⚖️ City comparison
Dubrovnik vs Zagreb
Two cities in Croatia, compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet and how easy it is to stay.
The short version
- Zagreb is 26% cheaper: $1,821 vs $2,448 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Zagreb: $883 vs $1,505 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Zagreb has more pleasant weather: 7 pleasant months a year vs 6.
- Dubrovnik is warmer: highs average 6°F more across the year (coldest-month high 55°F vs 43°F in Zagreb; hottest 87°F vs 83°F).
- Internet is faster in Zagreb: 337 vs 114 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Dubrovnik: PM2.5 of 8.4 vs 12.8 µg/m³ a year.
- Same country, same visa and tax rules: the Digital Nomad Permit covers both.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇭🇷 Dubrovnik | 🇭🇷 Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 58 | 79 |
| 💰 All-in / month | ≈$2,448 | $1,821 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,505 | $883 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $942 | $937 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 6 | 7 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 55–87°F | 43–83°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | Safer (country stats) | 79/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 114 Mbps | 337 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 8.4 µg/m³ | 12.8 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Very high (EF) | Very high (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | High | High |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Very high | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~9h to New York | ~9h to New York |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 1 h | 1 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Permit | Digital Nomad Permit |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟢 Friendly · Worldwide income, top 35.4% | 🟢 Friendly · Worldwide income, top 35.4% |
Best months to be there
🇭🇷 Dubrovnik
3 best months
🇭🇷 Zagreb
2 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Dubrovnik climate · Zagreb climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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