Croatia is one of the 20 most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s a country of rich biodiversity, creating natural beauty with its 6,278 km coastline, mountain ranges, the famous Plitvice lakes and waterfalls, and a history that dates back to way over two millennia. It’s a country that welcomes interested visitors and expats, and encourages them to learn about the different cultures that co-exist within the country.
If you are considering moving to Croatia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in Croatia.
Quick Croatia Facts:
- Population: 4,045,40 (October 2022 estimate)
- Official Language:Croatia has 3 official languages, (1) the Standard Croatian, (2) Standard Serbian, and (3) Standard Bosnian
- GDP Per Capita:US$17,398.77 (2021)
- Hum: According to the Guinness of Records, Croatia is home to the smallest town in the world – Hum, with a population of 17.
- Currency: The kuna (kn/HRK). As of 2022, HRK1= £0.12, $0.14 (USD), €0.13, $0.18 (CAD), $0.20 (AUD).
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Croatia
Here are some sample container shipping rates to Croatia from other countries around the world.
Also see Best International Moving Companies in Croatia
2. Croatia Housing Costs
The housing costs in Croatia vary depending on location but prices have increased substantially over the last ten years. Tourist areas are obviously most expensive and, since Game of Thrones appeared on our screens, GoT fans have been flocking to the country. Digital nomads have also had a big impact on rental prices in the country. The most expensive properties to buy and rent are generally in the coastal areas.
Monthly Rental Prices in Croatia
- 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre: HRK2,000 – HRK4,527.49
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre: HRK1,500 – HRK3,772.91
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre: HRK3,500 – HRK8,000
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: HRK2,540 – HRK6,036.65
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in the city centre: HRK13,582.47 – HRK33,956.17
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city: HRK10,564.14 – HRK22,826.09
Source: Numbeo
Croatia Housing Cost Comparison
Below is how rents in Croatia compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 156.87% more expensive
United States is 296.84% more expensive
Canada is 188.52% more expensive
Australia is 196.17% more expensive
France is 111.63% more expensive
Spain is 80.15% more expensive
Italy is 70.88% more expensive
Germany is 117.63% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Sharing a room or flat with a roommate or flatmate is a unique idea many people do to save on housing costs. Have a look at these sites to find a perfect flatmate in Croatia: iroommates, Erasmus play, OK Roommate, Room4talk, and Housing Just landed.
- Different areas – different prices. Housing in urban areas or cities is generally expensive compared to suburbs. Property at the coast is definitely the most expensive in Croatia as you’re competing with the tourism market. Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia. If had up north to Istria, you’ll find more affordable property along its coastline. Osijek is the most affordable city to rent a property in Croatia and it’s close to both the Serbian and Hungarian borders so ideal for travelling around eastern Europe.
3. Croatia Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Fish obviously features heavily on most restaurant’s menus and in the supermarkets. Eating out and entertaining is an important part of Croatia’s culture, with each region having its own traditional dishes. As tourism increases so do restaurants serving food from around the globe. Popular Croatian dishes include fried sand smelt, mackerels, grilled sardines, salted or marinated anchovies.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: HRK40.00 – HRK100.00
- Domestic beer: HRK12.00 – HRK25.00
- Coke/Pepsi: HRK12.00 – HRK20.00
- 1L of milk: HRK5.50 – HRK10.00
- Loaf of Bread: HRK5.00 – HRK11.00
- 12 Eggs: HRK13.00 – HRK22.80
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: HRK30.00 – HRK80.00
- 1kg Beef: HRK45.00 – HRK110.00
- 1kg Apples: HRK6.00 – HRK14.00
- 1kg White Rice: HRK8.00 – HRK25.00
Source: Numbeo
Below is how food prices and restaurants compare with other major countries in the world.
- UKrestaurants are 90% more expensive and groceries are 23.99% more expensive than in Croatia.
- United State restaurants are 66% more expensive and groceries are 86.59% more expensive than in Croatia.
- Canada restaurants are 03% more expensive and groceries are 71.24% more expensive than in Croatia.
- Australia restaurants are 37 % more expensive and groceries are 85.21% more expensive than in Croatia.
- France restaurants are 19% more expensive and groceries are 66.08% more expensive than in Croatia.
- Spain restaurants are 93% more expensive and groceries are 4.57% more expensive than in Croatia.
- Italy restaurants are 37% more expensive and groceries are 33.28% more expensive than in Croatia.
- Germanyrestaurants are 25% more expensive and groceries are 28.92% more expensive than in Croatia.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Croatia has many supermarkets and independently owned stores. However, prices vary from one store to another and one market to another. Popular supermarkets in Croatia are LIDL, Mercator, TOMMY, Kauflandand Billa.
- Find Cheap Eats:Ask around to find out where locals go to eat, no only will the food be authentic but it’s be affordable as well. Also, have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Trip Advisor, Wanderlog, The Culture Trip, Adventures N Sunsets, and Time Out.
4. Croatia Alcohol Costs
Croatia has both a wine and beer-drinking culture and there is plenty of both. Croatia produces its own excellent, affordable wines and beer. Imported alcohol is expensive so try and go for locally produced wine, beer and spirits. Rakija is the most popular, locally produced spirit and you’ll find variations of it in every bar, restaurant and supermarket.
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: HRK15.00 – HRK25.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: HRK12.00 – HRK25.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: HRK7.00 – HRK15.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: HRK8.00 – HRK18.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: HRK27.99 – HRK67.99
Source: Numbeo
How to drink for less in Croatia
- Local papers and flyers are the major sources of information about drinking for less in Croatia. Keep an eye on the papers and flyers to know which are the specific supermarkets, bars, clubs and restaurants where you can drink for less.
- Many bars and restaurants in the major tourist areas have early evening happy hours where drinks are offered for at incredibly cheap prices. Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out Timeout, Wanderlog, Hotel luxe split, Croatia Night life,and Buzz Bar.
5. Croatia Transportation Fares
Croatia has a very good public transport system with an extremely well-developed road system, railway network, ferries and boats, and flights. The most popular form of transportation in the country is public bus transport which covers all cities and towns as well as remote villages. The railway network in Croatia connects the cities and is comfortable, affordable, and convenient. Besides this, you can also travel by taxis, trams, ferries, planes and rental cars.
Below are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (Local transport: HRK4.00 – HRK15.00
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): HRK200.00 – HRK400.00
- Taxi start (normal tariff): HRK10.00 – HRK30.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): HRK5.00 – HRK10.00
Source: Numbeo
How to save money on public transport
- Public bus transport is the best form of travel in Croatia at a perfectly affordable price.
- Book your bus ticket well in advance to save up to 5% of the ticket cost.
- You can also save 5% if you book your ticket online.
- Try city cards like Split City Card or a Zagreb Card for public transport as well as for discounts in shops and restaurants.
- Bicycles are a good option, especially along the coastal roads.
6. Cost of Internet in Croatia
Croatia has very good internet coverage with 74.2% of its population using the internet and enjoying an excellent internet speed of 65Mbps all across the country. Almost all large cities in the country are covered with free Wi-Fi for the public.
- Tooway– HRK196.43 (27 USD)/Mo for 20 Mbit/s
- Starlink SpaceX– HRK720.25 (99 USD)/Mo for 200 Mbit/s
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate with cold, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Summer and winter temperatures in the country differ extensively between three regions – coastal, mountains and the continental region. The summer temperature stays between 22C to 26C in the coastal and continental regions, whereas in the mountains the temperature is between 15C and 20C. Similarly, temperatures in winter in the coastal areas are between 5C and 10C. The mountain region is a lot chillier with frequent snowfalls during the winter. The average annual rainfall in the country varies from 1,000 mm to 1,500 mm.
Below are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): HRK300.00 – HRK800.00
- Summer Dress: HRK120.00 – HRK350.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): HRK400.00 – HRK750.00
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): HRK364
- Deodorant: HRK25
- Shampoo: HRK29
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): HRK12
- Business Shoes: HRK400.00 – HRK1,000.00
- Gym membership: HRK200.00 – HRK350.00
- Movie (cinema) ticket: HRK30.00 – HRK55.00
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Croatia
Having a car in Croatia is definitely a bonus and gives you freedom to explore the country. The motorways and roads are excellent which makes getting from A to B a pleasure. Foreigners and Croatian citizens enjoy the same rights when buying a car in the country. The only difference is that the number plate on a foreigners is green and is only valid for twelve months.
As long as your driving licence is in Latin text you don’t need an International Driving Licence. If you’re a Croatia temporary or permanent resident, you should apply for a Croatian licence after being in the country for over 185 days.
Below are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Croatia:
- Volkswagen Golf:HRK150,000.00 – HRK190,000.00
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):HRK00 – HRK14.00
- Other fees (if any):. The average registration cost of a car is (1) annual road toll HRK180 to HRK1,201, (2) environment charge HRK26 to HRK227, and (3) tax HRK400 to HRK600 depending upon the engine power.
Source: Numbeo, Expat in Croatia
Ways to save money driving in Croatia
- Car sharing or pooling is the best option to save money. Try Spin city, Maci tours, Avant2Go, Total Croatia News, and Rent a road.
- Taxis are a cheaper option for short-distance travel, especially if you are parking all day. Try Uberand Lyft.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Croatia? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Croatia
Like every country, the tax you pay in Croatia depends on what you earn. You will pay 10% on an income of HRK10,000, 15% on HRK15,000 to HRK30,000, 20% on HRK30,000 to HRK500,000, and 30% above HRK500,000. Refer to Expat in Croatia for details.
Property tax in Croatia is 5% of the property value and it is compulsory on all land and buildings purchased. Have a look at Lawyers Croatia for more information. The VAT rate in Croatia is 25% but is less on essential goods and services. For VAT details see Guides.Xolo.
10. Flight Costs from Croatia
If you do make the move to Croatia, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2022:
- London: HRK452
- Paris: HRK467
- New York: HRK2,560
- Los Angeles: HRK3,089
- Toronto: HRK3,195
- Dubai: HRK1,197
- Sydney: HRK5,612
- Melbourne: HRK5,757
- Cape Town: HRK3,183
- Hong Kong: HRK3,699
Other Croatia Relocation Tips
The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Croatia. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Croatia Alone
Moving is always stressful but moving alone can be exceptionally difficult. Croatians are a friendly and welcoming people, plus there are people of many nationalities living in the country, so you won’t be the only ‘newbie’. Below are a few tips about settling in Croatia.
- Meetups:Connect with various groups in Croatia through Meetup to take part in a wide range of activities in the country, from sailing, diving and fishing to cheese making, wine tasting and chess.
- Attend local events: Croatians enjoy music, dance, drama and There’s always something going on in the country. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Visit Croatia, Wander lust, Croatia, Croatia Traveller and Terra Balka.
12. Moving to Croatia with a Family
Moving abroad with a family is exciting but it has many challenges, however, Croatia has a lot to attract families. There are national parks, the sea, the mountains, the history, plus a wealth of cultural events.
- New parents (or parents to be):Connect your family with various groups like Expat in Croatia and Moms in Prayer for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents in Croatia.
- Live in a family-friendly area: Most areas in Croatia are family-friendly. It’s a country that values its children and welcomes children of other nationalities. Most expat families live in either Zagreb or Dubrovnik but most towns, cities and rural areas are considered to be family-friendly.
- Find things to do with the kids:Croatia has a lot of things for the children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Lonely Planet, Nick Kembel, Family can travel, Chasing the Donkey and Timeout.
13. Moving to Croatia for Work
Many people are finding living and working in another country, temporarily or permanently, has become a way of life. Croatia’s tourism industry is a draw card for people searching for jobs in hospitality and tourism. Health and fitness is another area where jobs are available. If you are moving to Croatia for work consider the following things.
Below are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:The average monthly salary in Croatia ranges from HRK4,461 to HRK11,002. You can also check salary ranges for your profession on Moja Placa and Trading Economics and Glassdoor.
- How to find work: Have a look at the following sites to get insights on how to find work in Croatia – Expats in Croatia, HR, Globalization Partners, LinkedIn and Visa Hunter.
14. Moving to Croatia from Australia
There are a small number of Australians living in Croatia. If you are moving from Australia to Croatia and want to meet Australian expats in Croatia, consider the following.
- Size comparison:Australia is 137 times bigger than Croatia. The population of Australia is 25,890,773 whereas the population of Croatia is 4,045,401.
- Join expat groups: Connect with fellow Australians in Croatia through MeetUp, Internationsand Facebook.
15. Moving to Croatia from Canada
There are a few Canadians living in Croatia. If you’re moving from Canada to Croatia, consider the following.
- Size:Canada is 176 times bigger than Croatia. The population of Canada is 38,929,902 whereas the population of Croatia is 4,045,401.
- Expat groups:Meet fellow Canadians in Croatia through Internations and MeetUp.
16. Moving to Croatia from the United Kingdom
Croatia is a popular destination for British expats and retirees. If you are moving from the UK and want to meet fellow Brits in Croatia, consider the following.
- Size: The UK is 4.3 times bigger than Croatia and the population of the UK is 68,730,050 whereas the population of Croatia is 4,045,401.
- Expat groups:Meet fellow Brits in Croatia through Internations and MeetUp.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Croatia you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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