Cost of Living in Zagreb

Joshua Wood

If you're moving to Zagreb, understanding the the cost of living in Zagreb helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Details
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $500 – $700 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $350 – $500 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: $2,000 – $3,000 Price per square meter outside city center: $1,200 – $1,800
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: $1.50 Monthly public transport pass: $50 – $60 Taxi start tariff: $2.50 Taxi 1km tariff: $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): $1.00 – $2.00 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.50 Chicken breasts (1kg): $4.00 – $6.00 Apples (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6.00 – $10.00 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 – $50.00 Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s): $5.00 – $7.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.00 – $3.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 – $3.50 Cappuccino: $1.50 – $2.50
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 – $30 per month Mobile tariff (1 minute, no discounts or plans): $0.10 – $0.20
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $300 – $500 per month Elementary School: $4,000 – $6,000 per year Middle School: $5,000 – $7,000 per year High School: $6,000 – $8,000 per year

Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area of Zagreb and the time of year. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Zagreb

“The cost of living in Zagreb is considered to be relatively affordable compared to many other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite reasonable, while those looking to live outside of the city center can find even cheaper options. Groceries are also quite affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive options available, as well as more upscale dining experiences. Public transportation in Zagreb is efficient and affordable, with options including trams, buses, and trains. Alternatively, the cost of maintaining a car, including gas and parking, can be higher.Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are not typically included in the rent and can add to the monthly expenses, but these are generally not exorbitant. Internet and mobile phone services are also reasonably priced.Healthcare in Zagreb is of a good standard and is generally affordable, particularly for those who are covered by health insurance. Overall, while salaries in Zagreb may be lower than in some other European cities, this is often balanced out by the lower cost of living,” said one expat living in Zagreb.

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

“I’ve been living in Zagreb 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 place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Trešnjevka, ?rnomerec, or Peš?enica. These areas are more affordable than the city center, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400-$500 a month. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $150-$200 a month, depending on your usage. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $50. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices are higher than in the US, so you might want to consider using public transportation or biking to save money.Groceries can be relatively cheap if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $10, while a coffee or beer at a cafe will be around $2.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Zagreb. You can visit parks, museums, and galleries, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. However, if you’re used to going out to bars and clubs frequently, you might need to cut back on that, as it can get expensive.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you’re used to, like a gym membership or frequent trips to the movies. You’ll also need to be mindful of your spending and stick to a budget, especially when it comes to dining out and entertainment.Overall, living in Zagreb on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so if you can adjust your lifestyle and budget accordingly, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable life here,” commented an expat living in Zagreb.

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

“I’ve been living in Zagreb for a while 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 in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, if you want to live in the city center, you’ll probably have to pay more for rent, and you might not be able to afford a large, luxurious apartment. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in the city center include the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the Lower Town (Donji Grad). These areas are beautiful and historic, but they can be quite pricey.On the other hand, if you’re willing to live a bit further from the city center, you can find more affordable neighborhoods with modern amenities. Some of these areas include Trešnjevka, Novi Zagreb, and Maksimir. These neighborhoods are still well-connected to the city center by public transportation, so you won’t feel too isolated.In terms of other expenses, groceries and eating out are generally quite affordable in Zagreb. You can find local markets where you can buy fresh produce at reasonable prices, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or imported goods, as they can be more expensive in Croatia. However, you can still find most of the things you need at local stores or online.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Zagreb on $3,000 a month, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with your living arrangements and make some small sacrifices. The city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here,” said one expat living in Zagreb.

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

“I’ve been living in Zagreb for a while 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. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Zagreb is generally lower than in many other European cities, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you’ll find that there are plenty of options in various neighborhoods. If you’re looking for something more affordable, I’d recommend checking out the neighborhoods of Trešnjevka, Maksimir, or Peš?enica. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they’re still well-connected by public transportation and have all the necessary amenities nearby. You can find a nice apartment in these areas for around $500 to $800 per month.On the other hand, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Donji Grad, Medveš?ak, or Pantov?ak. These neighborhoods are closer to the city center and have a more prestigious feel, but the cost of living is higher. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 per month for an apartment in these areas.As for other expenses, groceries and dining out are quite affordable in Zagreb. You can find fresh produce at local markets for reasonable prices, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes offering delicious meals for under $10. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $50.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there’s plenty to do in Zagreb without breaking the bank. You can visit museums, galleries, and parks for free or at a low cost, and there are always various events and festivals happening throughout the year.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Zagreb on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make some minor adjustments depending on your lifestyle and preferences, but I believe you’ll enjoy your time here and find it to be a great place to live as an expat,” commented an expat living in Zagreb.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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