The 6 Best Places to Live in Croatia

Croatia is a gem of Southeast Europe, which positioned itself as a country that offers a variety of opportunities for immigration and a comfortable life here. This country’s coastal area is situated along the Adriatic Sea; near this location are some of the most beautiful scenery, ancient cities, and high living standards that make people from all over the world want to settle there. Due to the low cost of living, high-quality and accessible healthcare, and friendly community, Croatia should be one of the favorite destinations of expats. In this guide, we are going to list six of the most suitable Croatian cities for expats, which will give you a taste of different aspects of living in Croatia.

Why Consider Living in Croatia?

Everybody who lives in Croatia feels like they are in a fairy tale, with the beautiful coastlines and attractive old buildings, and the lifestyle most of the people there live is so healthy and calm. It is safe; the political stability of the country makes it safer for expats when compared to most European countries; the country is cheap; the cost of living in the country is lower than in many countries within the European Union. The healthcare is good, and Croatia is in a perfect location if you want to travel further to the rest of Europe.

Also, such a climate as Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters is also a plus for the country. People interested in becoming residents or moving to Croatia for a long term or working remotely, Croatia is an ideal place because of its modern facilities and preserved culture.

The Best Places in Croatia for Expats

Zagreb – Croatia’s Vibrant Capital

Zagreb is the capital and the largest city in Croatia, and it is a cultural, economic, and educational center that provides an expat with all they need. As a major city with lots of street life, a vibrant café scene, and numerous museums, Zagreb is ideal for those who like a city break that still has a lot of history and culture. Among them there are several international companies, which means the city became the perfect place for those people who are looking for a job in Croatia.

Split – Coastal Living at Its Best

In view of this, Split is one of the best towns in Croatia for a coastal experience. Split is situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea with the specifics of both a historical European city and a Mediterranean leisurely pace. The Old Town, which is a world heritage site, is a web of narrow alleys, Roman remnants, and colorful piazzas that give life and history.

Dubrovnik – A Scenic and Historic Retreat

Dubrovnik, or the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” as many tourists refer to it, looks like something out of a fairy tale. As a result of the great city walls, the beautiful old town, and the beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea, many expats choose Dubrovnik as a nice, small city to live in, with a long history.

Rijeka – A Growing Expat Hub

Rijeka lies on the northern Adriatic coast and is an emerging city that can offer a blend of industrial and lively atmosphere. Rijeka, being Croatia’s leading seaport, has a very active and youthful palette of energy that is easily seen through its maritime-related activities and fast-growing tourism industry. It is also abundant in cultural festivals and events, appealing to the visitors.

It is more cost effective to find accommodation in Rijeka than in Dubrovnik or Split which is good news for cheapos like myself. This, together with social life in the city and its recent discovery by digital nomads, creates a start of a tradition of young expats in the city. Due to its position close to the Istrian Peninsula and Slovenia, there are numerous chances to cross the borders, which makes Rijeka rather useful and very interesting for the expatriates.

Zadar – A Coastal City with a Modern Vibe

Zadar is the combination of old and new that provides a modern seaside experience with the historical background. The city is popular for the remaining part of the Roman Empire, the wonderful bay, where an astounding waterfront, as well as the sunsets, were once called the best in the world by Alfred Hitchcock. People that are living in Zadar can have a very calm and relaxed life, but they are still able to have numerous activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea.

The following are some of the reasons why Zadar is trendy for digital nomads and remote workers, especially because they can be had for a relatively cheap price. With more coworking spaces and nomad-friendly events being established in the city, it is a great place to be for an online professional. As the city that is not too busy and is just several kilometers away from the Kornati Islands and Paklenica National Park, Zadar is perfect for those planning their business trip along with active vacations.

Pula – A Blend of Nature and History

Located in the Istrian Peninsula, Pula provides one with a laid-back kind of lifestyle in a city filled with nature and history. It is famous for the well-reserved Roman amphitheater where different cultural activities are held from time to time. As will be seen later, the attractiveness of Pula lies in its proximity to the sea, including beautiful beaches and national parks, which will be of interest to most of the expatriates.

Nevertheless, it is much smaller than Split, for example, but it boasts a healthy foreign population and a friendly population. It’s also a center for food lovers, with specialties such as truffles and seafood being dominant in the city. Those who seek to move away from large metropolises but want to have all the needed amenities for comfortable living, Pula can become a perfect choice.

Conclusion

Croatia’s diverse cities provide a range of lifestyles and experiences, making it an ideal destination for expats. Whether you prefer the urban energy of Zagreb, the coastal beauty of Split and Zadar, or the historic charm of Dubrovnik and Pula, there’s a city in Croatia that’s perfect for you. The country’s welcoming atmosphere, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes ensure that living in Croatia is more than just a move—it’s an adventure.