Lake Balaton vs. Croatian coast: where is it better to work in the summer of 2025?

Salary, conditions, legal security

In the hospitality industry in Lake Balaton, net hourly wages for students and beginners are mostly between 2,000–2,500 forints, which means a monthly income of around 300–400 thousand forints. The best offers promise up to 450–500 thousand forints, but often no accommodation or meals are included. Reports on working conditions indicate that overtime, one day off per week, partial or full absence from work, and 12-16-hour shifts are common in many places.

In Croatia, the majority of hospitality workers work with written contracts, full notice, and the industry minimum wage. In support positions, the monthly net wage is typically 1,000–1,400 euros, and in more senior or specialized positions, 1,500–2,000 euros. Free accommodation, daily meals, and tips are additional tangible benefits.

Material balance

A seasonal worker in Balaton can expect to earn around 200,000 forints net with a six-day, ten-hour shift per day, with an average hourly wage of 2,400 forints, while similar work in Croatia can bring in 370,000–520,000 forints net, with minimal living expenses.

Which one is worth it for?

The advantage of Lake Balaton is its linguistic and geographical proximity, immediate starting opportunities, and a Hungarian-speaking working environment. However, from a material point of view, in the summer of 2025, the Croatian coast clearly offers better conditions: higher wages, more predictable employment relationships, more favorable benefits, and stronger legal security.