How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Too Good To Go?

In recent years, Europe has become a critical market for innovative mobile apps, particularly as consumers seek digital solutions for sustainable living. One example is Too Good To Go, a popular app that helps reduce food waste by connecting users to local restaurants and shops with surplus food. The concept has resonated deeply with European users who prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and environmental consciousness.

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However, creating an app similar to Too Good To Go for the European market involves unique challenges, from navigating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to addressing language localization across diverse European languages and dialects. Building for a tech-savvy and environmentally conscious European audience also requires understanding cross-border usability and region-specific user demands. Unlike other markets, Europe has a unique regulatory framework and cultural diversity, making custom app development more intricate.

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This article breaks down the essential cost factors in developing a custom app like Too Good To Go for Europe, highlighting how these requirements impact the overall development budget. We’ll explore platform compatibility, necessary features, design preferences, compliance with European regulations, and the need for a highly skilled, distributed development team. While specific costs vary widely depending on the app’s complexity and target audience, these factors shape any European app development project.

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Platform and Device Compatibility

In Europe, platform and device compatibility significantly impact development costs, as user preferences for operating systems vary across countries. Understanding how much it costs to build an app depends heavily on these choices, as Android and iOS hold different levels of market dominance throughout the continent. For instance, Android is widely favored in many Western and Eastern European countries due to the affordability of Android devices, which cater to a broad user base. However, iOS is robust in wealthier regions such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia, where users are likelier to choose Apple devices. Therefore, an app targeting Europe should ideally be available on Android and iOS to ensure maximum reach and engagement across various demographics.

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Key Platforms in Europe:

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• Western Europe: Android is generally preferred, but iOS maintains a significant share in higher-income regions.
• Eastern Europe: Android remains dominant because of its affordability and availability at various prices.
• Nordic Countries: iOS commands a solid following, especially for lifestyle and fitness apps, as users here expect high compatibility with Apple devices.

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For European custom app development, developers must consider device-specific requirements in specific sectors. For example, Fintech apps in the U.K. and eCommerce or fitness apps in Scandinavia often need to support tablet or desktop versions to accommodate diverse usage needs. Furthermore, web app compatibility is becoming more popular, especially for users who prefer cross-device functionality or live in areas with lower smartphone penetration. Supporting multiple platforms and devices, however, does add time and cost to the development process. Each platform requires specific code optimizations, rigorous testing, and unique user interface designs to deliver a seamless experience. In custom app development, these considerations are critical for creating a versatile, accessible app that meets the high standards of European users.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

Design and user experience expectations vary across Europe, meaning that customization is essential for apps to resonate with users in different countries. In many parts of Europe, including Nordic and Western European countries, users prefer minimalist and functional designs. European users also expect transparency, especially in terms of data handling and privacy, as seen with GDPR’s influence on user trust.

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Regional UX/UI Preferences:

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• Scandinavian and Western Europe: Minimalistic design, streamlined interfaces, and strong emphasis on transparency.
• Southern Europe: While functional designs are appreciated, users may respond positively to more visually detailed interfaces.
• Eastern Europe: Data handling and privacy are also priorities, though aesthetic preferences may differ across regions.

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Localization is another crucial factor that influences design costs. Supporting multiple languages, including German, French, Spanish, Italian, and other European languages, requires customizable interfaces and cultural adjustments in messaging, design tone, and layout. Furthermore, app navigation and privacy settings must be designed so European users can easily understand and modify their data preferences.

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Integrations with Third-Party Services/External Systems

Integrating with local third-party services is vital for any app serving European users to provide regionally relevant payment and service options. Payment services like Klarna in Scandinavia, Bancontact in Belgium, and SEPA payments across the Eurozone have become preferred methods. Therefore, integrating these systems is essential for creating a seamless user experience across European markets. Additionally, PSD2 compliance (Payment Services Directive 2) is required for many payment systems, adding another layer of integration complexity and regulatory compliance.

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For an app like Too Good To Go, cross-border payment systems are crucial as users and businesses often operate across multiple countries. Therefore, choosing compatible APIs for various local services is essential. Additionally, PSD2 compliance introduces new requirements for secure payment processing, which may include two-factor authentication and user verification standards.

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Database & Backend Infrastructure

Selecting a suitable database and backend infrastructure is fundamental to the app’s long-term performance and scalability. Europe’s data privacy regulations, particularly GDPR, require user data to be stored within the EU. This leads to higher costs as developers often need to use EU-based data centers provided by Google Cloud, AWS, or Azure.

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In addition, backend architecture for European apps often requires more flexibility and security to handle cross-border data transfers and ensure data localization within different European jurisdictions. Scalability is also a critical consideration, as data volume and user activity are expected to grow. Designing backend solutions that can be scaled to support multiple European countries is essential for achieving long-term app stability and security.

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Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Ongoing maintenance is essential for European apps, where updates are frequently required to comply with GDPR and other regional policies. Regular maintenance also includes performance optimizations, bug fixes, and feature enhancements to keep the app engaging and relevant.

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Certain industries in Europe, such as banking and healthcare, require more frequent updates to meet specific compliance standards. Maintenance costs also cover system monitoring to detect security vulnerabilities or performance issues. Since data privacy is a sensitive issue in Europe, maintenance also includes regular updates to ensure continued GDPR compliance, especially if new regulations or policy changes emerge.

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Team Expertise and Location

The location and expertise of your development team significantly influence app development costs, particularly in Europe. You need a distributed team with specialists across different countries to create a successful app in Europe. Local expertise ensures compliance with region-specific data privacy laws, cultural preferences, and multi-language support. Teams familiar with GDPR and other European data regulations are essential, as they can help build secure, compliant systems that protect user data.

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Additionally, designers and translators with expertise in European languages must create intuitive, culturally relevant user interfaces. For instance, localizing content for French, German, and Spanish users requires not only translation but also an understanding of regional cultural nuances. This diverse team composition, while more costly, helps achieve a product that resonates with European users and meets strict compliance standards.

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Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

When developing an app for the European market, it’s essential to consider hidden costs beyond core development. Though less obvious, these costs are critical for ensuring a smooth launch, legal compliance, and ongoing functionality in line with regional standards.

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QA & Testing: Quality assurance (QA) and testing are essential for verifying that the app meets European security and data protection standards. Additional QA processes are necessary in industries such as healthcare and finance due to stricter regulatory requirements. This often involves penetration testing to identify potential security vulnerabilities, load testing to ensure the app performs well under high traffic, and usability testing to confirm the user experience aligns with European design and privacy expectations. These extended QA processes can add significant time and cost to the project but are crucial for building trust with users and maintaining regulatory compliance. Regular testing during updates is also essential, as non-compliance or performance issues can lead to costly fines or reputational damage.

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App Store Fees and Guidelines: Submitting an app to the European Apple App Store and Google Play Store involves specific requirements, including review fees and adherence to regional documentation standards. These platforms may require additional documentation for apps in sensitive industries like healthcare, finance, or apps targeting children. Furthermore, app updates, especially for compliance-related changes, can incur additional fees and processing time for review.

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Legal and Compliance Costs: Navigating Europe’s complex regulatory landscape requires a dedicated budget for legal and compliance-related costs. GDPR compliance alone often necessitates legal reviews to ensure data processing, storage, and user consent mechanisms align with strict EU standards. Consulting with legal experts familiar with European data privacy laws can help identify and address potential compliance gaps, preventing expensive legal complications. Periodic compliance audits and updates are also recommended as regulations evolve, adding an ongoing layer to these hidden costs.

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What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development for Europe

Developing an app like Too Good To Go for Europe presents unique challenges and opportunities. The app’s focus on reducing food waste aligns with European sustainability and environmental responsibility values, making it especially appealing in this market. However, GDPR compliance is a significant requirement, as user data privacy and consent must be thoroughly managed and respected. Additionally, localization across languages, cultural nuances, and regional payment systems requires a highly customized approach for each European market.

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The European market demands transparency and respect for user privacy. Features like multi-language support, multi-currency functionality, and transparent data usage settings are critical in attracting users from different European countries. These requirements, coupled with regulatory compliance, define Europe’s app development landscape and make custom app development essential for ensuring user trust and legal compliance.

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Looking for a custom app built to succeed in Europe? 

At Scrums.com, we specialize in developing compliant, localized software that meets the needs of a diverse European market. Whether it’s GDPR readiness or multi-language interfaces, we know what it takes to make your app a success. Contact us today to get a custom-fit estimate for your European app project!