Is it worth building my own delivery app?
By the Menuthere editorial team · Updated
For most restaurants, a custom-built delivery app is not worth it. A bespoke app in Brazil costs roughly R$20,000 to R$150,000 to build, plus 15% to 30% of that per year in upkeep. Unless you need a one-off product, a digital menu covers ordering, and a ready-made branded app like Menuthere's at $99/month gives you a Play Store and App Store app without the build cost.
- Bespoke app build in Brazil: about R$20,000 to R$150,000, depending on complexity.
- Ongoing upkeep is roughly 15% to 30% of the build cost per year.
- White-label apps run about R$8,000 to R$60,000 plus R$500–R$3,500/month.
- Menuthere's branded app is $99/month on the App Próprio plan — your app, no build cost.
Your own app for $99/month, no build cost
Menuthere's App Próprio plan is $99/month and puts your own app on Google Play and the App Store, with everything in Pro behind it and 0% commission. No R$20,000+ build, no developer accounts to manage yourself.
What does a delivery app cost to build?
A bespoke delivery app in Brazil ranges from about R$20,000 to R$60,000 for a simple version, R$60,000 to R$120,000 for a medium one with an admin panel and push notifications, and from R$150,000 for a complete operation. A white-label app is cheaper upfront, about R$8,000 to R$60,000, but adds a monthly fee of R$500 to R$3,500.
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bespoke build | R$20k–R$150k+ | Plus 15–30%/year upkeep |
| White label | R$8k–R$60k + R$500–3,500/mo | Faster, less control |
| Menuthere App Próprio | $99/month | Your app, no build cost, 0% commission |
| Digital menu only | $0 (Free) to $39/month | No app to download |
What are the ongoing costs?
A bespoke app is not a one-off cost. Upkeep runs about 15% to 30% of the build cost every year — on a R$40,000 app that is R$6,000 to R$12,000 a year — plus server hosting, Apple and Google developer accounts, and the marketing to get people to download it. These costs continue for as long as the app runs.
When is a custom app worth it?
A bespoke app is worth it only when you have a specific need a ready-made product cannot meet, the volume to justify the build and yearly upkeep, and a loyal customer base that will actually install it. For everyone else, a digital menu or a $99/month branded app reaches the same customers for a fraction of the cost.
Who this is a good fit for
- Established brands with high volume and a specific need a ready-made app cannot meet.
- Owners who have budgeted for the build and the yearly upkeep and know why they need a bespoke product.
Who this is not for
- Most small and mid-size restaurants: a digital menu or a ready-made branded app does the job for far less.
- Owners who just want customers to order online — they do not need customers to download an app at all.
Common follow-up questions
Can I have my own app without building one from scratch?
Yes. Menuthere's App Próprio plan is $99/month and puts your own app on Google Play and the App Store, with everything in Pro behind it and 0% commission — no R$20,000+ build.
Is a digital menu enough instead of an app?
For most restaurants, yes. A digital menu orders in the browser with nothing to download. See how much it costs to build a restaurant app.
What is the cheapest way to take orders online?
A free digital-menu plan: Menuthere's Free is $0 for 50 orders a month with 0% commission. See how to create a free digital menu.
Read next
Sources (2)
- How much a delivery app costs in Brazil (2026), FWC Tecnologia, read 25 October 2026
- Menuthere pricing — App Próprio at $99/month, Menuthere, read 25 October 2026