What things in Croatia are cheaper and which are more expensive than the EU average?

Croatia vs EU: Price Comparisons

The average price level in Croatia is at 76% of the European Union average. Many items here are more expensive than in other countries, particularly food, telecommunications services, and electronics, as confirmed by Eurostat data.

However, some segments where Croatia is cheaper might come as a surprise.

When we say prices are at the European Union average, citizens know that something is expensive.

However, when the European Union publishes research results on more than 2,000 goods and services showing that food in Croatia is 22% more expensive than the European average, it becomes clear to everyone where prices have soared.

“This is certainly not good news. We should aim to be around the average, if not cheaper. If this situation persists and consumers decide that prices are too high, they will turn to cheaper competitors or slow down their spending, which is not good for anyone—not for the state budget, retailers, or producers,” Drago Munjiza, a business consultant, told HRT.

Surprisingly, meat, fruit, and vegetables are cheaper in Croatia than the EU average.

The most expensive items are juices, mineral water, coffee, and tea, which cost up to 27% more.

Croatians spend 15% more than the EU average on bread and cereals, while milk, cheese, and eggs are 4% more expensive.

Cheese

These figures do not surprise consumer associations, which consistently warn about the high prices of food.

“Despite having a significant amount of our own production, including direct agriculture and the food industry, food is exceptionally expensive here. In fact, 40% of our budget goes on food. Considering the average pensions and wages, and the fact that many people earn below the average, the percentage of the budget spent on food is even higher,” Ana Knežević, president of the Croatian Association for Consumer Protection, also told HRT.

Outside the category of food, some items in Croatia are cheaper.

Cigarettes are 30% cheaper than the EU average, furniture is 13% cheaper, transportation services are 11% lower, and services in hotels, cafes, and restaurants are 10% lower.

Coffee

Eurostat data show that the Croatian standard of living is also maintained by relatively affordable housing costs, which is echoed by economic expert Novotny.

“We do not have property taxes, whereas all other countries, especially those in the Eurozone, have this form of tax that burdens residential buildings. Electricity in Croatia is known to be several times cheaper for households than the EU average, and until recently, gas was also cheaper, said economic expert Damir Novotny.

Split

However, cheaper items are rare. Two more items are worth mentioning that are more expensive compared to the EU average, namely electronic devices and the cost of telecommunications services.

In addition to high prices, spending power in Croatia is also lower due to lower wages compared to the EU average. This further exacerbates the impact of rising costs on consumers.