How to Build a Scalable Fitness App for Startups and Enterprises in 2026
By Averena Fainzo 27-02-2026 1
People are getting more interested in fitness tracking apps because they want to get healthier, see how they are doing and stay in touch with friends. Apps like Strava have changed the way people run, cycle, hike and work out by using GPS to track what they do and letting them share it with others. If you want to make a fitness app in 2026 you need to pick the best fitness app development company to help you and figure out how much it will cost. The cost of making a fitness app depends on a lot of things such as what features you want, how the app will look, what technology you will use, where the people making the app are and how you will keep it running over time. In this guide we will go over all the costs of making an app, like Strava and help you think about how much money you will need.
Key Features That Impact Development Cost
Core Features for a Simple Version
If you want to launch a version of your app you should focus on the most important features, such as:
- User registration and managing their profile
- Tracking activities using GPS
- Mapping out routes
- Keeping a history of activities
- Basic analytics to see how you are doing
- Sharing on media
- Getting push notifications
A simple version of the app usually costs between $25,000 and $45,000 depending on how complicated it's where you are. A best Fitness app development company can help you pick which features to start with so you do not spend much at first but can still make the app bigger later.
Advanced Features for a Full App
To compete with popular apps you need to have more advanced features, such as:
- Tracking location in time
- Using intelligence to get insights into performance
- Working with devices like Apple Watch or Garmin
- Having challenges and leaderboards inside the app
- Offering premium features for a subscription
- Allowing in-app purchases
- Having a dashboard, for analytics
Adding these features will make the app cost more between $60,000 and $120,000 or even more. The final cost depends on how the backend of the app's built and what is needed to process data.
Maintenance and Post-Launch Costs
Developing an app does not stop when it is launched. There are costs that keep coming up. These costs include
- Server hosting
- Bug fixes
- Feature updates
- Security patches
- Operating system updates
The cost of maintenance every year is usually 15 to 25 percent of the cost of developing the app. For example if an app costs $80,000 to develop the maintenance cost every year may be between $12,000 and $20,000.
Monetization Strategies That Influence Return on Investment
To get back the money you invested you need to have strategies to make money from your app.
The Subscription Model is one way to do this. Apps like Strava use this model where users can get premium services if they pay a subscription fee. The monthly subscription fee can be between $5 and $15 per user.
In-App Advertising is another way to make money. If you want to make a Fitness app development company can build profitable mobile apps with an affordable budget.
- Sponsored challenges
- Brand collaborations
- Display ads
In-App Purchases is also a way to make money. You can offer users premium services or special features if they pay for them.
Choosing the way to make money helps you get back the money you invested and makes sure you get a return on investment when you work with a company that develops mobile apps like Strava.
Estimated Total Cost Breakdown
Here is an idea of how it may cost to build an app like Strava
- MVP Version: $25,000 to $45,000
- Mid-Level App: $50,000 to $80,000
- Advanced Feature-Rich App: $80,000 to $150,000 or more
The cost depends on what features the app has, where the development teams located and how complex the technology's
Hidden Costs to Consider
App Store Fees are something you have to pay.
- Apple App Store: $99 per year
- Google Play Store: $25 one-time fee
Marketing and User Acquisition is also something you have to pay for. The cost of marketing can be between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on how competition there is and how big the launch is.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Building a Fitness App Like Strava?
Building a fitness tracking app like Strava requires a lot of planning, technical expertise and a significant amount of money. In 2026 the cost of developing an app like Strava can be between $25,000 for an app and over $150,000 for a fully-featured app.
However since more and more people are becoming health subscription-driven revenue models are working well. Fitness apps can be very profitable if they are done correctly. Working with the right mobile app development company helps you manage costs, make sure the app can handle a lot of users and launch the app quickly.
If you focus on making sure the app is easy to use, prioritize the features correctly. Having a good way to make money building a Strava-like app can be a good investment. Building a fitness app like Strava can give you a return on investment if you do it correctly. Fitness apps like Strava can make a lot of money if you have a strategy. Strava can make a lot of money from subscriptions and ads.
