Zagreb is Croatia's capital and largest city, home to approximately 800,000 inhabitants (source: International Living). It offers a compelling combination of Central European urban life, rich cultural heritage, and a cost of living that remains significantly lower than most Western European capitals.

• Culture and history: The city's historic core is divided between Gornji Grad (Upper Town), with its medieval architecture, St. Mark's Church, and cobblestone streets, and Donji Grad (Lower Town), lined with grand Austro-Hungarian boulevards, museums, and café terraces.
• Transport and connectivity: Zagreb has an efficient tram network that covers the city centre and inner districts, making it easy to get around without a car. The city is also well connected by rail and road to other European destinations.
• Quality of life: Zagreb is considered safe, walkable, and well-served by green spaces such as Maksimir Park and Jarun Lake. The pace of life is steady and local, distinct from the seasonal tourism rhythm of Croatia's coastal cities.
• Remote work infrastructure: The city has reliable internet infrastructure, a growing number of coworking spaces, and a year-round residential rhythm that suits remote workers and digital nomads.
• Affordability: Compared to cities like Vienna, Munich, or Paris, Zagreb offers a noticeably lower cost of living, including for long-term rentals, groceries, and public transport.

Zagreb's long-term rental market is characterised by limited supply and rising demand. The city's role as Croatia's economic, administrative, and cultural capital attracts a steady flow of domestic and international tenants, including students, professionals, and remote workers. According to Njuškalo, average monthly asking rents in Zagreb rose from 867 EUR/month in 2024 to 923 EUR/month in 2025, reflecting sustained upward pressure on prices.

One structural challenge is the imbalance between short-term and long-term rental supply: a significant share of Zagreb's apartment stock is used for tourist accommodation, reducing the availability of year-round long-term lets. This makes it important to start your search early and to use multiple platforms and channels simultaneously.

The most active listing platforms are Njuškalo (Croatia's main classifieds site) and Oglasnik, alongside dedicated real estate agencies. Expat Facebook groups and word-of-mouth networks are also useful, particularly for English-speaking tenants. Most long-term leases are signed for a minimum of one year, and landlords generally prefer stable, long-term tenants.

Zagreb remains one of the more affordable capital cities in the European Union for long-term renters. The average monthly asking rent across the city stood at 923 EUR/month in 2025, according to Njuškalo, Croatia's leading classifieds platform. Prices are highest in the central districts of Gornji Grad – Medveščak and Donji Grad, and more accessible in residential areas such as Trešnjevka, Novi Zagreb, and Maksimir. When planning your rental budget, factor in the security deposit (typically one month's rent), a potential agency fee (also around one month's rent), and monthly utility costs on top of the base rent.

Rental prices in Zagreb vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, apartment size, and whether the unit is furnished. According to an analysis by the Croatian classifieds platform Njuškalo, the average monthly asking rent in Zagreb reached 923 EUR/month in 2025, up from 867 EUR/month in 2024. Entry-level studios and small one-bedroom apartments in outer districts can be found from around 400–500 EUR/month, while larger or centrally located units in Donji Grad or Gornji Grad – Medveščak regularly exceed 1,200–1,500 EUR/month. Furnished apartments typically command a 10–15% premium over unfurnished equivalents. Utility costs (electricity, heating, water) are generally not included in the quoted rent and should be budgeted separately, typically ranging from 80–150 EUR/month depending on the season and apartment size.

When searching for a long-term rental in Zagreb, several common pitfalls are worth avoiding:

• Not reading the lease carefully: Pay close attention to clauses covering the rental period, notice period, deposit conditions, utility responsibilities, and rent increase terms. If anything is unclear, seek advice from a local agent or legal professional before signing.
• Skipping the move-in inspection: Always document the condition of the apartment before moving in — photograph every room and note any existing damage in writing. This protects you when the deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy.
• Seasonal lease traps: Some landlords in Zagreb rent long-term only during the off-season and reclaim the apartment in spring for short-term tourism lets. Confirm explicitly that the lease covers the full period you need, including summer months.
• Overlooking utility costs: Rent prices quoted on listings rarely include utilities. Always clarify what is and is not included before committing.
• Relying solely on one platform: The long-term rental supply in Zagreb is limited. Searching across multiple channels — Njuškalo, local agencies, expat Facebook groups — increases your chances of finding a suitable property.
• Not verifying the landlord's right to rent: Under Croatian law, a written tenancy agreement is mandatory. Ensure the contract is signed and that the landlord provides the required energy certificate for the property.