For a long time, the use of apps has soared high and it’s not going to take any pause.  Businesses are turning towards mobile app development to connect with their customers and establish a strong brand awareness among the target audience. Ultimately, their main aim behind this is to set themselves apart from their rivals. 

Likewise, mobile app development has been the talk of the town. For that reason, we wanted to give you an in-depth look into the money-related concerns of developing an app in the Australian market. Understanding the pricing aspects of mobile app development will help you make well-informed budgetary decisions and keep your project on track and reasonably within budget. So, let’s get into detail!

How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Mobile App In Australia?

In the present times, the cost of mobile app development services in Australia ranges somewhere between $30,000 and $250,000. This might feel like an absurdly broad range, nevertheless, but there are a few key elements that decide the accurate expense of developing an app. 

1. Product Complexity

The complexity of a mobile application refers to how many features, functions, and interactions are involved in its creation. Think of it like the level of difficulty for a coder when building the app.

For instance, a finance app with many features is more complex than a simple to-do list app. But even a single-purpose app can be complex, like Instagram or Spotify, which have intricate algorithms or sophisticated technology behind them.

The more complex an app is, the longer it takes to develop, which means it costs more. To understand this better, we can break costs down into three categories: basic, average, and complex apps. This helps estimate how much money it might take to build different kinds of apps.

• Basic

• AUD 15,000 to AUD 25,000
• 12-24 weeks
• Eg., Mindoo
• Average Complex

• AUD 30,000 to AUD 50,000
• 24-36 weeks
• Eg., Form Assist, Sephora
• Advanced 

• Starts from AUD 70,000
• Over 36 weeks
• Eg., Snapchat

2. Host operating system

The type of mobile application being developed is an important factor to consider, as different types have varying levels of complexity. Native apps, designed specifically for either iOS or Android platforms, require unique development processes. Cross-platform apps, which can operate on both iOS and Android, also differ in cost and development approach. Understanding these distinctions helps in estimating the resources and budget needed for mobile app development projects.

• iOS: AUD85,000
• Android: AUD70,000
• Cross-Platform: AUD110,000

3. Type of application

• Offline Standalone App Cost

Standalone apps function independently without requiring an internet connection, allowing users to access data and use features offline. These apps are installed directly onto users’ devices, containing all necessary files and functionalities. The estimated cost for developing such offline standalone apps is $60,000.

• Offline maps
• Document editors
• Note-taking apps
• Photo editors
• Media players

• Moderate Online Connectivity Apps

Apps with moderate connectivity depend on internet access for only certain functionalities, allowing users to enjoy a good user experience even when offline. For instance, Google Maps can provide directions after the destination is loaded, even without an internet connection. Any app that retains functionality when the internet is turned off falls into this category. These apps strike a balance between offline and online features. The average cost for developing such apps with moderate online connectivity is $90,000.

• Travel apps
• Podcast apps
• Social media apps
• Ride-hailing apps

• Chatbot Apps

Chatbot apps leverage AI and NLP to engage users in conversational interactions. Their functionalities vary based on design and purpose. These apps simulate human conversation and can perform tasks like answering questions, providing assistance, or facilitating transactions. The estimated cost for developing a chatbot app is $100,000, reflecting the complexity involved in implementing AI and NLP technologies to create an effective conversational interface.

• Rose AI Chatbot
• Meena by Google
• Tidio Support Bot
• Kuki AI Companion
• BlenderBot by Facebook.

• IoT or Wearable Apps

Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable apps synchronize with devices to gather data on activities, utilizing the internet, sensors, and wearables for data-driven interactions. The estimated cost for wearable app development services is around $100,000, primarily due to hardware requirements and the scarcity of IoT developers.

• Health and fitness devices
• Smart home automation
• Wearable assistive technology
• Smart cities

• Messaging Applications

Messaging apps and software applications that allow users to exchange text messages, and multimedia content, and have real-time communication over the internet. These apps offer platforms for groups as well as individuals to connect, collaborate, communicate, and share information. Creating above-average apps like the following costs around $400,00

• WhatsApp
• Facebook Messenger
• WeChat
• Telegram
• Slack

• Augmented Reality Apps

AR applications utilize virtual reality technology to overlay digital content onto the real world, providing immersive user experiences. By blending digital elements with the physical environment, AR solutions create engaging virtual environments. Due to the complexity of development, the approximate cost of creating an AR solution is around $300,000 in Australia.

• 8ninth
• Gravity Jack
• Vuforia Chalk
• Microsoft HoloLens

• Enterprise Mobile Apps

Enterprise solutions are apps connected to a company’s network for employees to perform organizational tasks. Developing such comprehensive solutions typically costs around $680,000.

• Salesforce
• Jira Mobile
• ServiceNow
• Workday Mobile app

4. Development team involved

The team type chosen for app development significantly impacts costs. An internal team (US, UK) offers control but higher salaries. Custom software development company like DianApps provide expertise with fixed costs. Freelancers offer flexibility but may lack consistency and reliability. Each option has its pros and cons, affecting overall project expenses.

• Internal team (US, UK): $400,000
• Software Development Agency (DianApps): $80,000
• Freelancers: $50,000

5. Development cost defined by city

Since Australia is the 6th largest country in the world, its major cities have a variation in the cost of mobile app development services. Some of them are listed below: 

• Canberra: $25,000 to $290,000
• Sydney: $20,000 – $280,000
• Melbourne: $22,000 – $285,000
• Brisbane: $21,000 – $260,000
• Perth: $18,000 – $255,000
• Adelaide: $22,000 to $275,000

Closing Thoughts

Developing an application is more like starting a new business wherein you have a vision and goals that need to match the reality. Subsequently, it requires it to be framed into a long-term plan that is realistic and achievable. 

The cost of app development in Australia is influenced by the choices of design, features, and team selection. 

Are you also interested in crafting an innovative mobile app that aligns with your tech and business goals? Hire a professional mobile app development company that creates scalable, safe and robust mobile apps. With fail-safe project management practices, these experts will make sure that the build matches your requirements.