Is Belgrade an expensive city?

If Belgrade, Serbia has attracted your attention when you’re plotting your next journey, you undoubtedly have the following question in mind: Is Belgrade an expensive city?

It’s a good question because your travel budget will have a big impact on how you experience this exciting Balkan city.

To offer you a thorough knowledge of the costs you can incur while there, we’ll go into detail in this post on the cost of living, lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment.

Cost of Living in Belgrade

Let’s first gain an understanding of Belgrade’s general cost of living before getting into the details. Belgrade is a lot less expensive than many cities in Western Europe. In a small café, a cup of coffee will cost you about 150 Serbian Dinars (RSD), which is equivalent to about $1.50 or €1.30. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course lunch for one person will run you about 1,500 RSD (€13 or $15).

Accommodation Costs

A big portion of every vacation expenditure goes into lodging. You can choose from a variety of options in Belgrade to fit a variety of budgets.

• Budget Accommodation: Hostels in Belgrade are incredibly cheap if you’re a backpacker or just trying to save money, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 RSD (€9 to €22 or $10 to $25) per night for a dormitory bed.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Mid-range hotels provide comfort without breaking the budget, with double rooms costing, on average, 6,000–8,000 RSD (€52–€70 or $60–$80) a night.
• Luxury Hotels: Belgrade offers 5-star hotels with rates that can reach 30,000 RSD (€260 or $300) and higher per night for people looking for luxury.

Remember that prices may vary depending on the season, location, and hotel rating.

Dining and Food Costs

Any journey must include some time for exploring the local cuisine, and Belgrade does not disappoint. The breakdown of meal costs is as follows:

• Street Food: For roughly 250 to 400 RSD (or $2.50 to $4), try the renowned burek or a pljeskavica (Serbian burger) from a street vendor.
• Restaurants in the area: Local restaurants offer reasonably priced meals. For a dinner without beverages, budget between 800 and 1,200 RSD (€7 to €10 or $8 to $12).
• Fine dining: For a special occasion, treat yourself to a lunch at a high-end restaurant, where a three-course meal can cost up to 5,000 RSD (€43 or $50) per person.
• Groceries: If you prefer self-catering, food is reasonably priced. For one individual, the cost of a week’s supply of groceries might range from 3,000 to 5,000 RSD (€26 to €43 or $30 to $50).

Transportation Expenses

• Public Transport: Belgrade’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs around 89 RSD (€0.80 or $0.90), while a monthly pass is approximately 3,600 RSD (€31 or $36).
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available, and the starting fare is typically 170 RSD (€1.50 or $1.80), with an additional 70 RSD (€0.60 or $0.70) per kilometer.
• Renting a Car: If you plan to explore beyond the city, renting a car is an option. Prices vary, but expect to pay around 4,000 to 8,000 RSD (€35 to €70 or $40 to $80) per day for a standard car.

Entertainment and Activities

Belgrade offers a wide array of entertainment options, from historical sites to vibrant nightlife. Here’s what you can expect to spend:

• Museums and Attractions: Entrance fees to most museums and attractions range from 200 to 500 RSD (€1.75 to €4.30 or $2 to $5).
• Nightlife: Belgrade is famous for its nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs. A cocktail in a trendy bar will cost around 400 to 600 RSD (€3.50 to €5.20 or $4 to $6), while club entry fees can vary but often include a drink.
• Outdoor Activities: Exploring Belgrade’s parks and nature is usually free, but renting equipment for activities like kayaking or biking may incur additional costs.
• Concerts and Events: Ticket prices for concerts and events vary widely, so check in advance for specific shows you’re interested in.

Saving Money in Belgrade

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about some practical tips for saving money in Belgrade:

• Local Eateries: Opt for local eateries and street food stalls to enjoy affordable and delicious Serbian cuisine.
• Public Transport Passes: If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider buying a monthly pass to save on individual tickets.
• Free Attractions: Take advantage of free attractions like Kalemegdan Fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Exchange Rates: Be mindful of exchange rates when withdrawing or exchanging currency. Rates at airport kiosks can be less favorable than those at local banks or ATMs.
• Shopping: Bargain hunters will find affordable clothing and souvenirs at Belgrade’s markets and second-hand shops.
• Local Markets: Explore the local markets for fresh produce and snacks at lower prices than supermarkets.

Real-Life Examples

To put all this into perspective, let’s consider two hypothetical scenarios:

Budget Traveler’s Week in Belgrade

Accommodation: Staying in a budget hostel for 7 nights (7,000 RSD)

Food: Dining at local restaurants and street vendors for 3 meals a day (approx. 1,200 RSD per day x 7 days = 8,400 RSD)

Transportation: Using public transport and occasional taxis (monthly pass + taxi rides = 3,600 RSD + 1,000 RSD)

Activities: Visiting museums and experiencing Belgrade’s nightlife (500 RSD per day x 7 days = 3,500 RSD)

Total: 22,500 RSD (approximately €195 or $225)

Luxury Traveler’s Weekend Getaway in Belgrade

Accommodation: 2 nights in a luxury hotel (60,000 RSD)

Food: Dining at high-end restaurants and enjoying cocktails at upscale bars (3,000 RSD per day x 2 days = 6,000 RSD)

Transportation: Renting a car for the weekend (8,000 RSD)

Activities: Attending a concert and exploring paid attractions (2,000 RSD for activities)

Total: 76,000 RSD (approximately €660 or $760)

These examples illustrate that Belgrade can cater to a variety of budgets, from the thrifty traveler to those seeking luxury experiences.

So, how much does Belgrade, Serbia cost? The answer is highly influenced by your choices and financial constraints. All categories of travelers can find something in Belgrade. No matter your financial situation, you may still take advantage of this Balkan treasure’s rich culture, history, and lively atmosphere without going overboard.

In the end, Belgrade’s affordability makes it a desirable location for tourists wanting an unforgettable experience without paying a high price. Pack your luggage, enjoy Belgrade’s beauty, and relish the moments you’ll cherish long after your trip to this alluring city.