Classified apps like OLX, Quikr, and Facebook Marketplace have transformed how Indians buy and sell used goods, rent properties, find jobs, and even access local services. With the rise of hyperlocal commerce and the gig‑economy, building a classified platform in 2026 is a smart business move—whether you target a niche segment (automobiles, real estate, fashion, electronics) or a full‑scale marketplace.
If you’re planning to build a classified app like OLX or Quikr, the biggest question you’re likely asking is:
How much does it cost to develop a classified app in India?
Here’s a complete breakdown.
1. What Defines a Classified App Like OLX or Quikr?
A classified platform enables users to:
- Post ads for products or services
- Buy or sell used goods
- Communicate via chat or calls
- Filter listings by category, budget, location
- Use secure verification features
- Complete transactions in-app or offline
Modern classified apps are more than simple listing platforms—they integrate:
- Intelligent search
- Smart recommendations
- Fraud detection systems
- Payments
- Subscription models
- Identity verification
All of these affect the total development cost.
2. Development Cost Overview (India, 2026)
Below are the standard cost ranges for building a classified mobile app:
| App Type | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Classified App (MVP) | ₹12 – ₹20 lakh |
| Mid-Level Classified App | ₹20 – ₹45 lakh |
| Full‑Scale App like OLX/Quikr | ₹45 lakh – ₹1.2 crore+ |
Large‑scale platforms with AI‑based recommendations, payments, fraud control, and admin CRM panels can exceed ₹1.5 crore, depending on complexity.
3. Features That Influence the Cost
A) User Features
- User login (mobile OTP, email, social)
- Profile & dashboard
- Ad posting (photos, videos, pricing, category selection)
- Search + advanced filtering
- Location‑based listings (GPS or map‑based)
- In‑app chat & call masking
- Favorites & saved searches
- Report/block functionality
B) Seller / Advertiser Features
- Easy product listing flow
- Subscriptions for premium visibility
- Analytics for ad views, engagement, favourites
- Auto‑renew or repost options
C) Admin Panel Features
- User and listing management
- Approvals & moderation tools
- Fraud detection alerts
- Category management
- CMS pages
- Banner & ad management
- Promotion & coupon controls
- Revenue & payout dashboard
D) Advanced Features (Increase Development Cost)
- AI‑powered recommendation engine
- Auto image enhancement for listings
- QR‑based profile verification
- Fraud detection (flag suspicious patterns)
- In‑app wallet & payments
- Premium ads (Top Ads, Spotlight)
- Ads boost system
- Chatbot for customer support
- In-app analytics dashboards
4. Technology Stack That Impacts Cost
Mobile App
- Flutter / React Native (cross-platform)
- Kotlin (Android)
- Swift (iOS)
Backend
- Node.js / Python / PHP
- Microservices for large apps
- Redis caching for fast search
- PostgreSQL or MongoDB
Search & Recommendations
- Elasticsearch for high-speed filtering
- AI/ML models for user behaviour prediction
Maps & Location
- Google Maps or Mapbox APIs
Using cross‑platform frameworks can significantly reduce cost and time to market.
5. Detailed Cost Breakdown (Module-Wise)
| Feature / Component | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| UI/UX Design | 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| User Registration & Profiles | 80,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Ad Posting Module | 1,50,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Search + Advanced Filters | 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Location & Map Integration | 1,00,000 – 3,00,000 |
| In-App Chat / Call Masking | 1,50,000 – 5,00,000 |
| AI Recommendations | 1,50,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Fraud Detection System | 1,00,000 – 6,00,000 |
| Payment Gateway + Wallet | 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Admin Panel & Moderation Tools | 1,50,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Notifications & Alerts | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Testing & QA | 1,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| DevOps & Cloud Setup | 75,000 – 2,50,000 |
6. Development Timeline
| App Complexity | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| Basic MVP | 3 – 4 months |
| Mid-Level | 5 – 7 months |
| Advanced (OLX-grade) | 8 – 12+ months |
High‑traffic platforms may require an extended timeline for testing, optimization, and server scaling.
7. Monthly Maintenance Cost After Launch
A classified app requires continuous moderation and upgrades.
Monthly maintenance cost ranges:
👉 ₹40,000 – ₹2,50,000+
This covers:
- Server charges
- Bug fixes
- Security updates
- API upgrades
- New features
- Listing moderation
- App store optimization
- Push notifications
Apps with large user bases (100k+) may require ₹3–5 lakh monthly, depending on traffic and moderation needs.
8. Monetization Models for a Classified App
A major reason classified apps are profitable is the diversity of revenue streams:
1. Premium Listing Plans
- Featured ads
- Top-of-list placement
- Highlighted ads
2. Seller Subscriptions
- Monthly packages
- Auto‑boosting bundles
- Unlimited listings
3. Advertising Revenue
- Banner ads
- Native ads
- Partner placements
4. Transaction Fees
If you add in-app payments for products.
5. Commission on Verified Sellers
Paid KYC badge or Verified Seller program.
6. Value-Added Services
- Home pickup for sellers
- Delivery partnership
- Inspection services
9. How to Reduce Development Costs
- Start with a niche (automobiles, electronics, furniture)
- Launch with an MVP (core listing + search + chat)
- Use cross‑platform development
- Integrate ready-made third‑party APIs
- Add AI and automation in Phase 2
- Automate moderation to reduce manpower
A phased approach is budget‑friendly and efficient for market validation.
Final Words: What Should You Budget?
To build a classified app like OLX or Quikr in India:
- Start with ₹12–20 lakh for a basic MVP
- Plan ₹20–45 lakh for a mid-tier product
- Expect ₹45 lakh – ₹1.2+ crore for a full‑scale, high‑traffic platform
Based on your vision, scalability needs, and target segment, the budget will shift accordingly.
