App Development Cost in Australia [2024]

Australians are some of the most innovative people in the world, and with good reason – our country is home to some of the best professional app developers in the business.

But what’s the exact cost of application development in Australia? And how does that compare to other countries? This blog post looks at Australia’s average cost of app development and some factors influencing it.

So whether you’re an Australian app developer looking to price out a new project or a business thinking about developing an app, read on for everything you need to know!

What is Application Development?

First, let’s define what we mean by “app development.”

This term can refer to creating an application (for iOS or Android devices), a web app (a program that runs on a browser), or even wearable tech apps like those found on smartwatches. In other words, the development of apps is the process by which standalone software is built by using another software to build apps produced for mobile devices, such as phones and tablets.

Application development can be done using different programming languages and tools depending on the app’s platform. For example, iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads are generally developed using Objective-C or Swift, while Android devices are developed using Java.

Application development typically involves an app development team working together to create an app from start to finish. Once an app is developed, it must be submitted to a store (such as the App Store or Google Play) for approval before making it available to the public. Examples of some popular apps include Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.

How Much Does Mobile App Development Cost?

When you budget your app, consider design and development fees. There can be many other app costs that crop up unexpectedly. For example, make sure to set aside funds for the cost of an app developer, data storage, updates/maintenance, marketing campaigns, etc.

For instance, useful mobile apps must have more than just code. Your customers need to find and download your app, which is where digital marketing comes into play. The cost of successfully marketing a mobile app varies depending on the competition in your field, who your potential target audience is, what objectives you have, and what goals you hope to meet.

You could spend next to nothing or thousands of dollars—you must realise your app can fail without proper marketing strategies for promoting it.

Here is the breakdown of how much it costs to make an app based on price estimates for different applications.

How To Determine The App Development Cost In Australia?

When it comes to application development, the cost can vary widely depending on several factors.

In Australia, the average cost of developing a simple app is around $5,000, while more complex apps can cost upwards of $100,000.

The cost to develop an app in Australia will differ based on the type of applications, features, platforms supported, level of polish, and the location of the development team; however, on average, it has been recorded to be $50,000 to $250,000 in 2022.

Developing a proof-of-concept app, it can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000. A small app will generally cost around $50,000 to $75,000, while a medium-sized app will be in the ballpark of $75 000-$125 000. Bigger and more feature-rich apps are estimated to cost at least $150 000.

The type of applications you want to develop will have the biggest impact on the cost. For example, a basic game or utility app will be less expensive to develop than a complex social networking or eCommerce app.

Here we have the data for App Development Cost by Region

Based on Indeed.com’s 2023 data, the average annual salary of mobile app developers in the US has increased from $105,000 in 2021 to $120,000 in 2022, indicating continued demand for skilled developers in the country.

Australia and Germany were the next highest regarding the average annual salary for mobile app developers. Australia’s average salary is $94,000, while Germany’s is $65,000.

In contrast, India has a significantly lower average annual salary for mobile app developers, at only $4,100. This difference can be attributed to the varying economies across North America, Europe, Australia, and India, as the cost of living and salaries differ greatly between these regions.

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career/application-developer/salaries

Price estimates for different types of apps

Cost is determined by the number of views, the complexity of the features, the number of platforms, and the specific noticeable features your application requires.

For example, developing a gaming app or creating android apps that will be downloaded and utilised by more than 100,000 people per month on any device will be far more expensive than developing an app with fewer features for a smaller number of devices.

Basic app $50,000-$75,000

Medium-sized app $75,000-$125,000

Large/complex app $150,000+

Native single platform app $30,000-$50,000

Multiplatform app $60,000-$100,000+

Gaming or entertainment app $100,000+

The type of platforms you are developing has a substantial influence on the cost of your application. For example, the money-making apps that Australia has developed can be more expensive than other simple apps. They are built natively for a single platform and have cheaper costs since they do not involve the additional work of planning, programming, and conducting quality assurance on many platforms.

Price estimates for Android and iOS apps

The costs of developing an app can vary depending on the operating system you’re building for Android or iOS. Generally, developing Android is more expensive and time-consuming than building for iOS.

This is because there are more varieties of Android devices than iOS devices, and each device has different screen sizes and resolutions. As a result, your app will need to be designed to work well on a wide range of devices, which can increase development time and costs. In addition, Android application development typically requires more testing than iOS app development, as there are possible equipment and programming issues.

However, the cost of developing an app will also depend on the specific primary features and functionality you want to include.

So, how much does it cost to build an app? It’s like putting together a puzzle – different pieces, different costs. From picking the right platform to figuring out the type of app and even considering where you are in the world – it all plays a role.

1. Platform (iOS or Android)

The platform you choose for your app determines your app development cost. iOS and Android use different programming languages, meaning developers must write separate code for each platform. This takes extra time and effort, influencing the overall development cost. Choosing the right platform can increase your app’s price or make it budget-friendly.

Below is the list that depicts the cost of app development for the platform used:

• iOS
  The average iOS App Development costs from $20,000 for a basic app to over $75,000 for a fancier, more complicated one.
  
• Android
  Parallel to iOS, the average cost of developing an Android app starts at $15,000, but if it’s complex, the price reaches $75,000 or more.
  
• Cross-Platform
  If you want your app to work on iPhone and Android, the basic version costs between $ 20,000 and $70,000. But if you want something complex, it could cost over $150,000.

2. App Type

The type of app you dream of – from standard mobile and web apps to distinctive ones like food delivery, social media, or gaming apps – adds to the cost of the application development journey.

Here’s an overview of the estimated cost ranges for developing various types of mobile applications:

• Mobile App: $30,000 to $300,000
• Web App: $60,000 to $300,000
• Food Delivery App: $50,000 to $200,000, depending on real-time tracking, payment systems, and order processing features.
• Social Media App: $100,000 to $500,000 or beyond, considering intricate user interactions and data handling.
• Utility App: $20,000 to $100,000, depending on specific tools or functions.
• Entertainment App: $100,000 to $500,000 if it involves multimedia elements.
• E-commerce App: $50,000 to $500,000 or more, considering features like product listings, shopping carts, and payment gateways.
• Gaming App: $50,000 to over $1 million, depending on the game logic’s graphics, animations, and complexity.
• Education App: $40,000 to $100,000
• Fitness App: $30,000 to $150,000, incorporating features like workout tracking, health data, and personalised plans.
• Travel & Hospitality App: $50,000 to $200,000
• On-Demand App: $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

3. Development Team’s Region, Experience Level & Hours

The app development costs also rely on the team’s region, experience, and hourly rates.

Team’s location:
Regions with a high cost of living, such as North America or Western Europe, have higher developer salaries as compared to regions like Eastern Europe, Asia, or South America which are more cost-effective. It is important to consider the local economic conditions while estimating costs. Regions with a high demand for tech talent may have higher salary expectations. In addition to this, local taxes and business regulations can also impact the overall project expenses.

Experience level:
Developers with industry-specific experience charge higher rates due to their understanding of unique requirements, compliance standards, and user expectations within that industry.

Hours:
Projects with advanced features or scalability requirements may take longer hours and incur higher costs. The chosen development methodology, such as Agile, involves more frequent iterations, leading to more time commitment.

4. Design & Structure

The design and structure of an app refer to how it looks and its internal app organisation. The complexity of your app is a significant factor in determining the final cost. Although a well-designed and structured app may have a higher upfront cost, it usually results in a better user experience. On the other hand, developing an app with a simple interface generally costs much less than one with a more complex user interface and multiple screens.

How Much Did it Cost to Build the Most Used Apps?

In the current digital era, mobile applications play a vital role in the success of businesses. To better understand app development costs, we will examine the application development expenses of leading companies worldwide. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the factors that influence the overall cost of app development, enabling businesses to plan and budget for this essential investment.

Tinder

Developing a general dating app like Tinder can range from $25,000 to $120,000. Various factors, such as the app’s complexity, features, the hourly rate charged by developers, and the location of the mobile app development company, can impact the overall cost of the app.

Ikea

Augmented reality technology, a software program that allows users to take pictures or upload 3D versions of any product and showcase them in a virtual environment, is changing the retail furniture industry. Apps like IKEA Place lead the way by providing new business opportunities and revenue streams. 

However, creating an AR app like IKEA Place requires considerable time and resources. The design phase alone could cost between $15,000 to $20,000, app coding costs $25,000 to $30,000, and app testing costs around $10,000. The total cost could reach $50,000 to $60,000.

Uber

The development cost for an application like Uber could vary between $67,000 to $150,000 per user app depending on the iOS or Android platform. However, it is important to consider that this cost only covers the user app and that the development of an admin panel will incur additional expenses, starting at $14,000. 

TikTok

A social media application like TikTok can range from $35,000 to $300,000, and several factors can influence the final cost. These factors include the hourly rate of developers, UI/UX design, development time, and ongoing maintenance. 

Depending on the app’s complexity and feature list, development time can vary from 3 to 9 months, sometimes even more. A more complex app will require more time and resources, increasing the overall cost.

Airbnb

Airbnb is a community-based online platform where local homes can be listed and rented worldwide.

Developing an app similar to Airbnb would cost around $50,000, and this estimate considers factors such as app design, app coding, app testing, and app launch. The delivery time is estimated to be approximately 3 to 4 months, but this can vary based on app complexity, feature list, and development hours.

While less complex than Uber, the Airbnb app may require additional website development. In addition, factors like website design, coding, testing, and maintenance affect costs. 

Twitter

An application with basic features can be developed for $12,000 to $70,000, with social media apps featuring a simple UI design costing between $12,000 to $30,000. However, the complexity of the design determines the cost of developing a social media app like Twitter.

Moreover, it depends on how big an application you want to build. For a mid-level app with a few advanced features, the development cost is around $30,000 to $40,000. On the other hand, for a social media app with a complex UI design and advanced features, the development cost may range from $40,000 to $70,000.

App Development Cost Statistics

Developing a mobile app can be expensive, and the cost can vary depending on the app’s complexity. For example, as a tentative figure, the cost of building an app can range from $40,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the developed app type. 

Simple application development can cost between $40,000 and $60,000 and could take 2-3 months to complete. 

Other basic application developments can cost between $60,000 and $150,000, with an average of 3-6 months to complete. 

Finally, more complex application development can cost upwards of $300,000 and usually takes 9 months or longer.

App development costs depend on various factors, such as design complexity, development process, quality assurance, number of functions and features, database complexity, third-party integrations, security protocols, and development team size and level.

Average App Development Costs

The average cost of app development ranges between 32,000 AUD and 240,000 AUD. This seems like a ridiculously huge amount, but numerous factors contribute to this cost, which we will mention in the next sub-topic. For now, let’s get to know the estimated development costs for each kind of app based on their complexity.

• Simple Application Development Cost:
  Cost Range: $10,000 to $50,000
  Complexity: Minimal Viable Product (MVP) featuring a basic UI design built for a single platform (either iOS or Android)
  
• Medium Sized Application Development Cost
  Cost Range: $50,000 to $100,000+
  Complexity: Custom UI elements and advanced features, including API integrations, Designed for a single platform (either iOS or Android)
  
• Complex Application Development Cost
  Cost Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000+
  Complexity: Intricate features and advanced technologies like chatbots, high-quality UI elements, and cross-platform support.

The size and scope of your project will also affect the price. For example, if you want your app to be available on iOS and Android, that will require two separate development projects and will likely double the cost.

Factors that impact the cost of building mobile apps

Apps Type 

There are many types of applications for low-end to high-end devices. Usually, an application becomes expensive when it has too many advanced features, like multiple pages, server quality, or other third-party connections.

Because Android and iOS apps are built with different codes, developing an app compatible with both platforms requires more programming. Consequently, an Android app development could cost 20000$ to 50000$, whereas an iOS app development costs 40000$ to 70000$. 

Customisation 

App developers build apps to meet people’s demands, which vary depending on location. Gaming, education, social media, and productivity applications are some of the most common types of apps that people use. There are also business management apps, workout apps, and many more.

A great user interface is key for apps purpose-built for businesses and social media. Multiple people, like programming processes, security, front-end development, back-end development, etc., are crucial for an excellent interface. Thus, the costs to develop an app vary depending on its intended use and audience. 

If you are wondering how to build an app like Uber, please read this! 

Complexity 

Apps that are Facebook, Twitter, or high-end games will require a lot of money to build because they have complex features like multi-language support and realistic animations. Also, it will cost even more money if you want something like third-party integration. 

Time required to build the app 

The cost of developing an app in Australia can be expensive, depending on the app’s complexity. The more complex it is, the longer it takes to develop. Ultimately, the longer it takes to build an app, expensive it becomes.

App Features

An app with fewer features is simpler and will have three to five screens at most. It will take a little bit to build and won’t be expensive. Alternatively, if you include several scrapped/unnecessary features, the cost of developing the app will go up initially.

Make sure you are prepared for additional expenses when planning the budget for app development. We have highlighted a few hidden costs so you can create a proper financial plan for the purpose.

Server Fees

One of the basic expenses in application development is hosting your application on a server. Hosting costs vary between $10 and $10,000 and increase as you scale up. However, cloud service providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer a scalable solution, allowing you to adjust your server resources based on demand.

Developer’s Fees

You will need a developer account to publish your app on platforms like the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). These accounts have an initial registration fee and, in some cases, an annual renewal fee.

• Android Developer’s Account:
  $USD25,
  One-time Registration

• Apple Developer Program:
  $USD99/membership
  Annual Membership

Security Features

Incorporating advanced security features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and mutual TLS verification can incur additional costs. It adds an extra layer of safety, but it comes with its own set of expenses.

Third-Party Integration

Integrating third-party tools into your app involves using services created by other companies. These could be payment gateways, mapping services, or social media logins with licensing fees or charges for using their APIs. These fees can range from $100 to $500 per month.

Maintenance and Support Costs

Once your app is released, it requires ongoing maintenance and updates to keep it running smoothly and fix bugs. These costs involve spending on engineering support time, covering server costs, and other related expenses.

Benefits of Building a Mobile App 

1. Improved brand recognition and customer loyalty

A mobile app displaying your company name and logo will make it simpler for customers to identify your app. It can also boost customer loyalty, as having an app symbolizes that you emphasize convenience for them.

2. Enhanced customer engagement

A mobile app permits improved communication and interaction with consumers. For example, you can send notifications, updates, and promotions to their phones, which keeps them involved with your brand.

3. Improved customer service

Customers can more easily contact and interact with your business through a mobile app, improving customer service overall. Timeliness is important when addressing customer concerns, and an app allows you to do just that.

4. Increased sales and revenue

A mobile app offers your customers convenience, often reflected in increased sales and revenue for your business.

5. Better market insights

Developing a mobile app can provide insight into the market through customer analytics and data. Understanding your target audience and their preferences can help improve your business strategies.

6. Improved competitive advantage

A mobile app is essential if your business stays ahead of the competition. It demonstrates that you’re willing to keep up with the latest technology trends and adapt accordingly. It will give customers the impression that you’re a forward-thinking and innovative company.

7. Improved data gathering and analysis capabilities

A mobile app lets you easily access customer data, making your marketing and business decisions smarter. You’ll also work more efficiently and be productive.

How Long Does it Take to Build an App?

Providing an exact number of hours to build an app is challenging due to the many variables. However, a rough estimate for creating an app is as follows:

• Simple Apps: 300 – 600 hours
  Examples: Basic informational apps and basic utility apps.
  
• Moderate Complexity Apps: 600 – 1200 hours
  Examples: Apps with user authentication, database integration, and more complex features.
  
• Complex Apps: 1200 – 2500+ hours
  Examples: Social networking apps, e-commerce apps, and apps with extensive backend integration.

Understanding the App Development Lifecycle

The application development process follows a standard lifecycle that includes creativity, design, development, testing, launch, and post-launch optimization. However, this is just a general overview – in reality, the development process can vary quite a bit from one project to the next.

Product Ideation is the first stage of development, and it’s all about coming up with a brilliant idea for an app. Ideation can be the hardest part of the entire process, as it requires a lot of creative thinking. Once you have a solid, standardised idea, you’ll move on to the design phase.

Ideation is where you’ll start putting together wireframes and mockups to visualize your app.

Once you have a design you’re happy with, it’s time to start developing. It is where the actual coding takes place. Once your app is coded, you’ll need to test it to ensure everything is working correctly.

After that, it’s time for launch! You’ll need to promote your app and get it in front of as many people as possible.

Finally, once your app is out in the world, you’ll need to monitor its performance and ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you notice any issues, you can always make changes during the post-launch optimization phase.

Why is Making an App so Expensive?

Developing an app can be expensive, involving more than just designing and coding. Apart from creating the necessary features, expenses like hosting, platform access, and technical setup must be handled. Additionally, you must consider costs for ensuring your app’s security and integrating it with other services. Ongoing expenses like maintenance and updates must also be factored into the equation. Unexpected expenses can arise during development. Even after launching the app, you may have to deal with additional costs. Therefore, app development has obvious hidden costs that you must be aware of.

Bonus Tips To Minimise The Cost Of App Development Without Compromising Quality in Australia

According to Statista, app downloads grew from 140 billion in 2016 to 255 billion in 2022. App development has become a game-changer for businesses. It’s not just about keeping up with what customers want; it’s about unlocking new chances to grow, connect with customers in the most direct way possible, and stay ahead in the digital race.

However, with this advancement, app development can get pricey. Costs can go beyond the budget if not managed effectively. The challenge here is to find ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your app.

We have highlighted three major tips that can reduce your app development costs:

1. Have a clear understanding of your project requirements and the scope of work

Before beginning the development process, ensure you have a clear idea of what exactly you want your app to do and how it will benefit your business. It can help minimise any unnecessary expenses during the project.

2. Choose a cost-effective platform.

Consider which platform (iOS, Android, or both) will be most effective in reducing costs for developing an app for your business and target audience.

3. Consider outsourcing

Outsourcing app development to a company outside of Australia can often save money on hiring app developer costs while still providing high-quality work. Just make sure to thoroughly research the company before making any decisions.

4. Plan for long-term maintenance

Proper budgeting for ongoing maintenance and updates can save money in the long run by avoiding potential technical issues or bugs.

5. Develop a minimum viable product (MVP)

Creating an MVP or a basic app version can reduce development costs while allowing you to test the market and gather feedback for future improvements.

6. Embrace Open-Source Tools and Frameworks

Frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, and Apache Cordova have gained widespread popularity due to their ability to save costs through cross-platform development. Imagine building an app that runs smoothly on iOS and Android – that’s the magic of these frameworks. Moreover, using open-source databases and libraries is a valuable cost-saving resource that does not compromise the quality of your app.

7. Implementing Agile Development Methodologies

Our next step towards cost-effective app development is to adopt the agile way. Think of it as a superhero cape for your development process. Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban offer better flexibility and efficiency because of their iterative development – a fancy term for continuous feedback loops. This ensures a smoother process and helps businesses adapt to changes without incurring additional expenses on last-minute fixes.

8. Opt Outsourcing Opportunities

Hiring an external team for app development is not just a way to reduce costs. It also has strategic benefits. External teams often operate in regions where labour costs are budget-friendly. But it’s not just about saving bucks but also getting top-tier talent. These teams are stacked with highly skilled professionals, bringing expertise that can take your app to new heights. Moreover, they are armed with more resources and a wealth of experience. That means your app doesn’t just develop; it gets designed efficiently.

How to choose a reliable mobile app development company in Australia

1. Look for a company with relevant experience.

Choose a mobile app development company with an experienced team creating apps for businesses in your industry. This way, they’ll understand the specific needs and challenges companies like yours face.

2. Consider the company’s portfolio and client reviews.

Please look at the company’s portfolio to see the quality and success of their past projects—also, research online for client reviews to get a better idea of their service and reliability.

3. Evaluate their communication and collaboration

Communication is crucial in any project, especially regarding something as important as developing a mobile app for your business. Make sure your chosen company has effective communication and collaboration processes.

4. Discuss pricing and payment terms

It’s important to have a clear understanding of the pricing, as well as any payment terms and conditions. In addition, it will avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements during the project.

5. Consider their level of expertise and technical capabilities.

Choose a company with a high level of expertise and technical capabilities to ensure it can effectively handle any challenges that may arise during the app development process. Confirming that they use the latest technology and updates is also important.

Wolfmatrix: Your App Development Partner

Wolfmatrix is your ideal partner for transforming your app vision into reality. As a leading app development company, we have a proven track record of delivering exceptional, cost-effective solutions for Australian businesses.

Our experienced team of developers is dedicated to understanding the intricacies of your unique requirements, translating them into applications that are not only seamlessly functional but also visually stunning. At Wolfmatrix, we prioritise quality and cost-efficiency, ensuring that your investment yields maximum returns.

Contact us today for a consultation, and let Wolfmatrix optimise your app development journey. Your vision, our expertise – let’s make it happen.

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