⚖️ City comparison
Ljubljana vs Zagreb
Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Zagreb (Croatia), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Zagreb is 15% cheaper: $1,821 vs $2,147 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Zagreb: $883 vs $1,157 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Both have 7 pleasant months a year.
- Similar temperatures: coldest-month highs 43°F vs 43°F, hottest 82°F vs 83°F.
- Internet is faster in Zagreb: 337 vs 238 Mbps median download.
- Slovenia has a nomad visa ($3,447/mo); Croatia has a nomad visa ($2,918/mo).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇸🇮 Ljubljana | 🇭🇷 Zagreb |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 75 | 79 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $2,147 | $1,821 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,157 | $883 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $990 | $937 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 7 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 43–82°F | 43–83°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 78/100 (residents) | 79/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 238 Mbps | 337 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 11.7 µg/m³ | 12.8 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | n/a | Very high (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | High |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | High | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~8.5h 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 Visa → launched Nov 2025 (Europe's newest) | Digital Nomad Permit |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income, top 50% | 🟢 Friendly · Worldwide income, top 35.4% |
Best months to be there
🇸🇮 Ljubljana
4 best months
🇭🇷 Zagreb
2 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Ljubljana 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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