Croatia is a beautiful country located in Central Europe and Southeast Europe, known for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. The cost of living in Croatia can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the local currency in Croatia, compare the cost of living in Croatia to the cost of living in the UK and the USA, break down costs in Croatia for singles, couples, and families of 4 in various categories, and explain the most common forms of payment in Croatia.
Local Currency in Croatia
The local currency in Croatia is the Croatian kuna (HRK). The symbol for the kuna is “kn” and the currency code is HRK. One Croatian kuna is equal to 0.16 US dollars. The most commonly used coins are 1, 2, 5, and 25 kuna, while the most commonly used banknotes are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kuna.
Cost of Living in Croatia Compared to the UK and the USA
The cost of living in Croatia is generally lower than the cost of living in the UK and the USA. According to Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living in different countries, the cost of living index in Croatia is 52.21, while the cost of living index in the UK is 71.79 and the cost of living index in the USA is 72.56. The cost of living index is a measure of the average cost of goods and services in a country, where 100 is the index for New York City.
However, the cost of living in Croatia can vary greatly depending on the city and the lifestyle. Living in the city center can be more expensive than living in the suburbs, and living in popular tourist areas can also be more expensive.
Cost Breakdown in Croatia
The cost of living in Croatia can vary greatly depending on the lifestyle and location. Below is a breakdown of costs in Croatia for singles, couples, and families of 4 in various categories.
Housing
The cost of housing in Croatia can vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation. According to Numbeo, the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 4,100 kuna per month, while the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 2,800 kuna per month. The cost of buying an apartment or house can vary greatly depending on the location and the size of the property.
Food
The cost of food in Croatia is generally lower than the cost of food in the UK and the USA. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Croatia is around 40 kuna, while the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 100 kuna. The cost of groceries in Croatia can vary depending on the location and the type of food. For example, the cost of fruits and vegetables is generally lower than the cost of meat and dairy products.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in Croatia can vary depending on the location and the season. According to Numbeo, the average cost of utilities for a 85 square meter apartment in Croatia is around 1,000 kuna per month. This includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection. However, the cost of utilities can be higher in the summer or winter when the demand for electricity and heating is higher.
Leisure
The cost of leisure activities in Croatia can vary greatly depending on the location and the type of activity. Croatia offers a wide range of leisure activities, such as visiting national parks, going to the beach, and exploring historic sites. For example, the cost of a one-day entry ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park is around 200 kuna per person, while the cost of a boat tour in the popular coastal town of Dubrovnik is around 250 kuna per person.
Transport
The cost of transportation in Croatia can vary depending on the location and the mode of transportation. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a one-way ticket on public transportation in Croatia is around 10 kuna, while the average cost of a taxi ride for 8 kilometers is around 100 kuna. However, the cost of transportation can be higher in larger cities or during peak hours.
Clothing
The cost of clothing in Croatia can vary depending on the quality and the location. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a pair of jeans in Croatia is around 470 kuna, while the average cost of a dress is around 390 kuna. However, the cost of clothing can be higher in larger cities or for name brand items.
Household Goods
The cost of household goods in Croatia can vary depending on the location and the type of item. For example, the cost of a 40-inch LED television in Croatia is around 3,000 kuna, while the cost of a washing machine is around 2,000 kuna. However, the cost of household goods can be higher for imported items or name brand products.
Forms of Payment in Croatia
The most common forms of payment in Croatia are cash and credit/debit cards. Cash is still widely used in Croatia, especially for small transactions. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger cities or at international retailers. However, some retailers may not accept foreign cards, and it’s important to check before making a purchase.
Another popular payment method in Croatia is the use of electronic payments through bank transfers or apps like Hrvatski Telekom’s mobile payment service, which allows users to pay directly from their bank accounts. Online payment methods like PayPal and PayU are also widely used.
In conclusion, the cost of living in Croatia can vary greatly depending on the location and the lifestyle. However, the cost of living in Croatia is generally lower than the cost of living in the UK and the USA. The most common forms of payment in Croatia are cash and credit/debit cards, but electronic payments and online payment methods are also widely used. It’s important to research the cost of living and the forms of payment before traveling to Croatia or moving to Croatia.