Moving to Zagreb

Zagreb is Croatia's capital and largest city, blending Central European charm with a relaxed Mediterranean pace of life. Split into the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the bustling Lower Town (Donji Grad), it offers cobblestone streets, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and a thriving café culture along streets like Tkalciceva. With affordable living costs, a growing tech scene, and EU membership since 2013, Zagreb is attracting a steady stream of digital nomads, remote workers, and professionals looking for a high quality of life at a fraction of Western European prices.

Zagreb at a Glance

Why Move to Zagreb

• Affordability: Zagreb is significantly cheaper than most Western European capitals. A comfortable one-person lifestyle — rent, groceries, dining out, and transport — can be achieved for around €1,200–€1,500/month, compared to €2,500+ in cities like Amsterdam or Vienna.
• Growing tech scene: Croatia's startup ecosystem is centered in Zagreb, with companies like Infobip and Rimac Automobili putting the city on the global map. Coworking spaces, hackathons, and a supportive community make it an appealing base for tech workers and entrepreneurs.
• Compact and walkable: The city center is easily explored on foot. Most daily needs — groceries, cafés, parks, and services — are within a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride from any central neighborhood.
• EU and Eurozone member: As part of the EU since 2013 and the Eurozone since 2023, Zagreb offers freedom of movement for EU citizens, no currency exchange hassle (the official currency is the Euro (€)), and straightforward access to the single market.
• Quality of life: Four distinct seasons, safe streets, a rich cultural calendar, and a famously relaxed café culture contribute to a lifestyle that consistently ranks well in European quality-of-life surveys.

Finding Housing in Zagreb

Zagreb's rental market is active and relatively affordable compared to Western Europe, though prices have been rising steadily since Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023. Most long-term rentals are unfurnished, though furnished options exist at a premium of 10–20%. The market moves quickly in popular neighborhoods, so having documents ready and being prepared to commit within a few days is important.

Average Rents

How to Find Housing

• Index.hr: Croatia's largest classifieds site — the go-to for apartment listings.
• Njuskalo.hr: Popular real estate platform with filters for price, size, and neighborhood.
• Facebook groups: "Zagreb Rentals" and "Expats in Zagreb" groups often post listings before they hit major sites.
• Local agencies: Agencies charge one month's rent as a fee but can save time navigating contracts and language barriers.

Tips for Expats

• Expect to pay a deposit of one to three months' rent upfront.
• Most contracts are signed for one year (called "Ugovor o najmu").
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are usually billed separately — budget an extra €100–€150/month.
• Always verify that the landlord is the registered owner before signing.
• If you are a non-EU citizen, your landlord may need to provide a copy of their property registration for your residence permit application.
• Avoid paying deposits in cash without a written receipt. Bank transfers leave a traceable record.

Neighborhoods Guide

Zagreb is divided into the historic Upper Town and the more modern Lower Town, with residential districts radiating outward. Each neighborhood has a distinct personality, and the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and commute needs.

• Donji Grad (Lower Town): The heart of Zagreb — elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings, museums, theaters, and the main square (Trg bana Jelačića). Best for professionals and those who want to be in the middle of everything. Walkable to Tkalciceva, Dolac Market, and most coworking spaces. Mid-to-high rent.
• Gornji Grad (Upper Town): The medieval old town with cobblestone lanes, St. Mark's Church, and panoramic city views. Charming but limited rental stock and higher prices. Quiet at night. Ideal for history lovers and those seeking atmosphere over convenience.
• Tkalciceva area: Surrounding Zagreb's most famous pedestrian street. Cafés, bars, and restaurants right outside your door. Great for nightlife and social expats, but can be noisy on weekends. Rents skew higher due to the central location.
• Trešnjevka: A formerly industrial neighborhood undergoing rapid gentrification. Excellent value, good tram connections to the center in 10–15 minutes, and a growing food and bar scene. Popular with young professionals, creatives, and families priced out of the center.
• Maksimir: Green and residential, home to Zagreb's largest park and the city zoo. Quiet streets, good schools, and family-oriented. Slightly further from the center but well-connected by tram. Lower rents than the center make it popular with families and nature lovers.
• Dubrava: One of the most affordable districts in Zagreb. Well-connected by tram, with local markets and a strong community feel. Less polished than other areas but improving steadily. Best for budget-conscious newcomers who want an authentic, local experience.

Cost of Living in Zagreb

Zagreb remains one of the most affordable capitals in the EU. While prices have risen since Eurozone adoption in 2023, the city still offers significantly better value than Western European peers. A single person can live comfortably on €1,200–€1,600/month, and a couple can manage well on €2,000–€2,500.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Day-to-Day Costs

• Coffee: €2–€3
• Lunch (casual): €8–€12
• Monthly transport pass: €46
• Beer (bar): €3–€4
• Cinema ticket: €6–€8
• Gym membership: €30–€50/month
• Loaf of bread: €1–€1.50
• Monthly utilities (avg.): €120–€160
• Bottle of water (0.5L): €1–€1.50
• Meal at mid-range restaurant: €15–€25
• Taxi (city center, short ride): €5–€8

Saving Money in Zagreb

• Shop at Dolac Market and local greenmarkets for fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.
• Take advantage of the affordable "gablec" lunch menus offered by most restaurants between 11:00 and 15:00 on weekdays.
• Use the monthly tram/bus pass (€46) instead of buying single tickets — it pays for itself within about 30 rides.
• Many museums offer free admission on certain days or reduced rates for students and seniors.
• Cook at home using ingredients from local markets — a weekly grocery run at Dolac costs roughly €25–€40 for one person.

Getting Around Zagreb

Zagreb is a compact city with an efficient public transport network. Most residents rely on trams and buses for daily commuting, though the center is very walkable.

• Public transport: Zagreb's tram and bus network covers the entire city. A monthly pass costs around €46 and is the most economical option for daily commuters. Single tickets are about €1.50 and can be purchased from the driver or via the ZET app.
• Cycling: The city is mostly flat in the Lower Town, and bike lanes are expanding. Rental services and bike-sharing options like Nextbike are available from spring through autumn.
• Driving: Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on bridges connecting the east and west sides of the city. Parking in the center is limited and regulated with zones (1, 2, and 3) at varying hourly rates. A car is more useful for exploring surrounding areas — the coast, Plitvice Lakes, or Slovenia — than for daily city commuting.
• Airport: Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) is about 17 km from the center, with shuttle buses and taxi connections. It serves direct flights to most major European cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Istanbul.
• Intercity: Regular train and bus services connect Zagreb to Split (5–6 hours), Rijeka (3–4 hours), Dubrovnik (9–10 hours by bus), and neighboring capitals like Ljubljana (2.5 hours) and Vienna (4–5 hours by train).

Healthcare in Zagreb

Croatia provides a solid level of healthcare, and Zagreb as the capital has the best facilities in the country. Both public and private options are available, and the quality of care is generally high.

• Hospitals/Clinics: Zagreb has several major hospitals including University Hospital Centre (KBC Zagreb) and Sestre Milosrdnice. Private clinics like Svjetlost and Aviva offer faster access, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff.
• English-speaking doctors: Widely available in private clinics and increasingly common in public facilities, especially among younger practitioners. Dentists and specialists with English proficiency are easy to find in the center.
• Pharmacies: Abundant throughout the city, with many open late or on rotating weekend schedules. Prescription medications are affordable under the public system.
• Emergency number: 112 (general) / 194 (ambulance)
• Health insurance: Legal residents are covered through the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Many expats supplement this with private insurance for faster specialist access.

Culture & Lifestyle

Zagreb has a distinctly Central European feel — closer to Vienna or Budapest than to the Dalmatian coast. The pace of life is relaxed but not sleepy, with a strong café culture, a lively arts scene, and a calendar packed with festivals and events.

• Café culture: Zagreb takes its coffee seriously. Sidewalk cafés fill up daily, especially along Tkalciceva and around Trg bana Jelačića. Ordering a coffee and sitting for hours is the primary social activity — nobody rushes you.
• Dolac Market: The city's iconic open-air market, located just behind the main square. Fresh produce, local cheese, honey, and flowers — open every morning and the heart of Zagreb's food scene. The red umbrellas are a defining image of the city.
• Tkalciceva street: Zagreb's most famous pedestrian street, running through the heart of the old town. Lined with cafés, wine bars, and restaurants, it transforms into the city's main social strip by afternoon. A must-visit for anyone settling into Zagreb's social rhythm.
• Upper Town (Gornji Grad): The medieval core of the city, reached on foot or by the shortest funicular in the world. Cobblestone streets, St. Mark's Church with its colorful tiled roof, the Stone Gate, and sweeping views over the rooftops. It is quiet at night and atmospheric during the day.
• Museums and arts: Home to the Museum of Broken Relationships (globally unique), the Mimara Museum, the Croatian National Theatre, and a vibrant street art scene. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or for students.
• Festivals: Advent in Zagreb (consistently voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe), INmusic Festival, Animafest, and Zagreb Film Festival are highlights on the annual calendar.
• Nightlife: Ranges from relaxed wine bars and jazz clubs to lively clubs in the Tkalciceva area and along the Sava river banks. The scene is energetic but far more affordable than in most European capitals.

Food & Dining

Zagreb's food scene blends traditional Croatian cuisine with modern bistro culture. The city is increasingly recognized as a food destination in its own right, not just a stopover to the coast.

• Local specialties: Štrukli (baked cheese pastry, Zagreb's signature dish), Ćevapi (grilled minced meat with flatbread), Zagrebački odrezak (breaded veal stuffed with ham and cheese), and seasonal strudel varieties.
• Dolac Market: The iconic red-umbrella market behind the main square is open every morning. Farmers from surrounding villages sell fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheese (sir), cured meats, and honey. It is the best place to buy quality produce at fair prices and experience daily Zagreb life.
• Best areas for dining: Tkalciceva street for atmosphere and variety, Bogovićeva for casual dining, and the side streets around Dolac Market for traditional konoba (tavern) meals.
• Budget options: Pekarnas (bakeries) sell pastries and sandwiches for under €3. Many restaurants offer a "gablec" (lunch menu) for €6–€9, which typically includes soup and a main course. Fast-casual spots serve ćevapi or burek for €4–€6.

Expat Community

Zagreb's expat community has grown noticeably in recent years, driven by remote workers and tech professionals discovering the city's affordability and lifestyle.

• Meetup groups: Regular language exchanges, hiking groups, board game nights, and tech meetups through Meetup.com and Facebook. Events are often held in English.
• International organizations: The International Women's Club of Zagreb, various EU professional networks, and Croatian language exchange programs provide structured ways to meet people.
• Coworking spaces: HUB385, Impact Hub Zagreb, and BIZkoshnica are popular with freelancers and remote workers. They host community events, workshops, and networking evenings.
• Online communities: The "Expats in Zagreb" Facebook group is the most active online community, with thousands of members sharing advice on housing, bureaucracy, and social life.

Job Market in Zagreb

Zagreb is Croatia's economic engine, home to the majority of the country's corporate headquarters, tech companies, and international organizations. The job market has tightened in recent years, with labor shortages in IT, healthcare, and hospitality creating opportunities for skilled expats.

• Main industries: IT and software development, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, finance, and logistics.
• Major employers: Infobip (cloud communications), Rimac Automobili (electric vehicles), Ericsson Nikola Tesla (telecom), INA (energy), Zagrebačka Banka (banking), and various international firms with regional offices.
• Average salaries by sector:
• Job search resources: Posao.hr, MojPosao.net, LinkedIn, and local startup community boards. Networking events hosted by HUB385 and Impact Hub are also valuable for making connections.
• Freelancing and self-employment: Croatia offers a "paušalni obrt" (flat-rate sole proprietorship) that is popular among freelancers due to simplified tax obligations. Digital nomads from outside the EU can apply for Croatia's digital nomad visa, which grants a one-year tax-free stay.

Education in Zagreb

Zagreb has a strong education infrastructure at all levels, from primary schools to world-class universities. International schooling options have expanded in recent years to meet growing expat demand.

• International schools: American International School of Zagreb (US curriculum), British International School of Zagreb (British curriculum), German School Zagreb (German curriculum). Tuition ranges from €8,000–€18,000/year depending on the school and grade level.
• Universities: University of Zagreb (founded 1669, one of the oldest and largest universities in Central Europe), Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM), and Algebra University College (focused on IT and digital skills).
• Language schools: Numerous Croatian language courses for foreigners, plus Goethe-Institut, British Council, and Alliance Française offering European language programs.

Visa & Residency

EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Croatia without a visa for an unlimited period. Non-EU nationals need a residence permit, which typically requires proof of employment, enrollment in education, or sufficient financial means.

• Short stays (up to 90 days): Most non-EU nationals can enter on a Schengen Type C visa.
• Long-term residence: Requires a National Visa D or a temporary residence permit. Applications are submitted at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.
• Digital nomad visa: Croatia offers a dedicated visa for remote workers employed by companies outside Croatia. It grants a one-year stay and is exempt from Croatian income tax.
• EU Blue Card: Available for highly skilled non-EU workers with a qualifying job offer in Croatia.

More details: Croatian Ministry of Interior — Foreigners

Related Guides

• [Moving to Croatia] — comprehensive country guide
• [Moving to Split] — coastal city guide
• [Moving to Ljubljana] — nearby capital in Slovenia