Cost of Living in Dalmatia

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Dalmatia helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 – $600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 – $450 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $900 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $1,800 – $2,500 Price per square meter outside city center: $1,200 – $1,800
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.50 – $2.00 Monthly local transport pass: $40 – $60 Taxi starting tariff: $2.50 – $3.50 Taxi per kilometer: $1.00 – $1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.40 – $1.60
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $0.80 – $1.20 Bread (500g): $0.70 – $1.20 Rice (1kg): $1.50 – $2.50 Eggs (12): $2.00 – $3.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $5.00 – $8.00 Beef round (1kg): $8.00 – $12.00 Apples (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Oranges (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Potatoes (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $5.00 – $10.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6.00 – $10.00 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 – $50.00 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: $5.00 – $7.00 Cappuccino: $1.50 – $2.50 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100 – $200 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $300 – $600 per month Elementary School: $4,000 – $8,000 per year Middle School: $5,000 – $10,000 per year High School: $6,000 – $12,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific city or town in Dalmatia. It’s always a good idea to research the cost of living in the specific area you are considering moving to for more accurate information.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dalmatia

“The cost of living in Dalmatia is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many other European destinations. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite affordable. Groceries in Dalmatia are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive restaurants being quite affordable, while dining at mid-range restaurants can be a bit more costly. Public transportation in Dalmatia is also quite affordable, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. Gasoline prices are on par with the rest of Europe. Healthcare in Dalmatia is generally good and less expensive than in many Western countries. However, private health insurance is recommended for expats. Entertainment and leisure activities in Dalmatia can range in price, with costs for things like cinema tickets, fitness club memberships, and sports activities being quite reasonable. Overall, the cost of living in Dalmatia, Croatia is quite affordable, especially when compared to other European destinations. However, it’s important to note that salaries in Croatia are also generally lower than in Western Europe or North America,” said one expat living in Dalmatia.

Can I live in Dalmatia on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Dalmatia for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Split, Zadar, or Sibenik, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Hvar or Dubrovnik, as they are popular tourist destinations and the cost of living is higher there.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing a place with roommates to save on rent. Utilities and internet are generally affordable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down.As for transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to fuel costs and parking fees, so I recommend using public transportation or even biking if possible. This will not only save you money but also give you a chance to explore the beautiful Dalmatian coast.Eating out can be quite affordable in Dalmatia, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas. However, cooking at home will save you even more money. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, and you can find affordable groceries at supermarkets like Konzum or Tommy.Entertainment and leisure activities can be budget-friendly if you take advantage of the natural beauty of the region. There are plenty of beaches, parks, and hiking trails to explore for free. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent trips to the cinema or attending concerts and events.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Dalmatia is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your housing and transportation choices, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Dalmatia.

Can I live in Dalmatia on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Dalmatia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your choices.First of all, you’ll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas in Dalmatia, like Hvar or Dubrovnik, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, consider looking for an apartment in Split or Zadar, which are both beautiful cities with a lower cost of living. You can find a nice one or two-bedroom apartment in these cities for around $500 to $800 per month.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high gas prices and parking fees. Instead, consider using public transportation, which is quite affordable and reliable in most cities. You can also save money by walking or biking to nearby destinations.Eating out can be quite pricey in touristy areas, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, and you can find affordable grocery stores in most neighborhoods. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for local, non-touristy restaurants where prices are more reasonable.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Dalmatia. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful coastline, visiting historical sites, or hiking in the nearby mountains. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a small entrance fee.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items or services you’re used to, like having a gym membership or going to high-end salons. However, there are still plenty of ways to maintain your health and appearance on a budget, like working out at home or finding affordable beauty treatments.Overall, living in Dalmatia on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful region of Croatia,” said one expat living in Dalmatia.

Can I live in Dalmatia on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Dalmatia for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Dalmatia include Zadar, Sibenik, and Split. These cities offer a good balance between affordability and access to modern amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Dubrovnik, which is a popular tourist destination and has a higher cost of living.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the location and size. If you’re willing to live a bit further from the city center, you can find even cheaper options. Just keep in mind that public transportation might not be as convenient in these areas, so you might need to rely on a car or bike to get around.As for other expenses, groceries and eating out are generally affordable in Dalmatia. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and eating out at local restaurants is usually quite reasonable. However, if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants or ordering takeout frequently, you might need to cut back on that to stay within your budget.Utilities and internet are also relatively affordable, with monthly costs ranging from $100 to $200, depending on your usage. If you’re used to having a gym membership or attending fitness classes, you might need to adjust your expectations, as these can be more expensive in Dalmatia. However, there are plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful natural surroundings to keep you active and healthy.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of shopping and entertainment. While there are shopping malls and movie theaters in the larger cities, you might not find the same variety of stores and brands that you’re used to. Additionally, if you enjoy attending concerts or other cultural events, you might find that there are fewer options available in Dalmatia compared to larger cities in other countries.Overall, living in Dalmatia on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending to ensure you stay within your budget,” commented an expat living in Dalmatia.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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