Facebook Ads Insights Tool

Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks for Retail in New Zealand

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

Cost Per App Install for Retail in New Zealand

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • Scope: This analysis looks at cost per app install (CPI) trends for industry Retail 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.
  • Data availability: No monthly observations were available for Retail in New Zealand in the provided period, so comparisons to the global baseline cannot be quantified. Insights below summarize the global baseline as a directional benchmark.
  • Global baseline level: Average CPI over the period was 11.85, with a low of 1.98 (Sep 2024) and a high of 26.21 (Jun 2025). The last month (Sep 2025) closed at 22.99.
  • Trend and volatility: From Sep 2024 to Sep 2025, CPI rose by approximately +1,061%. Month‑to‑month absolute movement averaged about 74%, indicating high volatility.
  • Seasonality: Costs rose into November, eased in December, then spiked mid‑year (June) and climbed again late Q3—consistent with common pressure points around mid‑year app pushes and pre‑Q4 ramp.

About the dataset

  • Metric: cost per app install (median by month)
  • Industry: Retail
  • Country: New Zealand
  • Selected data: no data points provided for the selected segment
  • Baseline: global dataset of monthly medians

Selected industry and country results (Retail, New Zealand)

No monthly CPI values were available for Retail in New Zealand in the provided time window. As a result, we cannot state whether New Zealand Retail CPI is above market, below average, or in line with overall trends. The baseline below serves as the comparative context.

Global baseline trend

  • Overall level: The global CPI averaged 11.85 across 13 months.
  • Highs and lows: The global low was 1.98 (Sep 2024). The peak was 26.21 (Jun 2025). The end of the period reached 22.99 (Sep 2025).
  • Trend: From the first to the last month, CPI increased by about +1,061%.
  • Volatility: Average absolute month‑to‑month change was ~74%, with notable swings:
  • Largest surge: May to June +151% (10.43 to 26.21)
  • Largest pullback: June to July −53% (26.21 to 12.35)
  • Other sharp moves: Oct to Nov +131%; Nov to Dec −40%; Aug to Sep +53%

Seasonality and period averages

  • Q4 2024: Average CPI of 9.67, rising into November (14.28) before easing in December (8.52).
  • H1 2025: Average of 12.13, with alternating lifts and pullbacks and a pronounced spike in June (26.21).
  • Q3 2025: Average of 16.78, driven by a late‑quarter jump to 22.99 in September.

These patterns are consistent with common Facebook Ads benchmarks where costs can rise ahead of major promotional periods, soften post‑peak, and climb again as demand builds toward late Q3 and into Q4.

Comparative positioning

Because no Retail in New Zealand CPI data were provided, we cannot position New Zealand relative to the global baseline. If future New Zealand Retail data tracks near the baseline’s mid‑teens average in late quarters or shows similar mid‑year spikes, it would suggest alignment with overall market pressures; otherwise it may indicate above‑ or below‑market conditions.

Understanding COST_PER_APP_INSTALL benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Retail 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. In the Retail industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. 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.