RemoteScore

Cost of Living in Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina · All prices in USD

#148 cheapest of 366 cities · Updated March 2026

Expense Sarajevo vs Global Avg
Rent (1BR, city centre) $536 +1%
Rent (1BR, outside centre) $542 +53%
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) $5 -62%
Meal (mid-range, 2 people) $11 -78%
Coffee (cappuccino) $2 -53%
Monthly transport pass $32 -54%
Utilities (monthly) $95 -37%
Internet (monthly) $17 -57%

Budget Monthly Cost

$850

Outside centre, cheap meals, public transport

Comfortable Monthly Cost

$850

City centre, mid-range dining, coworking

Living Costs Explained

Sarajevo ranks #148 out of 366 cities for affordability. At $850/month for a comfortable lifestyle, it's 28% cheaper than the global average of $1,180. This makes Sarajevo an attractive base for nomads looking to stretch their income further.

Accommodation Costs

Rent is typically 40-50% of a nomad's monthly budget in Sarajevo. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $536/month. Moving outside the centre saves approximately -$6/month, bringing rent to $542. Look for monthly rentals on local platforms for better rates than booking.com or Airbnb.

Food and Dining

Eating out in Sarajevo is extremely affordable — cheaper than cooking at home in many cases. A cheap restaurant meal costs $5, while a mid-range dinner for two runs about $11. Coffee culture is incredibly cheap at $2 per cappuccino.

Transport and Utilities

Monthly public transport in Sarajevo costs $32. The city scores 62/100 for walkability, so a transport pass is useful for daily commutes. Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling) average $95/month, and internet runs $17/month for a home connection.

Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget lifestyle ($850/mo): Rent outside centre, cook at home, cheap restaurants, public transport, work from cafes. Suitable for nomads focused on saving.

Comfortable lifestyle ($850/mo): City centre apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking membership ($106/mo), occasional activities and socialising. The sweet spot for most remote workers.

Cheaper Alternatives in Eastern Europe

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sarajevo for digital nomads?
A comfortable monthly budget in Sarajevo is approximately $850, including city centre rent ($536), mid-range dining, transport ($32), and utilities ($95). This is 28% below the global average.
How much is rent in Sarajevo?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Sarajevo city centre costs around $536/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay $542/month — a saving of -$6.
How much does food cost in Sarajevo?
A cheap restaurant meal costs $5, a mid-range dinner for two around $11, and a cappuccino $2. Cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
Is Sarajevo cheap or expensive for digital nomads?
Sarajevo ranks #148 out of 366 cities by affordability. At $850/month, it's below the global average of $1,180, making it a reasonably priced destination.
What's the cheapest way to live in Sarajevo?
Budget nomads can live in Sarajevo for $850/month by renting outside the centre ($542), eating at cheap restaurants ($5/meal), using public transport ($32/month), and working from cafes instead of coworking spaces.

Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan median data for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prices in USD, updated March 2026. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Back to Sarajevo overview.