Prices climb on Croatian coast as tourist season kicks off

Dubrovnik

As the summer season begins along the Croatian coast, residents and visitors alike are already feeling the impact of a significant rise in retail prices.

As RTL Direkt reports, data collected over the past three weeks show that prices of essential goods in coastal towns have jumped noticeably, with the steepest increase recorded in Tribunj, where costs have gone up by 10.38 percent.

The price of everyday necessities paints a clear picture. A pack of toilet paper that costs 2.79 euros in Zagreb is now selling for 3.32 euros in Tribunj – a 19.10 percent increase. Cleaning products have risen from 2.59 to 2.99 euros, while a litre of yoghurt has climbed from 0.99 to 1.08 euros.

“These are basic items people must buy, especially in tourist apartments, and that drives prices even higher,” explains economist Mladen Vedriš.

In smaller towns like Žminj, he notes, toilet paper is already up by 17 percent.

Government-mandated transparency in retail pricing has led to the development of apps that track nearly nine million product prices across the country. These tools reveal the spread of seasonal inflation along the coast.

Tribunj tops the list with a 10.38 percent rise, followed closely by Posedarje (10.11 percent), Pakoštane and Pomer (10 percent), and Pašman (9.96 percent), RTL Direkt says.

Vedriš warns that if this three-week trend continues across a full year, the increase could exceed 20 percent annually.

Surprisingly, hygiene products – not food – have seen the biggest spikes. “I never expected toiletries and cleaning items to become the most expensive. I thought food would be the main driver,” says Ivo Ugrina, co-developer of the price comparison app.

Mainland vs. Coast: The Price Gap Widens

A comparison between mainland and coastal prices shows striking differences. Nappies, for example, cost 14.99 euros inland but up to 25.99 euros on the coast.

Basic toothpaste can be found for around 3 euros inland, but on the coast it may cost as much as 6 euros. A chocolate bar that normally sells for 2 euros on the mainland can fetch up to 8 euros in seaside shops.

For many, this is now a familiar pattern. “It’s become normal – every summer brings new prices,” says Ružica from Split. “I watch what I buy and where,” she adds. “Food and hygiene items are constantly going up. It’s frustrating, especially as a student – everything is expensive,” says Lucija, also from Split.

Locals are feeling the pressure. “What costs the most right now?” one older resident is asked. “Fruit and vegetables,” he replies.

Interestingly, smaller tourist towns are seeing sharper increases than larger cities. While Split has seen a price rise of just over 1 percent and Dubrovnik nearly 3 percent, the small coastal village of Zaostrog recorded a 10 percent jump.

Economist Damir Novotny explains that supplying smaller Adriatic communities is far more costly than doing so in large urban centres. “It’s easier to supply one million people in Zagreb than 200,000 scattered across Zadar County. Someone has to cover that cost,” he notes.

Changing Tourist Habits

Rising prices are already beginning to influence visitor behaviour. Experts suggest tourists may increasingly bring their own supplies to reduce spending during their stay.

“This definitely affects inflation and the tourist season. Guests are calculating what they get for their money, how much accommodation costs – and many are arriving already stocked up. Soon they won’t just be bringing tins of pâté, but toilet paper too,” says Vedriš.

But what may concern locals most is the long-term impact. “Once prices go up, they rarely come down. That hurts both local residents and consumers overall,” concludes Novotny.