Cost of Living in Zadar
Summary: If you're moving to Zadar, understanding the the cost of living in Zadar helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in Zadar is around €400-€600 per month, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Utilities are usually included in the rent. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Zadar is around €1,000-€1,500 per square meter. The cost of purchasing an apartment in the city center is usually higher than in the suburbs. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Zadar is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket costs around €1.50 and a monthly pass costs around €20. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around €5-€10. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Zadar is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1, a liter of milk costs around €1.50, and a dozen eggs costs around €2.50. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Zadar is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-€20 per person. A cup of coffee costs around €2-€3. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Zadar is relatively low. The average monthly cost of electricity, water, and gas is around €50-€60. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Zadar varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition is around €200-€300 per month, elementary school tuition is around €400-€500 per month, middle school tuition is around €500-€600 per month, and high school tuition is around €600-€700 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Zadar
"The cost of living in Zadar is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Zadar are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Zadar is relatively cheap, with monthly passes available at a reasonable price. Gasoline prices are on par with the European average. Healthcare in Zadar is generally affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. However, private health insurance is recommended for expats. Entertainment and sports activities are also reasonably priced in Zadar. A monthly gym membership is quite affordable, and cinema tickets are also reasonably priced. Overall, the cost of living in Zadar is quite low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, salaries in Zadar are also lower than the European average, which should be taken into account when considering moving to this city," said one expat living in Zadar.
Can I live in Zadar on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Zadar for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Arbanasi, Stanovi, or Plovanija, where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400 to $500 a month. You should avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Diklo or Borik, as the rents there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity, water, and internet can add up, so try to conserve energy and use public Wi-Fi when possible. You can expect to spend around $100 to $150 a month on utilities.When it comes to groceries, shopping at local markets and discount stores like Lidl or Kaufland can help you save money. Cooking at home instead of eating out will also help you stick to your budget. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries.Transportation costs can be kept low by using public transportation or riding a bike. A monthly bus pass in Zadar costs around $40, and you can find a decent used bike for around $100.As for entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be selective about how you spend your money. Going out for drinks or dinner can be expensive, so try to find free or low-cost activities like going to the beach, hiking, or attending local events. You can also save money by inviting friends over for a potluck dinner or movie night instead of going out.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Zadar is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping smart for groceries, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Zadar.
Can I live in Zadar on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Zadar for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Zadar include Arbanasi, Stanovi, and Plovanija. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local amenities and are still close enough to the city center. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Borik, Diklo, and the Old Town, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods for around $500 to $800 per month. Of course, if you're willing to share an apartment with a roommate, you can cut down on your housing costs even more.As for transportation, Zadar is a relatively small city, so you can easily get around by walking or biking. If you need to use public transportation, a monthly pass costs around $40. Owning a car can be more expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car only when necessary.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Zadar. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with an average meal costing around $10 to $15. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that to stay within your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Zadar. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit the numerous historical sites, and take part in various outdoor activities. However, you might have to limit your spending on more expensive activities like sailing or attending high-end events.Overall, living in Zadar on a $3,000 per month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment," said one expat living in Zadar.
Can I live in Zadar on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Zadar for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Zadar is a beautiful city with a lower cost of living compared to many other European cities, so your budget should be more than enough to cover your expenses.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out the neighborhoods of Stanovi, Diklo, or Borik. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options while still providing access to modern amenities. You can expect to pay around $500 to $800 per month for a decent apartment in these areas.On the other hand, if you want to live closer to the city center and don't mind spending a bit more on rent, you can look into neighborhoods like Poluotok or Voštarnica. These areas are more expensive, with rents ranging from $800 to $1,500 per month, but they offer a more vibrant atmosphere and are closer to the city's main attractions.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are quite affordable in Zadar. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $40, and you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 per month on groceries for a single person. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, should cost you around $150 to $200 per month.Eating out and entertainment options are also reasonably priced in Zadar. You can enjoy a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around $15 to $20 per person, and a movie ticket will set you back around $6. If you're into outdoor activities, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, national parks, and hiking trails nearby to explore.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Zadar on a $5,000 per month budget is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your housing choices and budget accordingly for other expenses, and you should have no problem making it work," commented an expat living in Zadar.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.