🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Zagreb, Croatia, my home for several months, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With a rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings, Zagreb has everything you need to stay inspired and productive. The city has a unique energy, with a mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture, lively markets, and a thriving food scene. As a Zagreb digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, explore the city’s many museums and galleries, and enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the reasons I love Zagreb is its affordability. With a monthly rent of $688 (approximately 5,000 HRK) for a one-bedroom apartment, it’s an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. The city also boasts an impressive internet speed of 46 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and get work done. As a remote worker in Zagreb, you’ll find that the city’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal place to strike a balance between work and play.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Zagreb, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Jarun: This charming neighborhood is located just a short tram ride from the city center and is surrounded by beautiful parks and lakes. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and swimming. Rent prices in Jarun are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 4,500 HRK ($630 USD) per month.
- Kaptol: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and is known for its stunning architecture, lively markets, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s a great spot for digital nomads who want to be in the midst of all the action, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces to choose from. Rent prices in Kaptol are a bit higher, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 6,000 HRK ($840 USD) per month.
- Šalata: This trendy neighborhood is located just north of the city center and is known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and alternative culture. It’s a popular spot for young professionals and digital nomads, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Rent prices in Šalata are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 5,500 HRK ($770 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Zagreb is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other major cities in Europe. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, a one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood like Kaptol or Šalata can cost around 5,000-6,000 HRK ($630-$840 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out in Zagreb can be very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 50-100 HRK ($7-$14 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a weekly shop costing around 500-750 HRK ($70-$100 USD).
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass costs around 400 HRK ($56 USD), while a taxi ride across town can cost around 100-150 HRK ($14-$21 USD).
- Coworking: There are several coworking spaces in Zagreb, with prices ranging from 1,000-2,000 HRK ($140-$280 USD) per month for a hot desk.
Overall, the cost of living in Zagreb is around 20-30% lower than in other major cities in Europe, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget.
Internet & Coworking
Zagreb has a thriving coworking scene, with several spaces to choose from. Some popular options include:
- Hub385: Located in the heart of the city, Hub385 offers a range of membership options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Prices start at around 1,500 HRK ($210 USD) per month.
- Zagreb Coworking: This coworking space is located in the trendy Šalata neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Prices start at around 1,000 HRK ($140 USD) per month.
- Impact Hub Zagreb: This coworking space is located in the city center and offers a range of membership options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Prices start at around 1,200 HRK ($170 USD) per month.
In terms of internet speed, Zagreb has an average speed of 46 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and get work done. Many cafes and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to work on the go.
Zagreb has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
- Zagreb Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, find accommodation, and get tips on the best places to eat and drink.
- Nomad List Zagreb: This group has over 500 members and is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, find coworking spaces, and get advice on the best neighborhoods to stay in.
- Expats in Zagreb: This group has over 2,000 members and is a great place to connect with other expats, find language exchange partners, and get tips on the best places to visit.
Culture & Lifestyle
Zagreb has a rich cultural scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and festivals to explore. Some popular attractions include:
- Museum of Broken Relationships: This unique museum is dedicated to the history of failed relationships and is a must-visit for anyone interested in quirky culture.
- Zagreb Cathedral: This stunning cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is a great place to learn about the city’s history and architecture.
- Dolac Market: This bustling market is a great place to try local food, buy souvenirs, and connect with locals.
In terms of lifestyle, Zagreb is a great place to strike a balance between work and play. The city has a laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of parks and green spaces to relax in. The surrounding countryside is also stunning, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Croatia. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can apply online or at the Croatian embassy in your home country. The cost of a tourist visa is around 35-50 EUR ($40-$56 USD), and it’s valid for up to 90 days.
Croatia also offers a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to 12 months. To apply, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a minimum income of around 17,000 HRK ($2,400 USD) per month.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when visiting Zagreb:
- SIM cards: You can buy a SIM card at the airport or at a local telecom store. Prices start at around 100 HRK ($14 USD) per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. You can buy a monthly pass for around 400 HRK ($56 USD).
- Safety: Zagreb is a very safe city, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Weather: Zagreb has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
