How Much Does Split Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Split serves as a moderately priced gateway to the Dalmatian islands, with daily costs ranging from $81 / €69 for budget solo travelers to over $871 / €740 for luxury seekers. While significantly more affordable than nearby Dubrovnik or Italian coastal cities like Venice, prices in the historic center have risen as it has become a primary Mediterranean ferry hub. The budget depends heavily on the frequency of island-hopping and whether one stays within the walls of Diocletian's Palace or in peripheral neighborhoods like Lučac. Visitors should anticipate a dual-pricing reality where waterfront luxury sits alongside local taverns offering traditional value. During peak summer months, especially during major festivals, costs for basic services can nearly double, making shoulder-season visits highly advantageous.
Is Split expensive to visit?
Split is a moderately affordable coastal destination where travelers should expect to spend between $81 / €69 and $871 / €740 per day depending on their choice of island excursions and accommodation style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Split
$81
per person /day
$330
per person /day
$871
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $244 | $989 | $2,613 |
| 5-Day Trip | $406 | $1,648 | $4,355 |
| 7-Day Trip | $568 | $2,307 | $6,097 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to set aside a 15% buffer to cover the mandatory sojourn tax and the common $2.35–$4.71 / €2–€4 'couvert' service charges at restaurants. This buffer also accounts for public toilet fees, which typically cost around $1.18 / €1 near major tourist sites.
How Does It Compare?
See how Split stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Split
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Typical for a pasta dish or a large salad in a local konoba. | $18 €15 |
| Cappuccino on the Riva (Waterfront) You pay a premium for the view; cafes just one street back charge ~$2.94 / €2.5. | $5.3 €4.5 |
| Local Draught Beer (0.5L) Price for standard Karlovačko or Ožujsko in a tourist-area bar. | $6.47 €5.5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Promet Split Bus Line 37 (Split to Airport) Public bus option; much cheaper than the ~$7.06 / €6 airport shuttle bus. | $3.53 €3 |
| City Zone 1 Single Ticket (from driver) Buying via the 'Promet Split' app reduces this cost to ~$1.18 / €1. | $2.35 €2 |
| Radio Taxi Start Fee & Initial KM Standard regulated tariff for the official city taxi association. | $4.68 €3.98 |
| High-Speed Catamaran: Split to Hvar (High Season) Fastest way to reach Hvar Town. Book at least 48 hours in advance in summer. | $29 €25 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in a highly-rated hostel (City Center) Prices for a bed in a 6–8 person dorm. Peak season (July–August) often sees rates jump above ~$47 / €40. | $41 €35 |
| Mid-range Boutique Hotel (Varoš or Old Town) Average price for a standard double room with breakfast included. | $247 €210 |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Sea View) Based on a high-season rate at one of the city's premier 5-star properties. | $565 €480 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Diocletian's Palace Substructures (Basements) Covers the central and western parts of the palace basements. | $9.42 €8 |
| Cathedral of St. Domnius 'Purple' Combo Ticket This is the most comprehensive ticket. The climb up the Bell Tower is steep. | $18 €15 |
| Krka National Park (Peak Season Adult) Includes boat transport from Skradin to Skradinski Buk. | $47 €40 |
| Ethnographic Museum Split Entrance Located right next to the Peristyle; offers access to the rooftop of the Vestibule. | $5.89 €5 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Croatia eSIM - 50GB Valid for 30 days. Smaller 5GB/30-day plans cost ~$11 / €9.5. | $36 €31 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Split centers around traditional konobas where a standard pasta dish or salad costs approximately $18 / €15. While a cappuccino on the Riva waterfront commands a premium of $5.3 / €4.5, walking just a few streets back into the narrow alleys of the Old Town can drop the price to around $2.94 / €2.5. Visitors should budget for a mandatory 'couvert' or service charge of roughly $2.35–$4.71 / €2–€4 at most sit-down establishments.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Kantun Paulina
$8.24–$14 / €7–€12Varoš (near Palace) · Street food area
The famous Ćevapi sandwich is the go-to order here; expect a line ~$9.42 / €8.
Luka Ice Cream & Cakes
$2.94–$7.06 / €2.5–€6Near National Theatre · Bakery
Try the unique Dalmatian flavors like lavender or fig for ~$2.94 / €2.5 per scoop.
Buffet Fife
$14–$21 / €12–€18Matejuška / Varoš · Local chain
Massive portions of home-style Dalmatian food. Sharing a plate is often enough for two.
Sexy Cow
$11–$16 / €9–€14Old Town · Food court
Specializes in high-quality steak wraps; perfect for a quick but filling lunch ~$13 / €11.
Toto's Burger Bar
$12–$18 / €10–€15Riva · Local chain
Great healthy sides and veggie options available for ~$14 / €12.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is cost-effective with local Promet Split bus tickets costing $1.18 / €1 via the mobile app or $2.35 / €2 from the driver. To reach the islands, high-speed catamarans to Hvar cost about $29 / €25 during the high season, while the public Line 37 bus at $3.53 / €3 provides a budget-friendly alternative to private airport shuttles.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from high-rated hostel dorms at $41 / €35 to mid-range boutique hotels in the Varoš district averaging $247 / €210 per night. Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $565 / €480 for sea-view rooms in 5-star properties, though prices can exceed $589 / €500 during mid-July events.
Accommodation Budget in Split
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Download the 'Promet Split' app to reduce single bus ticket costs from $2.35 / €2 to approximately $1.18 / €1.
- 2 Eat at Buffet Fife in the Matejuška area for large, traditional portions of Dalmatian stew and seafood at lower-than-average prices.
- 3 Fill water bottles at the various public fountains; the tap water in Split is sourced from the Jadro River and is safe and high quality.
- 4 Visit Kantun Paulina in Varoš for a traditional ćevapi sandwich, which is one of the most affordable and filling quick meals in the city center.
- 5 Buy groceries and beach snacks at local supermarket chains like Tommy or Konzum rather than the small 'market' shops near the Riva.
- 6 Book high-speed catamarans to Hvar or Vis at least 48 hours in advance during summer to avoid the most expensive last-minute ticket tiers.
- 7 Opt for the $3.53 / €3 public Line 37 bus for airport transfers instead of the $7.06 / €6 shuttle or expensive private taxis.
- 8 Use the 'Purple' Combo Ticket for $18 / €15 to see the Cathedral and Bell Tower, which offers better value than buying individual site entries.
- 9 Avoid the waterfront cafes on the Riva for coffee; cafes in the Narodni Trg (Pjaca) or Varoš alleys often charge $2.35 / €2 less per drink.
- 10 Visit the Pazar (Green Market) near the Silver Gate in the morning for fresh, affordable fruit and local snacks to avoid expensive restaurant lunches.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
+40-60%
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
-50-70%
May, Oct
During Ultra Europe (mid-July), budget accommodation is non-existent and mid-range hotels can exceed ~$589 / €500 per night. May and October offer warm sea temperatures (~20°C / 68°F) with half the crowds.
Events to Watch
- ● Ultra Europe Music Festival (July): +200% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hike to the Telegrin viewpoint on Marjan Hill for a panoramic view of the city and islands.
- 2 Swim at Bačvice Beach, the city's most famous sandy beach, which has free public access.
- 3 Explore the narrow stone streets and medieval architecture of the Varoš neighborhood.
- 4 Watch a game of Picigin (a local ball game) in the shallow waters of Bačvice Beach.
- 5 Walk the Zapadna Obala (West Coast) promenade to see the 'Walk of Fame' featuring Split's Olympic medalists.
- 6 Visit the Peškarija (Fish Market) early in the morning to experience the local bustle and historic architecture.
- 7 Enter the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace to admire the Egyptian sphinxes and Roman columns for free.
- 8 Stroll through Đardin (Strossmayer Park) located just outside the Golden Gate.
- 9 Walk through the Bronze Gate into the central hall of the Palace Substructures (the passage is free, though the side chambers cost $9.42 / €8).
- 10 Visit the Sustipan Park for sunset views over the Adriatic Sea and the local marina.
- 11 Relax on the pebble shores of Kasjuni Beach, located at the foot of Marjan Hill.
- 12 Browse the Pazar (Green Market) to see local produce and traditional Dalmatian goods.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Blue Cave & Hvar 5 Islands Speedboat Tour
It covers the most iconic Adriatic sights (Biševo, Vis, Hvar) in one high-octane day, including entrance fees (~$147 / €125).
Zoi Tasting Menu (Michelin Recommended)
Dine on a private terrace literally built into the walls of Diocletian's Palace with world-class views for ~$171 / €145.
Private Sunset Sailing Charter
Escape the crowds for a 3-hour private sail around the Marjan peninsula and Čiovo island (~$530 / €450 for up to 6 people).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Split
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Split and what they cost
Trogir
$7.06 / €6 by bus
$5.89 / €5
$53 / €45
Krka National Park
$18 / €15 by bus
$47 / €40
$100 / €85
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and modern restaurants; cash is essential for the Green Market, small bakeries, and older Konobas.
Service is rarely included. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants if you are happy with the service. For coffee, rounding up to the nearest ~$0.59 / €0.5 is common.
Always choose 'Decline Conversion' at ATMs to let your home bank handle the rate. Use OTP, PBZ, or Erste bank ATMs for the lowest fees.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$36 depending on data (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$18 / €10–€15 for 7-10 days unlimited data
WiFi: Excellent in the Old Town, Riva, and most cafes.
Buy a local 'Tourist SIM' from T-Hrvatski Telekom or A1 at any Tisak kiosk for ~$12 / €10 (unlimited data for 7 days).
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Split.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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