- by croatiaweek
- January 28, 2026
- in
Split
Croatia is close to the European Union average when it comes to restaurant and hotel prices, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
The figures provide a useful comparison for travellers, businesses and policymakers assessing the cost of hospitality services across Europe.
Eurostat’s price level index measures the relative cost of restaurants and hotels in each country, using the EU average as a benchmark set at 100.
The index does not reflect actual prices but shows how expensive or affordable a standard basket of hospitality services is compared with the European norm.
The data highlights significant differences across the continent. Switzerland tops the list as the most expensive destination among 37 European countries, with restaurant and hotel prices more than 70 per cent higher than the EU average, Euronews writes.
At the other end of the scale, North Macedonia ranks as the cheapest, with costs roughly half of the EU benchmark.
Within the European Union, Denmark is the most expensive country for dining and accommodation, while Bulgaria offers the lowest prices, well below the EU average.
Croatia in a Mediterranean context
Croatia sits close to the €100 EU average, placing it among the more moderately priced destinations in Europe.
When compared with other Mediterranean countries, Croatia is more expensive than some Southern European peers but remains competitive overall.
Portugal, Spain and Greece all record noticeably lower hospitality costs than the EU average, while Italy stands out as a higher-priced exception in Southern Europe. Among Mediterranean island nations, Cyprus and Malta are slightly cheaper than Croatia, although both remain more expensive than many countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
The figures confirm clear regional trends. Nordic countries consistently rank among the most expensive for restaurants and hotels, reflecting higher wage levels and operating costs.
Many Western European countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France, sit at or above the EU average.
In contrast, Eastern Europe and much of the Balkans remain significantly cheaper for hospitality services, reinforcing their reputation as affordable destinations for travellers.
North Macedonia is the cheapest, followed by Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro Serbia and Romania.
The variation in prices across Europe is largely shaped by labour costs, as hospitality is a labour-intensive sector. Countries with higher wages and stronger social contribution systems tend to have higher prices for food services and accommodation.
Other contributing factors include differences in energy and utility costs, taxation such as VAT, and the price of commercial property. Together, these elements create distinct cost structures for hospitality businesses in each country.
Most expensive countries
- Switzerland – 171
- Iceland – 167
- Denmark – 148
- Norway – 140
- Finland – 129
- Netherlands – 127
- Belgium – 125
- Luxembourg – 124
- Sweden – 124
- Germany – 117
- Austria – 112
- France – 110
- Italy – 110
- Euro area – 102
- EU – 100
-  Estonia – 98
- Croatia – 95