Apartment rental prices: Where is rent most expensive, and where is it most affordable?

The rental market in Croatia has been recording continuous growth for years, and 2025 brings new records. According to research by the Njuškalo portal, average rental prices have increased in almost all major cities. Tenants are facing higher expenses, while apartment owners and rental investors can count on a stable return.

Below, we provide a detailed comparison of rental prices in Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Osijek and Varaždin, cities where demand for apartments is growing, but there are still significant differences between neighborhoods.

Zagreb – renting in the capital is becoming more expensive

Zagreb still leads in terms of rent. According to Njuškalo data, the average asking price has risen from €867 to €923 per month. The most expensive are Gornji Grad – Medveščak with an average of €1,409, while Podsljeme also exceeds €1,300.

Sesvete remains the most affordable with an average of €579, as well as Donja Dubrava where the monthly rent is €661. Good value for money is offered by Dubrava and Sesvete, while Trnje offers apartments of smaller areas (around 60 m²) for an average of €823. The average square footage in Zagreb has risen to 77 m², which means that larger apartments are available than in previous years.

Check out our current offer of apartments on the Zagreb Apartment Rental page.


Varaždin – more affordable, but with significant price growth

Varaždin is still cheaper than Zagreb, but the growth is still pronounced. Namely, the average rent is €536, which is 14% more than last year. The most affordable neighborhoods are Koprivnička (€300) and Đurek (less than €500), while the most is spent in Vilka Novaka (€656) and Jalkovečka.

The average square footage of apartments in Varaždin is 51 m², which is almost the same as last year. Despite the growth, Varaždin still offers attractive opportunities for students and young families looking for more affordable rents.

Osijek – the biggest annual rent increase

Osijek is the record holder for growth. Average rents have jumped by 20% and now amount to €487. The most affordable neighborhoods are Jug I (€346) and Jug II (€360), while the most expensive are Cvjetno naselje (€650) and Uske njive (over €600).

A special example is Vatrogasno naselje, where the average jumped from €210 to €543 in just one year. The average square footage of apartments has increased to 61 m², and the largest apartments are offered in Cvjetno naselje (88 m²).

Rijeka – differences between neighborhoods are growing

In Rijeka, the average rental price has risen to €763, which is a 6% increase compared to last year. The most expensive neighborhood is Costabella with an average of €1,324, while the most affordable apartments can be found in Sveti Kuzam and Pašac (less than €500).

The average square footage remains 66 m², but there are large differences: from 40 m² in Sveti Kuzam to almost 100 m² in Preluk. Rijeka thus shows the greatest variability between neighborhoods.


Zadar – price growth of 16%

Zadar also recorded strong growth. Namely, the current average rent is €828, which is 16% more than last year. The most expensive neighborhoods are Crvene kuće (€1,184), Vidikovac (€1,111) and Ploča (€1,012).

Arbanasi remains the most affordable with an average of €363, while Crno (€500) and Gornji Brig (€525) are also among the more affordable options. The average square footage of apartments in Zadar remains at 67 m², and the largest apartments are located in Dračevac, Mocire and Petrići.

Split – above the €900 average

Split is right behind Zagreb in terms of rental prices. The average has risen to €904, compared to €851 last year. As many as 13 neighborhoods exceed the average of €1,000, and the most expensive are Meje (€1,230), Duilovo (€1,188) and Žnjan (€1,159).

The most affordable neighborhood is Dujmovača with €500, but we are also seeing a 31% increase there. The average square footage is 69 m², and apartments above 70 m² are located in prestigious neighborhoods such as Bačvice, Marjan and Pazdigrad.

Here you can see our offer of apartments for rent in Split.

What does price growth mean for tenants and investors?

The data from the Njuškalo portal clearly shows that rental price growth is affecting all major Croatian cities. For tenants, this means higher costs and a narrower offer of more affordable options, while investors in rental apartments can count on secure demand and an increasingly attractive return on investment.

The best ratio of price and square footage is currently offered by Sesvete and Dubrava in Zagreb, as well as the more affordable neighborhoods of Varaždin and Osijek. Split, Zadar and the northern parts of Zagreb still lead for luxury apartments and larger square footage.


This rental price growth in Croatia in 2025 confirms the trend that demand is greater than supply. Zagreb and Split remain the most expensive cities, while Varaždin and Osijek offer more affordable options, and Rijeka and Zadar show an increasing difference between luxurious and affordable neighborhoods.

For tenants, this means the need for earlier planning and compromises, and for investors, additional confirmation that investing in an apartment for rent remains a profitable decision.

If you are considering investing in real estate or looking for an apartment for rent in Zagreb, Split, Zadar or on the coast, contact our Regent Real Estate agency. Our team monitors the market daily and helps you find the best opportunity, whether you are buying or renting.