A Detailed Breakdown of the Cost to Build an AI App like Perplexity

Have you ever wanted to create an AI agent like Perplexity? If yes, then you are on the right blog. 

"AI is the new electricity," said Andrew Ng, one of the foremost experts in the field of artificial intelligence.

Perplexity AI-powered tool designed to enhance the functionality of its is a top name when it comes to an artificial intelligence-powered web search tool, designed to improve efficiency. 

As we move into an era where AI powers everything from search engines to personal assistants, the question on everyone's mind is: how much does it cost to build an AI app like Perplexity?

In brief, the cost to create an AI agent like Perplexity can go from $70,000 to $350,000+ or more. The reason is, the more complex your project idea is. 

Let’s talk about it all in detail, where we will disclose the cost, factors affecting the cost to build an AI agent like Perplexity, and more. 

A Brief Glimpse into Perplexity 

Perplexity AI, Inc. was established as a privately owned company in 2022 by its founders Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski.

“AI isn’t just the future; it’s the present,” said Perplexity’s team, and this assistant embodies that vision perfectly.

In January 2025, Perplexity took search engine technology to the next level with the launch of the Perplexity Assistant, an AI-powered tool designed to supercharge its functionality.

By April 2025, the Perplexity Assistant made its debut on Android and iOS devices, giving users the power of intelligent search right in their pockets.

Now, seamlessly integrated into the Perplexity app, the assistant provides an intuitive, fast, and highly personalized search experience.

As of right now, perplexity has over 780 million monthly queries, huge, right? 

With the growing shift toward AI, Perplexity is on track to revolutionize how we search the web.
Don’t believe us, take a look at some stats backing the statement: 

• • In 2025, Perplexity AI handles over 100 million requests each week.
  • March 2025 saw more than 155 million visits on the platform.
  • Approximately 1 in 4 Perplexity users are located in Indonesia.
  • As of 2025, Perplexity AI is valued at a staggering $18 billion. 

How Does Perplexity Work? 

To understand Perplexity, it’s essential to look at how its AI algorithms process user queries in real-time. 

If you’re looking to create an AI app, the key lies in using advanced machine learning to analyze data and deliver personalized, fast, and accurate results.

Working:

• • Download the App: Get the Perplexity app on your Android or iOS device.
  • Input Your Query: Type your search query, and the AI assistant analyzes it using sophisticated natural language processing (NLP).
  • Smart Response: The assistant retrieves relevant information from a variety of sources, presenting it in a concise, easy-to-understand format.
  • Seamless Integration: It also learns from your interactions to improve its responses, giving you a more tailored experience over time.

To create an AI agent like Perplexity, it’s important to know how the platform works, but what’s even more important is to know how much does it cost to create an AI app like Perplexity. 

How Much Does it Cost to Build an AI Agent like Perplexity? 

Wondering about the cost to create an AI app like Perplexity? 

The AI agent, like Perplexity development cost, can be somewhere from $70,000 to $350,000+ or more.

This can change as per depending on the complexity, features and platform requirements. 

Building an AI app like Perplexity isn’t exactly pocket change. 

AI app development costs can vary based on factors like AI algorithms, design, and team expertise.

Here's a breakdown of how costs can stack up:

As several factors affect the cost, only an experienced mobile app development company in Denver can help you figure out the right cost for your requirements. 

Now, we constantly talk about the different factors. 

Let’s get to know them one by one: 

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build an AI App like Perplexity

So, if you are ready to bring your AI app business idea to life, then you should be aware of all those factors that affect the cost to develop an AI app, like perplexity.  

Here are the 7 main ones:

1. AI Algorithm Complexity

The more advanced the AI algorithms, the higher the cost to build an AI app like Perplexity. 

Perplexity’s AI includes sophisticated machine learning models, which require computational power and extensive training data. 

Developing custom AI models to understand user queries can take months of research and development, resulting in an increase in the cost to develop an AI agent like perplexity. 

2. Platform Support 

Whether you want to opt for Android app development services, or iOS app development services or both, it adds another layer of complexity and cost. ‘

After all, multiple platforms require dedicated developers and additional testing. 

Cross-platform development tools can reduce costs, but native apps still offer better performance and customization. 

3. Features & Functionality 

The more features you integrate into your AI assistant, the more expensive it gets. 

There are several features, including voice recognition, personalized search, and real-time recommendations, which need specialised development. 

Each added feature increases both the development time and cost to develop an AI app like Perplexity. 

4. Data Acquisition & Processing

To build a powerful AI assistant, you need to access a huge amount of high-quality data. 

Acquiring, cleaning and processing this data can be time-consuming and expensive. 

Licensed datasets, cloud storage and data processing tools come at a cost, which affects the total Perplexity like app development cost. 

5. Design & User Experience 

A seamless user experience is critical.

To create an AI agent like Perplexity, you have to focus on a sleek, intuitive UI and which adds to the cost. 

The process begins with crafting an app wireframe, which outlines the basic structure. 

Followed by an app prototype, showcasing the app’s functionality and flow to ensure the design aligns with user expectations.

If your AI app is complex, having the right UX design to simplify navigation and interaction becomes even more important.

6. Development Team Expertise 

Hiring dedicated developers specializing in AI, machine learning, and app development is an important element to succedd.

The more experienced your team, the higher the cost, but it also ensures a higher-quality end product. 

Experts are in demand, and their hourly rates can vary, impacting your total development budget. 

7. Maintenance & Updates 

After your AI app is launched, it requires continuous app maintenance services, updates and monitoring. 

Regular updates to AI models, bug fixes, and user experience improvements are necessary for the app’s long-term success. 

The ongoing maintenance can cost anywhere between 15% to 20%, depending on app complexity.

With this, out of the way, you might have understood the Perplexity of AI like app development cost. 

How to Reduce the Overall Cost to Build an AI Agent App like Perplexity? 

A smart investor always looks for ways to reduce the overall Perplexity like app development cost. 

Here are some tips to reduce the cost: 

1] Use Pre-built AI Models

Instead of building AI algorithms from scratch, consider utilizing pre-trained models available on platforms like Google Cloud AI or OpenAI.

These models are ready to integrate and can be fine-tuned to meet your app’s requirements. Using pre-built models saves both development time and resources.

Estimated savings: Reduces AI development costs by 30-40%, as you avoid the need for extensive algorithm training from the ground up.

2] Opt for Cross-platform Development

Cross-platform development frameworks like Flutter or React Native allow you to create apps for both Android and iOS using a single codebase.

This approach eliminates the need to develop separate apps for each platform, cutting down on time, effort, and cost to create an AI app like Perplexity.

Estimated savings: This can save up to 25-35% in development costs, as it reduces the need for duplicate resources and testing on multiple platforms.

3] Outsource Development to Skilled Teams

Outsourcing app development to talented teams in regions with lower labour costs, like Eastern Europe or South Asia, can significantly reduce the price.

Opting for AI app development services from Dubai or other such places can still guarantee high-quality results while trimming down the overall cost to develop an AI app like Perplexity.

Estimated savings: Outsourcing can cut labor costs by 20-50%, depending on the location and expertise of the team you hire.

4] Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is an excellent strategy to test your AI app’s core functionalities in the market before committing to full-scale development. 

Focus only on essential features initially, then iterate based on user feedback. This helps avoid overbuilding features that may not be needed

Estimated savings: Launching an MVP can reduce initial development costs by 30-60%, allowing you to validate the concept without investing heavily upfront.

5] Prioritize Essential Features

When building your AI app, focus on core features that solve a specific problem and offer value to users. 

Resist the temptation to add unnecessary, complex functionalities that can delay development and inflate costs. 

For example, prioritize voice recognition and search functionality before considering advanced features like personalized recommendations.

Estimated savings: By limiting the scope to essential features, you can save 15-25% on development, making the app leaner and faster to market.

6] Automate Testing and Deployment

Automating testing and deployment processes through Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines can significantly streamline app updates. 

Automation reduces manual intervention, ensuring faster iterations and fewer human errors, which translates to lower overall costs. 

Additionally, automated testing helps identify bugs early, minimizing costly fixes down the road.

Estimated savings: Automating testing and deployment can reduce QA and deployment costs by 20%, allowing your development cycle to be faster and more efficient.

How Perplexity-like Apps Make Money?

Ever wondered how Perplexity-like apps make money? These AI-powered search tools aren’t just amazing at delivering personalized, accurate results, they’re also built to generate revenue in clever ways.

So, let’s break it down and explore different app monetization models:

1. Freemium Model

You’ve probably used a free version of an app, right? Well, Perplexity-like apps often start by offering users a free basic version. 

They lure you in with great functionality, then offer premium features like advanced search capabilities or ad-free experiences for a subscription fee.

Think about it: You get hooked on the service, and then a small monthly fee seems like a pretty good deal.

2. Ads and Sponsored Content

Ads are a classic monetization strategy, and Perplexity-like apps aren’t shy about using them.

Once you’ve built a loyal user base, selling ad space can bring in a steady stream of revenue.

These ads can be targeted based on user behavior, ensuring that they’re relevant and profitable.

So, while you’re enjoying seamless searches, those app creators are cashing in.

3. Data Monetization

Now, here’s a more interesting one. these apps often gather huge amounts of data on how users search, their preferences, and behaviors.

While privacy is key, the aggregated, anonymized data can be sold or used to enhance ad targeting and improve app services.

You’re helping them improve the app while they make money from your data (with your permission, of course!).

4. Affiliate Marketing

Ever searched for a product and been given some recommendations within the app? That’s affiliate marketing in action!

These apps partner with brands, recommending products or services and earning a commission when you make a purchase through their link.

It’s a win-win: You find what you’re looking for, and the app earns some revenue in the process.

5. White-labeling

Another interesting route is white-labeling, where the app's technology is sold or licensed to other businesses.

So, if you're running a company and want to create your own search AI, you can purchase the technology from an established app like Perplexity and customize it.

This opens up a whole new revenue stream without the hassle of building the tech from scratch.

6. Subscription for Enhanced Features

If you want your AI assistant to do more than just basic searches, like offering personalized recommendations, deeper analytics, or exclusive content, you’ll likely have to pay for it.  

Perplexity-like apps often monetize by offering users a tiered subscription model for these advanced features. 

As users demand more from their digital assistants, app developers offer just the right incentives to get them to pay for it.

See? Perplexity-like apps aren’t just about providing a great user experience, they’re also pretty savvy when it comes to generating revenue. 

By tapping into multiple revenue streams, they turn a simple search tool into a money-making powerhouse! 

So, if you’re planning to create an AI app of your own, keep these strategies in mind!

How JPLoft Can Help You Develop an AI App like Perplexity? 

Looking to create an AI app like Perplexity? JPLoft, an expert AI app development company, has the experience and skills to bring your vision to life. 

We specialize in crafting cutting-edge AI solutions that deliver fast, personalized, and intelligent user experiences. 

Our team works closely with you from idea to execution, ensuring that your app is not only innovative but also scalable and user-friendly. 

From cutting-edge AI algorithms and intuitive UI design to flawless platform integration, we handle it all.

Let’s turn your idea into the next big thing in the AI space!

Conclusion

Building an AI app like Perplexity involves a complex mix of AI algorithms, advanced development techniques, and thoughtful design. 

The costs can vary widely depending on the features and functionality you want to integrate, but with careful planning and the right development partner, it’s entirely achievable. 

Creating a personalized search assistant or an advanced AI tool requires a deep understanding of the key factors involved in the development process.

At JPLoft, we help you navigate these challenges and transform your AI app idea into a fully functional, successful product.

Ready to make your AI vision a reality?