Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia is affordable. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not comparable to, say, India, but it certainly offers a cost of living that rivals most livable countries. “My daughter goes to the theater once a month for 20 to 30 kuna (US$3.60 to US$5.40),” says Karl Gillingham, who arrived there from London five years ago. School, too is less expensive in Zagreb. “A kindergartner in the UK might pay 800 pounds (US$1,212) a month for a good education compared to 400 kuna (US$72) at the international kindergarten in Zagreb—or as little as 50 kuna (US$9) at the local school—which offers a very good education as well.”

If you are an active family, the good climate and green spaces combined with low prices offer ample opportunities for healthy living. You can roller-blade, ice skate, sail, or ski all for much less than you would in neighboring countries. The chair lift ride, for example, is only 11 kuna (US$2) one way, 17 kuna (US$3) round trip.

Zagreb also has a terrific public transportation system, and you can purchase a Zagreb Card for up to 50% savings on transportation, museums, theaters, hotels, and restaurants. The three-day card is 90 kuna (US$16); the 24-hour card is 60 kuna (US$10.80). Trams run frequently within the city; buses travel inside and outside the city. The funicular runs to Zagreb’s higher points; a ticket is only 6.5 kuna (US$1.20) at a kiosk/a day pass is 18 kuna (US$3.25).

Zagreb shopping basket

Since 1994 the currency here has been the kuna, abbreviated kn or HRK. It is divided into 100 lipa. Many also use the euro, although you’ll have better luck getting exact change if you stick to kuna.

Credit cards are often accepted, but always have cash on hand as well. Asked about shopping, an expat explains: “There are only a couple of multiplexes, which is underwhelming when you consider other cosmopolitan cities. Still, you can find anything you need here. Also, it’s not as cheap as people think…especially if you come here from the United States and the weak dollar. It’s certainly not as cheap as it once was.”