Ever thought about launching your own salon app but got stuck wondering about the cost to develop a salon app? You’re not alone!
The price tag can range anywhere from $15,000 to $80,000. Why such a big gap? Because everything- from the features you choose to the complexity of the design- plays a role in the final cost.
A simple salon booking app with basic scheduling and user profiles might cost around $15,000 to $30,000. But if you’re aiming for a fully-loaded salon management system with online payments, staff management, and AI-powered recommendations, expect to invest $50,000 or more.
In this guide, we’ll break down how much it costs to develop a salon app, the factors that influence pricing, hidden costs to watch out for, and smart ways to cut development expenses.
Let’s get started!
Should You Develop a Salon App?
If you’re in the beauty business, a salon app isn’t just a luxury- it’s a game-changer. But is it the right move for you? Here are three solid reasons why investing in a salon app is worth it:
1. The Salon Industry is Going Digital
More than 60% of salon bookings now happen online, and that number is only rising. In fact, the global salon software market is expected to reach $490 million by 2027, proving that digital solutions are shaping the future of the beauty industry. (Source: Grand View Research)
If you’re still relying on phone calls and manual scheduling, you’re missing out on a huge customer base that prefers to book appointments in a few taps.
2. Customers Expect Convenience
Did you know that 78% of consumers are more likely to book with a business that offers a mobile-friendly experience? (Source: Think with Google)
A salon booking app gives your customers the flexibility to:
- Book 24/7 – No more waiting for business hours
- Choose their favorite stylist – Personalized experiences matter
- Pay securely within the app – Cashless transactions are the future
Without an app, you risk losing clients to competitors who offer a seamless digital experience.
3. Boost Revenue with Smart Features
Salons that use automated booking systems see an increase in revenue by 30% on average. (Source: Square)
How?
- Loyalty programs encourage repeat visits
- Push notifications remind customers about upcoming appointments and special offers
- Upselling add-ons (like spa treatments or premium products) become effortless
By building a salon app, you’re not just making scheduling easier- you’re opening up new revenue streams that can significantly increase your profits.
If you want to attract more customers, reduce no-shows, and maximize your revenue, a salon app is the way to go.
And now, the big question- how much does it cost to develop a salon app? Let’s break it down next!
Average Cost to Develop a Salon App
Now, let’s talk numbers- how much does it cost to develop a salon app?
On average, the cost to build a salon app ranges between $15,000 and $80,000, depending on the app’s complexity, design, and features.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated costs based on different app types:
| App Type | Estimated Cost | Development Timeline |
| Basic Salon Booking App | $15,000 – $30,000 | 3 – 6 months |
| Standard Salon Management App | $30,000 – $50,000 | 4 – 8 months |
| Advanced Salon App with AI & Custom Features | $50,000 – $80,000+ | 6 – 12 months |
These costs also depend on who you hire– whether it’s freelancers, an in-house team, or a professional salon app development company.
If you’re on a tight budget, starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and scaling later can be a smart move!
For more details on the same, please contact an app development company.
Factors That Affect Salon App Development Cost
The cost to develop a salon app isn’t fixed- it varies based on several factors. Each decision you make, from the features you include to the development team you hire, will impact the final price.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 factors affecting salon app development costs, along with estimated cost impacts:
1. App Complexity & Features
The more advanced features you add, the higher the development cost.
| Feature Category | Examples | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic Features | Appointment booking, user profiles, salon listing | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Standard Features | Payments, push notifications, reviews, loyalty programs | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Advanced Features | AI recommendations, AR hairstyle try-ons, automation | $50,000+ |
2. App Design & UI/UX
A simple, template-based design is cheaper, while a custom, visually rich UI/UX increases costs.
| Design Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic Design (pre-built templates) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Custom UI/UX with animations & branding | $7,000 – $15,000 |
3. Development Platform (iOS, Android, or Both?)
Developing for one platform (iOS or Android) costs less than building for both.
| Development Approach | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Single Platform (iOS or Android) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Cross-Platform (Flutter, React Native) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Native (Both iOS & Android) | $40,000 – $80,000+ |
4. Backend Development & Database
A strong backend ensures smooth data processing, especially for multi-location salons.
| Backend Complexity | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic (Firebase, AWS Lambda) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Standard (Custom API & database) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Complex (AI-driven & real-time processing) | $25,000+ |
5. Third-Party Integrations
Connecting your app with payment gateways, CRM tools, or social media adds to the cost.
| Integration Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Payment Gateways (Stripe, PayPal) | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Social Logins (Google, Facebook) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| CRM & Marketing Tools | $5,000 – $15,000 |
6. Development Team Type
Hiring an experienced salon app development company costs more than freelancers but ensures better quality & long-term support.
| Team Type | Hourly Rate | Estimated Cost |
| Freelancers (Small projects) | $20 – $50/hr | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Mid-Level Development Agency | $50 – $100/hr | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Top-Tier App Development Company | $100 – $200/hr | $50,000 – $100,000+ |
7. Maintenance & Updates
Once your app is live, you’ll need regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches.
| Maintenance Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Basic Support & Bug Fixes | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Feature Enhancements & Scaling | $10,000 – $30,000 |
8. Security & Compliance
Protecting user payment details, personal data, and business records requires robust security.
| Security Measure | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic SSL & Data Encryption | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Advanced Security (GDPR, HIPAA) | $7,000 – $20,000 |
9. Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)
Proper testing prevents app crashes and security vulnerabilities.
| Testing Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Manual Testing (Basic) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Automated Testing (Full-cycle) | $7,000 – $15,000 |
10. Marketing & Launch Costs
A great app is useless without users– marketing is essential.
| Marketing Strategy | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic (App Store Optimization) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Digital Ads & Influencer Campaigns | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Your salon app development cost depends on the choices you make. Whether you go for a simple booking app or a high-end salon management solution, planning your budget around these factors will help you stay on track.
While you may have a rough estimate of the cost to develop a salon app, there are some hidden expenses that can catch you off guard. These costs might not be obvious at first, but they can impact your budget significantly.
Let’s break down some hidden factors along with their estimated cost impact.
1. App Store Fees
Publishing your salon app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store isn’t free. You’ll need to pay a one-time or annual fee to keep your app live.
| Platform | Cost |
| Google Play Store | $25 (One-time) |
| Apple App Store | $99/year |
2. API Usage Fees
If your app integrates with Google Maps (for location-based services), payment gateways, or third-party APIs, you’ll be charged based on usage.
| API Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Google Maps API | $200 Free Credit, then $5–$10 per 1,000 requests |
| Payment Gateways (Stripe, PayPal) | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| SMS/OTP Verification (Twilio) | $0.0075 per SMS |
3. Cloud Hosting & Database Costs
Your app’s data- customer profiles, bookings, payments– needs a secure and scalable hosting solution.
| Hosting Provider | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Firebase (Basic Free Plan) | Free (Limited usage) |
| AWS / Google Cloud / Azure | $20 – $500/month (based on traffic) |
4. App Performance Optimization
Your app needs to be fast, responsive, and optimized for smooth user experience.
| Optimization Area | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Speed & Performance Tuning | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Crash Analytics & Fixes | $5,000 – $10,000 |
5. Legal & Compliance Costs
Handling customer data and online transactions requires compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
| Compliance Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Basic Privacy Policy & Terms | $500 – $2,000 |
| GDPR & HIPAA Compliance | $5,000 – $20,000 |
6. Customer Support & Chatbots
A live chat feature or AI-powered chatbot can enhance customer service, but it adds extra costs.
| Support Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| AI Chatbot (Basic) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Live Chat Support (Zendesk, Intercom) | $50 – $200/month |
7. Frequent OS & API Updates
Both Android & iOS release OS updates frequently. Your app will need to be updated to stay compatible.
| Update Type | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Minor OS Updates | $2,000 – $5,000 per year |
| Major Updates & Feature Enhancements | $5,000 – $15,000 per year |
8. Marketing & User Acquisition
Building an app is just half the battle– getting people to download it is the real challenge.
| Marketing Strategy | Estimated Cost Impact |
| App Store Optimization (ASO) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Paid Ads (Google, Facebook) | $5,000 – $20,000/month |
| Influencer Promotions | $2,000 – $15,000 per campaign |
9. Feature Scalability & Expansions
If you plan to add new features like subscription plans, eCommerce store, or in-app video consultations, be prepared for additional development costs.
| Feature Expansion | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Subscription Model | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Online Store Integration | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Video Consultations | $7,000 – $20,000 |
10. Unexpected Bug Fixes & Emergency Patches
Even with extensive testing, bugs & glitches may appear once users start using your app.
| Bug Fix Category | Estimated Cost Impact |
| Minor Bug Fixes | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Major Fixes & System Recovery | $5,000 – $20,000 |
These hidden costs can add up quickly if not accounted for in your budget. To avoid surprises, work with a professional salon app development company that can provide a clear cost estimation upfront.
Popular Salon Apps & Cost to Clone Them
If you’re considering building a salon app, looking at the most successful apps in the industry can give you an idea of what works- and how much it costs to develop a similar app.
Here are the top 10 salon apps in the US and the estimated cost to build a similar app.
Top 10 Salon Apps & Their Development Cost Estimates
| App Name | Key Features | Estimated Cost to Clone |
| StyleSeat | Online bookings, automated marketing, payment integration | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Booksy | 24/7 scheduling, POS system, social media integration | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Fresha (formerly Shedul) | Commission-free bookings, payment processing, analytics | $70,000 – $150,000 |
| GlossGenius | Custom branding, inventory tracking, mobile POS | $50,000 – $110,000 |
| Salon Iris | Staff scheduling, automated reminders, loyalty programs | $60,000 – $130,000 |
| Vagaro | Membership plans, marketing automation, reporting tools | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| Boulevard | Enterprise salon management, premium user experience | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
| Zenoti | AI-driven customer management, in-app payments | $100,000 – $250,000+ |
| MyTime | Customer CRM, appointment management, multi-location support | $70,000 – $140,000 |
| Schedulicity | No-show protection, class & workshop booking, payment processing | $50,000 – $120,000 |
Here’s How to Minimize Salon App Development Costs
Developing a salon app doesn’t have to drain your budget. With smart planning and strategic decisions, you can significantly reduce the salon app development cost without compromising quality.
Here’s how you can save thousands while still getting a high-quality app.
1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Instead of building a fully-loaded app from day one, launch with essential features and expand later.
| Approach | Estimated Cost |
| Full-Feature App (All at Once) | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| MVP (Basic Features First) | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Potential Savings: $30,000+ by focusing on must-have features like appointment booking, user profiles, and payments first.
2. Choose Cross-Platform Development
Developing for iOS & Android separately costs more than using a cross-platform framework like Flutter or React Native.
| Development Approach | Estimated Cost |
| Native Development (iOS + Android) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Cross-Platform (Flutter/React Native) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Potential Savings: $20,000 – $40,000 while maintaining high performance.
3. Use Pre-Built Templates & UI Kits
Custom UI/UX design is great, but pre-built UI kits can cut costs without compromising aesthetics.
| Design Approach | Estimated Cost |
| Custom UI/UX Design | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Pre-Built UI Templates | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Potential Savings: $5,000 – $10,000 while still ensuring a visually appealing app.
4. Outsource to an Experienced Development Team
Hiring an in-house team costs more than working with an offshore development company.
| Team Type | Estimated Cost |
| In-House Developers (USA/Europe) | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Offshore Development (India, Eastern Europe) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Potential Savings: $50,000+ with a skilled offshore salon app development company.
5. Use Third-Party APIs Instead of Custom Development
Building custom solutions for payments, maps, and notifications is expensive- third-party APIs can save you time & money.
| Feature | Custom Development Cost | Third-Party API Cost |
| Payment Gateway | $10,000 – $20,000 | $0 setup + 2.9% per transaction (Stripe, PayPal) |
| Push Notifications | $5,000 – $10,000 | Free (Firebase, OneSignal) |
| Google Maps | $7,000 – $15,000 | $200 Free Credit, then pay per request |
Potential Savings: $20,000+ by leveraging existing APIs instead of custom-built features.
6. Reduce Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Regular maintenance is essential, but you can cut costs with proactive planning.
| Approach | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Frequent Bug Fixes & Feature Updates | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Preventative Maintenance & Regular Testing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Potential Savings: $5,000 – $15,000 by preventing costly emergency fixes.
7. Leverage Cloud Hosting for Cost Efficiency
Instead of managing your own expensive servers, opt for a cloud-based solution.
| Hosting Option | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Dedicated Servers | $500 – $2,000 |
| Cloud Hosting (AWS, Firebase, Google Cloud) | $20 – $300 |
Potential Savings: $5,000+ per year by choosing scalable cloud hosting solutions.
8. Use Open-Source Solutions Where Possible
Instead of building features from scratch, take advantage of open-source frameworks and libraries.
| Development Approach | Estimated Cost |
| Custom-Built Features | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Open-Source Frameworks (React Native, Firebase) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Potential Savings: $10,000 – $35,000 by integrating open-source tools.
By making smart development choices, you can reduce the cost to develop a salon app by 30–50% while still getting a fully functional, high-quality app.
eBizneeds – Here to Help You Build the Perfect Salon App
When it comes to salon app development, you need a team that understands the beauty industry and can deliver a cost-effective, high-quality solution. That’s where eBizneeds comes in!
As a leading salon app development company, we specialize in building custom, scalable, and feature-rich apps that help salons grow their business.
Why Choose eBizneeds?
- Tailored Solutions: Whether you need a basic booking app or a full-featured salon management system, we create solutions that match your business needs.
- Cost-Effective Development: Our team helps you reduce costs by leveraging cross-platform technology, third-party integrations, and cloud-based solutions.
- Experienced Developers: With years of experience in app development, we deliver high-performance apps that ensure seamless user experience.
- End-to-End Support: From planning to launch and post-development maintenance, we handle everything so you can focus on running your salon.
Want to know how much it costs to develop a salon app for your business?
Conclusion
By now, you have a clear idea of how much it costs to develop a salon app and the factors that influence pricing. Whether you’re aiming for a basic appointment booking app or a fully-loaded salon management system, your budget will depend on the features, development approach, and long-term maintenance costs.
To summarize:
Basic salon apps start at $15,000 – $30,000.
Feature-rich salon management apps range from $50,000 – $80,000+.
Cloning top salon apps like StyleSeat or Fresha can cost $50,000 – $250,000.
Smart strategies like building an MVP, using third-party APIs, and outsourcing can save $50,000+ in development costs.
FAQs
The cost to develop a salon app starts at $15,000 for a basic version and can go up to $80,000+ for a fully-featured solution. Advanced apps with AI and automation can cost $100,000+.
Development timelines range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity. Basic apps take about 3–6 months, while advanced apps with AI and payment integrations may require 6–12 months.
A salon app should include:
Online booking & scheduling
Stylist profiles & portfolio
Secure payment integration
Push notifications & reminders
Loyalty programs & discounts
Customer reviews & ratings
Yes! You can minimize costs by:
Starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Choosing cross-platform development (Flutter/React Native)
Using third-party APIs for payments, maps, and notifications
Outsourcing to a professional salon app development company
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.
