Croatia Week
Home » Entertainment » Why Croatians leave home later than anyone in Europe

Why Croatians leave home later than anyone in Europe

Croatia home late

(Illustration)

ZAGREB, March 19, 2025 – Croatia tops the list for the country where young people stay in the family nest the longest.

According to the most recent Eurostat data, the average age at which Croatians leave their parental home is 31.8 years, topping the list of European nations.

This trend reflects a mix of cultural traditions, economic realities, and the strong family ties that define life in Croatia. Across Europe, the age at which young adults pack their bags and strike out on their own varies widely.

What’s keeping Croatia’s youth at home?

For one, the Croatian family unit is famously close-knit. Multi-generational households aren’t uncommon, especially in rural areas where tradition reigns supreme.

Add to that a housing market that’s tough to crack – with high property prices and a shortage of rentals – and it’s easy to see why many opt to stay with mama and tata.

Croatia house

Many Croats choose to stay in the family home

Economic factors also play a part. Youth unemployment, while improving, remains a hurdle, and many young Croatians pursue higher education well into their 20s, delaying financial independence.

Here’s the rundown of the top 10 countries where kids stay home the longest, based on the most recent Eurostat figures.

The Top 10: Europe’s Homebodies

      1. Croatia – 31.8 years 
      2. Slovakia – 31.0 years 
      3. Greece – 30.6 years 
      4. Spain – 30.4 years 
      5. Bulgaria – 30.0 years 
      6. Italy – 30.0 years 
      7. Portugal – 29.7 years 
      8. Slovenia – 29.5 years 
      9. Romania – 28.8 years 
      10. Poland – 28.5 years

    *Source: Eurostat 2023 data*.

    Although the ages of leaving home are higher, World of Statistics published a broader list

Sign up to receive the Croatia Week Newsletter

Related Posts