Tourist season cleaner shortage on Croatian coast sees hourly rates hit new highs
- by croatiaweek
- in News
With the tourist season fast approaching, there’s growing concern across Croatia’s coast over the shortage of seasonal cleaning staff.
From Split to the islands, owners of apartments, villas, and holiday homes are scrambling to secure help – and fast, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.
Prices for cleaning services have jumped significantly in recent years, and availability is tighter than ever.
In Split, €15 an hour has become the standard, with €20 or even €25 per hour now common for larger or more demanding properties.
In smaller coastal towns and on the islands, the situation is even tougher.
Cleaners often travel from nearby cities by car, bus, or ferry just to meet demand during busy weekends. Earning €100 a day isn’t unusual – but finding a cleaner still can be near impossible.
“If you can’t clean the place yourself, you’re in trouble,” says one apartment owner near Omiš. “They’re all booked already.”
Villas often require several staff to turn over between guests in a single day. The job must be done quickly and at a high standard, as cleanliness is key for guest satisfaction and reviews.
It’s not just land-based properties. Yachts, sailboats, and catamarans also need cleaning – usually during the same weekend rush.
Online forums and social media groups are buzzing with discussions around cleaner prices. One cleaner from Split summed it up: “Everyone wants it spotless, fast, and cheap – preferably free.”
Meanwhile, job ads across Istria and Dalmatia offer seasonal contracts, with wages of €1,200–€1,400 and accommodation included. However, many omit hourly rates.
A recent Alma Career survey showed cleaners now expect up to €1,500 per month – a 60% jump from last year’s €935 average.
Even on the continent, prices are rising. In Zagreb, hourly rates sit around €15, with general cleaning priced by square metre.
As demand rises and cleaners become harder to find, one thing is clear – this summer, spotless rentals will come at a premium.
