A rocky coast, historic architecture, and a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. What could be better? Croatia has long been a more affordable alternative for people seeking seaside European vacations.
While some things have changed since the country adopted the Euro as their currency, there are still great deals to be had when visiting this Baltic country.
But don’t worry — we’ve compared travel costs that include airfare, hotel, food, and activities. We break it all down here so you can see how much you’d have to save for a Croatian adventure.
Average Trip to Croatia Cost in 2024
A week in Croatia costs around $2,400 for two people:
- Average Accommodations cost: $50 a night
- Average Flight Cost: $700 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $75 per person, per day
- Transportation: $20 a day
- Total Cost: $2,400
Of course, there are a bunch of factors that will affect your individual costs. If your idea of a coastal vacation includes luxury lodgings and fine dining, you’ll spend more than someone slinging a backpack from hostel to hostel.
We’ve broken down options at every price point so you can decide what you want out of your trip and divvy up your cash accordingly.
Croatia Trip Cost: Average by Item
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When you’re getting ready for your coastal European getaway, start with your vision of the perfect trip and also consider what activities and amenities you can take or leave.
This way, you can choose where to indulge and where to scrimp. We’ve gone over a potential trip budget item by item.
Accommodation Costs
Croatia offers a number of affordable rentals convenient to local activities. The Apartments Maria in Dubrovnik, for instance, costs around $40 a night. This clean and small inn is located about three miles from the beach.
If you are looking for something on the more posh end of the spectrum, options include a double room at Villa Glavić.
For around $250 a night, you a seaside location, pool, large, well-appointed rooms, all with breakfast included. There are also a lot of midrange options up and down the coast.
Apartments Ante in Omiš is a couple hundred feet from a sandy beach and a kilometer from the city center. The apartment offers amenities that include a barbecue, free WIFI, air conditioning, and a garden terrace. Visitors should expect to pay around $125 a night.
Flight Cost
How much you’ll pay to get to Croatia depends on where you land and what time of year you visit. Tickets from New York to Zagreb, the country’s largest airport, will cost a little under $500 per person.
Expect to pay a bit more if you want to fly into a southern city like Dubrovnik, though. The cheapest flight there will be around $750, but will involve about a day’s worth of layovers.
For one a bit more direct with a single stop, you’ll pay a bit under $1,000 The peak months for travel to Croatia are July and August. If you travel outside these months, you can likely get a cheaper flight in and out of the country.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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Croatian cuisine doesn’t get the worldwide recognition some other European food scenes do, but there are plenty of show-stopping meal choices at every price point.
Longtime visitors say to venture a bit outside the touristy areas to get the best meals and the best prices. Tourist areas tend to charge a premium on meals. Walking a kilometer or two away to places frequented by locals can drop your prices quite a bit.
Fish dishes are extremely popular. How much you will pay depends on the location and menu item you choose. A plate of sea bass or squid at Tavern Arka, for instance, will cost about $20.
You and a friend can split a fish platter for two for around $50. Meat dishes tend to be a few dollars more. Rack of lamb will run about $35 at a mid priced restaurant.
Of course, you won’t want sit down fine dining every day of your trip. Burgers, kebabs, and wraps (which are often described as “tortillas”) can be found for under $10 a serving.
As in Italy, Prosecco is an inexpensive and delightful option to go with your meals. This is not the candy sweet Prosecco you see in the US. These wines are effervescent, dry, and crisp, and unlikely to set you back more than $6 a glass.
Cocktails are also popular and inexpensive in Croatia. Expect to pay under $5 for a Barcardi-based drink or up to $8 for a vodka cocktail using Grey Goose.
There are many free and cheap ways to spend your time during a vacation in Croatia. Beaches are public in Croatia and there is no fee to enter. Many are located near accessible cliffs where visitors dive into the clear waters below.
Walking and taking in the scenery is always a great free activity. Visitors say Split is one of the most beautiful areas to visit. Spend some time on the Riva promenade to take in the view.
Wandering is free, and you can always refresh yourself with a coffee at a local cafe. If your idea of a good vacation involves getting out in nature, consider a day in Krka National Park. The part is known for its series of seven waterfalls.
Many visitors suggest swimming and hiking during a visit. Two-day tickets will cost around $20. Because of its location, Croatia is home to many well-preserved Roman ruins.
The Roman amphitheater at Pula has many features that walkers can see while strolling the sidewalk outside. If you want to go in, tickets will run about $10 to $15 a piece.
Transportation Costs
Croatia does not have a large train infrastructure, so most transit between cities is by either car or bus. Renting a car for the week should cost under $200.
You can save even more if you choose a manual transmission car over an automatic. Fewer drivers use automatic transmissions in Europe, which makes those cars rarer and more expensive.
Adventurous travelers can cut their costs even more by booking bus tickets from one city to another. Prices vary, but will typically run around $15 to $20 per person. Most buses charge a small separate fee to stow your luggage in the hold beneath the bus.
This should only cost a couple of dollars and be paid directly to your bus driver. If an active vacation is an exciting option to you, consider a self-directed bike tour of the country.
Some rental companies will loan you the bike and even transport your luggage by car while you are you the road. Expect to pay $25 a day for a decent road bike and about $40 a day for an e-bike.
One more transportation option to investigate is the ferry.
The ferries travel from port to port in coastal cities. You can even book a ferry that will take you from Croatia to Italy. Prices vary depending on your route. But, you can expect to pay around $50 for a five-hour one-way ferry trip.
Things to Consider
- Croatia adopted the Euro at the beginning of 2023. Any older travel guides you see may be relying on prices in their previous currency, the kuna.
- Visitors say Dubrovnik is one of the more expensive cities, especially when it comes to food costs. Other cities in Croatia are typically a bit less.
- Many locals consider Hvar overpriced and excessively touristy. Brač or Korčula both have the same sort of scenery and historic attractions at a better price.
- Croatia has officially joined the Schengen. This means that travel between Croatia and the other 26 member countries is treated as domestic travel, so you won’t have to go through customs crossing the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Croatia less expensive than Italy?
Croatia is significantly less expensive than Italy. Because the countries both feature dramatic coastline along the Adriatic Sea, this makes Croatia an attractive alternative.
What is the best time of year to go to Croatia?
May and June or September and October are all good times to schedule your trip to Croatia. The weather is still mild, but there are fewer visitors than there are in the peak months of July and August. This means competing with smaller crows and enjoying lower travel costs.
Is a week enough time in Croatia?
A week in Croatia gives you enough time to hit most travelers’ “can’t miss” spots. But, many visitors say they wish they stayed even longer. Many people say there is enough to see to keep you occupied for two weeks or more.
Is Croatia expensive?
Whether a visit to Croatia or not depends on how you personally like to travel. Those who are more comfortable with basic lodging and traveling in the off-season will spend less than those who have their eye on luxury digs.
While Croatia is more expensive than some of its Balkan neighbors, it’s still economical compared to other EU destinations.
So, What Is the Average Trip Cost for Croatia?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $50 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $700 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $75 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $20 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $2,400 |
An average one-week trip to Croatia for two people will cost around $2,400. How much your own trip will costs depends on where you venture, what time of year you go, and a few factors outside your control.
Spend some time researching different Croatian towns and attractions to see which offer you what you want in a vacation.
Whether your ideal day includes hiring a sailboat, hiking past waterfalls, or chilling on a beach then hitting the club after dark, there are bargains to be had. Explore your options then decide how you want to pass your time in this historic and welcoming place.