How much does it cost to live in Croatia?

Sunny weather, crystal clear Adriatic Sea and proximity to wild nature, hospitable, open inhabitants, delicious cuisine, but also great business potential – all this makes the Balkan “pearl” a dream place to live. But what about the economic sphere? Check how much it costs to live in Croatia – we present the most important everyday expenses!

What are the costs of living in Croatia?

According to the Numbeo website, the total monthly cost of living for one person, includingaverage consumption needs without taking into account the costs of renting an apartment, is approximately PLN 2,900 in Croatia, and the amount for renting an apartment is in this country it is about 20% lower than in Poland. The average salary in Croatia is HRK 6,960 net – approximately PLN 4,400. Naturally, both these living costs and average earnings are indicative only. Below we look at individual financial aspects of life in Croatia – for the most up-to-date data, it is worth visiting websites that monitor average food and fuel prices, which change dynamically.

What are the prices for purchasing and renting an apartment or house in Croatia?

Similarly to Poland, real estate prices in Croatia depend mainly on location. If you are interested inprecise data, please check out our offer Nestoviareal estate offices. Foran apartment with an area of 20-50m² in a good standard you have to pay at least EUR 100-150 thousand. The average price of a larger apartment is EUR 150-250 thousand, and in the case of spacious, stylish, luxurious apartments the cost increases to EUR 300-500 thousand. The cheapest houses in Croatia cost around EUR 200-250,000, and for a standard villa you need to spend from EUR 500,000. The Croatian real estate market is exceptionally large and diverse – everyone has a chance to buy their dream apartment or house, but it is a difficult task, especially without knowledge of the language, topography, law and customs. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our specialists. We will prepare an offer based on your expectations. The average monthly cost of renting an apartment is from PLN 1,300 to PLN 4,000 depending on its size and location (center vs. outskirts). How much do accommodation cost? Accommodation prices range from PLN 70 to PLN 250 per night in private and medium-standard accommodation hotels, depending on the location and season. Short-term property rental is also popular in Croatia. It is worth using this option both before settling in this country permanently and after purchasing a property – as an additional source of income.

What are the costs of maintaining a house or apartment in Croatia?

There is no real estate tax in Croatia – only on their purchase and is currently 3% of the market value of the real estate. In the case of new construction, you must also pay VAT in the amount of 25% of the transaction price. The average monthly cost of maintaining an apartment is up to PLN 10 per square meter, including electricity, heating/cooling, water and garbage disposal – according to Numbeo, it is about PLN 760 for 85 m² mieszkania. You have to pay about PLN 100-120 per month for the Internet.

What does health insurance and the cost of medical care look like?

The basic health insurance for foreigners living in Croatia is the EHIC card – sufficient at the beginning of the adventureand beyond. With it, you can get medical help free of charge or on the basis of the so-called participation, i.e. by paying a symbolic amount of approximately 1-5% of the cost of the service. Under the EHIC, in facilities associated with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), you can receive free assistance in the field of health and life-saving services. When it comes to private medical care, the cost of a basic medical consultation is approximately EUR 40, and a hospital stay is approximately EUR 65 per day – not including medications administered or procedures performed. It is definitely worth purchasing additional insurance that will cover the costs of advanced treatment and transport to Poland. In Croatia, public healthcare is also available, but only for permanent residents – it is necessary to obtain a permanent residence permit, which is a complex procedure. First – within a maximum of 90 days from arrival in Croatia – you must obtain a temporary residence permit. We have told you more about the formalities related to moving to Croatia – permanently or temporarily, not necessarily for the rest of your life, in the guide: How to live in Croatia? Moving step by step – we encourage you to read it.

What are the average food prices in Croatia?

Currently, food prices in Croatia are at a level similar to those in Poland – it is worth taking a look at the current rankings prepared by websites such as Numbeo or Travel Tables. On average, bread or milk cost PLN 4, local cheese over PLN 30/kg, and chicken breast fillet around PLN 28/kg. On average, fruit and vegetables cost from a few to a dozen or so zlotys per kilogram. It is usually better to visit a local bazaar instead of a shopping mall, where prices are slightly lower and products come from local suppliers. What about the food products Croatia is famous for? A liter of good olive oil costs around PLN 20-60. How much does seafood cost? Delicious and fresh seafood such as shrimp costs on average 80 HRK, about 50 PLN/kg. Fresh fish at the market can be bought for 50-70 HRK, or just over PLN 30-40/kg. How much does wine cost? The average price of wine is HRK 20-120, or PLN 12-75 per bottle. As you can see, Croatia is not cheap at all, but the prices are not high either – a “digital nomad” earning in Polish zlotys would spend about the same amount on food here as he would spend in Poland.

How much does transport cost – fuel and public transport?

How much does fuel cost in Croatia? Currently around PLN 6-7/l (up to HRK 11-12) – diesel oil is slightly more expensive. When it comes to local public transport, in the city a single one-way ticket costs on average about PLN 6, and a monthly ticket costs about PLN 180-190. According to the standard rate, you have to pay less than PLN 4 for each kilometer traveled in a taxi. Transport between towns, especially larger ones, is well developed. For longer routes, bus or ferry tickets cost on average up to several dozen kuna.

What about buying clothes, education, sports, culture and entertainment?

Housing, utilities, food, transport – we have it. What about the rest? It is impossible to discuss all aspects of everyday needs, so we focus on the most important ones. A significant price difference in relation to Poland and to the detriment of Croatia is visible when purchasing clothes and clothing – on average they are up to 20% more expensive. Education is also quite a large expense on the Adriatic (but slightly smaller than in Poland). In the case of an international primary school, the annual fee is PLN 30,000-70,000, and the monthly costs for a private kindergarten are approximately PLN 600-800. Studies in Croatia are paid. The tuition fee ranges from EUR 800 to EUR 4,000 per year depending on the university and field. Prices of tickets to cinemas, theaters and galleries, as well as tickets to gyms, swimming pools and other sports facilities vary, but are usually not high and are at a similar or even lower level than in Poland. Croatia is often associated with low prices – and in fact, if we compare the cost of holidays on the Adriatic Sea and in other popular European resorts, it will be much more attractive in terms of prices. However, in terms of everyday expenses and ordinary life in Croatia, the cost of living is similar to that in Poland and is affordable.

FAQ:

1. What is the price of renting an apartment in a good location in Croatia?

The average monthly cost of renting an apartment is from PLN 1,300 to PLN 4,000 depending on its size, standard and location (city center vs. outskirts).

2. How much does an apartment in a good location in Croatia cost?

In a good location in Croatia, apartment prices are around EUR 80-150 thousand, and in the case of a standard apartment they increase to EUR 300-500 thousand.

3. How to buy an apartment or house in Croatia?

An EU citizen can buy real estate in Croatia on the same terms as a citizen of this country. To complete the transaction, you must have an OIB number.