Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia
Last updated on Aug 12, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Croatia include its stunning natural beauty, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Additionally, the cost of living in Croatia is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Croatia include the fact that the country is still in the process of transitioning to a market economy, which can make it difficult to find reliable employment. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country is still in need of improvement, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other parts of Europe. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Croatian.
What are the pros and cons of living in Croatia?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Croatia responded:
"I moved to Opatija, Croatia in March 2022 and I am 76 years retired. I like this little town. My problem is the language. I speak German and English. English helps to go around. Croatian I will never learn. Way too complicated. To deal with the government is a major challenge. Without a lawyer no way. The people here are reserved not very friendly. I have a very nice neighbor who helps me a lot which makes life a little easier. I am not sure I will stay here for the rest of my days," said one expat in Croatia.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty of Croatia. The country's Mediterranean climate and diverse landscape make it an ideal place to live and work. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country's vibrant culture and friendly locals make it a great place to settle down. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in setting up a business or residence in Croatia to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Croatian," remarked one expat in Croatia.
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What do expats in Croatia appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Croatia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture with visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Croatia, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Croatia, which allows them to take the time to explore and appreciate the country's many attractions," said one expat in Croatia.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Croatia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as many of the processes are not well-documented or easily accessible. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Finally, the cost of living in Croatia can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," said a person living in Croatia.
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.
Additional Information:
- Croatia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Croatia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Croatia
- Best Places to Live in Croatia
- Guide to Real Estate in Croatia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Croatia
- Cost of Living in Croatia
- Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa
- 8 Best Places to Live in Croatia
- Croatia Visa & Residency
- Croatia's Temporary Stay Visa and Biometric Residence Permit
- 2025 Guide to Living in Croatia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia 2025