Cost of Living in Serbia (2025): A Complete Breakdown for Expats and Investors
Serbia has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and investors looking for affordability, high-quality living, and great opportunities. One of the most common questions we receive is:
"What is the real cost of living in Serbia?"
If you're considering a move to Belgrade, Novi Sad, or beyond, this guide will give you an up-to-date breakdown of expenses, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and more. You’ll also find comparisons between Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia’s two largest cities, to help you determine which suits your lifestyle and budget best.
📌 Living Costs in Serbia: What You Need to Know
📌 Living Costs in Serbia: What You Need to Know
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to acknowledge that inflation has affected prices worldwide, including Serbia. While the country remains an affordable option compared to Western Europe and North America, prices today are higher than they were five or six years ago.
That said, Serbia still offers a great quality of life for those seeking lower costs, property ownership opportunities, and financial freedom. Many expats, retirees, and young professionals find that they can live comfortably here while spending significantly less than in their home countries.
🏡 Housing & Rent in Serbia
🏡 Housing & Rent in Serbia
Housing costs vary significantly between Belgrade and Novi Sad. Here’s a comparison of rental prices in 2025:
| Apartment Type | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom (City Center) | $498 | $787 | +58% |
| 1-Bedroom (Outside Center) | $399 | $500 | +25% |
| 3-Bedroom (City Center) | $969 | $1,410+ | +45% |
| 3-Bedroom (Outside Center) | $685 | $900 | +31% |
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Belgrade is significantly more expensive than Novi Sad when it comes to renting.
- Novi Sad offers better value for families looking for larger apartments.
- Buying property in Serbia is still a viable investment, with average prices per square meter ranging from $3,000+ in Novi Sad to $4,200+ in Belgrade.
🍽️ Food & Dining Costs
🍽️ Food & Dining Costs
If you love dining out, Serbia offers affordable yet high-quality food options compared to Western countries. Here’s what you can expect to pay in restaurants:
| Item | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive Meal (Per Person) | $8.79 | $10.55 | +20% |
| Mid-Range Restaurant (3-Course) | $43.95 | $43.95 | No Difference |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.64 | $2.99 | +13% |
| Cappuccino | $2.24 | $2.34 | +4% |
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Eating out in Belgrade is about 10-20% more expensive than in Novi Sad.
- Mid-range restaurants have similar pricing in both cities.
- Grocery shopping is slightly cheaper in Belgrade for items like milk, bread, and eggs.
🚗 Transportation Costs
🚗 Transportation Costs
Getting around Serbia is affordable whether you use public transport, taxis, or drive your own vehicle. Here's what you can expect:
| Transport Costs | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi Fare (Normal Tariff) | $1.67/km | $2.81/km | +68% |
| Gasoline (Per Liter) | $1.66 | $1.66 | No Difference |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | $30 | $35 | +17% |
Key Takeaways:
- Taxis are significantly more expensive in Belgrade than in Novi Sad.
- Gasoline prices remain stable across Serbia regardless of location.
- Public transportation in Belgrade is now free—a major advantage for residents and commuters.
⚡ Utilities & Internet
⚡ Utilities & Internet
One of the most common questions expats ask is: How much will I pay for electricity, water, and internet in Serbia? Here’s the answer:
| Utility Costs | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | $178 | $177 | Almost Equal |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more) | $29.54 | $28.60 | Slightly Cheaper in Belgrade |
| Mobile Plan (10GB Data) | $18.50 | $21.61 | +17% |
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Utility costs are almost identical in both cities.
- Internet plans are slightly cheaper in Belgrade.
- Mobile plans are more expensive in Belgrade than Novi Sad.
🏫 Childcare & Education
🏫 Childcare & Education
For families moving to Serbia, private education and childcare costs are an important consideration. Here's what you can expect:
| Childcare Costs (Private Full-Day) | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Kindergarten (Per Month) | $292 | $391 | +34% |
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Childcare in Belgrade is about $100 more per month than in Novi Sad.
- Both cities offer international schools, but tuition fees vary.
📊 Should You Move to Serbia?
📊 Should You Move to Serbia?
Serbia remains one of the most affordable European countries to live in, despite inflation. While prices have risen over the years, expats still find it cheaper than living in North America or Western Europe.
👉 Why consider Serbia?
✅ Affordable housing & property ownership opportunities
✅ High-quality food & great lifestyle
✅ Lower taxes & business-friendly environment
✅ Strong expat community in Belgrade & Novi Sad
If you’re thinking about moving to Serbia, schedule a free consultation with us today. We can help you with residency, business setup, real estate, and everything in between.
Want to Relocate to Serbia? Let’s Talk!
Want to Relocate to Serbia? Let’s Talk!
Whether you’re a retiree, investor, or young professional, Serbia offers a great balance of affordability and quality of life. While Belgrade is the vibrant capital with higher costs, Novi Sad provides a more affordable alternative with excellent living conditions.
📩 Get in touch today for a consultation!
🚀 Visit us at RelocationSerbia.com to learn more!