How Much Do Croatians Really Save – and Why Istria Leads the Way
On the occasion of the World Savings Day, celebrated on October 31, the question arises again: how much do Croatians actually save, and where do they manage to preserve their money the most? Although inflation and rising living costs have significantly impacted household budgets in recent years, data shows that Croatian households still maintain a commendable level of financial discipline – especially in Istria County, which has long stood out as the leading region in deposits per capita.
Several sources point to this, including the article Glas Istre on Istrian saving habits , the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s analysis on the structure of household financial assets , and the Nova TV report on the average monthly savings of €77 .
What Is the Average Amount Saved?
According to these sources, the average deposit per Croatian citizen ranges between €10,000 and €10,700, though the figure varies significantly by region. In Istria County, the average rises to approximately €15,000 per capita, making it the most savings-oriented region in Croatia. In some eastern counties, the average is about half that (around €5,000), which indicates a clear link between savings and income levels, tourism revenue, and economic structure.
The Croatian Chamber of Economy’s analysis also shows that cash and deposits still account for the largest share of household financial assets – around 45.5 % – but this share is gradually decreasing as citizens explore other investment options. This suggests that savings are still viewed as the “first line of security,” but no longer the sole means of preserving wealth.
Why Does Istria Save More?
There are several reasons why Istria exceeds the national average:
1. Higher and more stable income – tourism, services, and cross-border trade ensure steady inflows.
2. Greater financial literacy – residents manage their personal finances more proactively.
3. Emotional and business motivation – Istrians often save to invest later in real estate,
tourist apartments, or land.
4. Multiple income sources – many Istrian households benefit from both seasonal and long-term income,
increasing their savings capacity.
Savings vs. Real Estate Investment
When savings are compared to real estate investment, an interesting picture emerges. On one hand, deposits are liquid, low-risk, and suitable for short-term needs. On the other hand, Croatian households – especially along the coast – traditionally view real estate as the best store of value. Market data confirms this: the average asking price of an apartment in Croatia in 2025 was about €3,700/m², around €3,600/m² in Istria, and in some coastal counties even more than €4,000/m².
To illustrate: investing in an 80 m² apartment in Istria at €3,600/m² equals roughly €288,000. That is several times higher than the average savings per resident, even in Istria (≈€15,000). This clearly shows that major life and investment decisions cannot rely solely on deposits; savings are typically used as initial capital (down payment, personal contribution), with the remainder financed through loans or business income.
What Do Financial Indicators Show?
According to the CCE analysis, the structure of household financial assets is shifting – the share of deposits is slowly declining, while interest in investment funds and securities is increasing. However, a specific behavioral pattern persists in Croatia: when citizens perceive the real estate market as favorable (rising prices, strong demand, tourism), part of their savings is redirected toward purchasing houses, apartments, or land.
Property Prices by County – Why It Matters
The article “Split Is Too Expensive to Live In...” published in Jutarnji list reports that asking prices for apartments in coastal counties have reached €3,600–€4,000/m², while the national average is around €3,700/m². This means that in counties where people save the most – such as Istria – real estate is also among the most expensive.
Istria County: deposit per capita ≈ €15,000 → average apartment price ≈ €3,600/m²
Croatia (average): deposit per capita ≈ €10,500 → average apartment price ≈ €3,700/m²
Eastern Croatia: deposit per capita ≈ €5,000 → apartment prices considerably lower (€2,000–€2,500/m²)
Conclusion: Istria Saves – and Invests
On the occasion of World Savings Day, it is worth emphasizing that Croatians, despite challenging times, show an increasing interest in managing their personal finances. Istria leads the way – not only in deposit amounts but also in an active investment approach. The residents of this county save and invest simultaneously, creating a model of financial stability that could serve as an example for other parts of the country.
