Is Split a good place to live?
Split is Croatia's second city and one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary urban environments — a city where people live inside a 4th-century Roman emperor's palace. At €950 per month, it combines Adriatic beach access, incredible history, excellent seafood, and a growing expat and digital nomad scene that has made it one of Europe's most talked-about emerging destinations.
Croatia joined the EU in 2013, Schengen in 2023, and adopted the euro in 2023. Split is the gateway to Dalmatia — the islands (Brač, Hvar, Šolta) are just a short ferry ride away. The city has a genuine year-round population unlike coastal resorts, with a strong university presence. Croatia introduced a digital nomad visa in 2021. English is widely spoken among young Croats.
Neighbourhoods in Split
Meje
Popular residential neighbourhood west of centre. Green, quiet, walkable to the beaches and old town.
Firule
Eastern neighbourhood with a local beach. Residential, quiet, popular with professionals.
Varoš
Old neighbourhood under the castle. Authentic, local, stone houses. Best traditional restaurants.
Žnjan
Newer area east of centre. Beach access, modern apartments, affordable. Less character but practical.
Rent in Split
A one-bedroom apartment in Split city centre costs around €650 per month — rising to €900+ during summer. The old town (Diocletian's Palace) is magical but expensive. Meje and Firule are popular with expats. Žnjan (east) and Kman are more affordable residential areas.
| Housing | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, city centre | €650 |
| Internet (unlimited) | €25 |
Food and drink in Split
Dalmatian cuisine is superb — fresh fish, peka (lamb or octopus slow-cooked under an iron lid), pašticada (beef stew), and excellent local wine (Pošip, Plavac Mali). A meal at a local konoba costs €8–14. Fresh fish from the Pazar market is excellent. Coffee culture is strong — a coffee costs €1.50–2 and is enjoyed at length on a terrace.
| Food & drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Beer at a bar | €3.00 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | €8 |
| Cappuccino | €1.80 |
Transport in Split
Split has a city bus network with a monthly pass at €25. Ferries to the islands (Brač 50 min, Hvar 1h) are the essential complement to the bus. The city is very walkable in the centre. Zagreb is 4h by bus or train.
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly transport pass | €25 |
Weather in Split
Day trips from Split
Hvar (1h by ferry) is Croatia's most glamorous island. Brač (50 min ferry) has the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Krka National Park (1.5h north) has spectacular waterfalls. Dubrovnik (4h south by bus) is unmissable. Trogir (30km, 30 min by bus) is a UNESCO old town.
Quality of life in Split
Total monthly budget in Split
A realistic monthly budget in Split for a single expat is €950 — rent €650, groceries €130, eating out €100, transport €35 (bus + occasional ferries), phone €12, gym €20, leisure €80.
Frequently asked questions about Split
How much does it cost to live in Split per month?
A comfortable monthly budget in Split is around €950, including rent (€650), food, transport and leisure. Costs rise significantly in peak summer season.
Is Split good for digital nomads?
Split is increasingly popular with digital nomads — Croatia's digital nomad visa allows non-EU nationals to stay for up to 1 year. The combination of Mediterranean lifestyle, reasonable costs, and EU membership makes it very attractive.
What islands are close to Split?
Split is the gateway to the Dalmatian islands. Brač (50 min by ferry) has Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most famous beach. Hvar (1h by catamaran) is the most glamorous island. Šolta (1h) is quieter and more local.
Does Split have harsh winters?
No — Split has a mild Mediterranean climate year-round. Winter temperatures are 6–12°C with occasional rain. The city is quiet and very local in winter, which many expats prefer to the packed summer season.
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