Facebook Ads Insights Tool

Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks for Recreation and Travel

See how your app install costs compare. Explore mobile acquisition cost benchmarks by industry, region, and platform

Cost Per App Install for Recreation and Travel

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • This analysis looks at cost per app install trends for industry Recreation and Travel and target country All countries available compared to the global trend. The analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks.
  • Across the observed months (Oct 2024–Aug 2025), Recreation and Travel ran below the global baseline on average (9.05 vs. 11.49), about 21% lower overall.
  • The series showed a steep decline from a very high October 2024 level, bottomed in June 2025, then rebounded into late summer. Seasonality is evident: elevated costs in Q4, a trough in early summer, and a lift into July–August.
  • Volatility was moderate relative to the market: average period-over-period movement was 4.17 for the selection vs. 5.84 for the baseline.

Recreation and Travel (All countries) — cost per app install overview

  • Average: 9.05 across eight observed months.
  • High/low: Highest in October 2024 (23.00); lowest in June 2025 (1.26). Range: 21.74.
  • Trend from first to last observed month: down 62% from October 2024 (23.00) to August 2025 (8.66).
  • Notable moves:
  • Sharp decline Oct→Dec 2024: −55%.
  • Continued softening Jan→May 2025: −23% (Jan→Mar) and −70% (Mar→May).
  • Trough in June 2025 (1.26), followed by a sharp rebound Jun→Jul: +588%.
  • Stabilization July→August (flat at ~8.66–8.66).
  • Seasonality: Elevated costs in Q4 and early Q1, a pronounced spring-to-early-summer dip (May–June), and a summer recovery (July–August).

Comparison to the global baseline

For the same months (Oct 2024; Dec 2024; Jan, Mar, May–Aug 2025):

  • Average: 11.49 baseline vs. 9.05 selected (selected 21% below market).
  • High/low: Baseline peaked in June 2025 (26.21) and was lowest in October 2024 (6.20). The selected series peaked earlier (October 2024) and bottomed at a much lower level in June 2025 (1.26).
  • First-to-last change: Baseline rose 142% from October 2024 (6.20) to August 2025 (15.00), whereas the selected series fell 62% over its first-to-last points.
  • Volatility: Average step change of 5.84 for the baseline vs. 4.17 for the selected data, indicating the market moved more sharply month to month.
  • Relative positioning by month:
  • Above market: Oct 2024 (+271%), Dec 2024 (+20%), Jan 2025 (+61%), Mar 2025 (+16%).
  • Below market: May 2025 (−77%), Jun 2025 (−95%), Jul 2025 (−30%), Aug 2025 (−43%).
  • Seasonal alignment:
  • Both series reflect Q4 pressure, but the selected series started exceptionally high in October.
  • The baseline spiked sharply in June, while the selected series hit its low that month and then recovered into July–August.

Seasonal patterns to note

  • Q4 holiday period typically lifts costs: visible in the selected series’ elevated October–January levels and in the baseline’s Q4 build (especially November).
  • Early summer dynamics diverged: the baseline saw its yearly high in June, while Recreation and Travel hit its lowest median cost per app install in June before rebounding in July–August.

Understanding cost per app install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Recreation and Travel and All countries available 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. In the Recreation and Travel industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. Geographic targeting affects ad costs based on market competition and user engagement in different regions. 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.

Optimize Smarter with Superads

Improve your Facebook ad performance

Instant performance insights – See which ads, audiences, and creatives drive results.

Data-driven creative decisions – Spot patterns to improve ROAS.

Effortless reporting – No spreadsheets, just clear insights.

Get Started for free →

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.

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.