If you are thinking about moving to Croatia, the first thing you should do is calculate your monthly expenses. To help you with that, we have created this small guide that provides an overview of the basic prices of food, accommodation, services, and entertainment in Croatia.
However, even in popular tourist destinations such as Istria and Dubrovnik, food and restaurant prices are very high. The most affordable prices can be found inland and in smaller Dalmatian towns like Šibenik or Vodice. These towns are actually “the best of both worlds” since housing, food, and entertainment costs are not too high, yet they are located in a very attractive part of the country. Therefore, if you are interested in real estate in Croatia, you will have a good selection.
Utility costs are roughly the same throughout the country. The monthly electricity bill is around 35 euros, water 25 euros, waste disposal and related services around 20 euros. You will pay between 20 and 40 euros per month for the internet, depending on the speed in the package you choose.
As for entertainment, prices are of course higher in prestigious tourist destinations (especially during the summer). However, for example, movie ticket prices are the same everywhere, around 5 to 10 euros. The average gym membership ranges between 30 and 50 euros per month. A cocktail in the city center can be up to 10 euros, a beer in a local café around 2, coffee from 2 to 3 euros, and a pack of cigarettes about 5 euros.
How much does fuel cost in Croatia?
If you have a car, you are surely interested in fuel prices. Petrol is around 1.5 euros per liter, while diesel is usually slightly cheaper, 5%-10% less than petrol.
On the other hand, if you use LPG autogas, you can save significantly – it costs on average about 80 cents per liter.
Croatia has a health insurance system that is mandatory for everyone. That means everyone must contribute in some way for the system to function. If you move to Croatia from another country, this also applies to you, but not everyone pays the same amount. For example, if you are coming alone and want to register for residency, but you are not employed by a Croatian company or registered as unemployed, you will need to pay around 100 euros per month.
However, if you are employed by a Croatian company, the company must pay mandatory health insurance on your salary in the amount of 16.5% of your gross salary.
There are also other forms of insurance in Croatia, but they are not mandatory. Supplementary insurance is above the mandatory insurance, and you can get it through HZZO, banks, or private insurance companies. It costs slightly less than 10 euros per month. Additional insurance is the highest level of insurance you can get, but you must go to a bank or a private insurance company. Prices range from 20 euros per month upwards, depending on the package you choose.
If you want to travel around Croatia without a car, you have many options: train, bus, plane, and even boat.
When it comes to planes, the most popular flight in Croatia is between the two largest cities, Zagreb and Split. You can fly with Croatia Airlines, and a round-trip ticket is usually just over 100 euros, which can actually be cheaper than traveling by car when considering the cost of fuel and tolls. If you choose the bus, you can get a return ticket for as low as 25 euros, and if you are a student, the price can be even lower.
For people living on the islands, Jadrolinija offers significant discounts that make traveling to the mainland much cheaper, and this applies to both vehicles and passengers.
If you plan to frequently use a particular type of transport, you should inquire about monthly or annual passes. This is especially true for public transportation in cities, but it is also available for trains and ferries. This way, you can save a lot.
The currency in Croatia is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
The price of a residence permit in Croatia depends on the duration of stay and the type of permit. For short-term stays (less than 90 days), a visa is usually required, which generally costs 35 euros. For a longer stay (more than 90 days), you need to apply for a temporary residence permit, whose price varies depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay (work, study, family reunification). The administrative fee for issuing a residence permit is usually around 50 euros, plus additional processing costs. For details, it is best to consult the competent institutions, such as the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia.
Shopping prices in Croatia are generally affordable compared to Western European countries. Clothes in larger stores and department stores can be found at prices between 20 and 100 euros, depending on the brand and the season. Discount stores offer cheaper options for clothing and footwear. Street vendors sell products such as sunglasses, bags, and belts at prices ranging from 5 to 20 euros, although the quality of these products is often lower.
The price of beer in Croatia varies depending on where you buy it and the type of beer. A standard 0.5-liter bottle of beer in shops or supermarkets costs between 1 and 2.5 euros, while smaller bottles (for example, 355 ml) can be found for around 1.2 euros. The alcohol content is usually about 5%, although some beers may have 6% or more, especially craft beers. In hospitality establishments, the price of beer is significantly higher; draft beer of 0.5 liters usually costs between 3 and 5 euros, while craft beers are often even more expensive. Prices are clearly marked on menus or price lists.
The price of wine in Croatia depends on the type of wine, where it is produced, and the annual production volume. The average price of a bottle of wine on the Adriatic coast is about 6 euros per bottle, although you can find a decent bottle in stores for 4-5 euros. Premium wines can cost much more.
Restaurants in tourist areas, especially along the coast and in popular city centers, often have high prices for food and drinks. However, there are family-run restaurants with more affordable menus, especially outside the main tourist season or in the interior of the country.
The average ticket price for Croatian national parks is currently around 25 € for an adult and ~7 € for a child. Prices are determined by the park’s popularity and the amount of funding the national parks receive from government and private donations. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at any of the visitor information centers throughout the country.
It’s difficult to determine the exact cost of rent in Croatia, as it depends on the location and type of property. For example, if you are looking for a newer apartment in a city with good infrastructure, the rent could be 500-700 EUR per month for around 50 m2. Prime locations (like downtown Zagreb or the coast) can reach several thousand euros per month.
Parking prices vary depending on where you go and when. Most large cities in Croatia have public parking garages costing around 1.5 € per hour. Some shopping centers offer free parking for the first hour or discounts for shoppers. In smaller towns, parking is often cheaper or free.
The price of tolls depends on the stretch of road. For example, from Zagreb to Split one-way, you will pay around 26.40 €. There are also ENC devices that offer discounts and faster passage through toll booths.
In Croatia, mobile data rates are among the lower ones in Europe. The average price of 1 GB of data is around 2-3 euros, and many operators offer unlimited data tariffs. Daily packages start at about 1.5 euros for 500 MB or 1 GB, depending on the operator.
Dental service prices vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, materials, and practice. A basic filling can cost between 30 and 50 euros, while crowns, implants, and orthodontic braces are significantly more expensive. Costs are generally lower than in Western countries, which attracts dental tourism.
The average cost of studying in Croatia is very low for Croatian citizens and students from EU countries, since the state covers most of the costs at public universities. Private institutions can cost several thousand euros per year.
Opening a bank account is not free in every bank, but it is very affordable, and it is often free if you choose certain service packages. A standard fee can be up to 10 euros.
Real estate prices have risen significantly in recent years, especially in Zagreb and along the coast, but they are still relatively lower than in many Western European metropolises. The difference in price depends on the type of property (apartment, holiday flat, house), location, and proximity to the sea or city center.
Car registration costs around 100 € and is valid for one year. The cost includes basic fees and compulsory insurance, but may vary depending on vehicle horsepower and the insurance bonus-malus system.
Veterinarians in Croatia charge about 30-35 EUR per visit, but the final price depends on the service (examination, vaccination, surgery, etc.). Prices are somewhat higher in larger cities and in popular tourist locations.
The price of bread in Croatia ranges from 1.5 to 3 euros per kilogram, depending on the type of bread and the region. In bakeries, baguettes or regular white bread usually cost between 0.80 and 1.5 euros, while specialty breads, such as those with wholegrain flour or seeds, are slightly more expensive.
Prices in McDonald's restaurants depend on the location and the items you choose. A classic meal, like a Big Mac menu, usually costs between 6 and 8 euros, while cheaper options such as cheeseburgers or a McChicken sandwich are available for around 2-3 euros.
Meat prices vary depending on the type and quality. Beef is one of the more expensive options, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 euros per kilogram. Pork is popular and somewhat cheaper, ranging from 4 to 8 euros per kilogram. Lamb, though a specialty, is priced between 8 and 12 euros per kilogram. Chicken is the most affordable, costing between 3 and 6 euros per kilogram.
Fish prices depend on the type and freshness. Fresh fish at local markets, like sea bass or sea bream, usually costs between 10 and 20 euros per kilogram. Blue fish, such as sardines and mackerel, is cheaper and costs between 3 and 6 euros per kilogram. Frozen fish is available in stores at more affordable prices, between 5 and 10 euros per kilogram, depending on the type.