Cost Of Living in Zagreb 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Zagreb

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Zagreb

Whether you're living in Zagreb or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: EUR
240 3,100 31,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $3,400 $34,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: EUR
300 2,100 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $2,300 $16,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: EUR
1,200 3,600 19,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $3,900 $21,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: EUR
1,700 4,800 31,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $5,200 $34,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: EUR
240 1,600 10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $1,700 $11,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Zagreb is 2,100 EUR. Expenses can range from 300 EUR at the minimum level to 14,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Zagreb is 3,600 EUR. Expenditure can range from 1,200 EUR to 19,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Zagreb is 4,800 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,700 EUR to 31,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Zagreb is 1,600 EUR. Students spend from 240 EUR to 10,000 EUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Zagreb


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Zagreb

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3 EUR 5.9 EUR 9.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

Restaurant meal for one

10 EUR 16 EUR 31 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $34

Fine dining meal for one

21 EUR 31 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $34 $130

Cappuccino or latte

2.5 EUR 3.9 EUR 5.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.3 $6.4

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2 EUR 2.4 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.6 $3.2

12 eggs

1.5 EUR 2 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

Fresh whole chicken

3.4 EUR 4.3 EUR 6.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $4.7 $6.7

Pack of beef

3.9 EUR 5.9 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $13

Medium bag of rice

1.6 EUR 2.2 EUR 3.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.4 $3.3

Bag of tomatos

0.59 EUR 0.79 EUR 1.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.85 $1.6

Bag of apples

1.1 EUR 1.4 EUR 2.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Zagreb

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.6 EUR 3.1 EUR 6.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $6.7

Average car full tank

15 EUR 20 EUR 39 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $43

Average car 1-day rental

16 EUR 22 EUR 33 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $24 $35

Average car price

7,400 EUR 15,000 EUR 20,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,000 $16,000 $21,000

Bus ticket one way

0.54 EUR 0.81 EUR 1.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.88 $1.8

Car Service

22 EUR 33 EUR 65 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $35 $71
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Zagreb

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

18 EUR 130 EUR 860 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $140 $930

Utility Bill - Couple

48 EUR 160 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $170 $1,100

Utility Bill - Family

84 EUR 240 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$91 $260 $1,700

Internet and cable

15 EUR 30 EUR 39 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $32 $43

Mobile phone charges

12 EUR 20 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $21 $64

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

7.4 EUR 9.9 EUR 15 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $11 $16

One month gym membership

26 EUR 33 EUR 65 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $35 $71
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Zagreb

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

19 EUR 27 EUR 41 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $29 $44

Woman dress

18 EUR 25 EUR 81 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $88

Woman shoes

17 EUR 23 EUR 54 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $59

Men's shoes

15 EUR 18 EUR 36 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $39

Men suit

16 EUR 20 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $120

Regular t-shirt

8.1 EUR 11 EUR 33 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $12 $35
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Zagreb

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

270 EUR 410 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment

410 EUR 650 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $710 $1,800

2-bedroom apartment

540 EUR 810 EUR 2,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $880 $2,400

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

54,000 EUR 81,000 EUR 160,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59,000 $88,000 $180,000

1-bedroom apartment

65,000 EUR 110,000 EUR 410,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71,000 $120,000 $440,000

2-bedroom apartment

110,000 EUR 330,000 EUR 650,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $350,000 $710,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Zagreb

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

300 EUR 370 EUR 490 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $400 $530

Double Bed

200 EUR 300 EUR 370 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $320 $400

Single Bed

170 EUR 230 EUR 300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $250 $320

Living Room

330 EUR 420 EUR 1,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $460 $1,600

Dining Table

150 EUR 200 EUR 370 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $210 $400

Sofa or Couch

200 EUR 270 EUR 590 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $290 $640
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Zagreb

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

200 EUR 300 EUR 590 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $320 $640

Fridge or Freezer

170 EUR 270 EUR 370 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $290 $400

Washing Machine

230 EUR 330 EUR 590 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $360 $640

Stove or Cooker

210 EUR 270 EUR 370 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $290 $400

Mobile Phone

250 EUR 300 EUR 420 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $320 $460

Laptop or Computer

270 EUR 330 EUR 590 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $360 $640

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Zagreb

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Zagreb

Spending to Income Ratio

91%

83% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Zagreb is 91% This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
91%

Couple
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
96%

Family
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
87%
110%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Zagreb

How do people spend their money in Zagreb?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$78   72 EUR
AVERAGE$1,000   930 EUR
HIGH$10,000   9,300 EUR
Per Month

People living in Zagreb typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 930 EUR with expenditure ranging from 72 EUR to 9,300 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$13   12 EUR
AVERAGE$170   160 EUR
HIGH$1,700   1,600 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Zagreb ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 160 EUR with 12 EUR and 1,600 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$340   310 EUR
HIGH$3,400   3,100 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 24 EUR to 3,100 EUR on commuting with 310 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$65   60 EUR
AVERAGE$840   780 EUR
HIGH$8,400   7,800 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Zagreb is 780 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 60 EUR to 7,800 EUR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$18   17 EUR
AVERAGE$240   220 EUR
HIGH$2,400   2,200 EUR
Per Month

People in Zagreb allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 17 EUR to 2,200 EUR with 220 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$10   9.6 EUR
AVERAGE$130   120 EUR
HIGH$1,300   1,200 EUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 9.6 EUR to 1,200 EUR with 120 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$16   14 EUR
AVERAGE$200   190 EUR
HIGH$2,000   1,900 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 190 EUR per month with 14 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 1,900 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$34   31 EUR
AVERAGE$440   400 EUR
HIGH$4,400   4,000 EUR
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Zagreb

How much money can you save in Zagreb every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Zagreb manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
71%
Not Saving
30%

Almost 71% of the surveyed people in Zagreb said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 30% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Zagreb

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples67%33%
Families61%39%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Zagreb

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

87 EUR
$94
1,100 EUR
$1,200
11,000 EUR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,100 EUR on average with savings ranging from 87 EUR to 11,000 EUR.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 67% of couples said the same. 61% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Zagreb?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

87 EUR
$94
780 EUR
$850
5,200 EUR
$5,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 780 EUR with 87 EUR and 5,200 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

430 EUR
$470
1,300 EUR
$1,400
6,900 EUR
$7,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 34% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,300 EUR with 430 EUR and 6,900 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9.8% 17% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

610 EUR
$660
1,700 EUR
$1,900
11,000 EUR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Zagreb can save anywhere between 9.8% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,700 EUR with 610 EUR and 11,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Zagreb

Saving Challenges in Zagreb

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Zagreb. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Zagreb

Typical saving choices for people in Zagreb

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Zagreb

Affordable living in Zagreb

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Zagreb?


Yes
73%
No
27%

Around 73% of surveyed residents think that living in Zagreb is affordable with proper budgeting while 27% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Zagreb

Low-cost alternatives in Zagreb

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options65%

Few low-cost options35%


Based on the survey, 65% of the people living in Zagreb have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 35% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Zagreb whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes73%

No27%


Based on the survey, 27% of the people living in Zagreb said that they don't have an emergency fund while 73% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Zagreb

Financial Literacy in Croatia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy62%


We asked residents of Croatia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 38% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 62% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Croatia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 30% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 70% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance30%

Easily manages finances70%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Zagreb

Financial goals of people in Zagreb

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Zagreb, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction38%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 38% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Zagreb

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Zagreb and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Croatia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Zagreb:
AgeAmount
258,500 EUR
3017,000 EUR
3530,000 EUR
4042,000 EUR
4563,000 EUR
5089,000 EUR
55110,000 EUR
60130,000 EUR
65160,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Zagreb about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job13%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Zagreb

170 EUR
$190
1,600 EUR
$1,700
10,000 EUR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Zagreb

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Zagreb


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in Zagreb have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Zagreb

Debt-to-income ratio in Zagreb

Debt to income ratio

32%

23% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of the people's monthly income in Zagreb goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%15%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Zagreb pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Zagreb

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan18%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan40%

10% of debtors in Zagreb confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 18% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Zagreb.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Zagreb

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Zagreb how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Zagreb

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Zagreb

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Zagreb

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

270 EUR 410 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

410 EUR 650 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $710 $1,800

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

540 EUR 810 EUR 2,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $880 $2,400

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

650 EUR 1,100 EUR 3,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710 $1,200 $3,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 EUR 3,300 EUR 6,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,500 $7,100

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,100 EUR 1,600 EUR 4,700 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,800 $5,000

House monthly rent cost

1,300 EUR 3,300 EUR 6,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,500 $7,100

Villa monthly rent cost

1,600 EUR 4,100 EUR 6,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,400 $7,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Zagreb ranges between 270 EUR and 1,100 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 410 EUR to 1,600 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 540 EUR and 2,200 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 650 EUR to 3,000 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Zagreb is around 1,600 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 3,300 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,600 EUR to 6,500 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Zagreb

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

54,000 EUR 81,000 EUR 160,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59,000 $88,000 $180,000

1-bedroom apartment price

65,000 EUR 110,000 EUR 410,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71,000 $120,000 $440,000

2-bedroom apartment price

110,000 EUR 330,000 EUR 650,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $350,000 $710,000

3-bedroom apartment price

360,000 EUR 540,000 EUR 1.6M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390,000 $590,000 $1.8M

Townhouse price

470,000 EUR 1.1M EUR 4.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500,000 $1.2M $4.4M

House price

540,000 EUR 3.3M EUR 4.7M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590,000 $3.5M $5M

Villa price

650,000 EUR 3.6M EUR 5.4M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710,000 $3.9M $5.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Zagreb can range from 54,000 EUR to 160,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 65,000 EUR to 410,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 3.6M EUR on average with prices ranging from 650,000 EUR to 5.4M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Zagreb will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


41 x118 monthly income 222
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Zagreb can be x118 to x222 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x118 multiples of the average monthly salary in Zagreb.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 34% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Zagreb is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 45% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


4.8 EUR 62 EUR 620 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Zagreb

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Zagreb

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

18 EUR 130 EUR 860 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $140 $930

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

48 EUR 160 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$52 $170 $1,100

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

84 EUR 240 EUR 1,600 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$91 $260 $1,700

Internet and cable cost

15 EUR 30 EUR 39 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $32 $43

Mobile phone bill and charges

12 EUR 20 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $21 $64

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Zagreb ranges between 18 EUR and 860 EUR with average being 130 EUR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 160 EUR with 48 EUR and 1,100 EUR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 240 EUR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 15 EUR to 39 EUR with 30 EUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 20 EUR but can range between 12 EUR and 59 EUR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.3% 6.5% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Zagreb is around 6.5%. This means that people pay 6.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Zagreb

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Zagreb

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3 EUR 5.9 EUR 9.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Zagreb is approximatly 5.9 EUR with meal cost ranging from 3 EUR to 9.9 EUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

10 EUR 16 EUR 31 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $34

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 10 EUR and 31 EUR with 16 EUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Zagreb.

Fine dining meal for one price

21 EUR 31 EUR 120 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $34 $130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 21 EUR to 120 EUR with the average cost being 31 EUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Zagreb.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.5 EUR 3.9 EUR 5.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.3 $6.4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Zagreb is around 3.9 EUR. Price ranges between 2.5 EUR and 5.9 EUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2 EUR 2.4 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.6 $3.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Zagreb is 2.4 EUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3 EUR and the minimum being 2 EUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.5 EUR 2 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

A dozen eggs costs around 2 EUR on average with 1.5 EUR and 3 EUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.4 EUR 4.3 EUR 6.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $4.7 $6.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Zagreb is between 3.4 EUR and 6.2 EUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.3 EUR.

Pack of beef price

3.9 EUR 5.9 EUR 12 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $13

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 5.9 EUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.6 EUR 2.2 EUR 3.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.4 $3.3

A bag of rice in Zagreb costs around 2.2 EUR on average with prices rangeing between 1.6 EUR and 3.1 EUR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.59 EUR 0.79 EUR 1.5 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.85 $1.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.59 EUR to 1.5 EUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.1 EUR 1.4 EUR 2.3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.5

A bag of apples costs 1.4 EUR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


20% 28% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Zagreb is around 28%. This means that people spend 28% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 340 EUR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 49 EUR and 2,300 EUR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 500 EUR per month. That number can be get as low as 170 EUR or a high as 2,700 EUR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 300 EUR to 5,600 EUR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Zagreb

Housing cost for a single person31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$120   110 EUR
AVERAGE$840   770 EUR
HIGH$5,600   5,200 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$20   18 EUR
AVERAGE$140   130 EUR
HIGH$930   860 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$190   170 EUR
HIGH$1,200   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$53   49 EUR
AVERAGE$370   340 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$30   27 EUR
AVERAGE$210   190 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$16   15 EUR
AVERAGE$120   110 EUR
HIGH$780   720 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$6.6   6.1 EUR
AVERAGE$47   43 EUR
HIGH$310   290 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$59   55 EUR
AVERAGE$420   390 EUR
HIGH$2,800   2,600 EUR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Zagreb

Housing cost for a couple28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$440   410 EUR
AVERAGE$1,300   1,200 EUR
HIGH$7,000   6,500 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$52   48 EUR
AVERAGE$170   160 EUR
HIGH$1,100   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$160   140 EUR
AVERAGE$470   430 EUR
HIGH$2,500   2,300 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$180   170 EUR
AVERAGE$540   500 EUR
HIGH$2,900   2,700 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$140   130 EUR
AVERAGE$430   390 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$78   72 EUR
AVERAGE$230   210 EUR
HIGH$1,200   1,100 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$78   72 EUR
HIGH$410   380 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$220   200 EUR
AVERAGE$660   610 EUR
HIGH$3,500   3,200 EUR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Zagreb

Housing cost for a family27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$580   530 EUR
AVERAGE$1,700   1,500 EUR
HIGH$11,000   9,900 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$91   84 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$1,700   1,600 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$180   170 EUR
AVERAGE$520   480 EUR
HIGH$3,400   3,100 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$330   300 EUR
AVERAGE$930   860 EUR
HIGH$6,100   5,600 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$160   150 EUR
AVERAGE$520   480 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$91   84 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$1,700   1,600 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$250   230 EUR
AVERAGE$730   670 EUR
HIGH$4,700   4,300 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$150   130 EUR
AVERAGE$410   380 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Zagreb

Housing costs for Student19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$62   57 EUR
AVERAGE$410   380 EUR
HIGH$2,700   2,500 EUR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$10   9.6 EUR
AVERAGE$68   63 EUR
HIGH$450   420 EUR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$18   17 EUR
AVERAGE$120   110 EUR
HIGH$790   730 EUR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$52   48 EUR
AVERAGE$340   310 EUR
HIGH$2,300   2,100 EUR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$16   14 EUR
AVERAGE$100   94 EUR
HIGH$680   630 EUR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$13   12 EUR
AVERAGE$85   78 EUR
HIGH$570   520 EUR
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$49   45 EUR
AVERAGE$320   300 EUR
HIGH$2,100   2,000 EUR
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$39   36 EUR
AVERAGE$250   230 EUR
HIGH$1,700   1,600 EUR
Per Month
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