Cost of Living in Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia · Europe
$1,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
52
Cost Index
NYC=100
46
Rent Index
NYC=100
74
Quality of Life
Good
70
Safety Index
Good
0.8M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $32 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.3 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $6 |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $30 |
| Taxi 1km | $1 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.6 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $145 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $950/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $620/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,900/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $2,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
View Cost of Living in Croatia
Cost of Living in Zagreb — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Zagreb, Croatia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Zagreb has a cost index of 52, making it around 48% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Zagreb costs around $620/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $950/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,900/month. The rent index is 46 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Zagreb scores 74/100 on the quality of life index and 70/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 65/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Zagreb is approximately $1,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 62/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Zagreb
The average monthly salary in Zagreb is approximately $1,500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 62/100.
Healthcare Costs in Zagreb
Healthcare quality in Zagreb is rated 74/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Zagreb
Zagreb has a quality of life score of 74/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Zagreb
Students living in Zagreb should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Zagreb
Expats moving to Zagreb often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Zagreb, Croatia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 52 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Zagreb
Living in Zagreb offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 52 and a quality of life score of 74/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Zagreb provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Croatia and around the world.
Key Facts About Zagreb
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,600
- Cost Index: 52
- Rent Index: 46
- Average Salary: $1,500
- Quality of Life: 74/100
- Safety Score: 70/100
- Country: Croatia
- Currency: EUR
Is Zagreb Expensive?
Zagreb has a cost index of 52 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Zagreb compare to other cities?
Zagreb is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.8M. At a cost index of 52 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Zagreb stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Zagreb?
The average cost of living in Zagreb, Croatia is approximately $1,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 52 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Zagreb?
Rent in Zagreb varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 46 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Zagreb alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Zagreb expensive to live in?
Zagreb has a cost index of 52 compared to New York City (100). At 52, Zagreb is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,600.
What is the quality of life in Zagreb?
Zagreb has a quality of life index of 74/100 and a safety index of 70/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Zagreb compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Zagreb with any city worldwide. Zagreb's cost index is 52 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Zagreb?
Many residents live comfortably in Zagreb with a monthly budget of around $1,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Zagreb good for expats?
Zagreb is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Zagreb?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Zagreb.
Is Zagreb cheaper than New York?
Yes, Zagreb has a cost index of 52 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Zagreb?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Zagreb.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Zagreb
Cheapest Ways to Live in Zagreb
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Zagreb typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $620/month compared to $950/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Zagreb, Croatia.
Is Zagreb Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 62/100 and a quality of life score of 74/100, Zagreb is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 52 relative to New York City, Zagreb remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Croatia has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Zagreb Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Zagreb", "Zagreb monthly expenses 2026", and "is Zagreb affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,600, a safety score of 70/100, and healthcare rated 74/100, Zagreb offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Croatia.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026