Wondering, ‘Is Croatia expensive to visit?’ This complete cost breakdown will tell you everything you need to know!
Croatia’s popularity has been growing in recent years, and it continues to increase every year. Along with this, prices vary significantly from season to season.
While Croatia has always been slightly more expensive than other Balkan countries, in recent years, prices have risen to the point where Croatia now rivals expensive destinations like France or Italy.
Although visiting Croatia nowadays requires a decent amount of money, it’s still possible to enjoy it on a stricter budget—you just need to be mindful of where and how you spend.
This blog post will tell you all you need to know about prices in Croatia, from accommodation and transport to activities, going out, and day trips. Keep reading to find out more!
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WHEN IS CROATIA EXPENSIVE THE MOST?
This is a fairly easy question to answer. Croatia is most expensive during the summer season, from June to August. During this time, only a few countries in Europe are more expensive than the Croatian coast.
However, if you’re thinking of visiting Croatia in winter, autumn, or spring, you might spend a significantly smaller amount of money. Because of that, be wise when choosing the time of your visit. Here’s a guide on how to choose the best time to visit Croatia, which might help you with your decision.
DETAILED COST BREAKDOWN OF PRICES IN CROATIA
ACCOMMODATION COST
I’m sure you’re aware that accommodation is the most expensive part of a trip to Croatia. If you’re visiting in summer, you can expect to spend a significant amount to find decent accommodation. Naturally, staying on the coast will be more expensive than in Zagreb or other inland towns.
HOTELS
Zagreb offers hotels across various budget ranges, so you’ll surely find something that suits you. Prices typically start at around 120 euros per night and increase depending on the level of luxury you prefer.
If you’re staying on the coast, hotels in Split or Dubrovnik start at 150–200 euros per night and can range up to 600–800 euros for the most luxurious options.
APARTMENTS
Croatia offers plenty of AirBnBs and apartments, so if you prefer having an entire place to yourself, you’ll have no trouble finding one. In Zagreb, apartments start at 50 euros and become more expensive depending on how modern and luxurious they are.
In Dubrovnik and Split, prices start at around 80-100 euros and increase based on proximity to the Old Town and the apartment’s quality. Keep in mind that in Croatia Booking.com is really popular for finding great apartments on the coast.
HOSTELS
Hostels are definitely the cheapest option for you if you’re on a strict budget. If you only need a place to sleep, you can grab a hostel in Zagreb for 20 to 30 euros, while those in Split start at around 40 euros, and in Dubrovnik at 35 euros. These are in shared rooms with shared bathrooms, but are perfect for those who really don’t want to spend money on accommodation but on other experiences instead.
TRANSPORT COST
Your transport budget in Croatia can be very flexible, depending on how much you want to spend. The most expensive option is renting a car, while buses are the cheapest. Here are a few transportation options available in Croatia.
RENT A CAR
Coming by car or renting one is the best way to see Croatia. Croatia’s coast is long, and the easiest way to visit all the destinations you want is by driving. If you’re flying into Zagreb, driving will definitely be the most comfortable way to reach your coastal destination.
If you rent a car at Zagreb airport and return it there, the prices start at around 270-300 euros for a week. Choosing to pick up a car in Zagreb/Split and return it in Dubrovnik will cost at around 500 euros per week.
In addition, you’ll need to pay for gas, tolls on Croatian highways, and parking. Overall, renting a car for a week will cost approximately 500 to 800 euros, depending on various factors. You can check out the best options for renting right below!
BUSES
Buses are the cheapest option and the best one if you’re on a strict budget. Croatia is really well-connected and has hundreds of bus lines all over the country, so getting around by bus won’t be a problem. Bus tickets range from 5 to 50 euros, depending on the length of the ride and when you purchase the ticket.
While traveling by bus isn’t as convenient as by car, you can still plan a great itinerary using buses as your mode of transportation. Check out the following companies for the schedules and tickets – Flixbus, Arriva, and Promet Makarska.
FERRIES
If you’re thinking of island hopping, you’re surely going to use the ferries around Croatia. The ferries are a great mode of transportation in Croatia. They’re quick, comfortable, and averagely priced.
You can choose between regular ferries and catamarans, depending on how fast you want to arrive, but the prices change accordingly as well. The ferries start at around 5 euros for the close destinations, and go up to 50 euros for the fast catamarans and longer distances. Buy the tickets at Jadrolinija and Krilo.
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT COST
Activities and entertainment in Croatia can be quite expensive, but if you’re on a strict budget, it’s important to know that many incredible things can be done for free. Even without a large budget for activities, day trips, and the like, you can still have a wonderful time in Croatia.
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FREE ACTIVITIES
Croatia is famous for its stunning natural beauty and historic old towns, which you can explore completely for free. Old towns like Hvar, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split, and Trogir can be visited without spending a penny.
You can also enjoy Croatia’s beaches for free, along with attractions like local markets, Zadar’s Sea Organ, and several churches in Split, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik.
You can also take affordable day trips, with some starting at 5–10 euros (e.g., Split to Hvar/Trogir, Makarska to Brač, Dubrovnik to Cavtat/Lopud). This means you’ll only need to spend a small amount on transport, and once you arrive on the island, you can explore for free by walking and visiting public spaces.
PAID ACTIVITIES
If you have a bigger budget, there are incredible activities to indulge in, from entrance tickets to top sights to boat tours and dream day trips. Some of the activities you definitely cannot miss are Croatia’s national parks – Plitvice Lakes, Mljet, and Krka especially. I’m also a big fan of Brijuni if you’re visiting Istria.
Furthermore, boat tours, whether private or group ones, to Croatian islands are guaranteed unbelievable experiences. Croatia is famous for its crystal-clear waters. Getting to enjoy hidden caves and bays without the crowds will blow your mind. Getting a boat tour to islands like Korcula, Hvar, Vis, or Brač could be the highlight of your itinerary.
Finally, there are a few attractions worthy of paying a ticket. Make sure you budget for Dubrovnik’s City Walls and Lovrijenac Fortress, Hvar’s Spanjola Fortress, and Ston Walls.
FOOD AND DRINK COST
This is the most expensive part of your trip to Croatia, and it’s unavoidable. Restaurants and bars in Zagreb remain reasonably priced, so if you’re visiting the capital, you won’t need a large budget.
In Zagreb, you can enjoy a decent meal and drink for around 15–20 euros per person. Here’s a guide to best Zagreb restaurants!
However, if you plan to frequently visit restaurants and bars on the coast, you’ll need a significantly larger budget. A decent meal in Dubrovnik, Split, or Hvar will cost at least 30 euros per person. On the other hand, finer restaurants will require a minimum of 70 euros per person. Here’s a guide to best restaurants in Dubrovnik!
If you’re on a strict budget, Croatia is known for their bakeries. There you can get pastries and sandwiches for a fraction of a price of a meal in a restaurant.
Additionally, tap water in Croatia is safe to drink, and you can find free drinking water in coastal towns, so bringing a reusable water bottle will help you save money.
NIGHTLIFE COST
Finally, the last category is nightlife, where you’ll need a larger budget if you plan to party throughout your holiday. Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik are known for great parties, but also for their high prices.
There are several famous beach and nightclubs where you can party the night away, but they aren’t budget-friendly. Some charge an entrance fee, and on top of that, drinks start at 10 euros and only get more expensive.
Some of the most expensive clubs are Revelin in Dubrovnik, Hula Hula and Carpe Diem on Hvar Island, Noa on Pag Island, and many others. Check out this guide to best party places in Dubrovnik.
