Single Zagreb man struggles with housing costs: ‘It all affects me terribly’

A 30-year-old man in Zagreb says rent and household bills have become so burdensome that he is considering moving in with a roommate after a decade of living alone.

“I don’t have a dog or a cat, and it all affects me terribly,” he wrote on Reddit, explaining that he remains uncertain about giving up the independence he has had for 10 years. His question focused on how many people spend half their salary on housing and utilities.

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I don’t have a dog or a cat, and it all affects me terribly.

One commenter said he had faced a similar situation and later shared a two-bedroom apartment after his income increased. He advised the man not to share a room, but said accepting less comfort could make sense if it allowed him to save for the future. Saving 200 euros a month, the commenter wrote, would amount to an extra month’s salary before the end of the year.

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I was in your situation. At least now you have open borders and you are still young.

Another user said living alone in Zagreb is difficult on an average salary and even harder on a below-average one. The commenter argued that the problem affects every major city, while suggesting that finding additional work is easier today, particularly for men.

A further response took a more blunt view: people earning average wages cannot expect to live alone in the most sought-after areas while spending only a small share of their income on housing. The commenter said the market is not designed for single tenants and attributed the pressure to supply and demand. Večernji.hr noted that the views expressed by Reddit users do not represent the editorial position of the publication.

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If you can save 200 euros a month, that is an extra month’s salary before the end of the year.