Žilina, Slovakia
A key transport hub in northwestern Slovakia, surrounded by the Malá Fatra mountains, with a charming old town and a growing automotive industry.
Overview
Žilina is a city in Žilina Region with a population of 82,656. A key transport hub in northwestern Slovakia, surrounded by the Malá Fatra mountains, with a charming old town and a growing automotive industry. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Slovakia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Žilina vs Slovakia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 19.0%
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €18,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 82,656
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 24°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: €150,000
- 1BR Rent: €580/mo
Cost of Living
Žilina's cost of living index is 80 (Slovakia average = 100).
| Category | Žilina | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 100 | -20.0% |
| Housing | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
Data source: ŠÚ SR / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €150,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €580/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €725/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €100 |
Data source: Nehnuteľnosti.sk / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Žilina:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €50 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €107 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €25 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €25 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €10 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €217 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ÚRSO, SPP, Slovak Telekom 2025
Remote Work Score
Žilina scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Žilina has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 24°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 39°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 42°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Žilina faces the following natural hazards:
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding along Danube.
Carpathian region with landslides.
Slovakia experiences occasional tornadoes.
Slovakia experiences winter storms.
Carpathian region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 19%
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Žilina 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
Spring break varies by region.
Demographics
The population of Žilina 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: Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (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 Žilina, Slovakia?
The cost of living index in Žilina is 80, which is Lower the Slovakia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Žilina?
The median home price in Žilina is €150,000. The housing index is 78.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Žilina is approximately €580/mo.
Does Žilina, ZI have income tax?
Žilina is in ZI, which has an income tax rate of 19%.
What is the climate like in Žilina?
Žilina enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ŠÚ SR / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Nehnuteľnosti.sk / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: ŠÚ SR Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ÚRSO, SPP, Slovak Telekom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.