How much a Telegram bot and Mini App cost: what the price is made of
A bot's price depends on scenarios, integrations and roles; a Mini App's price also depends on the interface, API and data. A simple bot costs far less than a catalog with subscriptions. Saving comes from launching a minimal version and describing the task clearly.
The honest answer to “how much does a bot cost” runs from “cheap” to “like a small web app”. Below are the project types, price factors and the reference points I use in my work.
Three project types
| Type | What it does | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| A simple bot | Menu, replies, leads sent to a chat or a spreadsheet | from $185 (15,000 ₽), from 3 days |
| A bot with integrations and AI | Data from CRM, 1C or an API, subscriptions, notifications, an AI consultant | more than a simple bot, depends on integrations, 1–3 weeks |
| A Mini App | An interface inside Telegram: catalog, filters, cards, a personal account | close to the Business package (from $850), usually 3–6 weeks |
These are my “from” reference points, not fixed prices: I name the exact cost after a short brief and fix it before work starts. Full prices are in the Pricing section.
What affects the cost
- Number of scenarios. One “leave a request” scenario and fifteen branches with conditions are different scopes.
- Integrations. CRM, payments, 1C and affiliate APIs: every link adds work and tests.
- Data and database. If you need to store users, subscriptions and history, a database and API must be designed.
- Interface. A bot uses ready-made Telegram elements, while a Mini App is a custom interface that must be designed and built.
- AI. An assistant with access to your data needs tools, checks and limits set up.
- Roles and admin panel. A separate panel for content or leads is an extra part of the project.
- Reliability. Logs, retries, error notifications and autotests raise the price but lower the risk of failures.
- Deadlines. Urgent work usually costs more.
What is not included in the development price
These costs are paid separately and do not depend on the developer:
- a server or hosting and a domain;
- paid external APIs and subscriptions;
- AI model tokens, if cloud models are used.
I state their size in advance so there are no surprises.
How to save without losing quality
- Start with a minimal version. Launch the main scenario and develop it based on real data.
- Describe the task in your own words: what should happen, for whom and what counts as success.
- Use ready-made Telegram elements where a custom interface is not needed.
- Agree on stages and payment by results.
- Ask for the source code and access right away.
A bot or a Mini App
If you need short scenarios (a lead, a notification, an answer to a question), a bot is enough. If you need a catalog with filters, photos and a personal account, a Mini App is much more convenient, and the bot remains the notification channel. More in the comparison Mini App or a website and in the article on catalog architecture.
Examples
A bot and a Mini App with subscriptions and a catalog: Da Nang House. A bot with an AI consultant, a Mini App and an automated channel: HotTrip. The service: Telegram bots and Mini Apps.
FAQ
Can I build a bot for free or very cheaply?
A simple bot can be assembled yourself with a builder. But once you need integrations, a database or non-standard logic, you need development.
How long does development take?
A simple bot takes a few days, a bot with integrations 1–3 weeks, a Mini App 3–6 weeks. Timelines depend on scope and how quickly approvals go.
What should I prepare to get an exact estimate?
A scenario description, a list of integrations and data, examples of similar solutions and a desired deadline. A few lines are enough, the rest we clarify at the brief.
Do I need support after launch?
It is advisable: updates, monitoring and small improvements. Support is priced separately, usually monthly.
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