Retiring in Serbia in 2025: Costs, Cities, and Quality of Life
Overview
Serbia is rapidly gaining popularity among retirees seeking affordable living, rich culture, and a welcoming community. In 2025, Serbia continues to offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe and North America. This guide covers the latest costs, best cities, healthcare, and what to expect when retiring in Serbia.
National Cost of Living Breakdown
| Item | Serbia (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1BR, City Centre) | $560 |
| Apartment (1BR, Outside Centre) | $385 |
| Apartment (3BR, City Centre) | $1,035 |
| Apartment (3BR, Outside Centre) | $715 |
| Basic Utilities | $175 |
| Internet (monthly) | $25 |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $9 |
| Meal (2 People, 3-course) | $42 |
| Monthly Public Transport | $23 |
| Private Healthcare Insurance (annual) | $600+ |
Sources: Numbeo 2025, Relocation Serbia 2025, Global Citizen Solutions
Food & Dining Costs
| Item | Novi Sad (USD) | Belgrade (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive Meal | $8.79 | $10.55 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant (3-course) | $43.95 | $43.95 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.64 | $2.99 |
| Cappuccino | $2.24 | $2.34 |
Grocery shopping is slightly cheaper in Belgrade for staples like milk, bread, and eggs. Eating out in Belgrade is about 10-20% more expensive than in Novi Sad.
Source: Relocation Serbia 2025
Healthcare for Retirees
Serbia offers both public and private healthcare. Public healthcare is funded through a 10.3% salary contribution, but about 38% of expenses are paid out-of-pocket. Private healthcare is popular among expats, with GP visits costing €20-50 and specialist visits €50-100. Basic private health insurance starts at around €500/year.
Source: Global Citizen Solutions Healthcare 2025
Best Cities & Regions to Retire in Serbia
- Belgrade: Vibrant capital, top amenities, higher living costs.
- Novi Sad: Laid-back, cultural, more affordable than Belgrade.
- Niš: Historic, warm climate, lowest cost among major cities.
- Subotica: Peaceful, multicultural, affordable real estate.
- Kragujevac: Industrial, green spaces, affordable.
- Čačak: Entrepreneurial, scenic, affordable.
| City | Cost of Living (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Belgrade | $1,160 |
| Novi Sad | $1,012 |
| Niš | $711 |
| Subotica | $768 |
| Kragujevac | $807 |
| Čačak | $759 |
Source: LivingCost.org 2025, Serbia.com 2025
Retirement Cost Estimates
Low Standard: $13,000/year
Medium Standard: $18,000/year
High Standard: $26,000/year
These figures include housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and leisure for a single retiree. Couples should expect to budget 1.5x these amounts.
Conclusion
Serbia remains one of Europe’s most affordable and welcoming destinations for retirees in 2025. With a range of cities to choose from, modern healthcare, and a vibrant expat community, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and value in retirement.
For more details, see Global Citizen Solutions, Relocation Serbia, LivingCost.org, Serbia.com, Numbeo