Mobile apps can transform how a business works, from field teams who no longer need paper job sheets to customers who book and pay from their phone. But “how much will it cost?” is the first question, so here’s an honest guide.
What drives the cost of an app
- Features. Logins, payments, offline mode, maps, photos and notifications each add work.
- Integrations. Connecting to Xero, your database or custom software is often the biggest piece.
- User types. An app for staff only is simpler than one for staff, customers and admins.
- Design. Custom interfaces take longer than standard components.
- Platforms. One cross-platform app for iOS and Android usually costs less than two native apps.
Typical cost ranges in New Zealand
Estimates published by NZ developers broadly fall into these bands:
| Type of app | Example | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple business app | Forms, checklists, information | Tens of thousands |
| Connected business app | Field service app linked to your systems | Mid tens of thousands and up |
| Complex platform | Marketplace, payments, many user types | Six figures and up |
Every app is different, so treat these as a starting point and get a written quote for your scope.
Native or cross-platform?
- Cross-platform (for example React Native or Flutter): one codebase for iOS and Android. Usually faster and more cost-effective for business apps.
- Native (Swift and Kotlin): separate apps for each platform. Worth it for apps that push the hardware hard, such as games or advanced camera features.
For most business apps, cross-platform is the sensible choice.
Ongoing costs to plan for
- Hosting and back-end services for data and logins.
- App store accounts for Apple and Google.
- Updates when new iOS and Android versions are released.
- Improvements as your team uses the app and asks for more.
How to keep an app project on budget
- Start with one job. A focused first version (often called an MVP) gets into people’s hands sooner.
- Build in stages, adding features once the basics are proven.
- Review progress regularly. We work in two-week sprints with a review meeting every two weeks, so you see working progress and can change priorities early.
- Plan integrations early, because they affect everything else.
Do you need an app at all?
Sometimes a mobile-friendly web app, a well-built business website (see how much a website costs in NZ) or a custom software system does the job for less. If your team mainly needs to replace spreadsheets, a proper database may be the better first step.
Thinking about an app? See our mobile app development service, or request a free quotation with a clear price in writing.
