Is Split expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Split is no longer the bargain it once was: in summer, prices are close to Western European levels, especially for accommodation and restaurants near the palace. A budget day is about €90 per person in high season and a mid-range day about €205. Rooms, boat trips to the islands and eating on the Riva take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €40 | €90 | €220 |
| Food & drink | €25 | €45 | €90 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €50 | €120 |
| Local transport | €8 | €20 | €50 |
| Per person, per day | €88 | €205 | €480 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Split day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso at a café | about €1.50–2.50 |
| Burek from a bakery | about €2.50–4 |
| Local beer (Ožujsko, Karlovačko) in a bar | about €4–6 |
| Cathedral of St Domnius combined ticket | about €10–15 |
| Catamaran Split–Hvar | roughly €15–30 one way in summer |
| Blue Cave speedboat tour | about €100–130 |
| Grilled fish dinner for two with wine | €70–120 |
| Apartment or 3★ double in July–August | roughly €140–250 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation dominates, with prices for rooms and apartments rising steeply from June to September and peaking in July and August. Boat trips to the Blue Cave, Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are big extras, and catamarans need booking in summer. Restaurants on the Riva and inside the palace charge premium prices; konobas in Varoš and Meje are better value. A small tourist tax per person per night is added.
When it is cheaper
May, early June and late September–October are noticeably cheaper than July–August, often 30–50% for rooms, and still warm enough to swim. Winter is cheapest, but many restaurants close and ferries are fewer.
How to spend less
- Visit in May, June or September for warm weather and lower prices.
- Eat at konobas in Varoš and buy fruit at the Pazar green market.
- Use public ferries (Jadrolinija) instead of tours for Brač and Hvar.
- Take the bus to Trogir and Klis rather than paying for private transfers.
- Stay in an apartment with a kitchen outside the palace walls.
- Swim at free beaches such as Bačvice and the coves around Marjan.
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Common questions
Is Split expensive?
In summer, yes, close to Western European prices. Allow about €90 a day on a budget and about €205 mid-range in high season.
How much is a ferry to Hvar?
Roughly €15–30 one way by catamaran in summer; car ferries to Stari Grad are cheaper for foot passengers.
When is Split cheapest?
From October to April, though many places close in winter. May and late September are a good compromise.