Shocking: Adriatic and Croatian prices show how devastating the inflation was in Hungary

Hungary’s record-high inflation resulted in the fact that there is no longer a significant difference between Lake Balaton and the Adriatic, Hungary and Croatia. That may be shocking for many Hungarians because it means they no longer have a chance to spend their holiday at a cheaper Balaton resort or eat in a cheaper Balaton restaurant.

The result may be devastating for Lake Balaton’s tourism since Hungarians can go to the Adriatic and spend almost as much money there, but with a guarantee that their holiday will be 100% sunny and warm. Meanwhile, the weather around the Balaton is variable, thanks to the humid continental climate.

Devastating Hungarian inflation “brought Croatia closer”

According to portfolio.hu, the inflation hitting Hungary between 2021 and 2024 increased Hungarian prices to the Croatian level, so Lake Balaton is no longer significantly cheaper than the Adriatic. Concerning fuel, you may find cheaper gas stations in Croatia. That is almost solely because of the so-called fuel price cap introduced by the government. On a 2019 basis, Croatian fuel prices increased by 35%, while that rate was 71% in Hungary.

Restaurant prices are very similar to Lake Balaton prices, only ice creams are cheaper here, but in Croatia, you may get delicious “accessories” for free with your ice cream, which costs money here.

MÁV trains carry passengers between the Adriatic and Budapest. Photo: FB/MÁV

Prices in the supermarkets are lower than in Hungary. For example, a Barilla pasta is EUR 3.66 in Croatia’s Plodine chain, while it is EUR 4.78 in Hungary. Nectarine is much cheaper, while pastries, cheese, and UHT milk cost the same as in Hungary.

What about beach prices at Lake Balaton and the Adriatic?

Telex made a video report comparing Croatian Adriatic beach prices with Hungarian Balaton ones, and their result was staggering. The journalist in Croatia did not choose a fancy beach and restaurant in Rijeka (Fiume). Meanwhile, his “Balaton fellow” went to Siófok, one of the most famous places around the “Hungarian Sea”.

As you can check out in their comparative table, a lunch (of beach food) was cheaper in Croatia than at Lake Balaton, while other costs were relatively close. The only significant difference was the price of 5 dl of lemonade (which costs double at the Adriatic and was made of tap water) and the swim ring.

A selfie is for free. Photo: MTI

There might be no lesson. Those favouring Lake Balaton would probably return to the Hungarian Sea each year even if prices skyrocket there. But those opting for a 100% sunny holiday near the sea will embark on a longer journey and spend their money in Croatia. And they will not spend significantly more than their fellows remaining at Central Europe’s biggest lake.

For example, PM Orbán already decided: he regularly spends his summer vacation at the Adriatic (2022, 2024, and a video of August 2023 when he spent time in the seashore villa of a Hungarian opposition politician’s sibling).

Orbán in Croatia in July. Photo: FB/Villa Kaliopa

Here is Telex’s video:

Read also:

• Anna Ball 2024: Here’s the most beautiful girl at Lake Balaton – PHOTOS and more in THIS article
• Lake Balaton polluted with cocaine, hormones and sunscreen – details HERE