Moving to Belgrade means trading perfection for personality. Serbia’s capital is loud, raw, affordable — and deeply alive. With riverside clubs, brutalist blocks, and a fast-growing expat scene, Belgrade rewards those who stay a little longer and look a little deeper.
Belgrade doesn’t try to impress you with postcard beauty — and that’s exactly why so many people fall in love with it. Chaotic, honest, buzzing with energy, it’s a city where cafés are always full, people talk loudly, and you’ll feel at home faster than you expected. Thinking of staying long-term? Here’s how life in Belgrade really works.
Key Facts About Belgrade (Serbia)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~1.3 million |
| Language | Serbian (English widely spoken in tech, tourism, and youth) |
| Currency | Serbian Dinar (RSD) |
| Average Rent | €300–600/month (1-bedroom in good areas) |
| Average Net Salary | ~€700–1,000 |
| Health Insurance | Public and private options (private from €20/month) |
| Safety Level | Medium – generally safe, but be cautious late at night in central areas |
| Public Transport | Buses, trams. Monthly pass ~€30 |
| Climate | Continental – hot summers, snowy winters |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Visa-free for up to 90 days for many countries; residence via freelance, business, or study |
| Education | Multiple universities, some English-language programs |
| Grocery Prices | Low – affordable local food and essentials |
| Access to Nature | Danube, Sava, green parks, lakes, mountains nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Energetic, informal, warm, with rich culture and famous nightlife |
Renting in Belgrade: Low Prices, Big Spaces, Fast Deals
Belgrade is still one of the cheapest capitals in Europe when it comes to renting. You’ll find everything from 70s Yugoslav-style blocks to newly built lofts in booming neighborhoods. Many apartments come fully furnished, including washing machines, AC, and Wi-Fi.
Average prices (2025):
- Studio apartment: €250–350/month
- One-bedroom in central areas: €350–500/month
- Two-bedroom with good light: €500–750/month
- Utilities: €100–150/month
- Internet: ~€10/month
There’s no centralized rental portal — but we’ve organized current long-term rentals in Belgrade here so you can filter by area, price, and size.
Residency and Visas: One of the Easiest in Europe
Serbia is not in the EU, and that works in your favor — fewer restrictions, simpler paths.
Most foreigners can stay 90 days visa-free, depending on your nationality. To stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit, which is granted for:
- Freelance work or remote income
- Employment by a Serbian company
- Language study
- Business registration
- Family reunification or marriage
You’ll need a local address, Serbian bank account, health insurance, and a few documents — but the process is clear and handled at the local police station.
Language and Culture: English Widely Spoken, Serbian Deeply Respected
In Belgrade, you can get by with English — especially if you work in tech, media, or the startup scene. Younger generations speak it well, and menus, apps, and ATMs usually offer English.
That said, learning basic Serbian shows respect and unlocks daily life — from markets to bureaucracy. Serbs are proud of their language and will warmly help if they see you’re trying.
Fun fact: Serbian uses both Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, often mixed together on the same street.
Where to Live in Belgrade
- Dorćol – artsy, central, full of cafés and street culture
- Vračar – compact, elegant, near the Saint Sava Temple
- Novi Beograd (New Belgrade) – wide boulevards, new developments, river views
- Zemun – feels like a town inside the city, riverside charm
- Palilula / Karaburma – more affordable, residential feel, developing fast
Public transport (buses, trams, trolleys) works fine — but expect delays. Taxis are cheap, and many locals walk everywhere.
Top 5 Best Districts in Belgrade for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Vračar | Compact, central, well-connected. Full of cafés, schools, and a lively vibe. |
| 2. Dorćol | Artsy and walkable. Near the river, full of bars, startups, and energy. |
| 3. Novi Beograd | Modern, spacious, and practical. High-rises, offices, and family-friendly. |
| 4. Zemun | Historic charm and riverside views. Peaceful and culturally rich. |
| 5. Dedinje | Elite, quiet, and green. Home to embassies and luxury villas. Expensive but exclusive. |
Cost of Living in Belgrade
Belgrade is extremely livable on a moderate budget — especially for freelancers and digital nomads.
- Rent: €300–600/month
- Utilities: €100–130/month
- Groceries: €150–250/month
- Dining out:
- Local meal: €5–7
- Dinner for two: €25–40
- Public transport: €25/month
- Coworking space: €100–150/month
- Gym: €30–50/month
You can live comfortably solo on €1,000–1,300/month — even less if you’re frugal.
Work and Income
Serbia’s economy is growing — and Belgrade is the hub. Popular sectors:
- IT and development
- Design and content
- English teaching
- Startups and crypto
- Outsourcing and call centers
The country has embraced remote work. You can register a business or apply for freelance residence if you have non-Serbian income — taxes are flat and relatively low.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €1,800 |
| IT Project Manager | €2,200 |
| UX/UI Designer | €1,500 |
| Architect | €1,400 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €1,600 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €2,500 |
| Nurse | €1,000 |
| High School Teacher | €1,100 |
| Marketing Specialist | €1,500 |
| Accountant | €1,400 |
Healthcare: Public and Private Options
Serbia has a state healthcare system, but private clinics dominate the expat experience.
- GP visit (private): €20–40
- Specialist: €30–60
- Emergency care: affordable and responsive
- Dental: cleaning from €20
- Full private insurance: €30–70/month
Many clinics in Belgrade have English-speaking staff and modern equipment.
Final Thoughts: Is Belgrade Right for You?
Belgrade is not for perfectionists — it’s for people who appreciate life with texture. It’s real, a little chaotic, deeply social, and full of late-night laughter and smoky charm.
If you want to live in a place that’s affordable, unpretentious, and emotionally alive, Belgrade could be your unexpected forever city.
Also check out our article on Moving to Genoa