The online dating industry is worth $9.65 billion and continues to grow as more people turn to digital platforms for relationships. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge make millions every year, proving there’s still plenty of space for innovation.

But how much does it actually cost to build an app like OkCupid? 

The answer depends on various factors, including features, platform, development team, and long-term maintenance. A basic dating app with standard profile creation, messaging, and simple matching can cost between $50,000 and $80,000. 

A mid-range app with additional features like subscriptions, push notifications, and more advanced filtering can range from $100,000 to $250,000. If you’re aiming for a high-end platform with AI-based matchmaking, video calls, and advanced security, expect to spend $250,000 to over $500,000.

Cost is just one part of the equation. Once the app is live, you’ll need to invest in maintenance, user acquisition, and marketing. You’ll also need a strong monetization strategy, because OkCupid and similar apps don’t just survive—they make billions. 

This guide breaks down development costs, hidden expenses, and the smartest way to build a dating app efficiently.

How Do Dating Apps Like OkCupid Make Money?

Understanding monetization is crucial before investing in development. OkCupid follows the freemium model, meaning the app is free to use, but users pay for premium features. This is the most effective way for dating apps to make money.

One of the biggest revenue drivers is subscriptions. OkCupid’s premium plans, starting at $24.99 per month, allow users to access perks like advanced search filters, seeing who liked their profile, and messaging without restrictions. Tinder follows the same model with Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold, which made it $1.79 billion in 2023.

Another major revenue stream is in-app purchases. Features like profile boosts, super likes, and read receipts are optional but attractive to users who want to increase their chances of finding a match. The psychology behind dating apps plays a big role here—when people see potential matches slipping away, they are willing to pay to improve their visibility.

Some apps rely on advertising, displaying banner ads, sponsored profiles, or promoted content to free users. While OkCupid doesn’t focus heavily on ads, many other dating apps do. Even with just a small percentage of free users clicking on ads, dating apps can generate significant revenue from ad networks like Google AdMob and Facebook Audience Network.

Affiliate marketing is another monetization method. Dating apps partner with brands, events, or services related to relationships, lifestyle, or self-improvement, earning commissions for successful referrals. For example, some dating apps promote virtual date night experiences or personality tests, adding an additional revenue stream.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like OkCupid?

The cost of building a dating app varies based on complexity. A basic MVP (minimum viable product) that includes user registration, profile creation, and simple messaging can be built for $50,000 to $80,000. This is the best option for startups testing the waters before committing to a full-scale platform.

A mid-range dating app that includes premium subscriptions, advanced filtering, and push notifications typically costs $100,000 to $250,000. Most successful dating apps fall within this range, as they balance free and paid features to attract users while generating revenue.

A high-end dating app with AI-driven matchmaking, video chats, social media integration, and real-time analytics will cost at least $250,000, potentially exceeding $500,000. These apps require advanced backend systems, machine learning algorithms, and high-level security to ensure data protection.

Key Features That Influence Development Costs

User Registration and Profiles

Users expect an easy sign-up process. OkCupid allows registration through email, phone number, or social media logins like Google and Facebook. This process seems simple but requires secure authentication systems to prevent fake accounts and bot registrations. Customizable profiles, including photos, bios, and personal preferences, are a must. Developing a user-friendly and secure registration system can cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

Matching Algorithm and Search Filters

Basic dating apps rely on simple location-based matches, but OkCupid’s strength lies in its match percentage system, which uses user responses to suggest compatible profiles. Creating a basic matching algorithm costs $20,000 to $30,000, but if you want AI-driven recommendations, the price can exceed $50,000.

Messaging and Chat Features

Dating apps need a chat system, but the complexity varies. A basic text-based chat costs $20,000 to $30,000, but if you add features like read receipts, voice notes, and video calls, the price can go up to $40,000 or more. Tinder and OkCupid offer messaging only after a mutual match, which helps reduce spam and increases user engagement.

Payment Integration for Subscriptions

To generate revenue, your app needs payment integration with services like Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Subscription-based models require auto-renewal setups and multiple pricing tiers, which add to development costs. Expect to spend between $15,000 and $30,000 for a secure and seamless payment system.

Push Notifications and User Engagement

Notifications play a critical role in bringing users back to the app. OkCupid sends reminders for new matches, unread messages, and special promotions. This feature may seem small but requires a well-built backend system to ensure timely delivery. Developing a push notification system costs between $10,000 and $20,000.

Admin Dashboard and Moderation Tools

Dating apps need a robust moderation system to filter out fake accounts, scam profiles, and inappropriate content. OkCupid relies on AI-driven moderation combined with manual review. A basic admin dashboard costs around $15,000, while an AI-powered moderation system can push costs over $30,000.

Hidden Costs Most Startups Overlook

App Maintenance and Updates

Development doesn’t stop after launch. Regular updates, bug fixes, and new feature rollouts are necessary to keep the app competitive. Annual maintenance costs range from $5,000 to $15,000.

Marketing and User Acquisition

Even a great app won’t succeed without users. Paid advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and Google is essential, and a typical dating app startup spends $10,000 to $100,000 per month on marketing. Hinge and Bumble invested millions in influencer partnerships to grow their user base.

Legal and Compliance Costs

Dating apps collect personal data, making them subject to privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA. Legal fees for data protection compliance range from $5,000 to $20,000. OkCupid faced legal trouble in 2022 over privacy issues, proving that cutting corners on legal matters can lead to serious consequences.

Build a Scalable Dating App with Supersourcing

If you’re serious about launching a dating app like OkCupid, choosing the right development partner is critical. Supersourcing is a top-tier app development company that connects businesses with the best tech teams to build high-performing, scalable applications.

With years of experience delivering top-quality apps, Supersourcing has worked with startups and enterprises to create feature-rich platforms that drive engagement and revenue. Whether you’re building a basic MVP or a full-scale AI-powered dating app, Supersourcing provides the right tech expertise to turn your vision into reality.

Final Thoughts

Building a dating app like OkCupid is a significant investment, but with the right approach, it can also be highly profitable. Whether you’re starting with a basic MVP or aiming for a full-scale AI-powered platform, understanding the costs upfront is crucial. 

Besides development, budgeting for marketing, legal compliance, and ongoing maintenance will determine long-term success.

Planning wisely and investing in the right features and an experienced app development team can make all the difference in building the next big thing in online dating.

FAQs

How much does it cost to develop a basic dating app like OkCupid?

A basic dating app with standard features like user registration, profile creation, basic matching, and messaging can cost between $50,000 and $80,000. This is ideal for startups testing the market with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

What factors influence the cost of building a dating app?

The cost depends on several factors, including the complexity of features, development platform (iOS, Android, or both), design, backend infrastructure, security requirements, and developer rates. Additional costs include app maintenance, marketing, and legal compliance.

How do dating apps like OkCupid make money?

Dating apps monetize through subscriptions (premium plans), in-app purchases (boosts, super likes), advertising (banner ads, sponsored profiles), and affiliate marketing. A well-planned monetization strategy is crucial to profitability.

What are the hidden costs of building a dating app?

Beyond development, hidden costs include app maintenance ($5,000–$15,000 per year), user acquisition ($10,000–$100,000 per month), compliance with data privacy laws ($5,000–$20,000), and continuous feature updates to stay competitive.

How can Supersourcing help you build an app like OkCupid?

Supersourcing connects you with pre-vetted developers to build a scalable, secure dating app. From AI matchmaking to payment integration, they offer end-to-end development, ensuring fast delivery, compliance, and cost efficiency.