Guide · Updated November 2026
How much
does custom software cost
in Australia?
Custom software is priced by what it has to do, not by the number of screens. This guide explains the typical ranges, what moves the price, and when building is better value than buying.
Typical ranges
| Type of project | What it usually includes | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Single integration | Two systems connected, e.g. website orders into Xero, or HubSpot deals into MYOB | $10K – $25K |
| Internal tool, client portal or custom CRM | Quoting, jobs, reporting, logins, roles, documents, workflow and integrations | $25K – $100K+ |
| SaaS or mobile app | A product used by other businesses or the public | Quoted per stage |
Typical ranges for Melbourne custom builds, in Australian dollars, excluding GST. Our projects start from $10K+, and we give a fixed price for each stage after mapping the work.
What drives the price?
Users & roles
Who logs in, what each person can see and do, and how permissions are managed.
Integrations
Each connected system (Xero, MYOB, CRM, payments) adds design, testing and error handling.
Data & migration
Cleaning and moving existing data is often underestimated.
Workflow complexity
Approvals, rules and exceptions take more work than happy paths.
Design & usability
Software people enjoy using needs research and testing, and gets adopted.
Security & compliance
Sensitive data, audit trails and access control add scope, and are worth it.
When does building beat buying?
- You’re paying for many seats few people use
- Your team works around the software every day
- Data is typed into two or three systems
- Your process is what makes you different
- Off-the-shelf tools only do 70% of the job
- Reporting takes days of copy and paste
If one or two of these apply, an integration may be enough. If most do, look at a custom system.
How to keep the cost under control
Start with the smallest version that removes the biggest pain, launch it, and build on real usage. Insist on a fixed price per stage, ownership of the code, and documentation. Avoid paying for features “just in case”.
More custom software cost questions
How much does custom software cost in Australia?
A single integration between two systems is often in the $10K to $25K range. Internal tools, client portals and custom CRMs typically run from $25K to $100K or more, depending on users, data and integrations.
Is it cheaper to buy software?
Upfront, almost always. Over three to five years, per-seat subscriptions, workarounds and double entry can cost more than a system built for your process. Compare the total cost, not just the first invoice.
How long does custom software take?
A focused first version usually takes 8 to 16 weeks. Building in stages gets working software to your team sooner.
What ongoing costs are there?
Hosting, monitoring, security updates and improvements. Budget for a monthly support plan from launch.
Our business systems services
Get a fixed price for your system
Describe what you want to build or fix. We reply within one business day.
- Call me1300 533 604
- Email memail@massamedia.com
- Visit the studio425 Smith Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 ↗