Croatia🇭🇷
At a Glance
How Croatia compares across key indices
Cost of Living
51 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
76/100
Healthcare
65/100
Quality of Life
179/200
Climate
87/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Croatia
Cost of Living
51
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
16
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
48
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
54
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Rijeka
Cheapest$1,633/mo
Zagreb
$1,800/mo
Split
$2,034/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Croatia — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
76/100
Crime Index
24/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
48/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
12 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,301 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Croatia
Croatia has 3 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,633 in Rijeka to $2,034 in Split. Zagreb leads on safety, scoring 79/100. Rijeka ranks highest for quality of life at 183/200.
Rijeka
$1,633/mo
Zagreb
79/100
Rijeka
183/200
Split
68/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rijeka | $1,633 | 77/100 | 183/200 | 67/100 | 32 |
| Zagreb | $1,800 | 79/100 | 179/200 | 65/100 | 36 |
| Split | $2,034 | 70/100 | 176/200 | 68/100 | 28 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Croatia
Healthcare Index
65/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 426 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Croatia
Pollution Index
32/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 447 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Croatia
Average One-Way Commute
25minutes
Short
Traffic Index
91
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
89
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
2.7kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 354 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Croatia, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Croatia?
Croatia has a cost of living index of 51 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,633 in Rijeka and reach $2,034 in Split.
What is the cheapest city in Croatia for expats?
Rijeka is the most affordable city in Croatia with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,633 for a single person including rent. Zagreb is the next most affordable at $1,800/mo.
Is Croatia safe for expats?
Croatia has a safety index of 76/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Zagreb scores highest on safety at 79/100.
What is the best city in Croatia for expats and digital nomads?
Rijeka ranks highest for quality of life in Croatia, scoring 183/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,633/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Croatia?
Croatia scores 65/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Croatia cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Croatia's cost of living is roughly 49% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 84% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Croatia?
Croatia has a pollution index of 32/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Croatia
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