QUICK SUMMARY- COST OF LIVING IN ZAGREB CROATIA
As Croatia grows in popularity, the country's Capital city gets more attention as an expat retiree or digital nomad destination. While increased popularity has meant increased costs, Zagreb still has more affordable prices than other European Union major cities. If you want to enjoy expat life in a European capital with a low cost of living, then Zagreb is the place for you.
But before you pack your bags and consider moving to Zagreb, know that living in Croatia long-term has serious challenges. Unless you qualify under Croatia's stringent criteria for a permanent residence permit, most non-EU citizens (read Americans, Canadians, British, and other "third-country" nationals) cannot live in Zagreb for more than a year.
Disappointing, I know. Croatia was one of the first countries to issue a Digital Nomad visa, allowing non-EU citizens to remotely work and live in Croatia tax-free. But the maximum duration is one year, and the visa is non-renewable.
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Quick Tips On Croatia
Understand updated Croatian visa rules- Croatia joined Europe's Schengen Zone in 2023, completely changing their visa policy. Speak with a Croatian lawyer to understand how to legally stay in the country long-term.
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.
Set up a Traveling Mailbox- Change all your critical mailing addresses to a traveling mailbox. Don’t lose an important tax return, credit card, or government document in the mail. Sign up for a virtual mailbox, and you can keep a permanent US mailing address and check your mail via your phone or PC.
Save On Moving Costs– International moves can get expensive. Save hundreds of dollars by getting accredited moving companies to compete for your business. Fill out a quick form, sit back and let our moving partners get you five free quotes from trusted and reliable international moving companies.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Zagreb?
Expats strolling Zagreb's Old Town are treated with stunning medieval architecture
Zagreb is a beautiful city with its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and lush parks. It's also one of the most affordable cities in Europe. The basic cost of living in Zagreb is about $1,300 per month. This budget includes housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and health care. It's not cheap, but it's not expensive either. Zagreb is a great place to live for expats and digital nomads.
Croatia no longer uses the Croatian Kuna (HRK) for currency. As of January 1, 2023, Croatia adopted the Euro (EUR). At the time of this writing, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 0.9 EUR.
For reference, a $1,300 a month budget in Zagreb equals 1,168 Euro or 1,034 in GBP.
EDITOR'S NOTE : Old Croatian Currency- Don't get confused, but when Croatia was using the Kuna, you would see the currency shortened to HRK at banks and currency exchanges, but you will likely see the abbreviation Kn in markets and stores. You may still see references to these in older guides.
Monthly Budget In Zagreb Compared
Living Expenses 1-Person | Total Monthly Budget |
|---|---|
$1,162 | |
$1,328 | |
$1,381 | |
$1,419 | |
$1,530 |
the cost of living in Zagreb, Croatia compared to the US
Look at the cost of living comparison below representing the Top 4 essential expenses in the US: housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. These 4 expenses make up 68% of the average living costs in a major city.
Even when comparing an "expensive" Croatian Capital city to a medium-cost city in the US (Portland), the lower cost of living in Zagreb saves you nearly $15,400 a year.
Essential Living Costs | US- Portland | HR- Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
HOUSING | $962 | $644 |
FOOD | $313 | $422 |
TRANSPORTATION | $862 | $81 |
HEALTHCARE | $353 | $60 |
Total Average Per Month | $2,490 | $1,207 |
Save 51% on Major Monthly Expenses
HOW DOES COST OF LIVING IN Zagreb Croatia COMPARE TO OTHER CITIES?
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What Quality Of Life Can I Afford On $1300 Per Month?
The minimum salary in Croatia is ~$550 per month after taxes, while the average local wage in Zagreb is $1,200 per month. A single person in Zagreb spending $1,300 per month lives a decent life in a middle-class neighborhood with an active social life.
Even as the country's largest city, Zagreb is still very walkable. There is public transport near all the large pedestrian areas, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Zagreb has all the infrastructure and convenience of Europe's larger cities. Still, thanks to forward-thinking urban planning, the city's Green Horseshoe allows for plenty of parks and green spaces to relax in.
Suppose architecture and designed squares aren't enough. In that case, Zagreb is within easy distance of excellent nature hikes, including the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, or escape the city for a bit of sun and sand on the Adriatic Coast or even take a weekend getaway to explore Split's 4th-century Roman Ruins.
EDITOR'S NOTE : Average Income in Zagreb is $1200 per month- Knowing the average wage gives you a good benchmark for the real cost of living in Zagreb.
If your income is higher than the average wage in Zagreb, logically you can afford a middle-class lifestyle in the city. Here are the Median Monthly Salaries for senior level jobs in Zagreb.
- C LEVEL EXECUTIVE- $2,451
- FINANCE MANAGER- $1,809
- SOFTWARE ENGINEER- $1,675
- WEB DEVELOPER- $1,373
Salary Data For Zagreb Image Source
How Much Does It Cost To Rent An Apartment In Zagreb?
Compared out the outrageous prices of apartments in the US, a $500 one-bedroom in Zagreb is a steal.
Housing Costs
$600
Total housing costs for a decent apartment or studio in Zagreb are roughly $600 per month. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment is around $500 per month plus approximately $100 for utilities, internet, and other monthly bills.
Those prices would get you a 430 square foot / 40m2 one-bedroom apartment in Gornji Grad (Upper Town near Kaptol), about a 10-minute walk to Ban Jelačić Square (Zagreb's main square).
Monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost about $770 Image Source
If you are looking to save on the cost of rent, you can find listings for roommates. A shared middle-class apartment rent would be ~$350 per month with a roommate. The cost of rent excludes utilities, internet, and other shared expenses.
EDITOR'S NOTE : Real Estate Agent Rental Commission- If you use a real estate agency to help with your apartment hunting, know that paying a broker's commission equal to one month of rent is standard practice. There are a few ways to find an affordable apartment in Zagreb. Airbnb is the obvious but most expensive choice. Though, you can negotiate directly with the Airbnb landlord to get a reduced long-term rate.
Additional Housing Costs
If you are renting from Airbnb, nearly all costs are inclusive. However, if you are renting directly from the owner or landlord, you will need to budget $100 for additional housing expenses. This amount covers a one-bedroom flat for utilities (internet, tv, electricity, heating, and water), as well as communal building fees (common area maintenance, garbage, etc.)
RELATED POST ON HOUSING COST IN SPLIT CROATIA
Click here to compare the housing prices and cost of living in Split.
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Compared to Split or other cities on the coast, Zagreb has colder winters. Especially in older, less insulated apartments, expect your heating bill to spike in the winter months. Pad your winter budget with an extra $75 to estimate your monthly expenses better.
Also, expect to only have one bathroom, even in a two-bedroom apartment. Coming from the US, where a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is the norm, sharing a bathroom was a surprise.
INSIDER TIP : Rooms vs Bedrooms- When looking at apartments for rent, Croatia, like most countries in Europe, refer to the number of rooms in the entire apartment, NOT the number of bedrooms. For example, an apartment listing a "one-room apartment" means a studio, while a "two-room apartment" means one bedroom and one living room. If you need two bedrooms, look for a 3-room apartment.
What are the best neighborhoods in Zagreb for expats?
A lot is going on in Zagreb, so it can be hard to decide where you want to live. Like most major cities, areas vary in terms of the number of expats living there, the vibe of the areas, and their proximity to major attractions.
The Sava River runs through Zagreb, and you will hear locals refer to Zagreb in terms of East and West. In addition, you will hear references to Upper and Lower Town.
Both Upper Town (Gornji grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad) comprise Zagreb's medieval city center. Both areas have their unique characters, architecture, and historical atmosphere.
Lower Town
With architecture heavily influenced by its Austro-Hungarian occupation, filled with vast open parks and an energetic atmosphere, Lower Town is the center of Zagreb's historic district. At the heart of Lower Town's activity; Jelacic Square. The square is Zagreb's heart, filled with an array of places to see, do and eat. As a pedestrian-only car-free zone and a central tram hub, Ban Jelačić Square is the key meeting point for locals and tourists.
Upper Town
Kaptol is the most popular neighborhood in Zabreb's historical city center. Once separated from Upper Town by Krvavi Most (Bloody Bridge), Kaptol is now part of the Upper Town with only a narrow street dividing the two areas. This neighborhood, near the heart of the city, has easy access to public transportation. An expat-friendly social scene with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops fill the area and provide a cosmopolitan ambiance.
Jarun
Jarun is a residential neighborhood located in western Zagreb. The city's green getaway, Jarun, is an artificial lake surrounded by parkland and center pieced by a string of islands, ideal for outdoor activity. Jarun offers cycle paths, a skateboard park, pedal boats, and sailing. With loads of kid-friendly activities and large areas to run and roam, Jarun is the number 1 expat pick for where to stay in Zagreb with kids. If you want to live near nature in a beautiful and peaceful place, this is an ideal neighborhood.
However, Jarun is also home to several late-night clubs. With a nightlife that stays active till dusk, the neighborhood isn't just for kiddies and families.
Paved in the in the early 1900s, Tkalciceva Street was once a river dissecting Zagreb's historic center.
INSIDER TIP : Take a Walk Down Tkalciceva Street- This street, lined with trendy pubs and chic bistros, traces the old river that once separated Kaptol and Gradec. Now converted into a pedestrian-only road that extends to Jelačić Square, Tkalciceva is a prime area for locals and expats to enjoy a sunny day sitting at a cafes to people watch and linger over a cup of Croatian coffee.
What Is Your Food Budget In Zagreb?
Save money grocery shopping at a local farmers market, like the Dolac Market in Zagreb's Upper Town center.
Food Costs
$422
Zagreb's affordable food scene is where expats can reduce their monthly expenses compared to other European capitals. While average prices are higher than Sofia or Bucharest, eating out in Zagreb is cheaper than in any major city in Western Europe.
Croatians save money by buying from local open-air farmers' markets. There are over 20 open-air markets (trznica) in the Zagreb. Each area in the city has a local market where the community shops for fresh organic fruits and vegetables that taste better and are cheaper than produce found in supermarkets.
While the cost of food depends on personal preference, as a whole, expats will find Zagreb one of the cheapest EU cities when it comes to the average price of food.
INSIDER TIP : Nearly every neighborhood has a farmers market, but Dolac market is the largest and most popular. Dolac market is an 80+ year old farmer market in the heart of Zagreb's Old Town. Expats and locals come here to find locally grown fresh produce. You will also find a fresh fish market, quality meat butchers, and bakeries. If they grow or make it in Croatia, you can find it here. Dolac market is separated into four areas
- Flower Market- Street side next to the main market
- Meats, Cheese, and Baked Goods- Ground Floor
- Fruits and Vegetables - 1st Floor
- Fish Market - Upper Level
How Much Does Eating Out In Zagreb Cost?
Basic Meal $4- Ćevapčići on flatbread is typical Balkan fast food. A quality but no-frills grill like Plac Kitchen near the Dolac market serves the best cevapi in Zagreb. The flatbread is pillow-soft, and the skinless sausages are not greasy, with the perfect amount of char to bring out the smoked meaty flavor.
Mid-Range Restaurant $7- Galbec Lunch at Bistro Salsa. Americans living in Zagreb quickly learn that lunch is the primary meal. Unlike the US, dinner for most Croatian families is a light snack. Many restaurants in Zagreb will have a mid-day lunch (gablec) special menu. Gablec is targeted at workers, so meals are an affordable $7-$8 for a main, side, and soup or salad.
Expensive Restaurants $72- Obviously, the sky is the limit when it comes to fine dining, but you can enjoy a well-rated restaurant in Zagreb like Strara Vura for $20 per person.
How Much Money Do You Spend For Entertainment?
Ilica Street
Entertainment and Sports
$51
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city in Croatia. Whether your interest are sports, museums, or nightlife, you can find it in Zagreb.
RELATED POST ON SAFETY IN CROATIA
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How Much Does Transportation Cost?
Zagreb lacks a metro, but has extensive bus and tram routes.
Transportation
$81
If you live in Zagreb's center, you'll find having a car completely unnecessary. The city center is very walkable, with wide streets and motorists that respect the pedestrian right of way.
Don't feel like walking? Zagreb's public transportation, locally known as ZET (Zagrebački Električni Tramvaj), manages the city's 19 tram lines (4-night lines), 117 bus routes (4-night bus lines), a funicular, and a soon-to-be-launched cable car line.
Monthly passes are 54 EUR ($59), while single tickets start at 0.53 EUR (0.59 US cents). You can find the complete fares here.
Single tickets for night lines are slightly more expensive than those for day lines, but if you buy a multi-pass (three-day ticket, weekly ticket, monthly ticket, etc.), the price for a night bus is the same.
International Flights
Franjo Tuđman Airport in Zagreb has several options for low-cost international flights. There are over 20 European Countries with one-way flights costing under $25.
Taxis from Zagreb Airport- Licensed taxi drivers have a monopoly at Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport. Like in many Eastern European cities, taxi drivers have a reputation for scamming unsuspecting tourists.
To avoid getting ripped off, use Uber, which has a fixed rate from the airport
- If you are going to the area south of the Sava River (Novi Zagreb), the fare is 9 EUR
- If you are going to the area north of the Sava River, the fare is 12.50 EUR.
If you have lots of luggage or are traveling with several people, you can also use an airport transfer, which will be less hassle and safe than using a taxi.
Travel Cost To Other Croatian Cities
Driving from Zagreb to Split is roughly 4-hours. The fastest train to Split is 6.5 hours, and a one-way ticket costs 200 kunas ($32). Taking a bus to Split can be shorter (5 hours) and cheaper at $25. Note that Dubrovnik doesn't t have a train station. If you want to visit the southern Dalmatian Coast during the warmer months, bus or air will be the best options.
INSIDER TIP : You don't need to travel far to dip your toes in the turquoise-blue waters for the Adriatic; The closest beach to Zagreb is in Rijeck, a beach town only 2 hours away.
Other Costs When Moving To Zagreb
Affordable Luxuries in Zagreb
RELATED POST ON CROATIAN CULTURE
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How Much Does Health Care cost In Croatia?
Healthcare
$60
If you are only staying in Croatia for three months or less, travel medical insurance will cover you while in Croatia. However, if you plan on applying for a temporary residence permit, you will need private health insurance during your application period. After your application is approved, you will need to purchase Croatia Public Healthcare System (HZZO).
Instead of a waiting period, HZZO requires an upfront buy-in fee. The "buy-in" is pricey and equals 12 months of premiums. A single person should budget $900 for a one-time cost for Croatian public insurance.
EDITOR'S NOTE : Mandatory Health Insurance For Digital Nomads- If you apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, you still must have health insurance; however, you are not required to use HZZO. Travel Medical Insurance or Private Expat Health Insurance qualifies you, without the significant upfront cost enrolling for Croatian healthcare would cost you!
Moving Money Between Countries
When paying your bills overseas, foreign exchange and international wire transfers can wreck a budget. If your money is in US dollars, but you pay bills in a foreign currency, international transfer fees and foreign exchange fees can add 20% to your cost of living.
Will I Have To Pay Taxes Living In Croatia?
Expats living in Croatia must pay taxes on any Croatian-source income. In addition, foreigner resident permit holders or anyone who lives in Croatia over 183 days are considered tax residents. Croatia taxes residents on worldwide income.
What Are The Visa Requirements For Croatia?
US citizens do not require a visa to enter Croatia. Americans visiting as tourists can enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180-day period.
Non-US citizens can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for their countries' specific Croatian visa requirements.
As of Jan 1st, 2023, Croatia became country number 27 in Europe's Schengen Zone. Croatia joining Schengen closed one of my favorite loopholes to stay in the EU for more than the standard 90-day period.
Before 2023, I could make 3-month "visa-runs" to Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, or Cyprus to avoid the 90-day Schengen limit for Americans.
Now, as a part of Schengen, staying in Croatia counts towards your allotted 90 days in any of the Schengen countries. To legally extend your stay in Europe, heading to countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus will be your best option.
What About A Croatian Retirement Visa?
Croatia does not have a specific retirement visa program. However, there are two visa options for expats who want to stay long-term in Croatia.
RELATED POST ON CROATIAN VISAS
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- Temporary Residence Permit For Apartment Rentals - This Residency Permit is the closest thing to a Croatian Retirement Visa. Unlike proper "retirement visas" from Colombia, Spain, or the Philippines, this permit has several caveats and restrictions. Read the complete details in my "Retire to Croatia" guide below.
- A Digital Nomad Visa- To attract remote workers and their spending money, Croatia created a highly anticipated Digital Nomad visa effective January 1, 2021. You can find the details on the Ministry of the Interior website on the Temporary stay of digital nomads.
NEXT STEPS
If you liked this story on Croatia dos and don'ts, you will enjoy these other posts on living in Croatia
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Compare Cost Of Living In ZAGREB, CROATIA
Still researching the best cities for retirement? Check out our extensive Cost of Living collection for the best expat destinations. Get insider information and real examples of expat life from people who have spent years living abroad. I've compiled all the information you need: cost breakdowns, insider tips to save money, and detailed examples of the quality of lifestyle you can enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Expat Life in Zagreb
With a population under 800,000 people, Zagreb, Croatia’s largest city, is a smaller European capital. However, its diminutive size delivers oversized benefits.
Expats find that living in Zagreb is an easy adjustment because not only does it have all the amenities of an EU capital, but it also offers a low cost of living, a safe environment, and a one-year retirement visa.
With Zagreb’s affordable prices, it’s easy to enjoy an ongoing social life with loads of activities. The low cost of living in Zagreb allows for frequent meals out, drinks with friends, weekend trips to the famous Adriatic coastline, and experiencing the “Best Christmas Market in Europe.” Expat life in Zagreb will never get boring or feel too small.
FAQs: Living in Zagreb
$1000 or ~850 Euros per month is not enough for an enjoyable life in Zagreb. One-bedroom apartment rent will be $600, leaving you only $400 for food, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and a social life.
Zagreb is a safe city for expats to live in, but like all major cities, certain areas of the city have a higher crime rate. However, all in all, Croatia is statistically the safest country in Europe.
The average salary in Zagreb is ~$1,200 per month, while the minimum wage in Croatia is $550 per month (net) or $670 (gross). Some examples of average salaries in Zagreb are:
- C LEVEL EXECUTIVE- $2,451
- FINANCE MANAGER- $1,809
- SOFTWARE ENGINEER- $1,675
- WEB DEVELOPER- $1,373
.
The average annual salary n Zagreb is only 12,000 Euro or ~14,000 USD. Expats earning $1500 per month will find food and rental prices more reasonable in Zagreb than in other European cities. For example, an average restaurant meal in Zagreb will cost you roughly $10.