Video Sparks Outrage Over Price Differences: Croatian Consumer Asks 'Is Shopping in Italy Worth It?'

A viral video comparing grocery prices in Italy and Croatia has ignited a heated discussion among Croatian consumers. The video, posted on Instagram by user "ellifeedit," visually demonstrates that numerous products are considerably cheaper in Italy than in Croatia. The creator, who frequently shops in Italy, showcased prices from a Trieste supermarket against those in Croatian stores, revealing stark disparities.

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I've been shopping in Italy for some time and each time I discover something new that is much cheaper there than here.

Particularly striking were the price differences for common items. A kilogram of coffee beans cost 13.99 euros in Italy, while the same product in Croatia was priced at a staggering 31.99 euros. A package of salami was 1.49 euros in Italy versus 4.49 euros in Croatia. Cleaning supplies also showed significant gaps, with a drain unblocker costing 2.95 euros in Italy and 5.99 euros in Croatia, and dishwasher tablets priced at 9.80 euros in Italy compared to 14.99 euros in Croatia.

The post quickly garnered hundreds of reactions, with many users expressing frustration and disbelief. "In our country, the excuses are always the same, that prices must be high because of tourism, but Italy also has mass tourism and they aren't outrageously expensive... I don't understand," one user commented, echoing the sentiments of many. Others suggested explanations such as market size, lower VAT on food in Italy, and stronger domestic production.

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In our country, the excuses are always the same, that prices must be high because of tourism, but Italy also has mass tourism and they aren't outrageously expensive... I don't understand.

This video confirms a practice many Croatians, especially those near the border, have followed for years: cross-border shopping as a cost-saving measure. The post's virality stems from its clear illustration of consumer frustrations during a period of heightened sensitivity to living costs and inflation. While general cost-of-living indices might suggest Croatia is cheaper than Italy on average, these specific comparisons reveal that the rule does not apply to a basket of basic consumer goods. Factors like differing tax rates, import margins, and retail strategies contribute to shelf prices, leaving consumers with the bitter reality of paying significantly more than their European Union neighbors for identical products.

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There, the state, i.e., the state government, does its job unlike ours, and that's the beginning and the end of the story.