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How much does App Development cost?

$700 - $3,000

    How much does it cost to develop an app?

    Australian app developers cost on average between $50,000 to $200,000 (including GST). The mobile app development cost for start-up companies with basic features costs between $50,000 to $100,000 (including GST) while corporations that want to integrate their internal systems can expect to pay approximately $100,000 to $250,000 (including GST) or more.

     

    App development costs across australia

    The cost to develop an app can vary widely between cities and states here in Australia and the company providing the services. Below are examples of costs of apps in Australia from basic to complex apps.

    City Average App Development Costs
    Sydney $8,000 – $500,000
    Melbourne $10,000 – $500,000
    Brisbane $15,000 – $500,000
    Canberra $120,000$350,000
    Perth $11,000 – $500,000
    Hobart $25,000 – $60,000
    Adelaide $20,000 – $200,000

     

    State Average App Development Costs
    NSW $75,000 – $175,000
    VIC $500 – $10,000
    QLD $3,000 – $200,000
    ACT $120,000$350,000
    WA $150,000 – $400,000
    NT $50,000 – $200,00
    SA $10,000 – $50,000

    Factors impacting the cost of app development

    Several factors can impact the cost of developing an app. Due to the fact, the app development price can be range significantly, and in most cases, the primary purpose of the app is often what drives your development budget and sets the final cost.

    For example, the cost to develop an app for a small calculator app could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the special features of the app. On the other hand, the cost of creating an app for an enterprise that needs all of the bells and whistles for supporting a global sales force could easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions.

    To further understand why Australian app developers cost so much and the wide range of mobile app prices, below are factors that can influence the price. Mobile app development is generally divided into three categories: 

    Basic Mobile Apps

    Basic mobile apps are the least expensive to develop because they do not require API integration, standard UI components or no back-end features. Most basic mobile apps include features such as calendar, social login or email subscription. Under this category, Google Clock, Google Calendar, Quick Pic, and others are included.

    Moderate Mobile Apps

    Moderate mobile apps require custom UI features; therefore, you can expect to pay a lot more for this type of mobile app development cost. This category includes API integration, back-end server, payment features, and tablet adaptation. Some apps you may already recognise in this category include Slack, WhatsApp, Hotel Booking, and many other notable apps. A mobile app UI design cost will be a significant contributing factor to the overall fee.

    Complex Mobile Apps

    Complex mobile apps include multi-million-dollar corporations like Twitter, Duolingo, and Facebook as well as high-end VR gaming apps such as Halo or Game of Thrones. You can expect to spend a robust price for these types of apps because they require third-party integrations, multi-language support, complicated backend, custom animations, real-time features, and professional design. The more of these features you incorporate, the more you will drive up to cost of making an app.

    Some of the other features and specialised technical complexities that drive the cost to develop an app include:

    • App features & size
    • App platforms (Android, iOS and others)
    • App technology used (Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, AR VR or Chatbot)
    • Outsourced or local company
    • API & Integrations
    • Hybrid App or Native App
    • App Security
    • Maintenance costs
    • UX and UI needed
    • Backend development
    • Location
    • Additional features

     

    A smart phone with an app called 'icanteen'

    An app developed for people to order food from a canteen / Source: Lokava Software

    Price estimates for different types of apps

    Every day Aussies use several apps on their mobile devices for several different reasons, and most of these apps are either Native, Hybrid or Web-based. Today, most mobile devices are mainly running on Windows 10, iOS or Android, which are classified as the platform or operating system that enables the mobile devices to function. Specific platforms, such as the ones just mentioned, are called Native apps. In contrast, Hybrid apps are designed to target multiple platforms, and Web-based apps are developed as web pages that are mobile-optimised to simulate the look of an app.

    Below are eight different examples of apps with the average cost of app development, the time it takes to develop them, and a few examples of the included features:

    Basic App Development Cost

    App Cost: $1,500

    Timeline: 1 month

    Examples: Camera, Calculator, Local games, Clock, SMS apps

    Data-driven App Development Cost

    App Cost: $15,000

    Timeline: 1-2 months

    Examples: Maps, Stocks, Weather, Calendar

    Authentication App Development Cost

    App Cost: $50,000+

    Timeline: 3-5 months

    Examples: Loyalty App, Google Drive, McDonald’s 

    E-Commerce App Development Cost

    App Cost: $50,000 to $240,000+

    Timeline: 3-9 months (ongoing project)

    Examples: GoPuff, ASOS, Alibaba, eBay, Amazon

    Social Networking App Development Cost

    App Cost: $50,000 to $240,000+

    Timeline: 3-9 months (ongoing project)

    Examples: Yummi, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

    On-Demand App Development Cost 

    App Cost: $70,000 to $80,000+ (per platform)

    Timeline: 5-7 months

    Examples: Melabiz, Nimber, Postmates, UberEATS, Uber

    IoT & Hardware App Development Cost

    App Cost: $50,000+

    Timeline: – 3-5 months

    Examples: – WeMo, Amazon Dash Buttons, Beacons, BELI Printing Service

    Marketplace App Development Cost 

    App Cost: $240,000+ (web platform)

    Timeline: 9+ months

    Examples: Booking.com, TripAdvisor

    Price estimates for android and iOS apps

    Business owners in Australia have seen a 90% increase in their conversation ratios and sales by utilising both Android and iOS mobile apps to communicate with their target audience. These mobile app solutions offer a new branding experience, and it generates branding awareness to your users. They also allow you to send in-app and push notifications to your clients for better engagement.

    With ever-growing mobile internet penetration and smartphones getting smarter by the year, no business can afford not to have an app as a part of their marketing campaigns. On the flip side of the coin, businesses need more than just an app to be successful in today’s competitive landscape. What they need is a solid plan for an app that implements a concrete marketing strategy with features that are well-designed and easy to use. 

    Both Android and iOS apps provide solid infrastructure, networking, and support for Australian businesses to succeed in this competitive market to gain new clients and build a concrete customer base. Below is an app cost breakdown for Android and iOS app development cost:

    Android App Development Cost: An Android E-Commerce App can cost between $8,000 to $50,000. 

    iOS App Development Cost: Complex iPhone apps can cost $10,000 or more, while basic apps for the iPhone can range between $300 to $5,000.

    How to hire an app developer

    Hiring a good app developer is not an easy task; however, here are a few tips to get you going in the right direction. In the first place, it’s essential to hire an Australian app developer who is more interested in your business than your app.

    Secondly, they must have excellent UI and UX skills and allow you to see their portfolio. When looking at their portfolio, check out the user interfaces, 60% of an app is based on how easy people can use it.

    Thirdly, check their references and see how willing they are to provide extended client contact information. There’s a good chance if this information is made available on the spot, and you can communicate with their previous customers with no issues. This is a good Australian app developer. And lastly, the best and easiest solution is to fill out Oneflare’s enquiry form (hyperlink), and within 24-hrs, you will be contacted by at least three professional app developers who are pre-qualified, referenced checked, ABN licenced, and ready to help you with your app development.

     

    Licencing Requirements

    It’s a good idea to check your  Australian app developer’s Australian Business Number (ABN) to see if they’re still active. This may also be a good time to register your own business and get your company’s ABN because running your app in Australia will require an ABN. This allows your business to send and receive payments, get an AUSkey, and operate in the GST system; however, before you can get an ABN, you need an Australian Company Number (ACN). 

     

    How to Create an Accurate Estimate

    To create an accurate estimate for an Australian app developer cost, you will need to choose between either an Android or iOS operating system for your app. The cost per hour for Australian app developers is relatively the same between the two. When considering iOS for mobile applications, the two most popular devices are the iPhone and iPad.

    For Android apps, they have more devices produced by various manufacturers with different screen sizes, so trying to narrow down a solid estimate becomes more complicated. The best solution is to obtain several quotes from different app developers and ask them which operating system best fits your business. This process could take some time, but it’s highly recommended to obtain at least five different quotes in order to create an accurate estimate for your app development cost. 

    Pro Tip: Having a reasonable idea of what you need your app to do can give you a more realistic estimate for your mobile app development cost. Do you research on the average cost to build an app before finalising your budget to make an app.

     

    How to Save Money Hiring an App Developer

    With such a broad range in app development cost, it’s paramount to develop an app that doesn’t do more than you need it to. A good mobile app will streamline your user’s experience, allow you to engage with your customers, and build brand loyalty across multiple devices. 

    Here are five simple tips to help you save money when hiring an app developer:

    Tip 1: Hire a professional

    Tip 2: Keep it simple

    Tip 3: Map it out 

    Tip 4: Minimize configurations

    Tip 5: Consider a Hybrid mobile app

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    FAQ

    Can I make an app for free?

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    Without having knowledge of necessary programming skills and technical training, it would not be possible to create an app yourself for free. These skills are possible to learn but will take time and commitment to create a successful and high quality app.