Mobile apps are not just a fancy or technological thing for any company. They are essential for brand growth. Whether for startup companies or well-established organizations, mobile apps play a crucial role in interacting with customers.
If you are an entrepreneur looking to develop an app in Australia, it is essential to thoroughly review the following details. With the right partners and planning team, you can launch a mobile app at a lower cost. Australia offers plenty of cost-effective routes to make an enhanced app for your company.
A Simple Overview of App Development Costs in Australia
Based on the types of mobile apps, the development costs vary. However, any startup company doesn’t go for a complex mobile app. Hence, based on the requirement and company goal, entrepreneurs must choose an effective model and set their budget. Check the following details to gain cost insights on developing a mobile app in Australia.
| App Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) | Development Timeline |
| Basic App | AUD 15,000 – $50,000 | 4 – 6 months |
| Mid-Level App | AUD 50,000 – $100,000 | 6 – 9 months |
| Complex/Enterprise App | AUD 200,000 – $500,000+ | 9 – 12 months |
Factors That Influence Mobile App Costs in Australia
Multiple factors affect the cost of mobile app development in Australia. The most impactful ones include:
- Internal vs. external development
- App platforms (iOS, Android, both)
- Complexity and features
- Back-end and front-end requirements
- Third-party integrations
- Design quality
- Marketing and post-launch support
Let’s explore each in detail.
1. Internal vs. External Development
Hiring a Perth or Melbourne-based agency may seem more expensive initially, but it saves you from long-term issues like delays, bugs, and team overheads. Agencies offer:
- Expertise in tools and tech stacks
- Faster turnaround times
- Flexibility and resource scalability
Outsourcing also removes HR costs like sick leave, insurance, and overtime. Many Australian businesses still outsource, even if they have an internal team, just to access advanced skills and reduce development time.
2. Choosing a Platform: iOS, Android, or Both?
Here’s how platform selection affects development:
- iOS apps cost more upfront but offer less fragmentation and reach affluent users in Australia, Japan, and the U.S.
- Android apps require more testing due to device variety, but are ideal for global markets.
- Cross-platform apps (built using Flutter or React Native) save money and time by targeting both iOS and Android users with a single codebase.
Around 40% of Australian apps are cross-platform to reduce costs and expand market reach.
How App Features and Functions Impact Cost?
The average cost to build an app in Australia increases as adding extra functionality can quickly inflate your budget. Even features like push notifications or chat systems can cost thousands.
| Common Features | Development Complexity |
| User Login & Profiles | Medium |
| Payment Gateway | High (due to security) |
| Real-Time Tracking | High |
| Push Notifications | Medium |
| In-app Purchases | Medium |
Third-Party Integrations
Want social logins, Google Maps, or payment APIs? That’s extra time and cost. While these services improve functionality, they often include:
- Monthly subscriptions
- Usage-based billing
- Additional testing and security compliance
But done right, third-party services can save development time and boost user experience.
Developer Accounts & Fees
You’ll also need to factor in developer program costs:
- Google Play Developer Account: One-time fee of $25.
- Apple Developer Account: Annual fee of $99.
These accounts give access to the app stores, testing tools, and support.
Marketing
An amazing app is useless if no one knows about it. Here’s what marketing might include:
- Social Media Campaigns
- Google Ads & SEO
- Influencer or PR outreach
- Outdoor/TV ads for large-scale launches
Marketing budget varies depending on strategy and target market. But it’s a must to drive user acquisition and retention.
Detailed App Development Timeline (With Milestones)
Building a mobile app is a step-by-step journey and also requires a skilled team and expertise. Here’s what the typical process looks like:
| Stage | Timeframe | Activities |
| Discovery & Planning | 2 – 4 weeks | Market research, feature list, tech strategy |
| Wireframing & Prototyping | 2 – 3 weeks | UI/UX mockups, user flows |
| Core Development (MVP) | 6 – 10 weeks | Backend + frontend coding, APIs |
| Testing & QA | 2 – 4 weeks | Functional, device, and performance testing |
| Launch Preparation | 1 – 2 weeks | App Store submission, bug fixes, ASO |
| Post-launch Iterations | Ongoing | Feedback loops, updates, analytics |
On average, a standard app takes around 4 to 8 months to launch fully, while complex apps may require up to a year.
App Maintenance Costs in Australia
Mobile app development is not the end; its maintenance requires funds too. The constant updating of software and adding new features consumes a lot of money, too.
Post-Launch App Maintenance Costs
Developing an app is just the start. Ongoing maintenance ensures your app remains stable, secure, and user-friendly. Expect to spend 15%–20% of the initial development cost annually on updates, security patches, and minor feature upgrades.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| OS & SDK Updates | Quarterly | 2,000 – 5,000/year |
| Bug Fixes & Security | Monthly | 500 – 1,500/month |
| New Features | As needed | 10,000 – 50,000 per update |
| Server and Hosting | Ongoing | 100 – 1,000/month |
Proactive maintenance helps retain users and supports app store rankings.
Local Development Agencies vs Offshore Comparison
Many companies are now looking for offshore companies for lower costs for mobile app development. This is mainly due to the Australian expenses and offshore companies’ offers on post-launch support and compliance. The following table provides a detailed comparison.
| Factor | Local (Australia) | Offshore (India/Ukraine) |
| Cost | AUD 100 – 250/hour | AUD 25 – 75/hour |
| Communication | Real-time, culturally aligned | May face time-zone or language gaps |
| Quality Assurance | High standards, regulation-compliant | Varies by agency |
| Data Security | Strong under Australian law | Depends on jurisdiction |
Real-Life Examples of Mobile App Costs in Australia
Let’s break down what actual apps cost to build in Australia:
| App Model Type | Industry | Cost (AUD) | Timeline |
| IKEA App | eCommerce | 92,400 – 231,000 | 9 – 12 months |
| KFC App | Food Delivery | 92,400 – 231,000 | 4 – 6 months |
| YouComm | Healthcare | 61,600 – 154,000 | 6 – 8 months |
| GullyBeat | Entertainment | 61,600 – 154,000 | 6 – 8 months |
| Bada Business | Education | 61,600 – 154,000 | 6 – 8 months |
| Ility | Real Estate SaaS | 77,000 – 185,000 | 7 – 9 months |
| FoodSwitch | Wellness | 60,000 – 600,000+ | 9 – 12 months |
These apps also featured key functions like:
- AR visualization (IKEA)
- ERP integration (IKEA, KFC)
- Real-time patient communication (YouComm)
- Social music creation (GullyBeat)
- Barcode scanning (FoodSwitch)
Smart Ways to Reduce Development Costs
App development doesn’t have to break the bank. Try these cost-cutting strategies:
- Define Clear Requirements Early: Poor planning leads to scope creep and extra costs. Create detailed specs from day one.
- Use Agile Methodologies: Frameworks like Scrum or Kanban help break down work into sprints. Faster delivery, fewer errors, and lower costs.
- Go Hybrid or Cross-Platform: Use a single codebase to build apps for both platforms. Saves time and ensures a unified user experience.
- Leverage Third-Party Services: Integrate tested solutions instead of building from scratch. Think payment APIs, login auth, cloud hosting, etc.
- Build an MVP First: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Launch fast, gather feedback, and iterate later with fewer risks.
- Apply for R&D Tax Incentives: In Australia, R&D incentives help tech companies reclaim a portion of development costs, especially for innovative features.
- Outsourcing to Experts: Outsourcing to experienced app developers in Australia offers better tech stacks and reduced risk. It’s often cheaper than building an in-house team.
How Do Apps Make Money in Australia?
Once your app is live, it’s time to think about monetization. Go for several types of advertising to increase the user reach, which helps in raising funds. Here are common models:
| Model | How It Works |
| Advertising | Free app with in-app ads (e.g., banners, videos) |
| Subscription | Recurring monthly/yearly payment (e.g., Netflix) |
| Freemium | Free app + premium upgrades (e.g. Evernote) |
| In-App Purchases | Virtual goods or features (e.g., Candy Crush) |
Choose the model that best fits your audience and content strategy.
Final Thoughts
Every company that is going to stand in Australia should plan the budget and the clever execution of mobile apps. As discussed above, AUD 77,000 to over AUD 600,000 is required based on the mobile app type. As the features and functions increase, cost also increases.
If your business is ready to go for app design, then SoluLab, the top mobile app development company, is here to support you in every step. SoluLab focuses on developing native and cross-platform mobile app solutions. Our skilled mobile app development team aids in seamlessly integrating device management tools and platforms.
Contact us to start building your dream mobile app. Let’s reach every mobile user!
FAQs
1. What is the average cost to build a mobile app in Australia?
The average cost to build a mobile app in Australia ranges from AUD 77K to AUD 600k+. Based on the type of mobile app, goal, features, and development complexity, price varies.
2. Can I build a mobile app for under AUD 100,000 in Australia?
Yes. A basic or mid-level app with essential features can be built for AUD 77,000 to AUD 154,000, especially if cross-platform development or outsourcing to cost-effective local teams is used.
3. What is the most cost-efficient way to launch an app?
Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using cross-platform development tools like Flutter. Use agile methods, integrate third-party services, and focus on essential features to launch quickly and refine later.
4. How long does it take to build an app in Australia?
Development time can range from 6 weeks to 6 months or more, depending on the app’s complexity, number of features, and development approach.
5. Can I get a fixed quote from SoluLab before starting?
Absolutely. We offer a free consultation and project analysis to understand your app goals. Based on that, we provide a detailed proposal with a fixed or milestone-based pricing model—no hidden costs.
