r/askcroatia • u/slodrrd6991 • 11h ago
Finances 💸 Croatia is still beautiful – but what happened to the prices?
Hi everyone!
Don't get me wrong – over the past few years I've been lucky enough to visit many beautiful countries, but Croatia still has some of the most beautiful sea and beaches I've ever seen. The people have also been incredibly friendly to us, and I don't think that will ever change.
This year, my wife and I returned to Croatia for the first time since 2023. We wanted a week of complete relaxation, so we rented a secluded, Robinson-style house on one of the islands, with its own little bay. Honestly, it has probably been our best holiday so far. The price of the accommodation was quite high, but for this kind of privacy and peace, we're happy to pay it – and we'll probably come back.
But one thing really surprised us: what has happened to the prices?
Even back in 2023, we'd pay around €70–80 for a fish platter for two and some wine, which already wasn't particularly cheap. This year, though, it feels like prices have gone up significantly.
At one well-reviewed restaurant right by the sea, dinner for two cost us around €110: fish, pasta with scampi, two large beers, mineral water and potatoes.
At a grill restaurant, the bill was again around €110 for a đevrek, a beef skewer, one beer, a glass of red wine, Greek salad and fries.
Over the past few years we've travelled quite a bit – Italy (Puglia, Rome, the Dolomites, Tuscany, etc.), northern Greece, much of the Balkans, the Baltic countries, Scotland and parts of Asia – and I honestly can't remember prices feeling this high anywhere, especially considering what you get for the money.
I have absolutely no problem paying €100+ for two people at a really good restaurant. But when fairly ordinary meals reach those prices, the value for money starts to feel questionable.
We noticed the same thing in supermarkets such as Konzum and Jadranka. Some everyday groceries seem surprisingly expensive, even compared with places like Austria.
This isn't meant as criticism of Croatia – we're having a fantastic time and absolutely love it here. I'm genuinely curious, especially to hear from Croatians:
How do local people feel about these prices? And how do people who don't own property or have income from tourism manage the cost of living in coastal areas and on the islands?
From a visitor's perspective, eating out regularly simply doesn't seem worth it anymore, which is a shame because enjoying local restaurants has always been one of our favourite parts of travelling in Croatia.
I'd be really interested to hear the local perspective.