Building an NFT marketplace looks like a worthy investment, as these platforms have quickly grown to become major hubs for creators and collectors to trade unique digital assets and artworks.
Despite the hype around NFTs not being as strong as it was a few years ago, the NFT market continues to get bigger each year, with digital artworks often selling for astronomical prices. For example, one of the most expensive NFTs, “The Merge,” sold about 30,000 times in 2021, bringing in an incredible US$91.8 million to its creator. Cases like this show the massive potential and profitability NFT marketplaces still have.
But, before jumping into this fascinating project, it’s wise to make some preliminary estimations.
Our Inoxoft team can guide you through all those nuances. Dwelling on our solid experience in NFT marketplace app development and blockchain solutions, we will answer your most asked question: how much does it cost to create an NFT marketplace? Ready? Let’s get started!
- Is NFT Marketplace Development Worth It in 2025?
- The Cost of Different NFT Marketplace Types
- Open and premium marketplaces
- Curated and non-curated marketplace
- Games marketplace
- Collectibles marketplace
- NFT Marketplace Development Cost Depending on Its Type
- Other Factors That Affect NFT Marketplace Development Cost
- Blockchain Platform
- Features and functionalities
- Design and user experience
- Development team
- Timeframe and project complexity
- Marketing and promotion
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Security and audit
- Breakdown of NFT Marketplace Development Cost
- Features and Functionalities
- Design
- Blockchain Integration
- Smart Contract Development
- Security and Testing
- Backend and Frontend Development
- Maintenance and Updates
- Additional Costs
- Total NFT Marketplace Cost
- Strategies to Help You Reduce the Cost of NFT Marketplace
- Opt for Outsourcing
- Research and Compare For a Better Technology Stack
- Prioritize Features
- Case Study: How We Collaborate With American Company to Develop an NFT Marketplace
- Final Thoughts
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Is NFT Marketplace Development Worth It in 2025?
If you’re looking for a quick answer, then yes, building an NFT marketplace in 2025 is worth it, and there are numbers to back this up. According to Statista, the NFT market’s revenue is expected to hit US$3.369 billion by 2028, with the number of users projected to reach 16.35 million people. That sounds pretty promising, doesn’t it?
Some people might still see NFTs as a trend for selling memes, but they have the potential to drastically transform various communities, especially in sectors like gaming and entertainment. The recent surge in the NFT market is linked to the anticipated approval of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which has brought back to life the virtual asset market.
As the prices of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins have risen, investors have renewed their interest in NFTs. Particularly, blockchain-linked gaming companies have been issuing NFTs and launching marketing campaigns related to them because they are keenly aware of trends among younger demographics.
For instance, Starbucks partnered with the art-related platform Print Bakery to issue and sell NFTs. Starbucks claims that it started this initiative to promote environmental conservation by encouraging the use of personal cups.
The NFT market is expected to keep growing in the coming years, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Some of the world’s top crypto-owning nations, such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, and South Korea, have shown strong interest in NFTs.
NFTs and their marketplaces have experienced significant growth and rapid trading. People around the world are currently reaping the benefits and profits of investing in NFT marketplaces, and these benefits will only increase over time.
The Cost of Different NFT Marketplace Types
So, how much does it cost to start an NFT marketplace? The total cost to develop an NFT marketplace varies depending on the platform’s type and purpose. That’s because each requires different features, technologies, and integrations. Let’s consider the four most common categories of NFT marketplaces and reveal their average development prices.
Open and premium marketplaces
It’s one of the most widespread NFT marketplace types. Such platforms are available to anyone as they gather various sources in a single open market. However, open marketplaces have fewer premium features than closed ones. OpenSea is the most famous example of an open NFT marketplace. The price of such a project varies from $50,000 to $150,000.
Curated and non-curated marketplace
Curated marketplaces are ideal for artists who want to sell their works. But to do that, they should get authorized on the platform. In contrast, non-curated marketplaces don’t require verification, making artwork trading more accessible. The most well-known marketplaces of this type are Netflix, Spotify, and Cargo. The price of such a project varies between $80,000 and $200,000.
Games marketplace
Today, the gaming industry is closely related to the world of NFTs. Unsurprisingly, there are marketplaces where users can trade game assets. For instance, these are Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland. Such a project may cost you somewhere between $100,000 to $500,000.
Collectibles marketplace
Such marketplaces perfectly suit collectors trading various types of digital artworks. Some examples of NFT collectibles platforms are NBA Top Shot, CryptoPunks, and Solanart. To develop a similar product, you’ll need to invest from $60,000 to $250,000.
NFT Marketplace Development Cost Depending on Its Type
We have prepared a table to summarize the information about NFT marketplace development cost, depending on its type:
NFT Marketplace Type |
Example |
Average Development Cost |
Open and Premium Marketplace |
OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation |
$50,000 – $150,000 |
Curated and Non-Curated Marketplace |
Netflix, Spotify, Cargo |
$80,000 – $200,000 |
Games Marketplace |
Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, Decentraland |
$100,000 – $500,000 |
Collectibles Marketplace |
NBA Top Shot, CryptoPunks, Solanart |
$60,000 – $250,000 |
Additionally, you may want to consider white-label marketplaces—pre-built platforms that don’t require custom development or extensive resources. Examples include OpenSea’s off-the-shelf products, Rarible’s custom solutions, and Mintable.
These options are generally more cost-effective, typical white-label NFT marketplace cost ranges from US$10,000 to US$50,000. Off-the-shelf platforms are ideal for a quick, budget-friendly entry into the market without extensive custom features. However, for highly specific needs or unique functionality, developing a solution from scratch might be more appropriate and beneficial.
Other Factors That Affect NFT Marketplace Development Cost
When figuring out the exact cost to build an NFT marketplace, it’s important to consider more than just the main expenses. And to create a realistic budget, you need to understand these additional elements. Let’s discuss them:
Blockchain Platform
The cost of NFT marketplace development significantly depends on the chosen blockchain platform. Let’s overview the most popular options:
- Ethereum. It’s the prominent blockchain platform for NFT marketplaces due to its smart contract capabilities and large developer community. However, the cost of developing on Ethereum is higher because of the high gas fees associated with transactions and deployment.
- Polkadot. Polkadot is a relatively new blockchain platform offering interoperability between blockchains. Due to its complex architecture and the need for specialized development skills, creating an NFT marketplace with Polkadot can be more costly.
- Binance Smart Chain. Binance’s solution is a popular alternative to Ethereum due to its lower gas fees and faster transaction times. Developing an NFT marketplace on Binance Smart Chain is more affordable. Hence, it’s a popular choice for smaller projects.
- TRON. TRON is a blockchain platform that enables high-speed and low-cost transactions. It has small transaction fees, and all development tools and resources are open-source.
- HECO. HECO is a relatively new blockchain platform providing an affordable and scalable solution for decentralized applications. It’s more cost-efficient because of the low transaction fees and the availability of development tools and resources.
Features and functionalities
Your NFT marketplace’s complexity and the required features also affect its development cost.
Some of the essential functions of an NFT marketplace include a user-friendly interface, a search function, an NFT gallery, a bidding system, a payment gateway, and a smart contract system. Additional features like analytics, social media integration, or customization options can also be beneficial. However, they will increase the development price.
Here are some essential functions to consider when estimating your NFT marketplace development budget.
- Storefront. The storefront is like an opening dashboard helping users navigate through your marketplace. It should contain NFTs’ price history, owner, and other crucial information.
- Filters. With the help of filters, users can easily find what they need on your platform. For example, they may choose the product’s price and type that suits them.
- Listings. The ability to create listings with product details is a convenient feature for both sellers and customers.
- Wallet. Thanks to this function, users can manage their NFTs and crypto transactions. You can create your custom wallet or use a ready-made solution.
- Auctions and buying. The NFT buying system streamlines the trading process for users. Auctions, in turn, enhance user engagement and drive more sales.
All those features are highly beneficial if you want to make your NFT marketplace stand out from the stiff competition. But, of course, implementing them affects the cost of building the NFT marketplace.
Design and user experience
User Interface and User Experience determine how customers interact with your platform. Here are some details on how it can impact the development cost:
- Design complexity. Designing a unique, engaging, and easy-to-navigate user interface requires additional time and resources, increasing the project’s cost.
- Customization requirements. You may need customized features like personalized avatars, unique NFT display options, and complex search algorithms. Implementing them demands extra design and development effort.
- Compatibility with different devices. The NFT marketplace design should be responsive and compatible with mobile phones, tablets, and computers. However, to reach this goal, you should also make some extra investments.
- User testing. Testing your product during design is critical for ensuring a positive user experience. It helps identify potential issues and improvement areas but affects the project’s cost.
Development team
The cost of NFT platform development depends heavily on the team‘s specifics:
- Expertise. A team with extensive experience developing blockchain-based applications and NFT marketplaces requires a higher salary. However, reducing the overall project cost will require less time and resources. Besides, such a team’s performance is much more efficient.
- The number of team members. A larger team can handle a more significant workload, accelerating development time. On the other hand, hiring more professionals leads to increased labor expenses.
- Location. The team’s location also impacts the development budget. That’s due to the difference in salaries, living costs, and availability of skilled talent in various regions.
- Communication and collaboration. Agile methodologies prioritize flexibility and adaptability, reducing the total development cost. The team responds to changes and feedback more efficiently, leading to shorter timelines and minimized issues.
Timeframe and project complexity
The more complex the project, the more time and resources it requires. Similarly, if your deadlines are tight, you will need more specialists to meet them, increasing the development cost.
Marketing and promotion
Marketing and promotion are essential factors affecting the development cost of an NFT marketplace:
- Advertising and PR. Advertising and PR campaigns require resources, including marketing professionals, advertising space, and public relations personnel. The marketing team should allocate a sufficient campaign budget to increase the visibility of your NFT marketplace.
- Social media presence. Creating a powerful social media influence boosts marketplace success. However, you should dedicate more time and effort to growing social media accounts and engaging with the audience.
- Community building. Building a community requires significant resources. It includes community managers and moderators, community events, and giveaways.
- Influencer marketing. Influencer marketing is another efficient but expensive way to promote an NFT marketplace through popular social media accounts and other channels.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Now, let’s dive deeper into some details on how legal and regulatory compliance can impact the NFT marketplace development cost:
- Research and analysis. NFT marketplaces may have to follow data protection and privacy regulations depending on the jurisdiction. Researching and analyzing those aspects requires time investments and legal professionals’ assistance.
- Licensing and permits. Obtaining licenses and permissions for establishing an NFT marketplace also boosts the overall development expenses.
- Compliance with AML and KYC regulations. You will need expert help and specific software to make your marketplace comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC).
- Intellectual property rights. An NFT marketplace shouldn’t violate any intellectual property rights of third parties. Thus, the development team must ensure that the NFTs listed on the platform are authentic and legally valid.
- Data protection and privacy regulations. Depending on the jurisdiction, NFT marketplaces may have to follow data protection and privacy regulations. It also requires legal professionals and software involvement.
Examples of legal and regulatory compliance requirements for NFT marketplaces include the following legislations:
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations in the United States for securities offerings
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union for data protection and privacy
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations for AML and KYC compliance
Security and audit
Security and audit also affect the development cost of an NFT marketplace. Let’s look at those requirements in more detail.
- Security protocols. Implementation of two-factor authentication and other security measures increases development expenses.
- Audit and testing. The costs of penetration testing, vulnerability testing, and code audits depend on the size and complexity of your platform.
- Insurance. NFT marketplaces may require insurance to protect against cyber-attacks and other security breaches.
- Compliance with security standards. Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for credit card transactions needs the assistance of security professionals and dedicated software.
Breakdown of NFT Marketplace Development Cost
So, finally, we’ve come to our main question: how much does it cost to build an NFT marketplace in 2025? As we’ve mentioned, the type of NFT marketplace you choose will largely determine the total cost. However, we can still provide you with rough estimates for each stage involved in the development process.
Features and Functionalities
- Basic features (user profiles, storefront, wallet integration, NFT minting) range from $15,000 to $30,000.
- Advanced features (bidding systems, royalties distribution, advanced search algorithms) increase the cost to between $20,000 and $50,000.
Design
- Basic design (simple UI and UX elements) can cost between $5,000 and $10,000
- Custom design (reflects your brand identity and includes intricate design elements) ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.
Blockchain Integration
- Ethereum integration, which is the most common choice for NFT marketplaces, costs between $10,000 and $20,000.
- Alternative blockchains (Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, or Solana) can be slightly lower, ranging from $8,000 to $15,000.
Smart Contract Development
- Basic smart contracts for minting and buying/selling NFTs typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
- Complex smart contracts, such as those for royalties and fractional ownership, can increase the cost to between $10,000 and $25,000.
Security and Testing
- Security audits for smart contract and platform security can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Quality assurance and testing for finding and fixing potential issues range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Backend and Frontend Development
- Backend development (server-side functionality and data management) can range from $20,000 to $40,000.
- Frontend development (client-side experience) costs between $15,000 and $30,000.
Maintenance and Updates
- The annual cost for ongoing maintenance (regular updates, performance optimization, user support, feature enhancements, etc.) ranges from $10,000 to $20,000.
Additional Costs
- Hosting, CDN, and API integrations can add another $5,000 to $15,000 to your total cost.
- Legal costs (intellectual property and regulatory compliance) range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Total NFT Marketplace Cost
- Building a basic NFT marketplace can cost between $80,000 and $120,000.
- The cost for advanced marketplace development with more features and customizations can range from $150,000 to $250,000.
Feature/Component |
Basic |
Advanced |
Features and Functionalities |
$15,000 – $30,000 |
$20,000 – $50,000 |
Design |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
$10,000 – $20,000 |
Blockchain Integration |
$10,000 – $20,000 (Ethereum) |
$8,000 – $15,000 (Alternative) |
Smart Contract Development |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
$10,000 – $25,000 |
Security and Testing |
$10,000 – $25,000 (Audit + QA) |
$10,000 – $25,000 (Audit + QA) |
Backend Development |
$20,000 – $40,000 |
$20,000 – $40,000 |
Frontend Development |
$15,000 – $30,000 |
$15,000 – $30,000 |
Maintenance and Updates |
$10,000 – $20,000/year |
$10,000 – $20,000/year |
Additional Costs |
$5,000 – $15,000 (Hosting, CDN, API) |
$5,000 – $15,000 (Hosting, CDN, API) |
Legal Costs |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
$5,000 – $10,000 |
Total Cost |
$80,000 – $120,000 |
$150,000 – $250,000 |
Strategies to Help You Reduce the Cost of NFT Marketplace
Creating an NFT marketplace can be an exciting venture, but high development expenses, transaction fees, and ongoing maintenance can quickly add up. Here are some strategies to help you keep expenses in check while building a competitive NFT marketplace.
Opt for Outsourcing
It’s no surprise that outsourcing development work can be a smart way to save money. For instance, developers in the USA generally charge more due to the higher cost of living and strong demand. In contrast, you can find skilled developers in more affordable regions, like Eastern Europe, and pay less for the same level of expertise.
Statistics support this point: the average software developer salary in the US is US$110,140 per year or US$9,178 per month. In Poland, a developer typically earns US$22,740 per year, while in Ukraine, the average salary is US$22,348.
Research and Compare For a Better Technology Stack
Choosing the right blockchain platform is another important task for managing your costs. Different platforms have different transaction fees, which can accumulate if your marketplace processes a lot of transactions.
For instance, Ethereum has well-established technology but can sometimes have higher fees. In contrast, Binance Smart Chain and Polkadot often have lower fees and can be more affordable. You can also use open-source technologies, like Hyperledger Fabric or Tezos, as they are free to use and often come with strong community support.
Planning for scalability from the start is important, too. If you don’t think about how to scale your platform early on, you might face expensive updates later to handle more users and transactions.
Prioritize Features
Before building your NFT marketplace, figure out which features are most important for your project. If your vendor offers a detailed software product discovery phase, it can help you easily understand what users really need.
Starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is also a smart approach. An MVP includes only the basic features, making it quicker and cheaper to develop. This way, you can test the marketplace with real users and get their feedback. Based on it, you can then decide which features to add or improve later, making sure you invest your time and money in what matters most for your platform.
Case Study: How We Collaborate With American Company to Develop an NFT Marketplace
Our client, Sandmilk, is a team of digital art enthusiasts who came to us with a vision to address issues of originality and authenticity in internet-based art. They wanted to create a marketplace with social network features for artists who are not tech-savvy with blockchain and prefer to focus on their art.
After completing the Discovery Phase and validating the business idea, we delivered a responsive web platform. It provides tools and features for converting digital artworks into NFTs, allowing creators to sell them directly.
Artists can list their NFTs for sale or offer them for free, choose the license type, add unlockable content, and set royalty fees for future transactions. Buyers can purchase NFTs by simply connecting their bank accounts.
Behind the scenes, the platform automatically creates a blockchain-based contract for each listed NFT using smart contracts. This setup offers both artists and buyers unparalleled convenience without technical hurdles.
Final Thoughts
The cost to build an NFT marketplace varies depending on multiple factors, from your marketplace’s type, scope, and features to the hired developers’ location and experience. On top of that, it’s nearly impossible to estimate the exact development price without considering the specifics of your project. However, you may consider the most crucial factors and approximate estimations we shared in this article.
Finally, choosing a tech partner for your project can make or break your NFT marketplace’s success. Of course, a reliable vendor with the relevant expertise and a team of skilled professionals in place requires more investments. However, such a partnership will pay off in the long run. Experienced developers will spend less time and resources on complex tasks, meet project requirements, and deliver the expected results.
Looking for a trusted and professional vendor? Turn to Inoxoft! Our software development company provides top-notch blockchain-based solutions for clients worldwide. We can turn your startup idea into reality and make the most of your business plans.
Get in touch with our experts to discuss the cost of your particular NFT development project, considering its requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an NFT marketplace without coding knowledge?
Yes, you can create an NFT marketplace without knowing how to code, as many no-code platforms and marketplace solutions make the process accessible to non-developers.
Platforms like OpenSea, Mintable, and Rarible offer user-friendly interfaces that allow you to set up and customize your marketplace with drag-and-drop features and customizable templates. Also, these platforms provide the necessary tools and infrastructure to create, manage, and trade NFTs without requiring any technical expertise in blockchain or programming.
Which blockchain platform is best for an NFT marketplace?
Ethereum is currently the most popular blockchain platform for building NFT marketplaces. It has robust smart contract capabilities, a large user base, and an established ecosystem. Moreover, it supports the ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards, which are widely used for NFTs.
However, Ethereum’s high gas fees and network congestion can be drawbacks. As an alternative, Binance Smart Chain offers lower fees and faster transaction speeds, making it another attractive option for new projects. Solana is also gaining popularity for its high throughput and low costs, which are ideal for scalable marketplaces.
Ultimately, the best blockchain for your NFT marketplace depends on your specific needs, such as transaction speed, costs, user base, and compatibility with existing platforms.
How much does it cost to integrate payment gateways?
The cost of payment gateways for your platform varies based on several factors, including the choice of payment providers, the complexity of the integration, and any additional features you require.
Payment gateways typically charge a setup fee and transaction fees, which can range from 2% to 3% per transaction. Stripe and PayPal, for instance, offer developer-friendly APIs and transparent pricing models, making them popular choices.
Additional costs may arise if you ask for customization or specialized features, such as support for multiple currencies, fraud detection, or recurring billing. Maintenance and ongoing support are other potential expenses to consider as your business grows and evolves.
Are there ongoing costs after launching the marketplace?
Yes, ongoing costs continue after launching an NFT marketplace. It includes server hosting and maintenance fees, which depend on your platform's size and traffic.
You’ll also need to pay for security measures, such as regular updates and monitoring, to protect your marketplace from cyber threats. Additionally, customer support can be an ongoing expense, especially as your user base grows and demands quick and effective assistance.
Other costs may include marketing and promotion to attract and retain users, transaction fees associated with blockchain operations, and compliance with legal regulations, which may require legal advice or audits.