Serbia (RS)
A low-cost Western Balkan EU-candidate country with a lively Belgrade expat scene, strong IT and gaming sectors, cafe culture, good regional travel links, private healthcare options and a fast-moving residence/work permit system.
Capital: Belgrade
Region: Europe
Language: Serbian
Currency: RSD (din)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 32)
Emergency: 112
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Serbia — 2026 data in RSD.
32
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Very affordable compared to major global cities. Your money goes a long way here.
Food & Groceries
Bread (loaf) RSD 70–140
Milk (1L) RSD 120–180
Eggs (10-pack) RSD 220–350
Chicken breast (1kg) RSD 650–1,000
Local cheese (kajmak / sir, 1kg) RSD 800–1,600
Beer (0.5L, Jelen / Lav, supermarket) RSD 150–280
Rakija (Serbian fruit brandy, 750ml) RSD 600–2,500
Monthly groceries for 1 person RSD 25,000–50,000
Dining Out
Burek and yogurt (iconic Serbian breakfast) RSD 250–450
Ćevapi / pljeskavica (grilled meat icons) RSD 500–1,000
Casual lunch set (three courses) RSD 700–1,400
Coffee in café (domaća kafa / espresso) RSD 180–350
Jelen / Lav beer in bar (0.5L) RSD 250–500
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) RSD 4,000–8,000
Rent
1-bed apartment, Belgrade city centre RSD 64,350–105,300/month
1-bed apartment, Belgrade outer districts RSD 40,950–70,200/month
3-bed family apartment, Belgrade RSD 105,300–210,600+/month
1-bed apartment, Novi Sad RSD 40,950–76,050/month
1-bed apartment, Niš / Kragujevac RSD 29,250–52,650/month
Furnished short-stay rental, Belgrade RSD 75,000–150,000/month
Transport
Belgrade BEO transit single (card fare) RSD 89
Belgrade monthly transit pass RSD 2,500–3,500
Taxi start (Lux / Naxis) RSD 270–350
Belgrade airport taxi RSD 2,500–4,500
Petrol (1L, 95 octane) RSD 180–210
Intercity bus (Belgrade–Novi Sad, one way) RSD 700–1,200
Used compact car RSD 3,000,000–7,000,000
Health & Insurance
RFZO state health insurance (employed residents) Free at point of care
Private GP visit RSD 3,000–7,000
Private specialist visit RSD 5,000–12,000
Dental cleaning (private) RSD 4,000–8,000
Private health insurance (monthly) RSD 3,500–17,550
Utilities
Electricity / district heating for apartment RSD 8,000–25,000/month
Mobile monthly plan RSD 1,500–4,000
Home fibre internet RSD 2,500–5,000/month
Building maintenance fee (zajednička potrošnja) RSD 2,000–8,000/month
Cable / streaming TV RSD 1,500–4,000/month
Childcare
State kindergarten (municipal, Belgrade) RSD 5,000–15,000/month
Private kindergarten RSD 29,250–81,900/month
International school (annual) RSD 936,000–2,925,000+
Private Serbian language tutor RSD 936–2,340/hour
Leisure
Gym membership (monthly) RSD 3,000–8,000
Cinema ticket RSD 500–900
Kafana evening (Serbian restaurant-bar, per person) RSD 2,000–6,000
Exit Festival / Nišville Jazz day pass RSD 2,000–6,000
Ski day pass (Kopaonik / Zlatibor) RSD 3,000–4,500
River rafting day trip (Drina / Tara) RSD 3,000–8,000
Haircut (men's) RSD 1,000–2,500
Haircut (women's) RSD 2,000–6,000
Cost of Living
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