What is more expensive? The Croatian coast or Lake Balaton?

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 07. 12. 11:07

For years, Croatia has been one of the most popular summer destinations among Hungarians, as it has proven to be a particularly attractive choice due to its proximity and value for money. But how long will it stay that way? In the coming years, it will be clear whether Croatia will be able to maintain its popularity among Hungarian tourists, or whether other countries will take their place on the list of the most popular destinations due to the consequences of rising prices and the influx of tourists. Pénzcentrum looked at Croatian restaurant prices and found out if they are cheaper than the shores of Lake Balaton.

Croatia is still one of the most popular summer destinations among Hungarians, and the introduction of the euro in January 2023 did not cause a huge price shock either, but due to inflation, it was difficult to assess the real effects. In January 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen and Eurozones, which could make tourism more competitive. Although the euro brings benefits to Croatia’s economy, many have expressed concern about possible price increases. Some of the media and the public suspected that service providers, especially restaurants, would take advantage of the currency exchange to increase their prices excessively.

According to 2022 reports, a holiday in Croatia has become 30 percent more expensive on average compared to pre-pandemic times. A tourist from Vienna, for example, complained that ten tasteless cevaps and a small beer cost almost 25 euros. Accommodation prices also rose significantly, by an average of 30 percent. According to Barbara Marković, president of the Croatian Family Accommodation Association, Croatia is now more expensive than Spain and Greece, and prices will continue to rise.

We have covered Croatia in many articles this year, examined the costs of travel and accommodation, and compared it with Lake Balaton. Below we share a report from around Senj:

Ice cream: 5 euros (2 scoops), HUF 1,968
Bar: a beer, a sligovica and a soft drink 6 euros, HUF 2300
Best local restaurant menu:
Fried meat with fries: 17 euros, HUF 6,700
Chicken fillet with mushroom sauce, rice: 17 euros, HUF 6,700
Pork medallion with green pepper sauce, croquettes: 19 euros, 7500 forints
Steak with croquettes: 27 euros, HUF 10,600
Salad: 5 euros, 2000 HUF
Pancakes: 6 euros, HUF 2360

Appetizers range from 9 to 17 euros, salads from 15 euros, sea fish from 19 to 57 euros, which is between HUF 7,400 and HUF 22,000. A kilo of fish is usually weighed before it is prepared and must be paid proportionately.

Social media also has fresh prices from Gornji Karin, which is located north of Zadar on the coast of the Carinian Sea:

Salads: 3-5 euros (1200-2000 HUF)
Desserts: 4.5-6 euros (1700-2300 HUF)
Ice cream: 1.5 euros (590 forints)
Fish: 8-21 euros (3150-8270 HUF)
Steak: 18-34 euros (7,100-13,400 forints)
Hamburger: 11 euros (4300 HUF)

The details of the comparison can be found in the recent video of the Pénzcentrum.