Cost of Living in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina · Europe
$1,050
Monthly Cost
avg/person
36
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
62
Quality of Life
Moderate
62
Safety Index
Moderate
0.3M
Population
BAM
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2.2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.7 |
| Monthly Pass | $22 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $22000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $18000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $110 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $14 |
| Fitness Club/month | $22 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $480/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,050/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $650/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $900 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 5.5% |
View Cost of Living in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cost of Living in Sarajevo — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Sarajevo has a cost index of 36, making it around 64% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Sarajevo costs around $300/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $480/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,050/month. The rent index is 30 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Sarajevo scores 62/100 on the quality of life index and 62/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Sarajevo is approximately $900/month. With a purchasing power index of 48/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BAM, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Sarajevo
The average monthly salary in Sarajevo is approximately $900. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,050, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 48/100.
Healthcare Costs in Sarajevo
Healthcare quality in Sarajevo is rated 60/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Sarajevo
Sarajevo has a quality of life score of 62/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Sarajevo
Students living in Sarajevo should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Sarajevo
Expats moving to Sarajevo often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 36 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Sarajevo
Living in Sarajevo offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 36 and a quality of life score of 62/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $900 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Sarajevo provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina and around the world.
Key Facts About Sarajevo
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,050
- Cost Index: 36
- Rent Index: 30
- Average Salary: $900
- Quality of Life: 62/100
- Safety Score: 62/100
- Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Currency: BAM
Is Sarajevo Expensive?
Sarajevo has a cost index of 36 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Sarajevo compare to other cities?
Sarajevo is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.3M. At a cost index of 36 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Sarajevo stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sarajevo?
The average cost of living in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 36 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Sarajevo?
Rent in Sarajevo varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Sarajevo alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Sarajevo expensive to live in?
Sarajevo has a cost index of 36 compared to New York City (100). At 36, Sarajevo is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,050.
What is the quality of life in Sarajevo?
Sarajevo has a quality of life index of 62/100 and a safety index of 62/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Sarajevo compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Sarajevo with any city worldwide. Sarajevo's cost index is 36 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Sarajevo?
Many residents live comfortably in Sarajevo with a monthly budget of around $1,050 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Sarajevo good for expats?
Sarajevo is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Sarajevo?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,050 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Sarajevo.
Is Sarajevo cheaper than New York?
Yes, Sarajevo has a cost index of 36 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Sarajevo?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Sarajevo.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Sarajevo
Cheapest Ways to Live in Sarajevo
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Sarajevo typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $300/month compared to $480/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Is Sarajevo Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 48/100 and a quality of life score of 62/100, Sarajevo is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 36 relative to New York City, Sarajevo remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Bosnia & Herzegovina has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Sarajevo Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Sarajevo", "Sarajevo monthly expenses 2026", and "is Sarajevo affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,050, a safety score of 62/100, and healthcare rated 60/100, Sarajevo offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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