The cost of building a mobile app isn't a fixed category, it's the result of specific decisions about functionality, platforms and the business logic the app has to support. Prolink has been developing mobile apps for Android and iOS for over a decade, and every project has had its own budget, its own business logic and its own technical requirements. That experience across a wide range of project types is what lets us realistically assess what your project needs and what it will cost from the first conversation.
Why work with a Croatia-based team
A Croatia-based development team combines Western European engineering standards with a cost structure that's typically 30-50% lower than agencies in Germany, Austria, the Nordics or the UK for comparable quality and experience. As an EU member state, Croatia operates under the same regulatory framework as the rest of the EU, GDPR compliance, standard contract law, and full legal recourse if something goes wrong, none of the uncertainty that comes with offshoring outside the EU. The team works in the CET time zone, meaning real-time collaboration during your business hours. Prolink is based in Zagreb, a direct flight of one to two hours from most major European business hubs, and in-person meetings, whether a kickoff workshop or an on-site consultation, are entirely possible when a project calls for it.
Factors that determine the cost of a mobile app
The number of platforms is the first decision with a direct impact on cost, since developing for Android and iOS at the same time means double testing, adapting the interface to each platform's guidelines and managing two separate distribution channels. The complexity of functionality determines how many development hours implementation requires, since user authentication, real-time communication, geolocation, payment integration or biometric login each carry their own technical cost that isn't visible at the user-experience level. Backend infrastructure is a standard part of every project, covering server logic, databases, API layers and security protocols, and its complexity grows in proportion to the number of users and the volume of data the app has to handle. Push notifications may look like a simple feature, but implementation that includes segmenting users, automating sends based on behavior and tracking open analytics requires significantly more development than basic notification sending. Integrations with external systems like an ERP, a CRM, payment platforms or IoT devices are usually the single largest cost segment, since they require understanding the external system's technical specifications and testing two independent systems in parallel. UI design tailored to a client's specific visual identity costs more than adapting a generic template, but it directly affects retention and app store reviews.
Indicative pricing for mobile app development
The pricing below is based on project complexity and the scope of functionality, but the final price is always defined after analyzing requirements. Pricing is one-time and fixed, with no additional charges for functionality that should have been included from the start.
| Category | Indicative price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| App without a backend | €1,000 to €2,000 + VAT | Standalone app with local data storage, no server infrastructure or push notifications |
| Simple app | €2,000 to €5,000 + VAT | Basic functionality, backend, user registration, content display, push notifications |
| Medium-complexity app | €5,000 to €12,000 + VAT | Advanced push notifications with user targeting, API integration, data management |
| Advanced app | €12,000 to €25,000 + VAT | Complex business processes, real-time communication, ERP/CRM integrations, automated push notifications |
| Complex app | From €25,000 + VAT | Platforms, marketplaces, IoT, multi-platform solutions of high complexity |
How much push notifications add to the cost
Basic push notification implementation is already included in simple and medium-complexity apps, while advanced user segmentation, behavior-based send automation and open-rate analytics require additional development defined by scope. That added cost scales with the number of triggers and the level of personalization the system has to support, not the number of notifications themselves. For more on how push notifications work as a communication channel, see the mobile app development page.
Why two platforms cost more than one
Developing for a single platform means a lower initial cost but excludes the portion of your user base on the other platform. Cross-platform development through the Ionic framework narrows that gap since it covers both platforms with a shared codebase, while native development for each platform separately costs more but offers performance advantages. The choice of approach, and its effect on cost, depends on the project's specific functional requirements, so Prolink only defines it after analyzing the project. Read more about the difference between approaches on the mobile app development page.
Why admin interfaces aren't a free add-on
Most mobile apps need an admin interface that's invisible to the end user but essential for managing content, users, push notifications and analytics. This segment is often left out of an initial project estimate since clients focus on the user-facing side of the app, and it only surfaces once development is already underway, disrupting timelines and budget. Prolink defines and scopes the admin interface in the first phase of a project, since that's the only way the final price is realistic from the first conversation.
How much long-term maintenance costs
Maintenance cost depends on the complexity of the system and the agreed scope, from security patches and compatibility with new OS versions to developing new features based on user feedback. Apps that aren't regularly maintained lose compatibility with new Android and iOS versions, which can result in removal from app stores. Prolink defines maintenance as a separate service with a clearly agreed scope and price, with no surprises and no need for the client to track technical details.
Why Croatian businesses choose Prolink
We work with local businesses, institutions and startup projects and understand what it takes to develop an app for the Croatian market, from regulatory compliance to the specifics of local user habits and the constraints that come with smaller budgets. We don't sell standardized packages, we define scope around a project's actual needs, meaning a business with a €5,000 budget gets a realistically deliverable project, not a shortened version of something bigger. Pricing is fixed, the app is fully owned by the client, and technical support after delivery is agreed based on actual needs, no subscription, no lock-in. If you're considering building a mobile app and want an estimate that reflects your project's real scope, get in touch, the first conversation carries no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about mobile app development cost
How much does it cost to build a mobile app?
Apps without a backend can be built for €1,000 to €2,000, simple apps with a backend and push notifications start from €2,000 to €5,000, medium-complexity apps from €5,000 to €12,000, advanced apps from €12,000 to €25,000, and complex platforms or marketplace solutions from €25,000 up. The final price is always defined after analyzing requirements.
Is it more expensive to develop for Android and iOS at the same time?
Cross-platform development through the Ionic framework covers both platforms with a shared codebase, which is more cost-effective than native development for each platform separately. Native development offers performance advantages but at a higher cost, and the choice depends on the project's functional requirements.
What's included in the development price?
The price includes requirements analysis, UX/UI design, app and backend development, testing across different devices and publishing on the App Store and Google Play. Admin interfaces, external integrations and maintenance are scoped separately since they depend on project-specific requirements.
How much does mobile app maintenance cost?
Maintenance cost depends on the complexity of the system and the agreed scope, from security patches and OS compatibility to developing new features. Apps that aren't regularly maintained lose compatibility with new Android and iOS versions, which can lead to removal from app stores.
Why do push notifications matter and do they affect the price?
Push notifications enable direct communication with users and are one of the most effective channels for increasing engagement and conversion. Basic implementation is included in simple and medium-complexity apps, while advanced segmentation and behavior-based automation require additional development defined by scope.
Does an app need an admin interface?
Most apps need an admin interface for managing content, users and push notifications. Prolink defines and scopes this segment in the first phase of a project, since adding admin functionality later disrupts timelines and increases cost.
How long does mobile app development take?
A simple app can be ready in six to eight weeks, a medium-complexity app in three to five months, and complex solutions require six months or more. The timeline depends on how clearly requirements are defined and how quickly approvals happen at each stage.
Is the price fixed or can it change?
Prolink works exclusively on a fixed-price basis, with scope precisely defined before work begins. The only situation where the price changes is when the client requests functionality outside the original scope, which is then defined as a separate request with its own price and timeline.