You are planning your summer holiday in Croatia, but secretly wondering: “Can I still afford it at all?”
The days when Croatia was considered a budget insider tip are over. In 2025, many things have become more expensive: from accommodation and food to a sun lounger on the beach. But not everything is unaffordable – and careful planning can still deliver plenty of Croatia for your money.
We have updated all prices and provide a realistic overview of costs for summer 2025 – based on genuine sources, our own experience and forecasts.
Let’s get started. 📋
🏠 1. Accommodation in 2025: Expensive, but with room to manoeuvre
🔹 Holiday apartments (Airbnb, Booking etc.)
- Shoulder season (May, June, September): 70–120 €/night for 2–4 people
- High season (July, August): 120–250+ €/night, depending on location
Places such as Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split have been particularly affected by sharp price increases. A sea view can quickly double the price.
🔹 Hotels
- 3 stars: 90–150 €/night
- 4 stars: 160–220 €/night
- 5 stars: from 270 € upwards, often 400 €+ in hotspots
🔹 Camping
- Standard pitch (2 people + car + electricity): 30–50 €/night
- Glamping/luxury tent: 90–130 €/night
Tip: From mid-September prices fall significantly – sometimes by 30–50 %.
🚗 2. Fuel, tolls & mobility
🌄 Fuel prices (as of April 2025)
- Petrol (95): approx. 1,50 €/litre
- Diesel: approx. 1,45 €/litre
Fuel can be 25–30 cents cheaper in Bosnia or Montenegro.
🛍️ Toll costs
- Zagreb → Split: approx. 25 €
- Rijeka → Zadar: approx. 15 €
- Zagreb → Dubrovnik: approx. 35 € (including the Pelješac Bridge)
- Krk Bridge: free of charge
Tip: The new A7 motorway towards Dalmatia will be partially completed from 2025 – which could reduce congestion.
🍳 3. Eating out: Paying more for less enjoyment?
🍔 Budget meals (snack bars, bistros)
- Pizza Margherita: 9–13 €
- Ćevapčići with chips: 11–16 €
- Pasta: 12–17 €
🍽️ Croatian cuisine (konobas, taverns)
- Fish platter for 2: 50–70 €
- Meat platter for 2: 35–50 €
- Risotto or black cuttlefish: 15–20 €
🍰 Desserts & snacks
- Burek (cheese/meat): 2–3 €
- Coffee (espresso): 1,50–2,50 €
- Scoop of ice cream (on the beach): 2,50–3,50 €
Tip: Inland = much cheaper. Avoid the front row along the promenade.
📅 4. Supermarket prices (Lidl, Plodine, Konzum)
| Product | 2025 price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | 1,10 € |
| Bread (500 g) | 1,00 € |
| Eggs (12 Stk) | 3,30 € |
| Minced meat (1 kg) | 7,50 € |
| Apples (1 kg) | 1,50 € |
| Water (1,5 L) | 0,60 € |
| Beer (0,5 L) | 1,80 € |
| Wine (0,75 L, local) | from 4,50 € |
| Cigarettes (Marlboro) | approx. 4,80 € |
Tip: Lidl often has the lowest prices. Studenac is expensive, but almost everywhere.
🏖️ 5. Beach & leisure
⛱️ Beach prices
- Sun lounger + parasol: 15–25 €/day
- Beer at a beach bar: 4,50–6 €
- Cocktail: 8–12 €
- Ice cream (1 scoop): 2,50–3,50 €
🎡 Excursions & admission
- Plitvice Lakes (adult): 25 €
- Krka waterfalls: 20 €
- Dubrovnik city walls: 35 €
- Island-hopping boat trip: 50–80 € per person
🎥 Clubs & parties
- Zrće Beach (admission): 20–40 € depending on the event
- Drinks in a club: 6–11 €
Tip: Many places offer combination tickets or family discounts (for example national parks).
📶 6. Mobile phones, internet & roaming
- EU roaming: Free with a German/Austrian contract
- Local SIM (Bonbon, A1): 15–20 € for 10–30 GB
Tip: In remote coves, LTE is often better than Wi-Fi.
🙋️️ 7. Realistic daily budgets (summer 2025)
| Travel style | Per person/day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low budget | 50–70 € | Camping, cooking, bus, no nights out |
| Mid-range | 90–130 € | Holiday apartment, eating out 1x, rental car |
| Comfort/indulgence | 150–200+ € | Hotel, eating out daily, boat trips, shopping |
📈 Conclusion: Croatia is more expensive in 2025 – but costs can be planned
Prices have risen, yes. But Croatia still offers authentic experiences, Mediterranean flair and genuine natural beauty.
Those who book wisely, avoid buying everything on the promenade and travel outside high season can still visit in 2025 on a reasonable budget.
And Croatia may no longer be “cheap” – but it is still exceptionally good.
Share your experience: how much did you pay on your last holiday in Croatia?
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