6 March 2026
"How much will it cost?" is the first question every business asks before building custom software. It's also the hardest to answer without knowing the details. But we can give you realistic ranges and explain what drives the price up or down.
We've been building custom software in Australia since 2017. These numbers are based on what we've seen across real projects, not theoretical estimates.
Most custom software projects in Australia cost between $10,000 and $150,000+. That's a wide range, so let's break it down by project type.
A simple web application — something like a customer portal, internal dashboard, or booking system — typically runs $10,000 to $40,000. A mobile app for iOS and Android using a cross-platform framework like Flutter or React Native is usually $20,000 to $60,000. A more complex system with multiple user roles, integrations, and custom business logic can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more.
The biggest factor is complexity, not size. A simple app with one clear workflow costs less than a smaller app with complex business rules, third-party integrations, and role-based permissions.
Here's what drives costs up: multiple user types with different permissions, integration with external systems (payment gateways, CRMs, ERPs), real-time features (live updates, chat, notifications), custom design work beyond standard UI components, compliance requirements (healthcare, finance, government), and the need for both web and mobile versions.
And what keeps costs down: a clear, well-defined scope, using proven frameworks and libraries instead of building from scratch, cross-platform development for mobile (one codebase for iOS and Android), starting with an MVP and iterating based on real user feedback, and working with a team that's built similar things before.
Australian software developers charge between $150 and $300+ per hour depending on experience and specialisation. A small studio like ours sits in the middle of that range. For comparison, offshore teams charge $30-80/hour, but the total project cost often ends up similar due to longer timelines, communication overhead, and rework.
We quote fixed prices for well-defined projects and time-and-materials for ongoing development. Most clients prefer fixed pricing for MVPs and initial builds because it removes budget uncertainty.
Want a real estimate for your project?
We'll give you an honest quote based on your specific requirements. No obligation.
Get a QuoteIf you're testing a new idea, start with an MVP. A focused MVP with 3-5 core features costs a fraction of a full product and tells you whether the idea has legs before you invest heavily.
We built Shrnk.ly — a URL shortener with analytics and QR codes — as a one-month MVP. ClassyDoc, an AI document classifier, went from concept to production-ready in a similar timeframe. Both were functional, useful products from day one.
Offshore development is cheaper per hour. But cheaper per hour doesn't always mean cheaper per project. Communication gaps, timezone differences, and IP risks can add hidden costs.
We work exclusively with Australian developers. No offshore, no subcontracting. That means clear communication during business hours, IP that stays protected under Australian law, and a team that understands your market. It costs more per hour, but projects tend to finish faster and with fewer rounds of revision.
Start with a rough scope. What does the software need to do? Who will use it? What existing systems does it need to connect to? Even a one-page description helps us give a ballpark estimate.
Then decide on your approach. If budget is tight, scope down to an MVP. If you need the full feature set from day one, budget accordingly. Either way, get a quote from at least two or three studios so you can compare approaches, not just prices.
Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others — they usually mean the team doesn't fully understand the scope, or they're planning to cut corners. Also watch out for vague quotes with no breakdown, hourly-only pricing with no estimate of total hours, and teams that don't ask detailed questions about your requirements.
A good development partner will ask more questions than you expect. That's a good sign — it means they're trying to understand the real scope before committing to a number.
We offer free initial consultations where we'll discuss your project, give you a rough estimate, and help you figure out the right approach. No obligation, no pressure. Get in touch and tell us what you're building.
We specialise in turning ideas into working products fast. Tell us what you're building and we'll show you how we'd get it done.
Australian dev team. 10+ products shipped. Free initial consultation.
