- by croatiaweek
- March 17, 2026
- in
Croatia’s annual inflation rate stood at 3.8% in February 2026, with rising housing and energy costs continuing to drive the increase in the cost of living, according to the latest data on consumer prices.
Measured by the consumer price index, prices for goods and services used for personal consumption were 3.8% higher compared with February 2025. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.3% compared with January 2026, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics said today.
The figures show that while inflation remains moderate, certain sectors – particularly housing and utilities – are putting increasing pressure on household budgets.
The largest annual price rise was recorded in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which increased by 10.2%, making it the biggest contributor to overall inflation.
Significant increases were also recorded in several other categories:
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: up 7.7%
• Restaurants and accommodation services: up 6.3%
• Healthcare: up 3.8%
• Recreation, sport and culture: up 3.7%
• Personal care and various goods and services: up 3.4%
• Information and communication: up 3.2%
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages: up 2.9%
• Insurance and financial services: up 2.9%
• Transport: up 0.8%
Food prices, one of the most closely watched indicators for consumers, rose by 2.9% year-on-year, contributing significantly to the overall inflation increase.
Some sectors see price decreases
Despite the general upward trend, a few sectors recorded lower prices compared with the same period last year.
Prices fell in:
• Education services, down 1.6%
• Furniture, household equipment and maintenance, down 1.0%
These decreases slightly offset the broader rise in consumer prices.
Harmonised inflation slightly higher
Croatia’s harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) – the measure used to compare inflation across the European Union – showed a 3.9% annual increase in February 2026.
On a monthly basis, harmonised consumer prices also rose 0.3% compared with January.
The latest figures suggest that while inflation in Croatia remains below the high levels seen in previous years, the continued rise in housing, energy and hospitality costs is still affecting household spending.
Housing-related expenses, in particular, remain the strongest driver of inflation, highlighting the growing importance of utility and accommodation costs in Croatia’s overall cost-of-living picture.