It's much less expensive than the Scandinavian nations, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, and even Greece. The official local currency has been the Croatian Kuna, however, it's in the process of making a transition to the Euro. During the changeover, prices are displayed in both Kuna and Euro.

In 2026, whether Croatia is "overpriced" depends entirely on your location and the time of year. Since joining the Eurozone in 2023, prices across the country have risen significantly, particularly in "magnet" cities like Dubrovnik and Hvar. In these hotspots during July and August, you can expect to pay "London or NYC prices" for dinner and drinks, with some tourists complaining about €7 coffees and €50 parking fees. However, much of the country remains very reasonably priced. If you venture to the Istrian Peninsula, the city of Zadar, or the inland capital of Zagreb, you will find that costs are roughly 30% lower than in Western Europe. The "local" experience—shopping at supermarkets (Konzum or Tommy) and eating at "Konobas" (traditional taverns) away from the main plazas—still offers excellent value. To avoid feeling "ripped off," savvy travelers in 2026 visit during the shoulder seasons (May/June or September/October) when accommodation prices drop by half, and the quality of service is much higher. Croatia is no longer the "budget secret" it was 20 years ago, but it still offers a high quality of life and stunning beauty that many find worth the premium.