar for their extremely simple user-friendly interface which provides the customers with the ability to easily look for and compare different travel options.
Users are also able to filter results based on different criteria such as price, location and amenities which makes it extremely simple to get accommodated where your heart desires.
In addition to this, they frequently provide exclusive deals and discounts which proves to be a gift from god to budget-conscious individuals.
They have also implemented a rewards program named as Expedia Rewards allowing members to earn points for bookings that can be redeemed for discounts on future travel.
This elevates the customer retention rates and provides added value for loyal customers.
Designed to specially cater to both leisure and business travelers, providing a comprehensive range of options to match the different travel needs of different types of customer.
Now, let us dive right into the essential features required by an Expedia clone application.
Essential Features for Expedia Clone App
There are different features essential for developing an Expedia clone app, some key features are provided below –
User Registration and Profiles
Enables the users to create accounts to save preferences, manage bookings and access loyalty rewards.
Search Functionality
Allows users to search for flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages utilizing different filters such as price, location and amenities.
Booking Management
Provide users with the ability to view, modify, or cancel their bookings directly through the app.
Price Alerts
Notify users of price drops or special deals on their desired travel options, helping them secure the best rates.
Integrated Payment Options
Support multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and instalment plans for seamless transactions.
User Reviews and Ratings
Allow users to read and submit reviews for hotels, flights, and services, fostering a community-driven platform.
Personalized Recommendations
Use algorithms to suggest travel options based on user preferences, past bookings, and search history.
Loyalty Program Integration
Incorporate a rewards system where users can earn points for bookings and redeem them for discounts or free services.
Travel Itinerary Management
Provide users with a consolidated view of their travel plans, including flights, accommodations, and activities.
Customer Support Chat
Offer a live chat feature for real-time assistance with bookings, inquiries, or issues, enhancing customer service.
Destination Guides
Include curated content about destinations, such as attractions, dining options, and local tips to help users plan their trips.
Multi-Language and Currency Support
Cater to a global audience by offering the app in multiple languages and allowing users to view prices in their preferred currency.
Offline Access
Enable users to access their itineraries and essential information even without an internet connection.
Allow users to share their travel plans or experiences on social media platforms, encouraging engagement and referrals.
Secure User Data Management
Implement robust security measures to protect user data and ensure safe transactions, building trust with users.
Now, let us look into some major reasons to develop an app like Expedia
Major Reasons to Build an App like Expedia
There are different reasons to develop an app like Expedia, some major reasons to develop such an app are provided below –
Growing Market Demand
The online travel industry globally is valued at $512.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach an astonishing amount of $1.26 trillion by 2032, which portrays a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.99%.
This robust growth clearly displays a huge demand for travel services, making it the best time to enter the market.
Increased Mobile Usage
In 2023, a research conducted shows 68% of online traffic is for travel and hospitality websites which highlights the shift towards online mobile booking.
With 60% of online travel sales occurring through mobile, building a mobile app like Expedia can help you in capturing this growing user base effectively.
Consumer Preference for Online Booking
A large amount approximately 72% of travelers prefer to book their trips online compared to just 12% who favor traditional travel agencies.
This trend underlines the necessity for a well-developed user-friendly application that can meet the evolving demands of modern travelers.
These are some of the major reasons to develop an app like Expedia, now let us look into the average cost to develop an Expedia Clone application.
Average Cost to Develop an App like Expedia
The average cost to develop an app like Expedia is typically around $30,000 to $150,000+, depending on various factors such as the location of the development team, the complexity of the app and many more factors which we will discuss in detail below.
The basic breakdown of the cost to develop an app like Expedia is provided below –
| Development Aspect | Estimated Cost Range |
| Basic Features | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Intermediate Features | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Advanced Features | $100,000 – $150,000+ |
| Maintenance & Updates | $5,000 – $20,000 annually |
Now let us dive right into the factors that impact the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
Factors that impact the Cost to Develop an App like Expedia
There are various factors that influence the cost to develop an app like Expedia, the in-depth detail along with the cost impact they cause is provided below –
App Complexity
The complexity of an app is one of the most significant factor which impacts the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
Apps can generally be divided into three category – simple, moderate and complex.
Simple apps with basic functionalities such as user registration, few static pages and minimal interactivity are easier to implement and cost friendly, while moderate apps with a number of features such as the user profiles, basic search functionalities and integration with limited number of APIs are more costly to integrate.
Complex apps with advanced functionalities which include real-time booking systems, extensive database management, personalized user experiences and multiple third party integrations require a large sum of money and time.
Hence, understanding the desired complexity level is vital for businesses to accurately budget and allocate resources efficiently.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the complexity of an app can impact the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Complexity Level | Cost Estimate ($) |
| Simple | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Moderate | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| Complex | $80,000 – $150,000 |
Design Quality
The quality of the app’s design is a vital factor that significantly impacts the user engagement and satisfaction along with the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
A well-designed app can not only attract new users but can alos improve the overall experience which leads to higher rates of user retention.
Basic design including simple layouts and minimal graphics are less expensive to implement when compared to advanced design which are custom made to focus on the providing a seamless and engaging user experience.
Hence, investing in a well-designed app can make it a worthwhile investment for businesses looking to standout in this competitive market.
The table below proved a breakdown on how the complexity of the design can influence the cost to build an app like Expedia –
| Design Type | Cost Estimate ($) |
| Basic | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Intermediate | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Advanced | $30,000 – $50,000 |
Platform Choice
The choice of platform you select for app development can severely affect the cost to make an app like Expedia.
Businesses should make a sound decision whether they want to develop an app for iOS, Android or both the platforms.
Developing for a single platform typically costs higher due to native development process when compared to cross-platform development which allows for a single codebase to be used across different platforms, this approach may seem cost-effective but may not always provide the same level of performance and user experience as native apps do.
Hence, it is essential that the choice of platform must align with your target audience, the goals of your business and budget to achieve success in the market.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the choice of platform can impact the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Platform | Cost Estimate ($) |
| iOS | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Android | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Both (Native) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Cross-Platform | $30,000 – $70,000 |
Development Team Location
The geographical location of the development team can significantly impact the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
The different cost of living across different regions across the world can bring about different prices for the same project.
When selecting a development team, it’s crucial to evaluate not only the cost but also the team’s experience, portfolio, and ability to deliver on time.
A well-established team may charge higher rates but can provide better quality and reliability, ultimately saving costs in the long run.
Balancing cost with quality and support is key to making an informed decision about the development team’s location.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the location of the development team can increase the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Region | Hourly Rate ($) |
| North America | $100 – $200 |
| Europe | $50 -$100 |
| Asia (India) | $20 – $50 |
Third-Party Integration
Integrating third-party services into an app can enhance its functionality and user experience but also adds to the cost to build an app like Expedia.
Common integrations include payment gateways, mapping services, social media logins and analytical tools.
Each integration typically incurs its own set of costs, integrating a payment gateway may require additional security measures and compliance with industry standards, which can increase costs.
Similarly, mapping services may necessitate the use of APIs that charge based on usage, further impacting the budget.
While these integrations can provide significant benefits, such as improved user experience and streamlined operations, businesses must carefully evaluate the necessity and cost-effectiveness of each integration.
It is vital to prioritize integrations that align with the app’s core functionalities and user needs.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the number of third-party integrations can increase the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Integration Type | Cost Estimate ($) |
| Payment Gateway API | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Maps API | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Weather API | $10,000 – $20,500 |
Testing and Quality Assurance
Testing and quality assurance are vital components of the app development process making sure that the final product remains functional and major factors that significantly impact the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
Basic testing which include functional testing and basic user acceptance testing which are the level of testing is suitable for simple apps with minimal features.
Comprehensive testing is vital as it involves automated testing, extensive regression testing and thorough compatibility testing across different devices and platforms and is required when testing an advanced application.
Businesses must allocate sufficient resources for testing to ensure that their app meets user expectations and functions correctly in real-world scenarios.
The table below provides a breakdown on the how the testing and quality assurance can influence the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Testing Type | Cost Estimate ($) |
| Basic QA | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Intermediate QA | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Advanced QA | $20,000+ |
Maintenance and updates
Post-launch maintenance and updates are vital factors which influences the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
Basic maintenance include basic minor bug fixes and updates and is less costly to implement when compared to an advanced maintenance system which feature extensive updates, security enhancements and ongoing user support.
Budgeting for maintenance and updates is a critical aspect of app development.
Businesses must plan for these ongoing costs to ensure that their app remains relevant, functional, and user-friendly over time.
The table below provides a breakdown on the how the maintenance and updates can influence the cost to develop an app like Expedia –
| Maintenance Type | Cost Estimate ($) |
| Minor Updates | $1,000 – $3,000 per update |
| Major Updates | $5,000 – $15,000 per update |
Backend Development
Backend development is a critical component of any app which impacts the cost to develop an app like Expedia.
A basic backend, which includes a simple database management and user authentication typically requires less time and resources when compared to a complex backend structure which include real-time data processing, extensive API integrations and advanced analytical capabilities.
Backend development is a vital aspect of app development that can greatly influence costs.
Businesses must assess their app’s requirements and plan for a backend that can scale with user demand while ensuring data security and performance.
The table below provides a breakdown on the how the complexity of the backend structure can influence the cost to develop an app like Expedia–
| Backend Complexity | Estimated Cost |
| Basic Backend | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Moderate Backend | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Complex Backend | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Now, let us look into the steps to develop an app like Expedia.
Steps to Develop an App Like Expedia
There are various steps involved in building an app like Expedia –
Define Purpose and Audience
Identify the main goal of the app and the target user demographic.
Competitor Research
Analyse existing travel apps to understand their features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Discovery Phase
Outline the app’s architecture, user experience, and essential features like booking systems, user profiles, and payment gateways.
Design Phase
Create wireframes and prototypes to visualize the app’s layout and flow.
Development Process
Begin front-end and back-end development, ensuring integration of all necessary functionalities.
Testing
Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix bugs, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Launch
Release the app to the public and implement marketing strategies to attract users.
Post-Launch Improvements
Gather user feedback and make regular updates to enhance the app’s features and performance.
These are the different steps which are required to successfully develop an app like Expedia.
Now, let us look into the app development timeline for an Expedia clone application.
Expedia Clone App Development Timeline
The time required to develop an app like Expedia is approximately about 6-12 months.
Provided below is the table providing a simple breakdown of the Expedia Clone App Development Timeline –
| Phase | Duration |
| Research & Planning | 4-6 Weeks |
| Discovery Phase | 3-4 Weeks |
| Design Phase | 4-6 Weeks |
| Development | 3-5 Months |
| Testing | 4-6 Weeks |
| Launch | 2-4 Weeks |
| Post-Launch Support | Ongoing (1-3 Months) |
Now, let us understand how we can monetize the Expedia Clone Application.
Monetizing Expedia App Clone
There are various strategies to monetize the Expedia app clone, some key strategies are provided below –
Commission on Bookings
Charge a percentage fee for each booking made through the platform.
High, as it scales with the volume of bookings. Typical commission rates range from 10% to 20%.
Subscription Plans for Hosts
Offer premium subscription packages for property owners that provide enhanced visibility and promotional tools.
Moderate to high, depending on the number of hosts subscribing. Monthly fees can range from $50 to $500.
Advertising Revenue
Allow property owners to pay for featured listings or advertising space within the app.
Moderate, with potential earnings based on ad placements and user traffic. Revenue can vary widely based on engagement.
Add-On Services
Provide supplementary services such as travel insurance, local tours, or experiences.
Moderate, as these services can enhance user experience and generate additional income. Pricing can vary based on service type.
In-App Purchases
Enable users to purchase additional features or services directly within the app.
Variable, depending on user interest and the types of features offered. This can include upgrades or exclusive content.
Affiliate Marketing
Partner with travel-related businesses to earn commissions on referrals.
Moderate, as it depends on the effectiveness of marketing strategies and partnerships.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of creating an Expedia app clone app involves various steps which include market research, understanding the features, Wireframing and prototyping, UI/UX design and the maintenance of the app clone.
Not only this there are several factors such as the complexity of the app, the choice of platform and the location of the development team which affect the cost to develop an app like Too Good To Go.
Take a look into the Expedia App development timeline to get an insight on the amount of time required to develop such an app and understand how to monetize the Expedia app clone to generate revenue.
FAQs
The average cost ranges from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on features, complexity, and development team location.
Development typically takes 6-12 months, including research, design, development, testing, and launch phases.
Key features include user registration, search functionality, booking management, integrated payment options, and customer support.
Monetization strategies include commission on bookings, subscription plans for hosts, advertising revenue, and in-app purchases.
The growing demand for online travel services and increased mobile usage present significant opportunities for a well-developed travel app.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
