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

Understanding Mobile App Development Costs in Australia: A 2025 Overview

The cost of building a mobile app in Australia varies greatly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the app, its features, the platform it is being built on, the development team you hire, and the region you are based in. As with most tech services, mobile app development comes with a range of pricing models, from affordable app solutions to large-scale enterprise applications.

In this guide, we will outline how much it costs to build a mobile app in Australia for different categories, and provide clarity on the factors that can significantly influence your overall app development budget.

What Influences the Cost of Mobile App Development in Australia?

To accurately estimate the cost of your mobile app development project, it’s important to consider the various factors that play a role in the pricing. Here are the main elements that determine how much it will cost to build an app in Australia:

App Complexity

• The complexity of your mobile app is the single most significant factor affecting cost. A simple app with basic functionalities like a to-do list or a weather app will be considerably less expensive than an app that integrates multiple features, like real-time data processing, chat functionality, geolocation services, or e-commerce capabilities.
• Basic App: A simple app with limited features will generally cost less, around AUD $15,000 to $30,000.
• Medium Complexity App: Apps with more sophisticated features, such as login systems, integration with third-party services, or a more advanced user interface (UI), could range from AUD $30,000 to $70,000.
• High Complexity App: An enterprise-level app with numerous features, complex back-end architecture, and integration with APIs or cloud services can cost AUD $70,000 to $150,000 or more.

Platform (iOS vs Android)

• The platform you choose for your mobile app will also impact the cost. Developing an app for iOS and Android separately will require more resources and time, leading to higher costs compared to developing for a single platform.
• iOS App Development Cost: Developing for Apple devices typically requires more upfront design effort, but once created, iOS apps tend to be more stable and profitable due to their loyal user base.
• Android App Development Cost: Android app development may require additional testing due to the variety of devices and screen sizes in the Android ecosystem, making it a bit more complex.
• If you decide to build for both platforms (cross-platform development), you may face higher costs due to additional work involved in managing two separate codebases.

Design and User Interface (UI)

• Design is another key factor in app development costs. A simple design with standard templates will cost less, but a custom UI that’s visually engaging and user-friendly can significantly increase the price.
• Basic Design: A simple user interface will cost between AUD $5,000 to $10,000.
• Custom Design: Custom designs tailored to your brand and providing a seamless user experience (UX) can add another AUD $10,000 to $25,000.

Development Team and Location

• Where your development team is located also affects the cost of your app. In Australia, the cost of hiring an app development company or individual developers can vary based on their location and level of expertise.
• Sydney and Melbourne: As major tech hubs, app developers tend to charge higher rates due to demand and competition. Hourly rates for developers in these cities range from AUD $100 to $250.
• Regional Areas: Developers in smaller cities or regional areas may offer more affordable rates, typically in the range of AUD $80 to $150 per hour.
• It’s also important to note that Australian developers tend to charge more than developers in offshore markets, but the benefit is local expertise, easier communication, and compliance with Australian data protection laws.

Development Timeframe

• The timeline for your app development project also plays a role in pricing. The longer your app takes to develop, the higher the cost, as you’ll need to pay developers for additional hours of work.
• Push Notifications: Useful for engaging users, but adds to the development cost.
• o Short-Development Projects: A simple app might take 1 to 3 months to develop, while more complex apps could take 6 to 12 months or more.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

• Mobile apps require ongoing maintenance and updates to stay relevant, secure, and functional. Be sure to factor in the cost of post-launch support, which can range from AUD $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
• This includes bug fixes, performance optimization, security patches, and adding new features or upgrades.

Third-Party Integrations and APIs

• If your app requires integration with third-party services or APIs (such as payment gateways, cloud storage, or external data), this can add extra development costs.
• Integrating popular services like Stripe for payments, Google Maps for location services, or Firebase for real-time database can add anywhere from AUD $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the complexity.

Mobile App Development Cost Breakdown in Australia (2025)

Let’s break down the estimated cost of mobile app development in Australia based on different types of apps and their complexity.

Simple App Development Cost

• Cost Range: AUD $15,000 to $30,000
• Features: Basic features such as a static home screen, minimal user input, no complex back-end.
• Examples: Simple task management apps, basic utility apps, content-driven apps like news or blogs.

Medium Complexity App Development cost

• Cost Range: AUD $30,000 to $70,000
• Features: User authentication, databases, third-party API integration, and real-time features like push notifications.
• Examples: Social media apps, small e-commerce apps, fitness tracking apps.

High Complexity App Development Cost

• Cost Range: AUD $70,000 to $150,000+
• Features: Complex features such as multi-tiered user profiles, enterprise-grade security, integrated payment systems, and advanced analytics.
• Examples: Marketplace apps, enterprise apps, on-demand service apps (e.g., Uber-like apps), banking apps.

How to Save on App Development Costs in Australia

Choosing the right platform is one of the most significant decisions that influence the cost of building a mobile app.

If you’re working with a limited budget but still want to build a high-quality app, here are a few tips for reducing your development costs:

• Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Instead of building a fully-featured app from day one, focus on the core functionality that solves the main problem for users. You can launch the MVP first, and then gradually add features in later phases.
• Use Cross-Platform Development: iOpting for a cross-platform solution (e.g., React Native, Flutter) allows you to build one app that works on both iOS and Android, reducing the development time and cost.
• Consider Offshore or Remote Developers: Hiring developers from areas with lower hourly rates, or working with offshore app development agencies, can be a cost-effective option, though it comes with potential challenges in communication and time zone differences.
• Negotiate with Your Development Agency: It’s always worth negotiating with your app development partner to get a competitive rate. Agencies that value long-term relationships may be open to offering discounts or flexible payment plans.

Real-World Example: Cost of App Development in Sydney vs. Melbourne

While mobile app development costs vary across Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are two of the primary tech hubs in the country, and each has its own pricing structure.

• Sydney: As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is home to many top-tier app development agencies, and the average development costs here are higher. Expect hourly rates between AUD $100 to $250.
• Melbourne: Melbourne is another major tech hub with competitive pricing. Hourly rates here range between AUD $90 to $200, slightly lower than in Sydney.

However, the actual cost of building an app depends on the scope of your project, so it’s always best to get specific quotes.

Conclusion: What Does It Cost to Build a Mobile App in Australia?

The cost of building a mobile app in Australia depends on a variety of factors including the app’s complexity, the platform it’s built on, design requirements, the development team’s location, and more. On average, the development of a simple app may cost between AUD $15,000 to $30,000, while more complex apps can range from AUD $30,000 to $150,000+.

If you are a business, entrepreneur, or startup considering mobile app development in Australia, it’s important to plan ahead and understand the cost factors involved. Working with a reputable mobile app development company like Tekniko Global can help ensure that your project is both successful and within budget.

At Tekniko Global, we provide transparent and client-centric app development services tailored to your business goals. We understand the importance of delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions and are here to guide you through every step of the app development process.