How Much Does It Cost to Make a Mobile App in Australia in 2024?

Updated at: June 19, 2024

Get insights into app development costs in Australia for 2024. Explore the impact of app complexity, design needs, and platform choices. Plus, discover strategies to reduce expenses and choose the best developers.

The Australian app development scene is thriving, with a market size that reached over AUD 1.6 billion in 2023. Android leads with a 53% market share, closely followed by iOS at 47%.

Considering the market size, the burning question every budding entrepreneur asks is – How much does it cost to make an app in Australia?

As of 2024, the cost of developing a mobile app in Australia varies :

Proof-of-Concept app: $25,000 – $50,000 (AUD)
Small app: $50,000 – $125,000 (AUD)
Medium-sized app: $125,000 – $200,000 (AUD)
Feature-rich app: Above $200,000 (AUD)

These are average costs from reliable industry sources, giving a clear picture of app development expenses in Australia. Actual costs vary based on project complexity, required features, physical location and developer expertise.

Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the average costs of developing top apps in 2024 :

Facebook – Estimates suggest it could cost between $500,000 to $1,000,000 (AUD) to develop an app of similar complexity.
Uber and Tinder – Comparable in scale, developing apps akin to Uber or Tinder may also range from $400,000 to $1,000,000 (AUD) and $150,000 to $350,000 (AUD), respectively.

Using the development costs of famous apps as benchmarks makes estimating our app’s cost much simpler.

If you want to make the most of your budget, keep reading. This blog covers essential information for creating your next successful app, including:

What influences the cost of developing mobile apps,
What are the additional expenses which get overlooked,
How to save money on app development,
How to choose the best app development company.

What influences the cost of developing mobile apps ?

When it comes to the question of the exact cost of app development, there is no single answer. Numerous factors influence the budget, as each app has unique requirements.

App Complexity: Simple apps with fewer features cost less. In contrast, complex apps with multiple functions require more time and expertise, increasing costs.
Platform Choice: Your chosen platform (iOS, Android, or both) impacts costs. Cross-platform tools like React Native can save money by enabling developers to write code for multiple platforms at once.
Design Needs: The app’s design, including its user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), affects costs. Complex designs with custom graphics, animations, or unique interactions can increase development time and, thus, the cost.
Features Integration: Adding extra features such as payment gateways, social media sharing, or GPS services can make the app more complicated. Each new feature takes extra time to develop and might raise the overall costs.
Developer Skill Level: A developer’s expertise and experience affect costs. Although experienced developers may charge more, they often work efficiently, delivering better quality and potentially saving money in the long run.
Time Needed: Rushing an app development project can increase costs. Quick turnarounds may require more developers or longer working hours, leading to higher expenses. Proper planning and realistic timelines can help manage costs.
After Launch Support: After the app is launched, things like regular maintenance, updates, and customer support all add to the total cost of owning the app. It’s important to keep the app running smoothly, secure, and up-to-date, but it might mean spending more money.
Meeting Rules: Certain apps, especially those in regulated sectors like healthcare or finance, need to follow strict rules and standards. Meeting these requirements can raise development costs because of extra testing, paperwork, and compliance work.
Adapting for Different Users: If an app must serve users worldwide, adapting it for various languages, cultures, and regions can increase development expenses. This involves translating content, adjusting features, and meeting diverse user needs.
Testing: Thorough testing is vital to ensure the app works well and offers a great user experience. Although testing increases initial costs, it can save money later by catching and fixing issues early, avoiding bigger problems later on.

What are the additional expenses which get overlooked ?

Entrepreneurs often face unforeseen costs during app development. While some expect a one-time expense, they may encounter monthly charges as well.

Here are some key expenses to consider, especially for feature-rich apps :

Server Fees – Costs vary widely, from $10 to $10,000.
Marketing – Expenses fluctuate based on strategy and industry.
Developer Accounts – Android charges a one-time fee of AUD $39, while Apple charges an annual fee of AUD $149.
Maintenance – Allocating 15-20% of the development budget annually for updates.
Third-Party Services – Incorporating chatbots or collaborative tools can add $100 to $500 to monthly expenses.
City-wise Variations – Costs vary across cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, with an average difference of 10%.

How to save money on app development ?

The cost of app development may seem daunting. But with proper planning and strategic decision-making, building a high-quality app that drives ROI and delivers value is possible.

Start with a Design-First Approach: Emphasize creating a solid design foundation before diving into development, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.
Outline Key Features and Functionalities: By outlining key features and functionalities from the start, costly revisions can be avoided later in the development process.
Adopt Agile Methodologies: Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban can help streamline development processes and reduce costs.
Consider Hybrid App Development: Hybrid app development is crucial for businesses with straightforward needs. Using a unified codebase for both iOS and Android apps streamlines development and maintenance, providing cost-effective solutions. It’s great for businesses that need to serve their customers quickly with simple, essential features, without the complexity of native apps.
Focus on Essential Features for MVP: Prioritize essential features for the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to save costs and time, ensuring a quicker time to market.
Implement Proper Testing: Thorough testing during development minimizes rework and future expenses, ensuring a high-quality app and preventing costly issues down the line.
Embrace Collaborative Development: Engage clients at every step to ensure alignment with requirements, ultimately reducing costs by avoiding miscommunications and delays.

These methodologies focus on iterative development, allowing for flexibility and adaptability as the project progresses, ultimately aiding in managing and reducing app development costs.

How to choose the best app development company ?

When choosing a development team, consider factors like their portfolio, client reviews, team expertise, and hourly rates. Asking for client references can help gauge satisfaction levels.

It’s also beneficial to use trial contracts to test compatibility and ensure the developer’s expertise aligns with your project’s requirements. Lastly, make sure they offer ongoing support and maintenance to keep your app functional and up-to-date post-launch.

If you’re interested in discovering the top professional mobile app development companies in specific Australian cities, check out our publications on the Top 10 mobile app development companies in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to find the best fit for your project.

Final Thought

In conclusion, if you’re planning to develop a mobile app in Australia in 2024, it’s crucial to consider factors that affect costs. Understanding how app complexity, design needs, and platform choices impact expenses helps in making informed decisions.

Moreover, identifying hidden expenses and applying money-saving tactics can notably cut down on development expenses. Selecting the appropriate app development firm, considering factors such as portfolio, client feedback, and expertise, is vital for achieving success.