Travel Prices in Croatia: Food, Alcohol, Hotels & More (2026 Update)

In 2026, Croatia is no longer the hidden budget secret it was a decade ago. Prices are up, the Euro is fully settled in, and the crowds are bigger than ever.

But here is the good news: the country still offers incredible value if you know how to navigate it – and you’ll surely know it all after you go through my article today.

In this article, I share waht you should expect if you’re planning a trip here, covering meals, drinks, hotels, and even unexpected costs like the new pricing for national parks. All in all, you will be able to decide if Croatia fits your budget or if you need to adjust your savings goal.

Note: This article focuses on prices in Croatia for tourists. If you want to relocate and live here, you should check my Croatia cost of living article instead, as it paints a clearer picture of long-term living costs.

Quick Overview: What to Expect in 2026

Although more expensive than ever, Croatia can still be explored and enjoyed on a manageable budget.

While inflation and the switch to using the Euro currency have pushed costs higher than ever, especially during peak season (June – August), planning ahead helps you snag good deals – especially on accommodations.

Speaking of which, make sure to read about the top all-inclusive resorts in the country and book early for discounts.

Also, traveling in the shoulder months (like mid-May, September, or early October) can trim your daily expenses and still let you enjoy pleasant weather.

Now, let’s check out some real-world price examples below!

Food prices in Croatia

Food costs are generally low in Croatia, even during the high season. There are plenty of fast food kiosks offering a quick meal for a low price, but also affordable restaurants (local tavernas) if you want something a bit more substantial.

Here are some examples of prices for various foods and meals this year, from budget oriented to more expensive:

Burek – (baked pastries filled with cheese or meat) starting from €2.00 to €2.50 per slice, these are hearty and delicious. You MUST try one of these traditional Croatian foods while visiting the country (and most likely more afterward!) You will fall in love with them – I sure did!

Soparnik – these also cost €2.00 to €3.00 a piece. Soparnik is a thin double-crust pizza filled with spinach or blitva (chard) that is tasty and always leaves you buying a second.

Pizza – This is where you’ll see a big jump, as prices range from €3 for a slice to €15 for an entire pie. Prices vary depending on the type you choose, with more expensive options available.

Viska pogaca, a type of pie from the island of Vis with anchovies, onion and tomato for approx €2. Another must try Croatian delicacy!

Cevapi or Cevapcici – A full portion (usually 5-10 pieces) in a sit-down restaurant now costs between €10 and €15.

Mouth-watering and filling, these are grilled beef and pork rolls with onions served in a thin bun called lepinja, usually with ajvar (a red pepper relish).

Burgers and sandwiches are available for around €8 and above in tourist spots.

Vegetarian / vegan food – Tofu, seitan sandwiches of whole grain, sushi vegan, stewed meal with vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Prices range from €8 to €15 per portion.

Shrimp, Squid and Mackerel – Small portions of fried seafood like smelts (gavuni) or squid on the go range from €8 to €12. They are filling and tasty, as you can imagine from the photo below:

Looking to cook like a Croatian? Make sure to check out my fritule recipe, as well as the krostule recipe to get started!

As for restaurants, you can always find something affordable here, especially if you avoid the ones aimed at tourists and opt for the konobas (local taverns) instead. Here are the costs:

• Full course meal in a local restaurant – Around €15 – €17 for a single person (“daily menu” type of meal).
• A full meal for two in a decent restaurant (main and dessert, drinks, and tips) starts at around €50 and can quickly go up to €90 (or even more if you splurge).

I still remember the first time I ate out in Rijeka during my first visit there. It was my wife, my son and I who ate a TON of delicious food at a local restaurant (near the sea, so pretty touristy too) called Pizza Bracera.

I’m marking it on Google Maps here, because you must visit it if you’re in the area.

But we were extremely surprised at how little we had to pay for all the food you can see below. Here’s what we had, for an impression on what a relatively basic restaurant delivers:

Croatia alcohol prices & how much is a beer

For those visiting pubs and nightclubs, it’s good to know that alcoholic drinks are normally divided into two groups: the international brands (which are more expensive) and the cheaper local alternatives.

In this case, your drink will cost half the price, and some local brandies (like Rakije) are really strong and all visitors love.

Prices range from €3 to €5 for a small glass of Rakija (0.3 to 0.5 dl) all the way to “sky’s the limit” for fancier drinks. Here are some of the starting prices this season:

Drink	Restaurants	Market
Local beer (0,5 draught)	€4.00 – €6.00	Around 2 Euros (can)
Imported beer (bottle)	€5.00 – €7.00	€2.50 – €3.50
Bottle of wine	€25 – €60+	€8 – €30
Water (0.33 bottle)	~€3.00	€1.00 – €1.50
Coke (0.33 bottle)	~€3.50 – €4.50	€1.20 – €1.80

Coffee Culture in Croatia

Coffee is also usually cheap in Croatia and the Croats love their coffee – so expect to find delicious options everywhere.

Prices for a cup of coffee usually range from €2 to €6 in the more touristy places, depending on the place and type of coffee you order.

Usually, you can have a good espresso shot for around €2 per cup, which is a good price.

In Zagreb, on the popular Tkalciceva street, coffee prices hover around €3, while going towards the center will see a price increase, getting them closer to €5.

The prices of coffee on the Split Riva waterfront, which is one of the most popular places to go out and socialize in the city are also around €3.5 per cup.

But the most expensive coffee will definitely be found in Dubrovnik during the summer season. On the popular Stradun street, a simple coffee with milk goes up to €5.

The golden rule of thumb is this: If you want to spend less, go beyond the most famous streets and squares. The coffee remains delicious, and the prices dip a bit.

Hotel prices in Croatia

When deciding to book your stay in Croatia, you should expect prices to be pretty high, especially in the touristy areas and near the beaches.

Here is what you should expect to per room, for one night, based on the rating of the hotel and the time of visit:

Category	Low Season	High Season
2-star hotels	€50 – €70	€70 – €100
3-star hotels	€70 – €90	€110 – €160
4-star hotels	€90 – €130	€180 – €300
5-star hotels	€150 – €250	€350 – €600+

You can check out the hotel prices for your dates on Booking.com to get the best deals (affiliate link – I will get a commission if you book your stay through it, but at no extra costs for you).

Hotel prices in Croatia sometimes exceed the amount of €600 per night if you want the best rooms and suites, refined designer furniture, paintings, silk sheets, and branded cosmetics in the bathroom. But for luxury, you pay a premium everywhere!

Some of these amazing hotels are Vestibul palace in Split. To feel like an Emperor, you have to be ready to pay a regal price amount per night.

Another luxury hotel worth talking about is Lesic Dimitri Palace in Korcula town (Korcula island) that can host only a maximum of 18 guests. Premium quality, as you can imagine!

Fortunately, you can still find affordable deals for good hotels and you can get even better prices if you book well in advance.

Personal advice: If you’re traveling with kids or in a larger group, consider apartment rentals. Split the cost of a multi-room place with a full kitchen, so you can cook meals. Not as fancy as eating in a restaurant, but cheaper.

Tourist Taxes, National Parks & Extra Fees

Beyond hotels and food, there are “hidden” costs you need to budget for when you visit this year.

Tourist Tax: Croatia charges a small tourist tax (called a “sojourn tax” or “city tax”). It is usually €1.50 to €3.00 per person, per day, depending on the destination and season. Children under 12 won’t pay it, while those between 12-18 years will pay just half.

It is usually included in your hotel bill, but private apartment hosts might ask for it in cash upon arrival – make sure to confirm it either way when you book.

National Park Entrance Fees: This is where many budgets take a hit, especially if you plan to visit the famous waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park during the summer peak. Tickets are expensive.

• Plitvice Lakes: Adults pay up to €40 per ticket in peak season.
• Krka Waterfalls: Similar pricing, hovering around €40 for an adult ticket in summer.
• Parking: Expect to pay €1.50 – €2.00 per hour at these parks.

Also, consider the fact that tipping is a common practice here, starting at 10% in restaurants to rounding up the bill in bars, cafes or taxis, or 1-2 Euros per day for hotel maids. You can read everything about tipping in Croatia here.

Public Transport & Travel Costs

Croatia has buses, ferries (for island hopping), and a limited train network. Prices vary depending on the route:

• Bus from Zagreb to Split: €25–€35
• Ferry rides: €6 – €12 (foot passengers, short routes) or €35+ for longer distances/catamarans. Bringing a car on a ferry is significantly more expensive (expect €40 – €80 one way depending on the route).
• City buses: Usually around €2.00 per ride if bought from the driver, slightly less at kiosks.

Renting a Car in Croatia

A great way to get to your hotel or explore your surroundings is by renting a car from the airport.

The best provider of cars to rent in Croatia is Discover Cars, which offers a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices.

You can easily compare prices and filter your search with Discover Cars based on your preferred pickup location, rental duration, and other criteria. Discover Cars has something for everyone, whether you want an economy car or a luxury SUV.

You can explore Croatia’s stunning coastline, historic cities, and picturesque countryside without breaking the bank by renting a car from Discover Cars.

Note on Gas Prices: Fuel in Croatia hovers around €1.50 – €1.65 per liter, which is fairly standard for Europe but adds up quickly on long drives along the coast.

Croatia vacation cost: how much to budget for a trip?

So, taking all the costs I have shared above into account, how much should you expect to spend for your vacation in Croatia?

Here is my estimated daily budget per couple and what you will get for the money:

Low Budget: €110 – €130 per day	Mid Range: €160 – €250 per day	Top end: €300 and above
– Hostel / Shared accommodation (2-star hotel) – Meals in local taverns and street food – Public transportation and a few attractions visited (mostly free beaches) – You can still have plenty of fun, but you are watching every Euro.	– Double room in a decent hotel (3-star, maybe better if you book in advance) – Meals in decent restaurants – A city tour – Short taxi trips to/from your destination – Overall, you have freedom to say “yes” to an extra drink or gelato.	– Double room or suite in luxury hotel (4 stars and above) – Meals a the best restaurants in the area – Private boat tours and full day trips to remote beaches – Car Rental or taxi rides everywhere

If you don’t know how much money to bring to Croatia and how to manage, then during your holiday, you should check out some useful budget tips before you get here.

Wrapping up

Croatia remains more affordable than most of the other summer destinations in Western Europe, like Spain, Italy, and even Greece, so you’ll get a bigger bang for your buck.

Even more, if you travel outside the peak of the season (which is from June to August when prices skyrocket), you can really do it on a tighter budget and still enjoy good weather: Croatia in September & October is still really nice!

In the end, it’s good to know that your trip to Croatia will be as expensive as you want it to be, but if you’re on a budget, you can still prepare an unforgettable vacation.

If you have any other questions – or maybe price examples to add and share, don’t hesitate to write a comment below!

Thanks for sharing this article!