Serbia🇷🇸
At a Glance
How Serbia compares across key indices
Cost of Living
42 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
63/100
Healthcare
52/100
Quality of Life
130/200
Climate
83/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Serbia
Cost of Living
42
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
12
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
38
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
41
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Nis
Cheapest$1,048/mo
Novi Sad
$1,346/mo
Belgrade
$1,685/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Serbia — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
63/100
Crime Index
37/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
57/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
20 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,086 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Serbia
Serbia has 3 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,048 in Nis to $1,685 in Belgrade. Belgrade leads on safety, scoring 62/100. Novi Sad ranks highest for quality of life at 142/200.
Nis
$1,048/mo
Belgrade
62/100
Novi Sad
142/200
Belgrade
53/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nis | $1,048 | — | — | — | — |
| Novi Sad | $1,346 | 62/100 | 142/200 | 50/100 | 53 |
| Belgrade | $1,685 | 62/100 | 123/200 | 53/100 | 69 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Serbia
Healthcare Index
52/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 406 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Serbia
Pollution Index
65/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 528 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Serbia
Average One-Way Commute
31minutes
Average
Traffic Index
108
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
117
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.0kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 317 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Serbia, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Serbia?
Serbia has a cost of living index of 42 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,048 in Nis and reach $1,685 in Belgrade.
What is the cheapest city in Serbia for expats?
Nis is the most affordable city in Serbia with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,048 for a single person including rent. Novi Sad is the next most affordable at $1,346/mo.
Is Serbia safe for expats?
Serbia has a safety index of 63/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Belgrade scores highest on safety at 62/100.
What is the best city in Serbia for expats and digital nomads?
Novi Sad ranks highest for quality of life in Serbia, scoring 142/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,346/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Nis offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,048/mo.
How good is healthcare in Serbia?
Serbia scores 52/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Serbia cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Serbia's cost of living is roughly 58% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 88% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Serbia?
Serbia has a pollution index of 65/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Serbia
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