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Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks in New Zealand

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Cost Per App Install in New Zealand

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

This analysis looks at cost-per-app-install trends for industry All industries available and target country New Zealand compared to the global trend. The analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks.

Main takeaways

  • New Zealand’s median cost-per-app-install averaged 16.82 across the period—about 43% above the global baseline average of 11.74, indicating above-market costs overall.
  • High volatility: average month-to-month absolute change was 83.7% in New Zealand vs 61.7% globally.
  • Pronounced seasonality: New Zealand rose through December and peaked in January (43.72), dipped to an annual low in April (2.53), then spiked again in August (33.97). The global series peaked mid-year in June (26.21).
  • From the first to last observed month, New Zealand increased by 187% (11.82 to 33.97), versus a 142% rise in the global series (6.20 to 15.00).
  • New Zealand sat above the global median in 6 of 11 months, particularly in December–February and August; it trailed the global series in April–July.

Selected data overview

  • Average: 16.82
  • High: 43.72 in January 2025
  • Low: 2.53 in April 2025
  • Range: 17.3x between low and high
  • Change from first to last month: +187% (October 2024 to August 2025)
  • Notable spikes/dips:
  • December +92% vs November; January +104% vs December
  • March −74% vs February; April −71% vs March
  • August +304% vs July

These patterns show a strong Q4-to-January build typical of holiday-driven demand, followed by a sharp Q2 trough and a late-summer rebound.

Comparison with the global baseline

  • Baseline average: 11.74; high 26.21 in June 2025; low 6.20 in October 2024; range 4.23x.
  • MoM volatility (avg absolute change): 61.7% baseline vs 83.7% in New Zealand.
  • Relative positioning:
  • Above market in 6/11 months (Oct, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Aug), most notably in Q4–Q1 and August.
  • Below average in 5/11 months (Nov, Apr, May, Jun, Jul), with a pronounced gap in Q2 where New Zealand averaged 4.39 vs the baseline’s 16.05.

Seasonality and volatility

  • Seasonal lift is evident in New Zealand from late Q4 to January, with the highest median cost-per-app-install in January (43.72).
  • A clear trough appears in Q2, bottoming in April (2.53) before gradual recovery and a sharp August surge (33.97).
  • The global trend also shows seasonality, with a notable peak in June (26.21) and solid levels in November and August.
  • New Zealand’s broader swings (17.3x range) versus the baseline (4.23x) underscore higher volatility, with larger MoM surges and pullbacks.

Monthly highlights

  • Q4 2024 average: New Zealand 14.83 vs global 9.67 (above market).
  • Q1 2025 average: New Zealand 28.32 vs global 8.20 (well above market).
  • Q2 2025 average: New Zealand 4.39 vs global 16.05 (below market).
  • August 2025: New Zealand 33.97 vs global 15.00 (above market).

Understanding cost-per-app-install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry All industries available and New Zealand helps advertisers make more efficient budget and creative choices.

Understanding the Data

Insights & analysis of Facebook advertising costs

Facebook advertising costs vary based on many factors including industry, target audience, ad placement, and campaign objectives. Different industries see varying ad costs due to market competition, user demographics, and conversion value. For campaigns targeting New Zealand, advertisers should consider local market factors and user behavior. Different campaign objectives lead to varying costs based on how Facebook optimizes for your specific goals. The data shown represents median values across multiple campaigns, and individual results may vary based on ad quality, audience targeting, and campaign optimization.

Why we use median instead of average

We use the median CTR because the underlying distribution of click-through rates is highly skewed, with a small share of campaigns achieving extremely high CTRs. These outliers can inflate a simple average, making it less representative of what most advertisers actually experience. By using the median—which sits at the midpoint of all campaigns—we provide a more rigorous and realistic benchmark that reflects the true underlying data model and helps you set attainable performance expectations.

Key Factors Affecting Facebook Ad Costs

  • Competition within your selected industry and audience demographics
  • Ad quality and relevance score – higher quality ads can lower costs
  • Campaign objective and bid strategy
  • Timing and seasonality – costs often increase during holiday periods
  • Ad placement (News Feed, Instagram, Audience Network, etc.)

Note: This data represents industry median values and benchmarks. Your actual costs may vary based on specific targeting, ad creative quality, and campaign optimization.

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The data behind the benchmarks

All data is sourced from over $3B in Facebook ad spend, collected across thousands of ad accounts that use Superads daily to analyze and improve their campaigns. Every data point is fully anonymized and aggregated—no individual advertiser is ever exposed.

This dataset updates frequently as new ad data flows in. It will only get bigger and better.

New Zealand Advertising Landscape

National Holidays

Jan 1New Year's Day
Jan 2Day after New Year's Day
Feb 6Waitangi Day
Apr 18Good Friday
Apr 21Easter Monday
Apr 25ANZAC Day
Jun 2King's Birthday
Jun 20Matariki
Oct 27Labour Day
Dec 25Christmas Day
Dec 26Boxing Day

Key Shopping Season

Late November–early December (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), Christmas season (Boxing Day sales), Mid‑year promotions (Matariki in June), Back-to-school (late January/early February)

Potential Advertising Impact

CPM and CPC might rise around Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day as public events increase media consumption. Matariki is new public holiday with growing awareness—advertising may see elevated competition. Late November–December Black Friday/Cyber Monday could drive ad costs significantly. Regional anniversary holidays may cause local inventory shifts.

What's a good CPI for iOS vs Android in 2025?

iOS CPIs often range from $2 to $5 or more. Android is usually cheaper, between $1 and $3. Your CPI will depend on geo, creative, and optimization goal.

Why is my app install cost higher in some countries?

Some regions like the US, UK, and Canada have higher competition and stricter privacy regulations, which drive up costs. Countries with lower purchasing power typically have cheaper CPIs.

What creatives drive the lowest CPI on Facebook?

Short videos showing app benefits, UGC-style content, and localized messaging tend to perform best. Clear CTAs and fast-paced visuals help lower your CPI.

Should I optimize for installs or in-app actions?

Optimizing for installs gets volume, but optimizing for actions like signups or purchases brings higher quality users. It depends on your goals and how much post-install behavior matters.

How do I lower CPI without tanking app retention or quality?

Align your creative with the app experience, avoid misleading ads, and exclude users who already installed. You can also test lookalike audiences based on high-quality users, not just all installers.