QUICK SUMMARY- COST OF LIVING IN SPLIT CROATIA
Are you looking for European countries that let you stay longer than 90 days? Croatia offers affordable prices and a one-year temporary residence permit. No property to buy, no business investment, and no expensive "golden visa" required. You can stroll an ancient roman palace during the day, swim in crystal clear turquoise waters in the afternoon, and sip a glass of Croatian red wine on the boardwalk at night. No Schengen visa runs are necessary.
The cost of living in Croatia is more affordable than in the United States. Moving from a medium-cost city in the United States to Zagreb would save you 50%. However, rental prices are more expensive in any of the summer tourist meccas on the coast. Want to relive your Game of Throne fantasies in Dubrovnik during the peak summer season? Expect to pay $2500+ per month between June-August.
After six months living in both the north (summer on the Istrian coast) and south (winter in Split), I have concrete estimates for personal expenses.
Basic prices are much higher in Croatia vs. less expensive countries (Bulgaria or Romania) in Eastern Europe. However, typical prices are still cheaper than in neighboring countries in Western Europe (Spain or Italy). If you are looking to move to Croatia or just reset your Schengen visa days, this sample budget shows how affordable a decent life costs here.
RELATED POST ON EXPAT LIFE IN CROATIA
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Croatia uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK) for currency. At the time of this writing, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 6.38 HRK. For reference, 1 Euro = 7.58 HRK.
Quick Tips On Croatia
Don't use Euro. The best way to save money in Croatia is by using Wise to transfer money and make payments in Croatia Kuna. Wise offers you the best exchange rates and lowest bank fees.
Do Get Travel Health Insurance. Your home insurance will not cover emergency healthcare overseas, but you can find affordable travel insurance for less than $50 that will cover your medical bills in Croatia.
Do learn some basic Croatian phases. 49% of Croatian people speak English. Learning some basic Croatian language helps. Get a FREE Language Lesson using the same learning technique used by the US State Department, FBI, and overseas military.
Don't stay more than 183 days in Croatia. Staying long-term may trigger income tax in Croatia. Get a FREE consult with an expat tax specialist to understand how taxes in Croatia can impact you.
Other Guides On Expat Life In Croatia

Croatian weather blessed us with short sleeves and sunshine in December.
What is the cost of living in Croatia As An Expat?
Total Monthly Expense | $ 1,381 |
---|---|
COST PER MONTH | |
Rent Expenses- Furnished Large 2 Bed, 1 Bath, Walkable to the Sea | 531 |
Water/Sewer/Garbage-INCLUDED Electric Only | 59 |
High Speed Unlimited Internet | INCLUDED |
Cable TV | INCLUDED |
Cell Phone- 4 GB Internet Per Month | 8 |
Total Housing Expense | 598 |
Home Cooked Meals 17 times per week | 248 |
Fast Food 2 times per week | 70 |
Local Sit Down Restaurant 2 times per week | 173 |
Total Food Expense | 492 |
Cinema 1 time per month | 6 |
Budget Night Out-3 domestic beers at a bar 1 time per week | 38 |
Big Box Fitness Club | 48 |
Total Entertainment Expense | 92 |
Public Transportation Monthly Pass Regular Price | 61 |
Uber 1X per week | 30 |
Total Transportation Expense | 91 |
Travel Health Insurance | 50 |
Health Care Expense | 60 |
Haircut 10 times per year | 8 |
Personal Care Items- Shampoo, Soaps, Etc. | 20 |
Household Items- Laundry Soap, Tools, Dishes, Etc. | 20 |
Total Personal Care and Misc Expense | 48 |
Exchange Rate to $1 USD | 6.19 |
Your budget will vary depending on if you live in Zagreb (the capital), Split (the second-Largest City), a smaller seaside tourist town, or the summer vacation mecca Dubrovnik. But my experience is prices don't vary a ton unless you are talking about Dubrovnik. The other major cities where expats live only swing ~10%.
Prices vary significantly between long-term vs. short-term. Long-term rentals are significantly cheaper, especially in beach towns. If you try to rent month-to-month during the summer, you can expect housing to triple or more in price