Thinking about relocating to Serbia? This Southeast European nation is becoming increasingly popular with expats, digital nomads, and investors thanks to its affordable cost of living, welcoming communities, and strategic location.
From the buzzing capital city of Belgrade to the relaxed charm of Novi Sad or the historic streets of Niš, Serbia offers a wide range of living options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
In this guide to the best places to live in Serbia you will learn about:
7 Best Places to Live in Serbia for Foreigners
01/ Belgrade
As Serbia’s capital, Belgrade is the top choice for many expats considering a move. The city combines a vibrant lifestyle with a growing economy, making it especially appealing to professionals.
Job opportunities are more abundant here than anywhere else in the country, particularly in IT and finance, with many multinational companies, including Microsoft and UniCredit. Expats benefit from a wide range of international schools, coworking spaces, and a lively nightlife.
While the cost of living is higher compared to other Serbian cities, Belgrade offers the most comprehensive mix of career prospects, cultural advantages, and modern lifestyle.
02/ Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, offers a balance of culture, education, and lifestyle that appeals to expats. Sitting on the Danube and backed by the green slopes of Fruška Gora, it combines natural beauty with a relaxed pace of life.
The city is home to the University of Novi Sad, one of the country’s best, and has a strong cultural heritage as the former base of Matica Srpska. It has also gained international recognition as the European Youth Capital (2019) and European Capital of Culture (2022).
For expats, Novi Sad stands out as an affordable, welcoming place with a vibrant cultural scene, good infrastructure, and proximity to Belgrade, making it easy to enjoy a high quality of life in a smaller, more relaxed setting.
03/ Niš
Niš, Serbia’s third-largest city, is best suited for those looking for affordability and history. The city offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Belgrade and Novi Sad, Niš appeals to students, budget-conscious expats, and those looking to retire in Serbia. The University of Niš is one of the top attractions to the city.
Niš is also one of Europe’s oldest cities, offering a deep historical legacy with landmarks such as Niš Fortress and the Skull Tower. While job opportunities are more limited, the city provides a welcoming community, good access to private healthcare facilities, and a slower, less expensive lifestyle.
04/ Užice
Located in western Serbia, Užice is a mid-sized city surrounded by mountains and nature, offering a completely different pace of life from Serbia’s larger urban centers. The city is known for its affordability and access to outdoor activities. Here you can find a quieter, budget-friendly lifestyle.
The city has a strong industrial past but today it is ideal for outdoor lovers with access to natural attractions like Tara National Park and Zlatibor. While job opportunities are more limited than in Belgrade or Novi Sad, Užice provides a safe, welcoming environment.
05/ Subotica
Located in northern Serbia near the Hungarian border, Subotica offers stunning Art Nouveau architecture and multicultural environment. The city’s historic buildings, including the famous City Hall and Synagogue, give it a distinctive charm.
Subotica is more relaxed than Serbia’s larger cities and offers an affordable cost of living, making it attractive for expats looking for culture, history, and a slower pace of life.
06/ Kragujevac
Kragujevac is best known for its automotive and manufacturing sectors. The city has long been an economic hub, offering job opportunities for expats working in engineering, or related fields.
While less cosmopolitan than Belgrade or Novi Sad, Kragujevac provides a practical and affordable lifestyle, with a strong focus on work and community. It also has several universities, making it a solid option for those seeking educational opportunities in Serbia.
07/ Čačak
Located in central Serbia, Čačak, combines affordability with access to natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and spas, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and wellness retreats.
While smaller than Serbia’s main urban centers, Čačak has a growing economy based on agriculture, industry, and education. It is a good fit for expats who prefer a quieter lifestyle, lower costs, and easy access to the Serbian countryside.
Why Expats are Moving to Serbia
- Affordable cost of living: With living expenses notably lower than in many other European countries, Serbia provides expats with an excellent balance of comfort and affordability.
- Expanding career prospects: Growth in sectors like technology, engineering, and international business is opening doors for skilled professionals from abroad.
- Friendly atmosphere: Foreigners often highlight the warmth and generosity of Serbian people, making it easy to settle in and feel at home.
- Strategic location: Situated in Southeast Europe, Serbia serves as a convenient base for digital nomads and newcomers looking for both connectivity and opportunity.
- Residency opportunities: The Serbia Residency by Investment program allows foreign nationals to reside in Serbia in exchange for purchasing real estate or starting a business in the country.
Cost of Living in Serbia: City Breakdown
The cost of living in Serbia is one of the main attractions to the country. Here are some of the basic cost breakdowns by city:
| Belgrade | Novi Sad | Niš | Užice | Subotica | Kragujevac | Čačak | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bed apartment) | $864 | $587 | $412 | $250 | $467 | $425 | $242.82 |
| Basic utilities | $227.88 | $224.15 | $156.25 | $156.25 | $159.10 | $186.40 | $151.78 |
| Monthly public transport | Free | $25.52 | $26.71 | $20 | $26.80 | $30.35 | $17.48 |
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | $14.16 | $10.12 | $7.59 | $7.59 | $10.12 | $8.09 | $7.59 |
| International school (one year) | $9,771 | $7,448 | $5,210 | $5,210 | $9,771 | $4,046 | $7,448 |
Expat Communities in Serbia
More foreign nationals are making their way to Serbia each year with growing expat communities in Belgrade and Novi Sad. As job opportunities increase young expats are heading to Serbia to take advantage of the lower cost of living and growing cultural scene.
If you are moving to Serbia as a foreigner, you can find other expats through various online platforms. There are also in-person events held to help expats find others sharing in the same experience.
Digital Nomads in Serbia
Along with the growing expat communities, digital nomads in Serbia are also increasing. Based on our Global Digital Nomad Report, Serbia ranks 47th, with a score of 83.29. Serbia’s quality of living score has increased in recent years, with a ranking of 36. It has the same ranking for its tech and innovation, showing that the country is moving forward in terms of digital technology with growing sectors like finance, IT, and engineering.
Real Estate in Serbia
Serbia’s real estate market presents a compelling opportunity for both living and investing. Property prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe, making it an attractive option for expats and international investors.
In urban centers like Belgrade and Novi Sad, the market is growing steadily, offering both modern apartments and historic homes, with average prices around $3,400 per square meter. Plus, buying property in Serbia as a foreigner is one of the top options to obtain residency in the country.
What expats should consider
- Foreign ownership rules: Expats can buy property in Serbia under reciprocity rules, meaning if their home country allows Serbian citizens to purchase property there, they are permitted to buy.
- Investment potential: Major cities are seeing growing demand, making real estate a promising long-term investment for both locals and foreigners.
- Taxes and fees: Based on up to date taxes in Serbia, buyers pay a 2.5% transfer tax on secondary market properties or 10% VAT on new builds, along with a modest annual property tax based on the property’s value and location.
- Residence permit opportunities: Owning property can provide eligibility for a Serbia residence permit, with permanent residency possible after five years of continuous residence.
- Affordable prices: Compared to Western Europe, Serbia offers highly competitive real estate prices, allowing buyers to access quality homes at lower costs.
