Anyone that thinks life is cheaper in Croatia than in the states obviously just did not move back as I just did.....
I am sure if you live on the water in Florida like my grandmothers house on the intracoastal, you are paying $30,000 a year in taxes for the armed guard at the gate the city provides.
But unless you live in a city its not that bad, my last 20 acres yearly taxes were $20 a year with forest designation, would be $600 without.
But at least there are no surprises........
minimum wage Washington State......approx $1300 month
Croatia................ approx $400 month
food........up to 50% less in states......no tax on food, 24% less right there
fuel.......... 60% less in states
quart of oil.........60% less in states
Milk Spokane...... 4 litres 10 kuna
Milk Croatia......... 4 litres 24 kuna
ground beef 1 kilo usa.....20 kuna
1 kilo Croatia.........50 kuna
Vehicle usa ........25,000
vehicle croatia....... 50,000
its cheaper in Romania thats for sure, or Bulgaria or Moldova.
I graduated college in Boulder, Colorado.......things are as or more expensive than Hvar for comparable things.......there are no 200,000 houses in Aspen or Boulder and few left in Denver where you would consider living.....
in Aspen or Vail or a few other its far more expensive in Colorado for property than Hvar town 1st line to the sea......some houses on Aspen mountain sell for over 10-15 million........... nothing to compare, the places are totally different.......except for the upscale lifestyle.
In all sincerity if Croatia had Aspens professional feel and ambiance and service oriented people things might be better there. Ever get one of Hvar Towns rude 22 year old waiters, a fast way to make a 2000 kuna meal a big drag.
But other than a house......and in alot of the USA houses are much cheaper than Coastal Croatia........Detroit $3,000.......everything in Croatia costs more except for cigarettes
Question....
??....did temporary residence for foreigners change from 6 months back to 1 year?
Because if not then they are not eligible to live there year round....just the temporary residence which is 6 months, why go thru the hoops for no extra time?
??
It surprises me that they would pass a law that anyone from anywhere can be there if you own property....just does not sound like a Cro law...that would be great, but I would like to see it on paper.
Hey listen........ I would be happy to help a fellow Yank....... I have been through the entire deal........ but if you think you are moving to Croatia because living is cheaper, you are dreaming.
Maybe I just have a fun lifestyle, there are other foreigners on Hvar that stay home and do nothing, am guessing they live cheaper than I do.
Good luck....... without the problems I am sitting in my shop in Split right now still.
I would never say dont do it............ but be aware, its not easy and at times totally stressful and nonsensical.
But if you are like a few folks here than can roll wit the punches and keep going, then its a great place to live. but we are not all able to do that.
Do your homework!!!!