This Southeast European country borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Adriatic Sea. The capital and largest city within the territory is Zagreb. The nation has a population of approximately 4.1 million people. Its official language is Croatian and its currency is the kuna. This nation has a diverse landscape, ranging from the mountainous regions of the Dinaric Alps to the flat plains of Slavonia, and the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic cities, pristine beaches, and natural beauty. The country joined the European Union in 2013, and its economy is heavily reliant on tourism, as well as industries such as shipbuilding, agriculture, and manufacturing. The standard of living in this country can vary depending on the city or region an individual resides in and their choice of lifestyle. Paying for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water varies based on the size of the apartment/house and its use. This country is relatively affordable compared to large cities in Western Europe, in terms of lower living costs in smaller towns and cities.

The image highlights rising cost of living with a graph and scattered coins symbolizing inflation and financial concerns.

If you are considering relocating to Croatia, there are things you need to know about this European country. The most important is its cost of living. This article provides information on the prices of essential needs in the country.

Cost of living in the country

The standard of living of individuals varies depending on where they live and how they choose to live. The following are some general costs one can expect to incur here:

Accommodation

Rent prices differ based on the location, size, and form of accommodation. In modern cities such as Zagreb, the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may be around 469 USD a month. A similar apartment outside the city center may cost around 359 USD. It costs more than $260 to rent a three-bedroom apartment in the city. Buying a house in the city center is more expensive than those outside the downtown. 

Food and groceries

Buying food here is generally lower than in Western Europe. The fee for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant can be around 8.58 USD, with a mid-range restaurant meal ranging from 15 to 20 USD. Grocery shopping is usually around 200 to 270 USD per month for one person, depending on their feeding habit.

Transportation

Public transportation is relatively inexpensive in this country. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around 1.43 USD, while a monthly pass may incur around 50 USD. Taxis are also reasonably priced, with an average price of 1.48 USD per kilometer.

Healthcare

The country has a standard public healthcare system, but residents need to have health insurance to access it. Employed foreigners and dependents must register for health insurance to get access to medical care too. The cost of buying insurance is usually less than 200 USD a month.

Utilities

Paying for electricity, gas, and water varies depending on the size of an apartment and what it is used for. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average cost may be around 174 USD per month. Residents generally pay for access to the internet and local calls every month. Utilities like water, heating, and garbage disposal are as high as seven times the price of other items.

Entertainment and leisure

Entertainment activities such as buying tickets for cinemas, theater shows, and sports events usually vary. A cinema ticket can cost around 6.29 USD, while a ticket to a theater show may be around 15 USD.

It is good to know that the Republic is a relatively affordable country to live in compared to Western Europe, with lower living costs in smaller towns and cities.

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