Split, Croatia

Split sits on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, a Mediterranean city where the sea meets a shoreline that rests at 0 m above sea level and the climate stays mild through the year. The old town grew up around Roman ruins, and the city remains compact enough that daily life often unfolds on foot. Expats tend to settle in Meje and Varoš, two neighborhoods that put residents close to the water, the historic core, and the everyday rhythm of a city of 161 thousand people. The timezone is Europe/Belgrade, so mornings here align with much of Central and Eastern Europe.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center runs $1,011/mo, while the same outside the center drops to $720/mo. A three-bedroom in the center costs $1,921/mo, and outside the center it falls to $1,305/mo. Utilities add $210/mo, internet $41/mo, and a mobile phone plan $20/mo. A monthly public transport pass is $39/mo and a gym membership $62/mo. For a single adult, monthly costs excluding rent come to $912/mo, and a family of four spends $3,238/mo excluding rent. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, land at $940/mo, $1,461/mo, and $1,942/mo. The average monthly net salary locally is $1,609/mo, and the cost of living index sits at 55/100 against New York City at 100. Eating out is modest: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $17 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $74, and a cappuccino is $3.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 80/100 and a crime index of 20/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is good, with an index of 35 where lower is better. Healthcare quality is rated Good, giving residents a dependable baseline for routine care and emergencies. The overall expat score is 80/100, and the city also scores 78/100 for FIRE, 73/100 for retirees, and 80/100 for digital nomads. English proficiency is common in tourist areas, and the expat community is medium in size, which means newcomers can find company without losing the local feel.

For longer stays, Croatia offers the Temporary Residence Permit (Privremeni boravak), which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,000/mo, and the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $3,762/mo. The nearest airport is SPU, 12 km away, making arrivals and departures straightforward. With average internet speeds of 100 Mbps, Split works well for remote professionals, early retirees, and anyone drawn to a Mediterranean city where the cost of living remains well below many Western European capitals. The mix of affordable rent outside the center, a safe environment, and a manageable pace makes it a practical base for those who want sea air without a punishing budget.