ABU DHABI CHEAPER THAN ZAGREB, DUBAI MORE EXPENSIVE14.01.2026. 17:16

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Real Estate Market Comparison: Zagreb vs. UAE (2025)

According to 2025 data provided by Numbeo, Zagreb has surpassed Abu Dhabi (the capital of the UAE) in city-center apartment prices. With an average price of €4,611.36 per square meter, Zagreb is 7.60% more expensive than Abu Dhabi, where the price stands at €4,262.88. Outside the city center, Zagreb is even costlier by 16.4%. Compared to Dubai, Zagreb remains 34% cheaper in the city center (€4,611.36 vs. Dubai’s €6,211.44), while prices outside the center are nearly identical: €3,060.33/m² in Zagreb compared to €3,445.96/m² in Dubai. It is worth noting, however, that the amenities included in residential buildings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi often far exceed local standards.

As bank deposits currently offer minimal returns, serving more as a "safe" than a tool for capital growth, the real estate market has surged. Capital is shifting from banks into property to preserve value and create added value through development and resale. Many investors aim to rent out these properties to cover maintenance costs and achieve a long-term return on investment (ROI).

Rental Income and Yields

While purchase prices in these three cities are becoming comparable, the monthly rental income tells a different story. According to Numbeo:

• One-bedroom apartment (City Center): Zagreb averages €763.33, while Dubai reaches €2,032.48 (+166.30%) and Abu Dhabi €1,460.37 (+91.3%).

• One-bedroom apartment (Outside Center): Zagreb averages €575.52, compared to Dubai’s €1,277.00 (+121.90%) and Abu Dhabi’s €1,031.95 (+79.10%).

While Zagreb has caught up with or even overtaken the UAE cities in purchase prices, Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead significantly in rental yields for properties of similar size and value, prompting investors to reconsider where to allocate their capital.

Salaries, Loans, and Cost of Living

To complete the picture, we must look at purchasing power. The average net monthly salary in Zagreb is €1,669.84, while in Dubai it is €3,549.51 (+112.60%) and in Abu Dhabi €2,381.54 (+42.60%). However, net income in the UAE is effectively "gross" income, as individuals must often pay for health insurance (if not provided by the employer) and private pension savings. When adjusted for these costs, the Croatian average net salary is more competitive than it appears at first glance. Furthermore, Croatia offers better mortgage terms, with average interest rates of 3.22% (20-year term) compared to 4.46% in Dubai and 5.10% in Abu Dhabi.

Daily costs also vary; prices in non-exclusive restaurants in Zagreb are 22.10% higher than in Dubai, with a meal costing €12 in Zagreb versus €9.35 in Dubai.

Quality of Life

The data raises questions about the overall quality of life. Zagreb narrowly trails Dubai with a Quality of Life Index of 179.47 (Dubai: 180.58), while Abu Dhabi holds a significantly different score of 176.73. Zagreb excels in climate, but performs significantly worse in terms of the property price-to-income ratio and purchasing power.

Regarding safety:

• Abu Dhabi was ranked the safest city in the world in 2021 (Index: 87.87).

• Dubai ranks 7th (83.63).

• Zagreb holds a strong 27th place (78.46).

Healthcare indices are similar for Dubai (67.74) and Zagreb (64.98), with Abu Dhabi leading at 72.44. On a global scale, the UAE ranks 1st in safety, while Croatia holds an excellent 16th place.