Mobile App Development

The Real Cost to Build an App like Carousell in 2025

12 November, 2025 Last Updated
5 minutes Read
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The Real Cost to Build an App like Carousell in 2025

Imagine this: you’ve got a brilliant idea, a mobile marketplace where people can buy and sell easily, just like Carousell.

You can already see your app icon on people’s phones, right?

But then the big question hits: “How much does it actually cost to build an app like Carousell?”

Let’s simplify it; no tech jargon, no fluff. Just real answers that help you make confident decisions.

Why Building an App Like Carousell Makes Sense in 2025?

We live in an era where secondhand selling is the new cool. People want affordable, sustainable options, and that’s exactly what platforms like Carousell deliver.

In 2024, Carousell reported over $119 million in revenue with tens of millions of active listings across Asia. That’s proof of how powerful marketplace apps can be.

So yes, your idea isn’t just good, it’s timely.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Build an App Like Carousell?

Here’s the honest breakdown, simple and clear. The cost depends mainly on:

  • What features do you need
  • Who builds it
  • And how fast you want it done
Type of AppKey FeaturesEstimated Cost
Basic MVPUser login, listings, chat, search$5,000 – $10,000
Mid-level AppPayments, ratings, and admin dashboard$6,000 – $12,000
Full-featured App like CarousellAnalytics, AI suggestions, scalabilityPayments, ratings, and admin dashboard

Pro Tip: Start small with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — it’s faster, cheaper, and gives you a real test before going big.

Where Does Your Money Go?

You don’t need to be a techie to understand this; here’s where the cost usually goes:

  1. Planning & Research (5–10%)
    • Understanding your users and creating a clear app flow.
    • Think of it as the “map” before the journey.
  2. Design (10–15%)
    • Building an easy, beautiful interface.
    • Because ugly apps lose users faster than pop-up ads.
  3. Development (50–60%)
    • The coding magic: features like chat, payments, listings, notifications, etc.
    • This is the biggest investment and the heart of your app.
  4. Testing (10–15%)
    • Fixing bugs, improving speed, and ensuring your app doesn’t crash.
  5. Maintenance (15–25%)
    • Once you launch, you’ll need regular updates, hosting, and user support.

Remember: Always keep 20% of your yearly budget for updates and improvements, because user expectations evolve fast.

Essential Features of an App Like Carousell

If you’re on a budget, start with these must-have features:

  • Easy sign-up/login
  • Smooth product listing process
  • Smart search & filters
  • In-app chat
  • Secure payment options
  • Ratings & reviews
  • Push notifications

These are what make your app useful, lovable, and sticky.

How Long Does It Take to Build an App Like Carousell?

StageDuration
Discovery & Design3–4 weeks
Development (MVP)8–12 weeks
Testing & Launch2–3 weeks

That’s around 3 to 4 months for an MVP and 6–9 months for a full app, depending on the complexity.

Building Alone Is Hard: But You’re Not Alone

Let’s face it, building an app from scratch can be overwhelming. You’ve got the vision but not the time to decode every tech term or manage endless developers.

That’s where YeasiTech steps in.

YeasiTech isn’t just a development company, it’s a partner that builds with empathy.

We specialize in building scalable marketplace apps like Carousell: fast, reliable, and budget-friendly.

Why YeasiTech Is the Right Partner for You?

Here’s why startups and entrepreneurs love working with YeasiTech:

  • Launch-ready MVPs in record time
  • Transparent, fixed-cost pricing
  • Regular updates and clear communication
  • Built for scalability and real-world growth

YeasiTech’s mission is simple: help dreamers turn ideas into apps that make money. They understand what it feels like to start small and dream big.

Ready to Turn Your Idea into Reality?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need millions or fancy investors to build an app like Carousell.
You just need the right partner who understands your vision and works smart, not expensively.

Let YeasiTech handle the tech, while you focus on growing your business.

Your marketplace idea deserves to live, not just stay in your notebook.

Talk to YeasiTech today for a free consultation and cost breakdown. Start your journey toward launching the next big marketplace app.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to build an app like Carousell?

The cost depends on features, platform, and complexity. A basic MVP costs $5,000–$10,000, while a full-featured app can cost $6,000–$12,000+. Starting small helps validate your idea before spending big.

2. How long does it take to build an app like Carousell?

An MVP usually takes 3–4 months, including design, development, and testing. A full-featured marketplace app may take 6–9 months, depending on complexity.

3. What features are essential in an app like Carousell?

Must-have features include user login, product listing, search filters, in-app chat, payment gateway, ratings & reviews, and push notifications. Advanced features can be added later.

4. Can I build an app like Carousell on a small budget?

Yes! Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that focuses on core features. Once it gains traction, you can expand with more advanced functionality.

5. Who can help me build an app like Carousell?

Working with an experienced partner like YeasiTech ensures your app is built efficiently, scalable, and cost-effective. They specialize in marketplace apps and startup-friendly solutions.

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