Cost of Living in Serbia - Move to Serbia

According to many foreigners, the cost of living in the Republic of Serbia is significantly more affordable, especially when compared to Western European countries and the United States. Belgrade is one of the most budget-friendly large European cities, making it a popular choice among expatriates.

With relatively lower prices, you can enjoy a high quality of life, which is also more affordable compared to your home country. Although the cost of living in Serbia depends on your lifestyle, here is an overview of where your money will be spent in this country.

Housing Costs

Renting an apartment in Serbia is quite affordable, especially compared to other European cities. Rental prices vary depending on the city and location.

Larger cities like Belgrade or Novi Sad have the highest rental prices, but the supply is large, diverse, and of high quality. Apartments outside the city center are generally much more affordable. With well-organized public transport, you can reach the city center relatively quickly.

• Belgrade, as the capital city, is also the most expensive. Renting an apartment in the city center costs from €350 per month or more. Outside the center, this can drop to around €250, and sometimes even less.

• In Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, housing is slightly more affordable. Rental prices in the city center start at €300 per month, while apartments in suburbs like Adice, Veternik, Liman 1, or Nova Detelinara can be found for €250.

• Cities like Niš and Kragujevac are even cheaper, with rents ranging from €180–300 for smaller apartments in central locations. Naturally, prices also depend on whether the apartment is furnished or not.

Property Prices in Serbia

Buying property is also a popular option. One reason for this is that apartments in Serbia, especially in Belgrade and Novi Sad, which are university hubs, sell and rent out very quickly.

According to a real estate agency, the current average advertised price of apartments for sale in Belgrade is €2,640 per square meter, reflecting an increase of around €40 since the beginning of the year.

The average price per square meter in Novi Sad is €2,400, while in Niš, it is €1,580. Prices, of course, depend on the location, so they vary even within the same city.

Utilities and Internet

For a one-bedroom apartment, expect utility costs, including electricity, heating, water, and waste disposal, to be around €100–150 per month.

Internet services are affordable and come with various benefits for new users. A package offering a stable connection and unlimited data costs about €15–25 per month.

Food

One of the advantages of living in Serbia is the availability of fresh, organic local produce of high quality at very affordable prices. Shopping at local markets from domestic producers can significantly reduce your grocery bills.

• Monthly grocery bills for one person may vary depending on lifestyle and eating habits. A meal in an average restaurant costs about €10–15 or more.

• Restaurants, offering both local and international cuisines (Chinese, Greek, Italian, French), price their menus according to the population’s purchasing power, ensuring a wide range of excellent gastronomic options at affordable prices

.

Transportation

Public transportation in Serbia is efficient and economical, with all parts of Belgrade well-connected by buses, trams, and trolleybuses. As of January 1, 2025, public transport in Belgrade is completely free, making it even more accessible for residents and visitors.

In smaller cities like Novi Sad, a monthly pass costs around €20, while single tickets for public transport in other Serbian cities remain affordable.

Taxis are also widely available, with starting fares around €2–3 and approximately €1 per kilometer for daytime rides within city centers.

Serbia’s central location makes it a great hub for regional travel, with well-developed intercity transport options by bus, train, car, or plane, connecting travelers easily to neighboring Balkan countries.

Healthcare

Serbia’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private clinics and hospitals. Private healthcare is more popular due to shorter waiting times and higher standards of care.

• EU nationals in Serbia can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic services.
• Many foreigners opt for private health insurance, costing between €50 and €150 per month, depending on coverage. A private doctor’s consultation typically costs €30–50.

Entertainment and Culture

Serbia offers a wide variety of entertainment options for all ages, tastes, and budgets.

• Movie tickets usually cost about €3–7, while tickets for local theater performances range from €10–30.
• There are also wellness and spa centers, fitness clubs, sports facilities, and more. Gym memberships typically cost €20–40 per month, depending on the facilities and location.

Education

For expatriates moving to Serbia with children, education costs are a key factor.

• Public schools in Serbia are free, with instruction in the Serbian language.

• Most expatriates choose international schools with classes in foreign languages, primarily located in Belgrade. Annual tuition fees range from €5,000 to €20,000, depending on the school and the child’s age.

In Novi Sad, the Confucius Institute at the University of Novi Sad has been promoting Chinese language and culture since 2014. The institute welcomes students of all ages (from 5 to 85 years) and celebrates Chinese national holidays, with the Spring Festival being the most notable.

Household Incomes and Expenses in 2023/2024

In 2023, average monthly household incomes in Serbia were about €750, while personal consumption expenses exceeded incomes by €4.

• The largest share of spending was on food, at 36.8% (€277).
• In Belgrade, average incomes were €855, with 34.5% spent on food. Other significant expenses included housing, utilities, and energy (16.4%), with the remainder (recreation, culture, clothing, healthcare, alcohol, and tobacco) accounting for less than 10%.

Consumer Price Index (Inflation) in 2024

The Republic of Serbia has almost fully stabilized inflation since 2022, bringing it in line with the global average and stabilizing food prices.

• The annual inflation rate in October 2024 was 4.5%, compared to 7.6% in 2023.
• Monthly inflation in October 2024 was 0.6%, meaning personal consumption prices were, on average, 0.6% higher than in September.

Average and Minimum Wages in 2024

Over the past 15 years, Serbia’s average and minimum wages have tripled, while living costs, measured by average or minimum consumer baskets, have doubled.

• The minimum wage is currently about €400 and is expected to increase to €457 in 2025 (+13.7%).

• The average consumer basket in August 2024 was around €890, 4.17% higher than the previous year. The minimum basket for the same month was €460, up 3.7% from a year earlier.

The average gross salary in August 2024 was €1,140, while the net salary was €826. Regions with purchasing power above the national average included Belgrade, Niš, Kragujevac, and Novi Sad.

Cost of Living Comparison

According to data from May this year, Slovenia had the highest average and minimum wages in the region, followed by Croatia, with Serbia ranking third.

On the cost of living index for European countries, compiled by World Population Review, Serbia ranked 34th out of 41 countries. Slovenia is the most expensive country in the region (25th), followed by Croatia (29th).

With this information, you can plan your relocation to Serbia, knowing whether the mentioned costs align with your budget.