Rent is the biggest monthly expense for most residents. In Belgrade, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages about 87,500 dinars a month, roughly 750 euros, on Numbeo's August 2026 figures. Outside the center, prices drop to 300 to 450 euros. In Novi Sad, Serbia's second city, you can find similar apartments for 300 to 400 euros in the center and 250 to 350 euros outside.
Larger apartments cost considerably more: a three-bedroom in the Belgrade centre averages about 160,500 dinars, close to 1,370 euros. Prices vary by neighborhood, building quality, and whether the apartment is furnished.
Utility costs for a standard apartment run between 80 and 150 euros per month depending on the season. Heating in winter is the biggest variable, as many buildings use individual gas or electric heating rather than central systems.
Food and Groceries
Groceries in Serbia are affordable by European standards. A weekly shop for one person at a supermarket typically costs between 50 and 80 euros. Fresh produce, dairy, and bread are particularly cheap compared with Western Europe.
Dining out is also reasonable. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around 8 to 15 euros. A coffee at a cafe is 2 to 3 euros. A beer at a bar is 2 to 4 euros. Belgrade has a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Serbian cuisine to international options, and the quality is generally high for the price.
If you eat primarily at home and cook with local ingredients, your monthly food budget can stay well under 300 euros. Eating out regularly pushes this higher, but even frequent dining out is manageable compared with costs in cities like London, Paris, or Berlin.
Transport and Getting Around
Belgrade has a public transport system covering buses and trams. A monthly pass costs around 30 euros. Taxis are affordable, with a typical ride across the city costing 5 to 8 euros. Ride-hailing apps like CarGo and Yandex operate in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
If you prefer to drive, fuel prices are comparable to other European countries. Insurance and maintenance are cheaper than in Western Europe. Parking in central Belgrade can be tight, but monthly parking permits are available at reasonable rates.
Many residents in Belgrade and Novi Sad walk or cycle for daily errands. The cities are compact, and infrastructure for cyclists is improving, though it varies by neighborhood.
Internet, Phone, and Connectivity
A broadband internet connection costs around 20 to 30 euros per month. Mobile phone plans with generous data allowances are available for 15 to 25 euros per month. Serbia has good internet infrastructure in major cities, with fiber connections widely available.
Coworking spaces are available in Belgrade and Novi Sad, typically costing 100 to 200 euros per month for a hot desk. Private offices cost more but are still cheaper than equivalent spaces in Western Europe.
For remote workers, the combination of fast internet, affordable living costs, and a European time zone makes Serbia a practical base. See our guide on working in Serbia on a residency permit for more on the practical side.
Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare costs in Serbia are low. Private health insurance for a healthy adult typically costs between 50 and 100 euros per month, depending on the coverage level. Public healthcare is available to residents but many expats choose private insurance for shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.
A visit to a private general practitioner costs around 30 to 50 euros. Dental checkups are similarly priced. Specialist consultations range from 40 to 80 euros. Prescription medications are subsidized through the public system but are also affordable at private pharmacies.
For a full overview of healthcare options, see our guide to healthcare in Serbia for residents.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Serbia has a vibrant cultural scene, especially in Belgrade. Movie tickets cost around 5 to 7 euros. Gym memberships run 30 to 50 euros per month. Cultural events, concerts, and festivals are frequent and often free or low-cost.
The social scene in Belgrade is well known for its nightlife and cafe culture. Spending time at cafes and bars is a central part of Serbian social life, and the costs are low enough to make it a regular habit rather than a special occasion.
Total Monthly Budget
Numbeo puts monthly costs for a single person in Belgrade at about 83,700 dinars, some 715 euros, before rent; with a one-bedroom in the centre that comes to roughly 1,450 euros a month. Novi Sad is cheaper, mainly because rents there are about 40 per cent lower. Families will need more, especially with school fees and larger accommodation.
These are estimates based on early 2026 prices and can vary depending on your lifestyle. Serbia remains one of the most affordable European destinations for professionals who want to live well without spending heavily.
For more on moving to Serbia, see our guides on residency requirements and document preparation.
Rental and cost figures on this page come from Numbeo and were checked in August 2026; they move with the market, so treat them as a starting point rather than a quote.