For years Croatia had a reputation as a cheaper alternative to Italy and Greece. Travellers could wander medieval towns, swim in clear Adriatic waters, and dine on fresh seafood for a fraction of the price they might pay elsewhere in Europe. Those days have long passed and since Croatia joined the euro in 2023, prices have risen further and the country is no longer considered a budget destination. For anyone asking is Croatia expensive, the answer is yes, and it is now closer to a mid to high-end European travel destination.
Among all destinations in the country, Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Game of Thrones fame, and limited space mean that hotel rates, restaurant bills, and a simple coffee or beer will usually cost more here than anywhere else. That does not mean Dubrovnik is not worth visiting. It remains one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic and a highlight of any Croatia trip.
Is Croatia expensive?
The short answer is yes. Croatia is not the bargain it once was, and prices now align more closely with Greece, Italy, or southern France. A meal in a mid-range restaurant will usually cost between €20 and €40 per person, while coffee in a popular coastal town is around €3 to €4. A pint of local beer is usually €4 to €6, although in tourist areas this will be higher. Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses, with decent hotels starting at €100 per night in summer and luxury options easily topping €400.
Compared with inland Europe, Croatian prices are on the higher side, especially along the Dalmatian coast where most visitors spend their time. Inland cities like Zagreb or Osijek remain far more affordable, but they lack the coastline and islands that draw most travellers to Croatia.
Why have prices increased?
Croatia has been steadily getting more expensive as tourist numbers have increased over the last 15 years. Croatia officially adopted the euro in January 2023, replacing the Kuna and this change compounded the effect of the already rising prices. Some of the increase was due to rounding and adjustment, but much of it reflects Croatia’s popularity as a summer destination. Tourism numbers have grown every year, and demand has pushed prices up in hotels, restaurants, and tours.
The coast is particularly affected. Limited space inside historic towns like Dubrovnik and Split means accommodation is at a premium. Islands like Hvar, known for their nightlife and superyachts, see summer prices that rival Mykonos or Capri.
Dubrovnik; The most expensive city in Croatia
So is Dubrovnik expensive? Absolutely. It is the most expensive place in the country, and some visitors are surprised by the bills. A coffee on Stradun, the main street inside the Old Town, can cost €5 to €6. A simple beer in a bar on the city walls might be €8-€10. Dinner for two in a decent restaurant will easily reach €80 to €120 before drinks. Entry to walk the city walls is €40 per person, making it one of the highest single entry fees in Europe for a historic attraction.
If you want to see the sights in Dubrovnik while saving money, good tip is to buy the Dubrovnik City Pass. The one-day pass costs €40 and includes the walls, Lovrjenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace plus entry to several museums and galleries, as well as free use of city buses and discounts at local restaurants and shops. Three-day (€50) and seven-day (€60) passes include entry into extra museums and cultural sites and these passes offer even greater value if you are staying longer.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik is also costly. Budget hotels within walking distance of the Old Town are rare in peak season. You might pay €150 to €200 per night for something simple, and €400 or more for high-end hotels with sea views. Private transfers and taxis are also expensive compared with the rest of the country.
Split and Hvar; The next most expensive destinations
While Dubrovnik tops the list, the next most expensive destinations in Croatia are Split and Hvar. Split has become one of the busiest entry points to the country. Its airport and ferry port serve as gateways to the islands, and the city itself has transformed into a vibrant travel hub. The popularity has pushed up prices. Staying inside Diocletian’s Palace or along the Riva promenade comes at a premium, with hotel prices often not far behind Dubrovnik. Food and drink in the centre can also be surprisingly high.
Hvar is even more expensive when it comes to nightlife and luxury experiences. Known as Croatia’s party island and a favourite of celebrities and yacht owners, Hvar Town is one of the priciest spots in the country. Beach clubs can charge €20 for a cocktail, and upscale restaurants match prices in Saint-Tropez or Ibiza. Accommodation in Hvar Town in July or August is among the most expensive in the Adriatic, especially for boutique hotels or waterfront villas.
If we had to rank the most expensive destinations in Croatia, it is Dubrovnik first, followed by Split and Hvar. Beyond these three, prices drop noticeably.
Tips for saving money in Dubrovnik and Croatia
- Stay outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls or outside Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
- Eat and drink a street or two back from the main tourist squares.
- Travel in May, June, September, or October when prices are lower.
- Eat in local konobas, or family run restaurants, outside of the main tourist areas in Dubrovnik, Split or Hvar.
- Take a week long cruise with Yacht Club Croatia, where we take care of accommodation, all breakfast, all lunches and two dinners.
Is it still worth visiting?
Yes. Even with higher prices, Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar are worth the expense. Dubrovnik is unique in Europe, Split is alive with history and energy, and Hvar offers glamour and natural beauty. Croatia may no longer be the bargain it once was, but it still offers better value than many Western European destinations if you plan your trip carefully.
