How Much Does It Cost to Live In Sarajevo?
If you doubt between Banja Luka and Sarajevo, then you should get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of both cities and than make the right decision.
Even though they are quite similar, Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that makes it more prominent, popular and attractive.
It is good to know that you should not expect average European salaries here, as the standard is pretty low.
However, if you will get paid in your country, than Sarajevo has many things to offer.
Bosnia And Herzegovina : Cost of Living by City
Cost of Living in Bosnia And Herzegovina
RESTAURANTS
If you like going out and spending time in cafes and restaurants, then you will surely love Sarajevo.
Meals are inexpensive here, due to the fact that food is affordable, and the price of alcohol is not high, as you can get a bottle of domestic bear for $1.7.
MARKETS
Food in Sarajevo is not expensive and you can always buy groceries at the local markets and save even more money.
How much your costs will be depends on your eating habits and diet, as well as on the number of family members.
However, the cost of bread is among the lowest in the region.
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport in the city is relatively inexpensive.
A one-way journey would cost you no more than $1 and a monthly pass is $30.
Sarajevo has one of the oldest trams in Europe which is still very efficient.
If you are traveling from one city to another, you should know that it is usually expensive.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Once you have rented a comfortable and safe apartment, besides the rent you will need to pay bills on top of that.
The Internet is the least expensive, compared to other European capitals, but all in all, utilities have almost the equal prices as in whole Europe.
Make sure that you have approximately $200 per month to give for the bills.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Sarajevo is a very vibrant capital city and very attractive to young people who like entertainment.
There are always different affordable events in the city and watching the latest movie will cost you only $4.
Fitness clubs are more expensive than in other cities in Bosnia and Hezegovina.
CLOTHING & SHOES
If you have decided to honor yourself with an expensive piece of clothes in Sarajevo, your common sense can tell you that shops in tourist areas are more expensive as in any other city.
As a capital, Sarajevo is more expensive than the rest of the country, and running shoes are around $80.
In comparison to European capital, the prices are low, but still not too cheap.
RENT PER MONTH
If you want to spend more than a few nights in Sarajevo and get a proper accommodation for normal life, then you can choose between urban and rural areas of the city.
Many options are available, from unfurnished apartment out of the city center to the well-furnished one in the central areas, all depending on your taste and financial potential.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Sarajevo
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.08 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.75 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.75 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $3.11 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.54 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.72 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.05 |
| Monthly Pass | $30.90 |
| Gasoline | $4.94 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $155.16 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.12 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $25.45 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $30.72 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $10.31 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $4.08 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $71.98 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $35.05 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $80.37 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $286.75 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $189.29 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $560.78 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Sarajevo?
Considering the fact that the minimum wage is around $300, and a person who earns such a low salary has to pay the rent which costs just as much, then nothing is left for other daily expenses.
Fortunately, the majority of Sarajevo citizens possesses their own housing and save money on the rent.
They like visiting restaurants, as the food there is pretty affordable.
Sports and clothing are at the last place when the monthly budget is in question, thus the least money is spent on them.
Markets take the most of monthly salary as food is of utmost importance for daily life.
Average Costs Breakdown
Sarajevo: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Sarajevo is not too rich city and average people there do not earn too much, thus making the living standards low and bad.
People who earn more than the minimum and along with that have their places of living will be able to afford much more both to themselves and their families.
If you think about buying a house or flat in Sarajevo, you should know that the mortgage interest rate is not low at all, reaching 5%.
Those who earn abroad will definitely be able to afford many things in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sarajevo Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Sarajevo
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Banja Luka | 36.54 |
