Rijeka, Croatia
Croatia's major port city, a 2020 European Capital of Culture with a rich maritime heritage, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and a vibrant industrial history.
Overview
Rijeka is a city in Primorje-Gorski Kotar with a population of 128,384. Croatia’s major port city, a 2020 European Capital of Culture with a rich maritime heritage, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and a vibrant industrial history. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Croatia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Rijeka vs Croatia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 24.0%
- Sales Tax: 25.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €16,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 128,384
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 36°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: €200,000
- 1BR Rent: €600/mo
Cost of Living
Rijeka's cost of living index is 88 (Croatia average = 100).
| Category | Rijeka | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: DZS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €133 |
Data source: Njuškalo / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Rijeka:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €40 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €35 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €15 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €225 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: HERA, HEP, Hrvatski Telekom 2025
Remote Work Score
Rijeka scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Rijeka has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 36°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 51°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 54°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Rijeka faces the following natural hazards:
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Adriatic coast with tsunami risk.
River flooding.
Adriatic coast with wildfire risk.
Dinaric Alps with landslides.
Croatia experiences winter storms.
Dinaric Alps with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 24%
- Sales Tax: 25%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Rijeka per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Autumn break in October/November (1 week).
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Rijeka is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Croatian Bureau of Statistics (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rijeka, Croatia?
The cost of living index in Rijeka is 88, which is Lower the Croatia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Rijeka?
The median home price in Rijeka is €200,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rijeka is approximately €600/mo.
Does Rijeka, PG have income tax?
Rijeka is in PG, which has an income tax rate of 24%.
What is the climate like in Rijeka?
Rijeka enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 36°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: DZS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Njuškalo / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: DZS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities HERA, HEP, Hrvatski Telekom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.