How Much Does It Cost to Live In Slovenia?
Slovenia is a member of the European Union and a country known for some of the most gorgeous tourist spots in the Balkans.
Despite its small size, the importance of this Alpine country lies in the fact that it controls some of Europe’s major transit routes.
For those interested in moving here, the situation may be tricky: namely, right now, the real estate market in Slovenia is booming and inventory is low.
So if you’re looking for a family home, you’ll probably pay for it a lot more.
Slovenia : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Eating out in this country can be expensive and commonly not appropriate for vegans, so the best way to get cheap foods to your liking is to actually buy and cook them directly from the local supermarkets.
There are, however, international Mcdonald’s fast-food restaurants in all larger cities.
Hamburgers are also served in grills on every corner.
MARKETS
You can buy relatively cheap groceries and other common supplies in several supermarkets, like the famous Slovene supermarket chain of stores by the name of Mercator.
Fresh veggies and fruit are always available at relatively low prices at Slovenia’s many open markets that pop up in most of its cities.
TRANSPORTATION
Tourists and ex-pats may experience tougher times when traveling anywhere off the highways, or when using public transport.
Bus schedules have been slashed which means you’ll have to wait not knowing when the bus will come – so some planning ahead is required.
It’s not cheap either – a monthly pass will cost you 40$.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities are rather expensive in Slovenia, though since the country has relatively high standards, those that live here can afford them without many problems.
All the basic ones, including water, cooling, heating, and garbage services amount to over 239.88$ a month.
Internet isn’t cheap either, costing around 36$ a month.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Sports and fitness are not as pricey in Slovenia as you would expect looking at all the other prices!
A membership at a fitness club for one adult costs around 42$ a month.
As for leisure, there are many opportunities to have fun in Slovenia – it’s a very modern country with all forms of entertainment.
Cinema tickets will cost you around 7.5$ per person.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Brand-name clothes usually have the same prices as in the rest of Europe which are generally higher than in the US, and Slovenia has even higher prices for clothes than the rest of the Balkans.
For example, Levi’s jeans cost nearly 75$ while quality running sneakers of brands like Nike cost about 83$.
Light pieces of clothing in chain stores like Zara cost around 36$.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent in Slovenia is relatively expensive.
For an apartment in any of the city’s centers, you’ll have to cash out around 570$.
If you decide to live in another part of the country, or on the outskirts of any of the major cities/in the suburbs, you could lower your rent to around 460$.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Slovenia
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $10.74 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.01 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.71 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.14 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.55 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.73 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.40 |
| Monthly Pass | $39.7 |
| Gasoline | $1.58 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $239.88 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.10 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $36.48 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $42.07 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $16.95 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $7.5 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $74.37 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $35.40 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $82.9 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $565.72 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $467.1 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1093.39 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Slovenia?
In Slovenia, the biggest chunk of the paycheck gets spent on food and a large portion of people’s salaries gets spent in markets or grocery stores.
The next huge expense is the rent which is rather expensive in this country.
Restaurants take up the next spot on the list since food can get pretty pricey, and, as in most countries, those who are well-off eat in restaurants practically every day.
Transportation is very expensive too, while also being an everyday necessity for everyone.
As usual, the smallest amount of money is spent on clothes and accessories.
Average Costs Breakdown
Slovenia: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Those that get a minimum wage of about 950$ might have a hard time covering all expenses, especially if they’re renting an apartment.
Still, the minimum wage in this country is far better and higher than in most other Balkan countries.
The average monthly net salary is pretty high, and though their expenses are high too, an average citizen of Slovenia can live comfortably and have no problem earning for a living.
Of course, those renting an apartment will always have a harder time paying off their bills and rent, but generally speaking, Slovenia has just recently reached a high living standard.
Slovenia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Slovenia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Slovenia
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Ljubljana | 56.34 |
| Maribor | 49.3 |
I am a Slovenian! For 25 years I lived in Koper which is a very beautiful city. You must work hard to live well, but that is a good thing! If you are earning around 1500 Euro you will be okay, no problem at all. You should visit sometime, Ptuj is very nice too.
Ljubljana was my city for a long time, but I did not earn enough to live well there. Rent is too expensive in the city. I am back in Idrija now with my family and life is much easier for me, I earn almost the same but live more comfortably.
Slovenia seems like a really nice place to live! Wages seem good and rent prices are reasonable, utilities are quite expensive though but I bet you could find some good deals. I’d like to go on vacation here in future, I think I’ll really enjoy it. Some friends I know went and said it was great.
Slovenia seems like a really nice place to live! Wages seem good and rent prices are reasonable, utilities are quite expensive though but I bet you could find some good deals. I’d like to go on vacation here in future, I think I’ll really enjoy it. Some friends I know went and said it was great.
No mention of the tax system? Is there a goods tax?
The VAT on most goods and services is 22% (though included in all marked prices).