Is it similar in other places, e.g. Pula or Zadar, or is it even worse there as they're also touristy? I wouldn't mind renting something for 1000 EUR/month as long as I can skip paying the taxes on crypto. I just need some certainty which I don't know where to get. :/
For 1000 EUR/month, you can get a good-looking, 2-room apartment (at least) 60 m2 or more in all cities in Croatia, including tourist destinations (except maybe Dubrovnik). It all depends on what you're looking for. It is generally worth avoiding urban centers and attractive locations, and looking for quieter, residential neighborhoods to find the best deals. You might even find smaller houses with gardens in these areas for the same price. Since you likely won't be working here, a daily commute won't be a factor.
Right, but it would be a problem to communicate/get papers/etc. when not in a bigger city. For example, in other countries residence permits and taxes are handled by local municipality, and I don't think I'll be able to successfully navigate that without Croatian, don't you think?
Also I am looking at the rental website and there's barely anything to rent. I don't own a car, so just logistically it's a bit impossible to come to Zagreb -> find a listing in a village nearby -> spend a few hours going there to see one house -> day wasted -> hotel price keeps piling up
It's frustrating to rent as it is in big cities with hundreds of rental ads (had to spend 2 weeks in 1mil+ cities), I expect it to be impossible when there's even less ads
