The cost of living in Croatia can vary significantly depending on the location, lifestyle, and personal habits. Here’s an overview based on recent data for 2024:
Housing
- Rent: For an 85 m² apartment, expect to pay around €926 per month in an expensive area or about €626 in a normal area. A 45 m² studio costs about €676 in an expensive area or €474 in a normal area (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons) (Croatia Wise).
- Utilities: Monthly utility costs (heating, electricity, water, etc.) for a typical two-person household in an 85 m² apartment are around €143, while for a smaller 45 m² studio, it’s about €93 (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
Food
- Groceries: Basic grocery items include 1 kg of tomatoes for €1.50, 1 liter of milk for €1.20, and 1 kg of chicken breasts for €8.50. A loaf of bread costs around €0.90 (Croatia Wise).
- Dining Out: Eating out can be relatively affordable. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about €8-€10. A more upscale dinner for two might cost between €50 and €60 (Croatia Wise).
Transportation
- Public Transport: A monthly public transport ticket costs around €50. Fuel prices are about €1.45 per liter (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons) (Croatia Wise).
- Other Costs: For example, a Volkswagen Golf costs approximately €24,682 (Expatistan, cost of living comparisons).
Internet and Mobile
- Internet: Basic internet packages with cable TV are around €35 per month. Unlimited mobile data plans cost about €25 monthly (Expatra).
Additional Expenses
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance can cost between €41 and €135 per month (One Life Passport) (Expatra).
- Gym Membership: Monthly fees range from €27 to €90, depending on the gym and membership type (One Life Passport).
- Entertainment: A cinema ticket is about €5, and a night out, including dinner and drinks, can range from €18 to €45 (One Life Passport) (Expatra).
Summary
- Budget Living: For a tight budget, expect to spend around €1,020 per month, which includes rent, utilities, food, and basic transportation.
- Comfortable Living: For a more comfortable lifestyle, costs can range up to €3,500 per month, factoring in more dining out, higher rent for better locations, and additional leisure activities (Croatia Wise) (One Life Passport) (Expatra).
Overall, while Croatia can be quite affordable compared to Western European standards, the exact cost will depend heavily on personal lifestyle choices and the specific city or region within Croatia.
