Croatia has become one of the more expensive destinations in the Mediterranean when it comes to restaurant and hotel prices, ranking above countries such as Spain and Greece. According to an analysis by Euronews based on Eurostat data for 2025, only France and Italy have higher prices among Mediterranean countries.
Using the EU average index of 100 as a benchmark, Portugal remains one of the most affordable destinations for tourists with a price level of 73.6. It is followed by Turkey and Spain, while Greece records an index of 86.1. Croatia’s index stands at 89.6, placing it among the more expensive choices for travelers in the region.
Economic analyst Petar Vušković told Croatian media that the rising costs in the country’s tourism sector are mainly linked to growing expenses for businesses. These include higher energy prices, increased labor costs and more expensive food supplies, which are eventually reflected in prices for visitors.
Eurostat data also shows that Croatia ranks among the European countries with the highest food prices. Only France, Greece and Italy have more expensive food markets according to the same comparison.
However, analysts warn that the figures should be interpreted carefully because Eurostat relies on national averages rather than prices in specific tourist hotspots. The Croatian average includes both highly popular destinations such as Dubrovnik and Hvar, as well as less tourist-heavy areas like Zagreb, Lika and Slavonia. The same methodology applies to the other countries included in the comparison.