Travel Costs & Prices in Croatia

With the tourist boom that Croatia has undergone the last few years, there hasn't been much incentive to keep prices down especially for hotels. Big destinations such Dubrovnik and Hvar have seen the steepest hikes but hotel prices have been creeping up everywhere. Yet, Croatia still offers good value for money in comparison to other Mediterranean beach destinations expecially if you avoid July and August when prices are at their highest.

But remember that Croatia is much more than beaches and islands! Wander inland a little to less-travelled spots such as national parks and nature parks and you'll be surprised by how affordable prices are. See more tips to travel Croatia on a budget.

Accommodation Prices

Except in Zagreb and some five-star hotels, accommodation is priced according to season. The most expensive season is a six week period beginng around mid-July and ending at the end of August. June and September are less, April, May and October are cheaper still and the rest of the year is a real bargain. Zagreb and Dubrovnik are the most expensive, followed by Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.

      In high season, expect to pay

• €300-400 for a double in a luxury five-star hotel,
• €150-350 in a four-star hotel,
• €55-140 for three star hotels
• €40-55 in the two-star places.

     Remember prices are up to 40% lower off-season! See more on getting good deals on Croatian accommodation

Private accommodation is a most affordable option with prices running €15-25 per person. See more on private accommodation in Croatia.

Youth Hostels cost about €15 to €20 per person. It's a good deal if if you're travelling alone since private accommodation is usually doubles only. See more on hostels in Croatia.

Meal Prices

Meals are reasonable and good-quality in Croatia. You can get a pizza for 35 to 40HRKor a simple plate of pasta or risotto for 40 to 50HRK.Simple meat dishes run 60-80HRK. Fish is much more expensive and priced by the kilo. It can run from 350-450HRK per kilo. An average portion is about 250g. Calamari is cheaper.

Transport Prices

Bus
     Getting around Croatia by bus is highly economical; the average inter-city bus fare is 20 to 30HRK per hour. See more on travelling Croatia by bus.

Ferries
     Local ferries are cheap for passengers (20-30HRK is the average fare) but taking a car can get pricey. For example, a passenger going from Split to Stari Grad (Hvar) pays only €3.60 but the car is another €16.80.
     Ferry prices are also higher in the summer but bus prices stay the same. See more on ferries in Croatia.

Trains
     Trains in Croatia are slightly more expensive than buses but still reasonable compared to other European countries. Find out more on taking trains in Croatia.

Cars
     Your major expense is likely to be renting a car in Croatia. After that, there's the cost of fuel (currently about 8HRK per litre for Eurosuper 95) and tolls which are not too expensive (157HRK from Zagreb to Split). See more on driving in Croatia.

Related Pages

Travel Croatia on a Budget: Top Ten Tips

Money in Croatia

Currency Exchange Rate

Money Exchange in Croatia

The Croatian Kuna

Travellers Checks

ATMs (Cash Machines) in Croatia

Credit Cards in Croatia