A European City With One Of The Lowest Costs Of Living Is Also The Most Central

Whether it's the current U.S. political climate, the ever-increasing cost of living, or simply a desire for new adventures, considering an international move could become increasingly more popular for U.S. residents. From the almost 27% increase in home prices between Q1 2020 and Q1 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, to the 34.7% increase in rent prices since pre-pandemic, according to Zillow, consumer budgets are increasingly being squeezed by necessities. This has left even less money in most people's wallets to handle other increases like inflation, skyrocketing egg prices, and even subscription service increases. All of this is to say, an international move could be just what the doctor ordered for those with both the ability and desire to move somewhere cheaper.

While retirees might consider international destinations like Portugal, those looking to become an expat before their golden years might consider Zagreb, Croatia for their international move. In fact, according to Jonelle Simunich, for A Way Abroad, "Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, is a place where history, art, and modern-day life intersect seamlessly." As the country's capital, the city functions as a cultural, political, and economic hub — making it the perfect destination for expats looking for European adventure. Simunich went on to say, that, "While [Zagreb] might be overshadowed by the Adriatic's coastal gems, this city has its own allure: grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, sprawling parks, and a blend of old-world charm and contemporary dynamism." Plus, the city boasts an enviable cost of living.

According to a 2025 report from Business Insider, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Zagreb's city center is just under $750, with monthly costs for a single person averaging another roughly $800. This number goes up for a family of four, with monthly costs, not including housing, totaling about $2,700.

With a population of 691,000, Zagreb also has the distinction of being on the smaller side for a major city, which can add to its charm and familiarity. This can be especially helpful, and even comforting, for those who might be intimidated by a big international move. It can also help explain the affordability of Zagreb's smaller scale purchases. For instance, the Business Insider report also found that the average cost of a cappuccino in Zagreb is just $2.18 compared to the average cost of a cappuccino at a U.S. based Starbucks — across all four sizes — costing $4.45 in 2024, according to The Krazy Coupon Lady.

Meanwhile, the cost of a three-course meal for two in Zagreb is just $62.87. Meanwhile restaurants in the U.S. continue to raise their prices, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index finding that the CPI rate for food categorized as Food Away from Home climbed 3.8% between March 2024 and March 2025. While eating out might not seem like a priority, the financial ability to actually do so — not to mention the quality of life boost this revelation might cause – could be a compelling selling point for moving to Zagreb.

Moving to a foreign country can come with a host of new requirements and considerations. For starters, most countries won't allow you to simply move there without some kind of visa or permit. This is especially true for all non-EU immigrants, who will need to get a residence permit in order to live in Zagreb. While you can technically rent an apartment on a tourist visa, it's important to realize that getting the kind of long-term permit you need to live in the city longer than 90 days could be tied to employment.

While finding a job in Croatia might sound daunting, it's worth mentioning that the Croatian government offers what is known as a temporary stay of digital nomads, which is a visa that can allow you to stay in the country up to 18 months if you work for a non-Croatian employer. This can be useful for remote workers or even freelancers. Plus this visa even allows your spouse and children to come with you. Ultimately, this visa can serve as a good way to get your foot in the door in Zagreb, letting you not just learn about the city and find potential employers, but also giving you the time to decide if you really want to make a more permanent move to the city or not. However, keep in mind that you must be able to prove you have the financial means to support yourself, as well as proof of health insurance in order to qualify — something that could be trickier for freelancers.