Cost of Living in Serbia
Serbia is one of Europe's most affordable countries, making it attractive for digital nomads, retirees, and anyone seeking quality of life without Western European prices.
Monthly Budget Overview
| Expense | Belgrade City Center | Belgrade Suburbs | Novi Sad/Smaller Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €350-600 | €250-400 | €150-350 |
| Utilities | €80-120 | €60-100 | €50-80 |
| Groceries | €150-250 | €150-250 | €120-200 |
| Dining Out | €100-200 | €80-150 | €60-120 |
| Transportation | Free (Belgrade) | Free (Belgrade) | €20-40 |
| Health Insurance | €50-150 | €50-150 | €50-150 |
| Internet | €18-25 | €18-25 | €18-25 |
Realistic Monthly Budgets
Budget lifestyle: €600-800/month (shared accommodation, cooking at home, minimal entertainment)
Comfortable lifestyle: €1,000-1,500/month (own apartment, regular dining out, social activities)
Premium lifestyle: €2,000-3,000/month (upscale apartment, frequent dining, travel)
Key Cost Advantages
Housing: Rent is 60-70% lower than Western Europe. A nice 1-bedroom in Belgrade city center costs €400-600, compared to €1,500+ in Berlin or Paris.
Dining: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €5-10. A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is €30-50.
Transportation: Belgrade's public transport became completely free in January 2025, making it the largest European city with free transit.
Healthcare: Private doctor visits cost €20-50 (GP) or €50-100 (specialist), far below Western prices.
Cost Comparisons
- Belgrade is approximately 40% cheaper than Paris
- 50% cheaper than London
- 42% cheaper than Berlin
- Novi Sad and smaller cities are even more affordable (60-70% below Western capitals)
Tips for Managing Costs
- Shop at local markets (pijaca) for fresh produce at lower prices
- Serbian SIM cards with data are very cheap (€5-10/month for generous data)
- Consider Novi Sad for even lower costs while maintaining good amenities
- Cooking at home with local ingredients is extremely economical
Pro Tips
- •Belgrade public transport is completely free since January 2025
- •Rent is the main expense - choose location carefully
- •Local markets offer fresh produce much cheaper than supermarkets
- •Dining out is very affordable - €5-10 for a good meal
- •Novi Sad offers similar quality of life at even lower costs
Have questions about cost of living in Serbia?