The cost of a basic monthly consumer basket for a four-member household in Croatia rose again in November, reaching an average of €486.07, or €2.51 more than in October, according to the latest nationwide price comparison by the portal kolikokosta.hr, conducted in cooperation with the Croatian Consumer Protection Association (HUZP).
After a brief dip in October, prices have returned to levels recorded in September, confirming a continuing upward trend across much of the country.
Požeško-Slavonska County Tops the List — Again
For the second consecutive month, Požeško-Slavonska County recorded the most expensive “survival basket,” at €495.55.
The most affordable basket, meanwhile, was found in Sisak-Moslavina County, priced at €477.39.
Close behind as the second-priciest region is Dubrovnik-Neretva County at €494.58, followed by the City of Zagreb at €491.06. On the lower end of the spectrum, Koprivnica-Križevci County (€478.19) and Virovitica-Podravina County (€478.78) remain among the most budget-friendly.
Single-Person Households Hit Hardest
For three-member households, the national average for a basic basket reached €386.33, an increase of €2.04 from October. Again, Požeško-Slavonska County remains the most expensive (€393.95), while Sisak-Moslavina maintains the lowest cost (€379.68).
Single-person households face the steepest burden: the basic consumer basket for one person cost €250.31 in November, up €1.61 month-on-month. The highest price was in Požeško-Slavonska County (€255.91), and the lowest in Koprivnica-Križevci (€245.69).
What’s Inside the “Survival Basket”?
The basic basket contains 51 essential items needed to cover modest but balanced monthly needs — bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, meat, affordable fish, dairy, spices, and basic hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, detergent and toilet paper.
Quantities are calibrated for minimal living standards, without excess or luxury, which is why the researchers label it a “basket for survival.” Preference is given to domestic products available in most major retail chains.
How Prices Are Calculated
Prices are averaged across counties based on daily retail price lists, which chains are required to publish under a government decree introduced on May 2. The national average represents the mean of all county-level figures and provides the clearest picture of the general cost of food and hygiene across Croatia.
Standard Basket Also Rising
In addition to the basic basket, the portal calculated the price of a “standard basket,” which includes 77 food and hygiene products reflecting typical consumer habits.
In November, its cost reached:
-
€721.34 for a four-member household (+€2.44 vs October)
-
€575.82 for a three-member household (+€2.00)
-
€326.59 for single individuals (+€1.45)
The data highlights a continued rise in living costs across Croatia, especially affecting pensioners living alone, who — according to the analysis — can afford only half of the basic survival basket from their monthly income.