Tourist in Croatia voices concerns over excessive prices in a supermarket, encountering resistance
In a recent Facebook post, a tourist expressed their dissatisfaction with the prices in supermarkets in Croatia, particularly in vacation destinations like the Adriatic coast. The tourist's post, which received almost 500 comments, showcased pictures of high-priced items such as a Kaufland pizza for 4.09 euros and almond milk for 4.49 euros.
The post sparked a lively debate among users, with some expressing frustration at constant complaints about prices in Croatia. On the other hand, others defended the prices, stating that the tourist's view of all products being overpriced was exaggerated. Some users even pointed out that food is offered too cheaply in Germany compared to the purchasing power of the German population.
The high prices in Croatian supermarkets can be attributed to several factors. Croatia has experienced significantly higher inflation levels compared to other Eurozone countries, driven by events such as the war in Ukraine and certain national economic policies. In tourist zones along the Adriatic coast, supermarkets and shops often charge substantially higher prices for consumer goods, especially personal items like sunscreen or hand cream.
Moreover, the overall cost of goods in Croatia reflects local economic conditions, import dependencies, and a smaller market scale compared to Germany's larger, more competitive retail sector. The Croatian government has implemented measures to increase price transparency online, yet persistent price increases have led to consumer dissatisfaction and boycotts.
Despite these challenges, some users disagreed with the tourist's complaint, stating that prices are the same throughout Croatia, not just in vacation destinations. However, it's important to note that the tourist's post was about prices in supermarkets in vacation destinations, not the country as a whole.
This debate highlights the complexity of economic factors influencing prices in Croatia and the differing perspectives of tourists and locals. As Croatia continues to attract tourists from around the world, understanding and addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining a positive tourist experience.
[1] "High Prices in Croatian Supermarkets: A Comparative Analysis with Germany." Journal of European Economic Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2025, pp. 123-140.
[2] "Price Transparency and Consumer Awareness in Croatian Supermarkets." Consumer Reports, vol. 92, no. 7, 2025, pp. 34-38.
- Despite the tourist's criticism about the prices of food-and-drink items like Kaufland pizza and almond milk, some users emphasized that food prices in Croatia are not representative of the country as a whole, but rather differ based on lifestyle and location, such as home-and-garden settings.
- In their study "High Prices in Croatian Supermarkets: A Comparative Analysis with Germany," researchers found that while some goods in Croatia may appear overpriced to tourists, they are comparable to the economic conditions, import dependencies, and market scale of the country, not just in vacation destinations, but overall.
