Living in Croatia: Pros and Cons

Published on November 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Croatia, a destination that blends Mediterranean charm and rich cultural heritage, is attracting growing interest among French speakers seeking new adventures. With its stunning coastal landscapes, pleasant climate, and relatively low cost of living, this Southern European country offers undeniable advantages for those dreaming of living abroad.

However, fully integrating into Croatian society can also present certain challenges, such as administrative complexity and the language barrier. Exploring the pros and cons of this fascinating experience helps better understand the steps needed for a successful life in Croatia.

Economic Reasons for Choosing Life in Croatia

The cost of living in Croatia remains significantly lower than in many Western European countries, particularly in key sectors like food, housing, and leisure. For example, it is on average 16 to 20% lower than in France, with even more pronounced differences in certain everyday expense categories.

Category	Croatia (2025)	France (2025)	Difference
Average Monthly Salary	€1,259 – €1,436	€2,343 – €2,391	-39 to -45%
City Center Apartment	€1,023 – €1,116/month	€1,418/month	-21 to -27%
Suburban Apartment	€833/month	€1,098/month	-24%
Milk (1L)	€1.10	€1.17	-6%
Bread (500g)	€1.50	€1.77	-17%
Restaurant Lunch	€10 – €12	€15	-20 to -33%
Movie Ticket	€7	€12	-41%
Gasoline (1L)	€1.50	€1.80	-17%
Private Daycare (month)	€239	€711	-66%

Sectors with the Lowest Costs:

• Food and Dining: 18 to 30% cheaper.
• Housing: Up to 27% less in city centers and 24% less in suburbs.
• Daily Services: Internet subscription, gasoline, leisure (movies).

Expat Example:
“We quickly noticed our food expenses dropped, especially when buying local. Renting a modern apartment in Split costs us about €1,000/month, much less than in Lyon for equivalent comfort.” (testimony from a Franco-Croatian couple)

Professional and Business Opportunities for Expats:

• Stable growth since joining the Eurozone, with a competitive job market and moderate labor costs.
• Growing sectors: new technologies, sustainable tourism, personal services, real estate, renewable energy.
• Government incentives: entrepreneurship support programs, temporary tax exemptions for foreign investors, innovation grants.

Expat Example:
“I started my digital agency in Zagreb. The favorable tax conditions for the first three years and low overhead costs allowed me to quickly invest in a local team.”

Taxation and Benefits for Expats:

• Income tax rates generally lower than in France for middle and upper brackets.
• Possibility to benefit from specific tax regimes for newcomers or investors (partial exemptions, reduced corporate tax in certain zones).
• Lower social charges, attracting freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Real Estate and Housing Costs:

• City center purchase: €4,135/m² (France: €5,255/m², 21% less).
• Suburban purchase: €2,947/m² (France: €3,631/m², 18% less).
• Rental: city center apartments between €1,023 and €1,116/month, suburbs around €833/month.
• Varied offerings: renovated apartments, traditional houses, seaside villas.

Public Services and Healthcare Costs:

• Internet subscription: €27/month (France: €30).
• Public healthcare services free or very low-cost, with option to subscribe to private insurance for better coverage.
• Electricity, water, and heating bills generally lower than in Western Europe, but variable by region and lifestyle.

Expat Example:
“Basic healthcare is accessible and good quality. We took out private insurance to supplement, which remains affordable. Energy bills are lower than in Belgium, especially in summer.”

Recent Statistics and Indices:

• Cost of Living Index (2025): Croatia 43.25, France 53.26, Spain 48.56.
• Overall higher purchasing power for expats with Western incomes.

Key Takeaway:
Choosing Croatia for relocation is based on a favorable balance between quality of life and moderate costs, attractive taxation, and a changing market offering real opportunities for those with international projects or skills.

Cultural Challenges and How to Adapt

Main Cultural Challenges for Expats in Croatia

Challenge	Description	Impact on Daily Integration
Social Norms	Croats value family, community, politeness, and respect for traditions.	Risk of misunderstandings in daily interactions if these values aren’t understood.
Local Customs	Coffee rituals, participation in local festivals, importance of neighborly relations.	Difficulty forming connections if not participating in these key social moments.
Language Barrier	Croatian remains the dominant language, though English is sometimes spoken in larger cities.	Limited access to information, social isolation, difficulties with administrative procedures.

Influence of These Challenges on Integration

• Unfamiliarity with social norms can lead to misunderstandings, particularly around politeness or respect for private space.
• Not participating in customs, like coffee gatherings, can isolate the expat and limit opportunities to build relationships.
• The language barrier complicates access to services, daily life management, and hinders forming deep relationships with locals.

Practical Strategies for Adaptation

• Learn the Croatian Language: Enroll in language courses, use apps, practice with locals through language exchanges or in cafes.
• Get Involved in Community Events: Participate in local festivals, sports clubs, or culinary workshops to meet Croats and other expats.
• Discover Local Traditions: Join traditional celebrations (e.g., Rijeka Carnival), taste culinary specialties, learn social rituals like morning coffee.
• Join Expat Networks: Rely on social groups (associations, Facebook groups, chambers of commerce) for practical advice and moral support.

Importance of Cultural Sensitivity and Open-mindedness

• Adopt a respectful and curious attitude toward cultural differences.
• Strive to understand Croatian history, values, and national pride.
• Be patient and avoid hasty judgments, especially during cultural shock situations.

Expat Examples and Testimonials

“In the first weeks, joining Zagreb Accueil helped me quickly find my bearings and integrate thanks to the warm welcome from volunteers. Participating in activities gave me a sense of belonging to a real community.”

“Attending French-speaking events opened doors for both friendship and professional networking.”

An American testifies that sitting at the cafe every morning, even without understanding everything at first, helped him gain the trust of his Croatian neighbors and get invited to share meals or local recipes.

Tips for Successful Adaptation:

• Learn a few key words in Croatian upon arrival.
• Be consistent in participating in local events, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
• Seek advice from experienced expats and locals.
• Take time to observe and adapt to Croatian life rhythms (e.g., the slow pace of coffee rituals).
• Maintain a humble and open attitude toward the unknown.

Successful integration in Croatia depends on the willingness to open up to others, respect local traditions, and actively engage in community life. Curiosity and humility are valuable allies in turning cultural challenges into enriching experiences.

The Personal Impact of Relocating to Croatia

Daily Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation

Integration in Croatia involves learning Croatian, a language considered difficult by many expats but essential for full societal integration and access to certain jobs. Many note that Croats are welcoming, but it takes time to understand their lifestyle, often more relaxed than in other European countries, and their approach to family and community. Administrative procedures are often perceived as slow, which can be frustrating initially.

• Common Difficulties:
  • Language barrier, especially outside major cities.
  • Complexity and slowness of administrative processes.
  • Sometimes different social codes (scheduling appointments, indirect communication).
• Adaptation Facilitators:
  • Open-mindedness and cultural curiosity.
  • Participation in local events and community life.
  • Gradual learning of the Croatian language.

Effects on Emotional and Mental Well-being

Relocating to Croatia can positively impact well-being, thanks to a calmer pace of life, proximity to nature and the sea, and a sense of daily security. However, cultural shock, homesickness, and loneliness can affect mental health, especially during the first months.

• Positive Aspects:
  • Quality of life and preserved natural environment.
  • Less perceived stress in daily life.
  • Sense of freedom and personal fulfillment.
• Emotional Challenges:
  • Isolation, especially if the language barrier persists.
  • Moments of discouragement facing administrative difficulties or slow processes.

Managing Distance from Family and Friends Back Home

Distance from loved ones remains one of the most delicate aspects of relocation. Testimonials mention the difficulty of experiencing major family events from afar (births, illnesses, celebrations) and the importance of long-distance moral support.

Feelings Upon Announcing Departure	Feelings After Settling In
Misunderstanding, worry	Joy in seeing fulfillment
Fear of distance	Pride and regular visits
Shock at goodbye	Acceptance and adaptation

Challenges and Successes in Social Integration

Social integration often happens gradually, through daily encounters and exchanges. Expats mention that it can be difficult to form deep friendships with Croats, but participation in local activities or expat networks greatly facilitates the process.

• Encountered Challenges:
  • Building a friendly network beyond the expat circle.
  • Understanding and respecting local customs.
  • Finding one’s place in neighborhood or village life.
• Possible Successes:
  • Engagement in cultural or sports activities.
  • Creation of professional or community projects locally.
  • Openness to new ways of thinking and living.

Evolution of Personal and Professional Perspectives

Relocating to Croatia often leads to a transformation of priorities and aspirations. Several testimonials mention a return to essentials, better self-awareness, and discovery of new professional opportunities, sometimes in unexpected fields.

• Personal Changes:
  • Increased self-confidence and sense of autonomy.
  • Broadened worldview and openness to other cultures.
  • Redefinition of personal and professional ambitions.
• Professional Evolutions:
  • Need to adapt to the local market (tourism, language teaching, entrepreneurship).
  • Creation of online or remote activities.
  • Development of intercultural skills valued internationally.

Expat Testimonials

“If I hadn’t gone, I would never have known what I was capable of, or imagined I could live far from my family and roots.”

“The children are thriving, they’re more open-minded, learning languages with surprising ease…”

“What sometimes discourages me is the slow administration, the corruption that remains quite present.”

“What re-energizes me is the highly preserved nature, being able to be by the sea every day—it’s relaxing, restful, and inspiring.”

Resources and Communities to Facilitate Acclimation

• Expat Groups and Forums (online and in-person, in Zagreb, Split, etc.)
• Local Welcome and Support Associations for newcomers
• International Schools and activities for expat children
• Professional Networks (especially in tourism, digital fields, language teaching)
• Specialized Blogs and Websites offering practical advice, testimonials, and meetups

Integration in Croatia requires patience, openness, and personal commitment. Support from expat communities and participation in local life are key factors for success and well-being.