The Cost of Living in Croatia: What to Expect in 2025

The cost of living in Croatia in 2025 remains attractive for everyone planning to stay in Croatia long term. Croatia continues to draw people looking for a high quality of life at a reasonable price. While prices have increased in recent years, particularly in major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, Croatia still offers a cost-effective option compared to other European destinations like Switzerland or France. In this article, we’ll break down the key expenses you can expect when living in Croatia, from housing and utilities to groceries and transportation.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is often the most significant expense for anyone moving to a new country. In Croatia, the cost of housing can vary widely depending on the location.

Cities vs. Rural Areas:

• Zagreb: The capital city, Zagreb, offers a mix of modern and historic living options. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from €400 to €800 per month, while the same apartment outside the city centre might cost between €300 and €600.
• Dubrovnik and Split: These coastal cities, known for their beauty and popularity with tourists, tend to have higher rental prices. In Dubrovnik, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can easily reach €700 to €1,200 per month, with prices slightly lower in Split.
• Smaller Towns and Rural Areas: Housing costs are significantly lower in smaller towns or rural areas. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be as low as €250 to €400 per month.

2. Utilities and Internet

Utilities in Croatia are reasonably priced. For an 85-square-meter apartment, you can expect to pay between €100 and €150 per month for utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection.

Internet and Mobile Services: Croatia has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with high-speed internet available in most areas. Monthly costs for a basic internet package range from €25 to €40. Mobile phone plans are also affordable, with a typical monthly plan costing between €10 and €20, depending on the data package.

Read more Top 4 Best Mobile Providers in Croatia + eSim

3. Groceries and Dining Out

Grocery prices in Croatia are generally comparable to those in other European countries, though they can vary depending on whether you shop at local markets or international supermarkets.

Grocery Costs:

• Bread: €1 to €1.50 per loaf
• Milk: €1 to €1.20 per liter
• Eggs: €2 to €3.50 for a dozen
• Chicken: €6 to €8 per kilogram
• Fruits and Vegetables: Prices vary seasonally, but expect to pay around €1 to €2 per kilogram for most produce.

Shopping at local markets can often be cheaper and offers the added benefit of fresh, locally sourced products.

Dining Out: Eating out in Croatia is relatively affordable, especially compared to Western Europe. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs between €10 and €15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might cost €40 to €60. Coastal regions, especially tourist-heavy areas, tend to be more expensive.

Read more Best Indian Restaurants in Zagreb

4. Transportation

Public transportation in Croatia is efficient and affordable. In larger cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka, you can rely on buses, trams, and even ferries in coastal areas.

Public Transportation Costs:

• Monthly Pass: A monthly public transportation pass costs around €40 to €60, depending on the city.
• Single Tickets: A single bus or tram ticket typically costs between €1.50 and €2.

Owning a Car: Having a car in Croatia is fairly popular, especially if you live out of the city. But If you plan to drive, be prepared for additional expenses. The cost of fuel is around €1.50 per litre.

Parking in city centres can be costly, with prices ranging from €1 to €3 per hour. Additionally, car insurance and maintenance should be factored into your budget, costing approximately €300 to €1,000 annually, depending on the car.

5. Healthcare Costs

Croatia has a well-regarded healthcare system, and residents are required to have health insurance, either through the public system or private providers.

Public Healthcare: Most residents are covered by the national health insurance system, with contributions automatically deducted from salaries. Public healthcare services are generally affordable, though some may prefer to supplement this with private insurance to access shorter wait times and additional services.

Private Healthcare: Private health insurance can cost between €30 and €100 per month, depending on the level of coverage. Private consultations with doctors are also available and typically cost between €30 and €50 per visit.

Read more about Healthcare in Croatia for Foreigners

6. Education Costs

If you have children, education costs are an important consideration. Public schools in Croatia are free and offer a good standard of education. However, international schools, which offer curricula in English or other languages, charge tuition fees.

International Schools: Tuition fees for international schools in Croatia range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year, depending on the school and grade level.

7. Entertainment and Leisure

Croatia offers a wide range of leisure activities, from exploring historic sites and enjoying the natural beauty to more modern forms of entertainment like cinemas and nightlife.

Entertainment Costs:

• Cinema Tickets: €6 to €8 per ticket
• Gym Membership: €30 to €50 per month
• Concerts and Events: Prices vary widely depending on the event but generally range from €20 to €60 per ticket.

Outdoor activities, such as hiking and visiting national parks, are popular and often free or low-cost. Entrance to national parks like Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park typically costs around €15 to €30, depending on the season.

Read more The 15 best things to do in Croatia

8. Miscellaneous Costs

Other everyday expenses can include clothing, personal care, and household items. Prices for these items are generally comparable to other European countries. For example, a pair of mid-range jeans might cost around €50, while a basic haircut could range from €10 to €20.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Croatia in 2025 remains relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries, especially outside major tourist areas. However, the recent adoption of the euro may lead to some price adjustments over time.

Whether you’re planning to move to Croatia for work, retirement, or a change of scenery, it’s essential to budget carefully and consider the regional differences in living costs. Overall, Croatia offers a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for many expats and locals alike.