If you’re running a business in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia, chances are you’ve already thought about building a mobile app. From retail stores to startups and enterprises, every business today understands that customers want convenience in their pockets.
But the first question every business owner asks is: “How much does it cost to hire a mobile app developer in Melbourne?”
On average, hiring a mobile app developer cost in Melbourne can range anywhere between AUD 55 to AUD 80, depending on your business vision and needs.
However, the truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price.
The app development cost depends on several factors. Everything from app complexity, design, and platform choice, to whether you hire mobile app developers in Melbourne through agencies or in-house teams, will influence the final number.
At Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, a top mobile app development company in Australia, we have worked with 500+ businesses. And guess what? No 2 projects have ever been the same. Each business comes with unique goals, audiences, and challenges, which means the cost of developing an app always varies. For example,
- Some clients only need a basic informational app to connect with customers.
- Others request mid-range apps with user accounts, payment gateways, or push notifications.
- Many enterprises look for large-scale apps such as e-commerce platforms or on-demand booking systems with multiple integrations.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down, from average mobile app development cost in Melbourne to hidden app developer costs you might not expect, so you can plan your budget effectively.
Growing Demand for Mobile App Development
Melbourne has quickly become one of Australia’s top tech hubs. With thousands of startups, small businesses, and enterprises investing in digital transformation, the demand for mobile app development in Melbourne is skyrocketing.
Why? Because mobile usage in Australia keeps climbing. Customers shop online, order food, book taxis, manage finances, and even consult doctors, all through mobile apps. Businesses that invest in mobile apps see,
- Increased customer engagement
- Higher sales and revenue growth
- Stronger brand loyalty
- Better data insights for smarter decisions
With this growing demand, it’s no surprise that mobile app developers in Melbourne are in high demand too. But demand often drives price variation. Let’s take a quick look at what you should expect.
Mobile App Developer Cost in Melbourne – A Quick Overview
If you’re wondering about the cost to hire mobile app developers in Melbourne, it primarily depends on the developer’s experience, expertise, and the type of engagement you choose.
Here’s a snapshot of typical pricing,
| Developer Type | Experience/Role | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Junior Developer | 0–2 years | $50 – $55/hour |
| Mid-Level Developer | 2–5 years | $55 – $65/hour |
| Senior Developer | 5+ years | $65 – $80/hour |
| Dedicated Full-Time/Contract | Any experience | $10,000 – $15,000/month |
The final app developer cost depends on whether you hire in-house developers or a dedicated app developer Melbourne agency team. Additional factors like project complexity, platform choice (iOS, Android, or cross-platform), and project duration also influence hourly or monthly rates.
This gives you a clear picture of what to expect when budgeting for app development in Melbourne, before exploring the factors that drive these rates further.
Key Factors That Affect Mobile App Development Cost
When planning your mobile app, it’s important to know that pricing isn’t random. App developers in Melbourne base their quotes on multiple factors that go beyond writing code.
Let’s break them down clearly,
1. App Complexity
The complexity of your mobile app is one of the biggest cost drivers.
- Simple apps: Think calculators, note-taking apps, or basic informational apps. These usually don’t need backend development or advanced integrations, which keeps the app development cost lower.
- Medium-complexity apps: These require user accounts, databases, and third-party integrations like payment gateways. Most business apps fall under this category.
- Complex apps: If your idea involves real-time data syncing, AI features, video streaming, or high-security requirements such as banking-grade encryption, the cost of developing an app can climb significantly.
| Type of App | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Basic App | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Medium-Complexity App | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Advanced App | $70,000 – $250,000+ |
2. Features and Functionalities
Every feature adds extra hours of development, which translates directly into app development cost. For example,
- Push notifications: + AUD 2,000 – 5,000
- Payment integration: + AUD 5,000 – 15,000
- GPS and location tracking: + AUD 10,000 – 20,000
- Real-time chat or video call: + AUD 10,000 – 25,000
The more advanced your app, the higher the mobile app development cost in Melbourne. Businesses often underestimate how quickly these add-ons stack up.
3. Design and User Experience
Melbourne users expect sleek, clean, professional, and user-friendly apps. A strong UI/UX design not only attracts customers but keeps them engaged.
Investing in custom animations, branded themes, or intuitive navigation can raise the cost of developing an app, but it pays off in retention.
4. Platform Choice
- Single platform (iOS or Android): More affordable, faster to launch.
- Both platforms: Increase cost, but double your audience reach.
- Cross-platform (Flutter or React Native): Saves money by building once for both, though some highly complex apps still benefit from native builds.
Your choice of platform significantly affects app development Melbourne pricing.
5. Backend and Integrations
If your app needs cloud storage, APIs, AI-driven analytics, or complex backend logic, costs rise accordingly. Business apps that rely heavily on data management or third-party system integrations can’t skip this layer.
6. Maintenance and Updates
Development doesn’t end at launch. Bug fixes, new OS updates, and feature improvements are recurring expenses. Businesses should expect yearly maintenance costs of 15–20% of the original app development cost.
By now, it’s clear that mobile app development cost depends on far more than just coding. But even with careful budgeting, many businesses forget to account for hidden costs, something we’ll break down next.
Hidden Costs That Businesses Often Forget
When calculating the cost of developing an app, many businesses only think about design and development. Here are extra expenses to keep in mind,
- App Store Fees: Apple charges USD $99/year, Google Play usually charges a one-time fee of USD $25.
- Licensing and Third-Party Tools: Premium APIs, payment gateways, or analytics tools.
- Marketing and Promotion: Launch campaigns, app store optimisation, and ads can cost thousands.
- Security and Compliance: Especially if your app deals with financial or healthcare data.
If you ignore these, your budget will quickly overrun.
Mobile App Developers Cost in Melbourne: Pricing Models
When you begin planning to hire mobile app developers in Melbourne, one of the first decisions you’ll face is the pricing model. Most developers and agencies follow three main structures,
1. Hourly Rates
This model is a flexible option where you pay based on the time spent on development. Rates usually depend on experience,
- Junior developers: AUD 50 – 55/hour
- Mid-level developers: AUD 55 – 65/hour
- Senior developers: AUD 65 – 80/hour
Hourly pricing is often chosen for projects with evolving requirements or when you’re testing ideas. The overall mobile app developer cost can add up quickly if requirements expand.
2. Project-Based Pricing
Here, you agree on a fixed price based on scope, features, and timelines. This model is best for small to mid-sized apps where requirements are clearly defined. It provides cost predictability, but changes to the scope can increase expenses.
Many businesses prefer this for a transparent mobile app development cost upfront.
3. Dedicated Hiring (Full-Time/Contract)
For businesses needing ongoing development, hiring a dedicated mobile app developer in Melbourne is the smarter choice. Costs typically range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 15,000 per month or more, depending on expertise.
This model works well for startups and enterprises that need continuous improvements or multiple projects.
Must Read: How to Find the Best App Developers in Australia in 2026?
Cost of Developing Popular Types of Apps in Melbourne
The cost of developing an app in Melbourne varies widely depending on its type, complexity, and required features. Here’s an overview of the average mobile app development cost for some common app categories,
| App Type | Features | Average Development Cost (AUD) |
| E-commerce Apps | Product listings, shopping cart, payment gateway | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| On-Demand Service Apps | Booking system, real-time tracking, payments | $70,000 – $150,000 |
| Social Networking Apps | Profiles, messaging, media sharing, notifications | $80,000 – $200,000 |
| Healthcare/Fitness Apps | User accounts, health tracking, analytics, reminders | $40,000 – $100,000 |
These ranges highlight why every project needs a tailored quote. A simple retail app costs far less than a feature-rich social networking or on-demand service app. The platform choice, number of integrations, and design complexity all influence the final app development cost.
By understanding these categories, businesses can better plan budgets and expectations when they hire mobile app developers in Melbourne for different project types.
Agency vs. In-House: Which Balances Your Budget with Quality?
When hiring in Melbourne, businesses usually choose between agencies and in-house developers.
Agencies:
- Pros: Full team (designers, developers, testers).
- Cons: Higher upfront cost.
- Best for: Businesses that need speed, expertise, and a polished product.
In-House Developers:
- Pros: Dedicated resource, better control.
- Cons: Salaries, overheads, and recruitment costs.
- Best for: Large enterprises with continuous app needs.
If you’re a startup or small business, partnering with a mobile app development agency in Melbourne often balances cost with quality.
ROI Angle: Is the App Development Cost Worth It?
Paying AUD 50,000 or more for an app might feel overwhelming, but think about the return,
- An e-commerce app can generate ongoing sales.
- A service app can streamline bookings and reduce manual workload.
- A loyalty app can improve customer retention.
When done right, the cost of developing an app becomes an investment with long-term returns.
Tips to Reduce App Development Cost Without Compromising Quality
Building a high-quality mobile app doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. Many smart businesses in Melbourne manage costs while still delivering excellent apps by following a few practical strategies,
- Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Focus on core features first. Launching a lean version lets you test ideas and gather user feedback before investing in extra functionalities.
- Choose cross-platform development: Tools like Flutter or React Native allow you to build one app for both iOS and Android, saving time and money compared to separate native apps.
- Leverage pre-built modules: Using existing templates or libraries for common features, like login, payment gateways, or push notifications, reduces development effort.
- Outsource non-core components: Backend services, APIs, or secondary features can be outsourced to cost-effective developers without affecting overall quality.
By following these tips, Melbourne businesses can control app development costs while still creating polished, functional, and scalable apps.
Checklist Before You Hire a Mobile App Developer in Melbourne
Here’s a simple checklist to guide your hiring decision,
- Review their portfolio and industry experience.
- Check client reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for a detailed app development cost estimate with no hidden charges.
- Confirm post-launch support.
- Compare their expertise in iOS, Android, and cross-platform apps.
If a developer or agency ticks all these boxes, you’re on the right track.
Also Read: How to Hire Mobile App Developers in Australia: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Why Businesses Hire Mobile App Developers from Vrinsoft Pty Ltd?
At Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, we’ve partnered with businesses across Melbourne and Australia to build mobile apps that truly drive growth and engagement. Companies trust us because we combine transparency and results-driven development.
Here’s why Melbourne businesses choose Vrinsoft,
- Transparent mobile app developer cost – No hidden charges, clear pricing from day one.
- Skilled team of developers – Experienced professionals across iOS, Android, and cross-platform development.
- Proven track record – Successful projects in e-commerce, healthcare, finance, and enterprise apps.
- End-to-end services – From idea validation and design to development, testing, launch, and ongoing maintenance.
Our approach is simple: we prioritise on delivering high-quality mobile app development in Melbourne that fits your budget and meets your business goals.
Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, we ensure a smooth experience from concept to launch, making your mobile app developers cost a worthwhile investment.
Hire Affordable Mobile App Developers in Melbourne from Vrinsoft Pty Ltd
If you’re planning to build an app, don’t let mobile app development cost uncertainties hold you back. The right team can turn your idea into a powerful business tool. At Vrinsoft Pty Ltd, we make it easy to hire mobile app developers in Melbourne at competitive rates, tailored to your project needs and budget.
Our experienced app developers in Melbourne specialise in iOS, Android, and cross-platform solutions, delivering high-quality, scalable apps that drive growth. Whether you need a small-scale informational app or a complex e-commerce platform, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. This helps you know exactly what your mobile app developer cost will be from day one.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a custom app development cost estimate, and let’s build the app your business deserves.
FAQs – Mobile App Developer Cost
Here are some of the most common questions that businesses often ask, along with quick go-through answers,
1. How much does it cost to hire a developer to build an app?
Hiring a mobile app developer in Melbourne can range from AUD $55 to $80 per hour or more, depending on experience. For full-time or contract arrangements, expect AUD $10,000 – $15,000 per month per developer. The final rate depends on project complexity, platform, and developer expertise.
2. How much do mobile apps cost to develop?
Overall, app development costs vary widely. Basic apps start around AUD 20,000 – 40,000, medium-complexity apps range AUD 40,000 – 70,000, and advanced apps with multiple integrations can exceed AUD 250,000. Features, design, and platform choice all influence the final price.
3. How much does it cost to maintain an app in Australia?
Maintenance generally costs around 15 to 20% of the original app development cost per year, covering updates, bug fixes, and adding new features.
4. How long does it take to create an app?
Development timelines vary: basic apps take 2–3 months, medium-complexity apps 4–6 months, and advanced apps can take 6–12 months or more, depending on features and testing requirements.
