How much does custom software cost in Australia?

Custom software in Australia typically costs between $5k and $100k+, depending on size, complexity and deliverables. A small project runs roughly $5k to $10k, a medium project $10k to $30k, and a large project $30k to $100k+. Those are the ranges we see across our own projects, and we quote every one at a fixed price before any building starts.

The number on a quote tells you less than what is behind it. This guide explains what moves the price, what each band usually buys, and how to avoid paying for software you do not need.

What each size of project includes

Size	Typical cost	What it usually covers
Small	$5k to $10k	One well-defined tool or workflow, a few user types, light integration
Medium	$10k to $30k	Several workflows or user roles, and integration with one or two existing systems
Large	$30k to $100k+	A multi-module platform with heavier integration, delivered in stages

These are bands, not a rate card. Two projects in the same band can look quite different, which is why the factors below matter more than the headline range.

What moves the price

Number of user types. A tool for one team is simpler than a platform where staff, customers and suppliers each see something different. Every extra role adds screens, rules and testing.

Number of workflows. Each workflow is a set of steps with its own rules and exceptions. Ten workflows cost far more than three, even if each looks small.

Integrations. Connecting to your accounting package, CRM or payment provider means working to someone else's rules. A well-documented API is cheap to use. A system with no API is not.

Hardware. If the software has to talk to a physical device, the price depends on the device. A mobile app for an industrial pipe inspection device, for example, scoped at around $15k for iOS and Android, but how far that figure moves depends on how easy or hard the device is to integrate with the app.

Data migration. Moving years of records out of spreadsheets or an old system takes real effort, mostly in cleaning the data rather than moving it.

Design depth. An internal tool can be plain and quick to build. A customer-facing product that has to look and feel polished takes longer.

Compliance and security. Handling sensitive personal information, or meeting an industry standard, adds work. We build to the Australian Privacy Act and host on-shore in Australia in most cases.

The cost that comes before the build

Most of our projects start with a Discovery: a short, fixed-fee engagement that produces a written scope, a prototype and a fixed quote for the build. The Discovery fee is a separate line from the build cost, and it is credited against the build if you go on to build with us. It depends on what is being scoped. It runs roughly $1k to $5k for a simple project, $5k to $10k for a complex one and $10k+ for a multi-stage one.

That fee is the cheapest place to find out your idea is bigger, smaller or different than you thought. It is also what lets us quote the build as a fixed price instead of a guess. See how Discovery works.

What it costs to run after launch

The build is not the whole bill. Plan for:

• Hosting and services. Cloud hosting, email sending, and any third-party tools the software depends on.
• Support and changes. Fixes, updates and new features. You can keep us on for this or take the software in-house at any point.
• Licences. Custom software normally has no per-user licence fees, which is one reason it can cost less over time than a subscription for a large team.

We list the expected running costs in the scope so they are not a surprise after launch.

How to keep the cost down

1. Cut the first release hard. The cheapest software is what you do not build. Ship the core workflow first and let real use tell you what to add.
2. Phase the work. A large project delivered in stages spreads the cost and lets you stop if the early stages do not pay back.
3. Use what exists. If a mainstream product handles part of the job, buy it and build only the part that is specific to you.
4. Decide quickly. Delays in feedback cost more than almost any feature.

Fixed price vs hourly

We work on fixed price. We scope the work first, then quote a price for the agreed deliverables. If the scope changes, we agree the change and its cost with you before doing the work. Hourly billing is cheaper to start and harder to budget, because the total depends on how many surprises turn up.

Warning signs in a quote

• A single number with no scope behind it. You cannot compare it with anything.
• A very low price. The scope will grow, or corners will be cut where you cannot see them.
• No mention of who owns the code. You should own the code and IP on payment.
• No running costs. Ask what hosting and support will cost.

Tax

Eligible software development work may qualify for the R&D Tax Incentive. Raise it with your accountant before the project starts, not after.

The short version

Budget roughly $5k to $10k for a single focused tool, $10k to $30k for a platform with several workflows and integrations, and $30k to $100k+ for a larger system built in stages. Get a fixed price in writing, and ask what it costs to run. The FAQ has the short answers, and the custom software development page shows what we build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is custom software more expensive than a subscription?

Upfront, yes. Over several years it can be cheaper for a large team, because there are no per-user licence fees. A subscription costs less to start and more as you add users.

Can I get a fixed price before committing?

Yes. A Discovery produces a written scope and a fixed quote for the build.

What is the cheapest way to start?

A small, focused first release, or an MVP if you are still testing the idea.