Cost of Living in Croatia

Updated: July 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Croatia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Croatia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Croatia and whether the reported $1424 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $878.86.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Croatia

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	7.61 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	38.04 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	5.71 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	2.16 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.48 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.5 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	1.89 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	1.34 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.92 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.94 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.8 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.17 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	7.75 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	7.45 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	9.23 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.2 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.3 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.35 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.7 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.73 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.74 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.84 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.94 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	5.07 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.17 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.58 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	4.31 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	1.14 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	44.38 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.54 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.76 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	6.34 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.48 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	21999.06 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	20980.43 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	153.83 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.12 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	23.2 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	36.26 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	10.0 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	5.2 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	118.91 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	4683.15 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	69.74 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	29.83 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	68.81 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	79.33 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	395.09 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	302.47 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	647.6 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	495.83 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	2674.42 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	2009.22 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	878.86 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.52 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.61 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 38.04 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.92 USD, a loaf of bread 0.94 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.17 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.14 USD and a monthly pass around 44.38 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 153.83 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 36.26 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 10.0 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 118.91 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 4683.15 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 69.74 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 68.81 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 395.09 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 302.47 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2674.42 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 2009.22 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 878.86 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.52% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Croatia

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Croatia is overall a very safe country to visit, even compared to other countries in Europe. However, there is some petty theft in the main cities though using your common sense should get you out of any trouble.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation and taxis are generally safe and reliable in Croatia, but be careful when asking taxi drivers for recommendations of clubs or bars as you might get ridiculously overcharged at those places, and be extra cautious on public transport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Even though Croatia is not exactly known for pickpockets, it is still recommended to remain vigilant, especially in larger cities such as Zagreb, Split etc.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Croatia is located on a seismically active spot, but serious earthquakes are extremely rare. Apart from that, there are no threats of natural disasters.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings do not happen in Croatia, nor do kidnappings. However, it is best to avoid poorly illuminated areas of Zagreb, which are mainly parks, for example "Ribnjak Park" or "King Tomislav Park". Also avoid the "Zagreb Bus Terminal", mainly because it is located close to the area where bars and clubs are crowded together which is why the areas is filled with intoxicated and aggressive people.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though were no terrorist attacks in Croatia's recent history, tourist should remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Croatia is a country where you could get scammed, so you should check your change twice, and never let your credit card out of site. Be wary of people trying to distract you offering you unwanted help, since it might be a trick to steal from you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There are no risks for women traveling solo in Croatia. You can relax, but still remain careful and stay out of dangerous situations such as finding yourself alone with strange people, or in poorly lit or empty streets.

Cost of Living in Croatia

Croatia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing