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 app 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 App Development?
First, let’s define what we mean by “app development.”
This term can refer to creating a mobile 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.
App 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.
App 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.
Understanding the App Development Lifecycle
The app 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 standardized 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.
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 app development can cost between $40,000 and $60,000 and could take 2-3 months to complete.
Other basic app developments can cost between $60,000 and $150,000, with an average of 3-6 months to complete.
Finally, more complex app development can cost upwards of $300,000 and usually takes 9 months or longer.
App development cost depends on various factors such as design complexity, development process, quality assurance, number of functions and features, database complexity, 3rd party integrations, security protocols, and development team size and level.
How To Determine The Cost Of App Development In Australia?
When it comes to app 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.
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.
Cost of App Development 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
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 realize 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.
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 utilized 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.
It 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 app 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.
Example of App Development Cost
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 app 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.
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 $70,000.
Factors that impact the cost of building mobile apps
Apps Type
There are many types of applications for low-end to high-end devices. Usually, an application becomes expensive when it has too many advanced features, like multiple pages, server quality, or other third-party connections.
Because Android and iOS apps are built with different codes, developing an app compatible with both platforms requires more programming. Consequently, an android app development could cost 20000$ to 50000$, whereas an iOS app development costs 40000$ to 70000$.
Customization
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. And ultimately, the longer it takes to build an app, expensive it becomes.
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.
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 allows you to easily access customer data, making your marketing and business decisions smarter. You’ll also work more efficiently and be productive.
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.
Bonus Tips To Minimize The Cost Of App Development in Australia
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 minimize 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.
FAQ
What Is the Total Build Cost for Mobile App Development?
There is no set price for how much it costs to create an app, as it can vary greatly depending on the project scope and specific development requirements. Therefore, the best way to determine a budget is to discuss your project with a mobile app development company and consider any cost-saving strategies, such as choosing a cost-effective platform or outsourcing.
Can you build an app without any money?
It is possible to build an app without spending money, such as using a free app builder or learning to code yourself. However, hiring a professional mobile app development company will likely produce a more quality and successful product.
What is low-code app development?
Low-code app development refers to using a platform that allows for faster and easier creation of mobile apps without traditional coding. It can be a cost-effective solution for businesses with limited technical expertise or educational resources; however, it may only sometimes be suitable for more complex projects.
What is MVP in app development?
MVP, or minimum viable product, refers to the basic version of a mobile app that allows for testing and gathering feedback before making improvements and adding additional app features. It can be a cost-effective approach in the development process.
Should you develop the MVP first?
It depends on the specific goals and circumstances of the project. For example, developing an MVP first can save money and gather valuable feedback for future improvements, but it may only be necessary for some app development projects. Ultimately, it’s important to consider all major factors and decide to best serve the app’s success.
What language is best for app development?
There is no “best” language for app development, as it ultimately depends on the specific requirements and platform of the project. Popular languages for app development include Java, C++, and Swift. Therefore, it’s important to consider which language will be most suitable for achieving the app’s goals.
What is cross-platform mobile app development?
Cross-platform mobile app development refers to creating an app that can be installed and run on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android. It can save money by eliminating the need to create separate app versions for each platform; however, it may only sometimes be possible or suitable for some projects.
Passionate engineer who loves talking about Machine learning and ways to improve Software development practices. CEO and Director of Software Engineering of Wolfmatrix.