Solin sits at sea level on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, just 7 km from Split Airport (SPU), enjoying a Mediterranean climate. The city has a population of 25 thousand, and expats tend to settle in the neighborhoods of Stari Grad and Gradina. The expat community is very few, but English is common in tourist areas, making daily life manageable for newcomers.
Living costs in Solin are reasonable. A single adult's monthly budget excluding rent is $850, while a family of four spends $2,750 excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $673 per month; outside the center it drops to $561. A three-bedroom in the center runs $1,346, and outside the center it is $763. Utilities run $210 monthly, internet is $41, and a mobile phone plan costs $20. A monthly public transport pass is $50, a gym membership is $39, an inexpensive restaurant meal is $17, a three-course mid-range meal for two is $74, and a cappuccino is $3. The average monthly net salary locally is $1,065, and the cost of living index is 51 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Safety is strong, with a safety index of 85 out of 100 and a crime index of 15 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as good, and the air quality index is 35 (lower is better). These factors contribute to an overall expat score of 82 out of 100, a retiree score of 73 out of 100, and a FIRE score of 82 out of 100.
For longer stays, the Temporary Residence Permit (Privremeni boravak) requires a minimum monthly income of $1,000. The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $3,762. Solin is best suited for retirees and digital nomads who value safety, good healthcare, and affordable living, with the nearest airport at SPU just 7 km away.
Estimate the cost of moving to Solin, Croatia
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Solin, Croatia. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
$1,111/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: budget lifestyle
Solin on a budget budget comes to about $1,111 a month for one adult, with $561 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $131 on groceries, $67.00 on dining out, $30.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $272 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$561/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$131/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$67.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$30.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$272/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$550/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$1,314/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle
Solin on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,314 a month for one adult, with $561 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $174 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $89.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $272 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$561/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$174/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$168/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$89.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$272/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$753/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$1,690/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: comfortable lifestyle
Solin on a comfortable budget comes to about $1,690 a month for one adult, with $673 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $244 on groceries, $324 on dining out, $127 on entertainment and lifestyle, $272 on utilities and connectivity and $50.00 on transport.
Rent
$673/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$244/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$324/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$127/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$272/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$50.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$1,017/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $672.85/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
Solin is a very safe coastal town with minimal violent crime and low property theft rates typical of small Croatian communities. Petty pickpocketing and car break-ins occur occasionally in tourist areas, but are uncommon in residential neighborhoods. The main practical concerns are standard European precautions: avoid displaying valuables, use ATMs in daylight, and be cautious with drinks at nightlife venues. For an American considering relocation, Solin offers genuine safety with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle—no significant geopolitical risks or organized crime issues affect daily life here.
While technically in Split, this Regus location at the City Center One shopping mall is easily accessible from Solin. It offers standard Regus amenities and is a convenient option for those who want to combine work with shopping and other services.
Located in Split, but easily accessible from Solin, Amali Coworking offers a modern and stylish workspace. It's a great option for digital nomads looking for a professional environment with a community feel.
See how Solin's digital nomad life compares with Sibenik
🧳 Expat Life
English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Stari Grad, Gradina
Banks Nearby
41
ATMs Nearby
111
Expat Life Notes
Solin is a small Croatian town adjacent to Split with a tiny expat spillover from the Split expat community. More affordable than Split itself but lacks independent expat infrastructure. Split is minutes away.
Pros
✓ Lower cost than Split
✓ Minutes from Split amenities
✓ Dalmatian climate
✓ Safe
Cons
✗ No independent expat community
✗ Limited English in town
✗ No coworking
✗ Requires car for most errands
🏘️ Neighborhoods in Solin
Areas of Solin that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Centar
Historic heart, lively, central
The city center offers easy access to amenities, restaurants, and historical sites like the ruins of Salona. It's walkable and well-connected by public transport, but can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Expect slightly higher prices due to its central location.
Priko Vode
Residential, quiet, family-friendly
A more residential area, Priko Vode is quieter and offers a more local experience. It's a good option for those seeking a peaceful environment, though English may be less widely spoken. While walkable, access to some amenities may require a short bus ride or drive.
Sveti Kajo
Coastal, relaxed, scenic views
Located closer to the coast, Sveti Kajo offers beautiful sea views and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's popular with families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Rent can be slightly higher due to the coastal location and proximity to beaches.
Vranjic
Island feel, charming, local
Technically a separate village connected by a bridge, Vranjic offers a unique island-like feel. It's a charming and authentic area with a strong local community. While less expat-heavy, it provides a more immersive Croatian experience, though English proficiency may be limited.
Japirko
Modern, residential, convenient
A newer residential area, Japirko offers modern apartments and convenient access to shops and services. It's a good option for those seeking a comfortable and practical living environment. While not as historically rich as the center, it provides a more contemporary lifestyle.
Mravince
Affordable, hillside, local living
Located on a hillside overlooking Solin, Mravince offers more affordable housing options. It's a primarily residential area with a strong local feel. While offering great views, it may require a car or bus for easy access to amenities in the center of Solin.
Page 1 of 2
Could living/working in Solin cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $673/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Solin has a population of approximately 24,862 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,682 per month in Solin, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $673/month.
The nearest airport to Solin is SPU, approximately 6.8km away.
Solin is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Solin has an average internet speed of 75 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Yes. $550/month gets a one-bedroom in the center with reliable internet; prices drop 20–30% outside the center. Most apartments are residential, not co-working spaces, so confirm connectivity before signing. Split's digital nomad scene is stronger if you need community.
Standard Croatian bureaucracy: expect 4–8 weeks, multiple office visits, and unclear documentation requirements. You'll need proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. Hiring a local lawyer ($200–400) often saves frustration. EU citizens have easier pathways than non-EU nationals.
Safety index is 85—low crime, stable neighborhood. But the expat community is tiny and dispersed; you won't find organized meetups or expat bars. Most residents are Croatian families or retirees. If you need social infrastructure, Split (8 km south) has more expats and English speakers.
Solin is quite affordable. Expect to pay around €500-€800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and amenities. Groceries and dining out are also reasonably priced, with a decent meal costing around €10-€15.
While Solin itself has smaller clinics, the nearby city of Split offers a range of healthcare options, including English-speaking doctors. The University Hospital of Split is a major medical center with multilingual staff, ensuring access to quality care.
For stays longer than 90 days, Americans typically need a temporary residency permit. This can be obtained based on various grounds, such as employment, self-employment, or retirement income. The process involves submitting an application to the local police station and providing necessary documentation.
Internet connectivity in Solin is generally reliable, with decent speeds suitable for most remote work tasks. You can expect download speeds of around 50-100 Mbps, which is sufficient for video conferencing and other online activities. Check with your landlord or internet provider for specific details.
Solin is a relatively small town, making it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Public transportation, primarily buses, connects Solin to Split and other nearby areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, especially for trips to Split Airport.
Solin enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Expect average temperatures of around 25-30°C (77-86°F) in July and August, and 5-10°C (41-50°F) in January and February. Rainfall is most common during the winter months.
Solin is generally a safe town with low crime rates. There aren't any specific areas that expats should actively avoid. However, as with any place, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions, especially at night.
While learning some basic Croatian phrases is always appreciated, you can get by with English in Solin, especially in tourist areas and when dealing with younger people. Many locals, particularly those in the service industry, have a decent understanding of English.
Several banks operate in Solin and nearby Split, including major international banks. ATM fees can vary, so it's best to check with your bank beforehand. Consider using a debit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees to minimize costs.
Solin offers a good balance between affordability and quality of life, making it a viable option for early retirement. It's generally more affordable than Split or Dubrovnik, allowing your passive income to stretch further. You can live comfortably on a budget of around $1500-$2000 per month.
As a US citizen living abroad, you're still required to file US taxes. You may be eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit, which can help reduce your tax liability. Also, be aware of FBAR reporting requirements if you have foreign bank accounts.
While Solin itself has a smaller expat community, the proximity to Split provides access to a larger network of international residents. You can find expat groups and social events through online forums and social media. It's a great way to connect with like-minded individuals.
A single retiree can live comfortably in Solin on a monthly budget of around €1300-€1800. This would cover rent, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and some leisure activities. Couples should budget approximately €2000-€2700 per month for a similar lifestyle.
The real estate market in Solin and the surrounding area is growing, presenting potential investment opportunities. Consider consulting with a local real estate agent to explore options. Additionally, Croatia's growing tourism industry offers possibilities for investment in related businesses.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Solin and the rest of Croatia. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.