# 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.

Date: 2026-10-30 · Source: https://oneswitch.ru/en/blog/skolko-stoit-telegram-bot-i-mini-app/

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](/ceny/) 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

1. **Start with a minimal version.** Launch the main scenario and develop it based on real data.
2. **Describe the task in your own words:** what should happen, for whom and what counts as success.
3. **Use ready-made Telegram elements** where a custom interface is not needed.
4. **Agree on stages and payment by results.**
5. **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](/blog/telegram-mini-app-ili-sajt/) and in the article on [catalog architecture](/blog/katalog-v-telegram-mini-app-arhitektura/).

## Examples

A bot and a Mini App with subscriptions and a catalog: [Da Nang House](/raboty/danang-house/). A bot with an AI consultant, a Mini App and an automated channel: [HotTrip](/raboty/hottrip/). The service: [Telegram bots and Mini Apps](/uslugi/telegram-boty-i-mini-app/).

## 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.