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Cost of Living in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of, Bosnia and Herzegovina · Population 394,002 · National capital

▲ +24% vs Bosnia and Herzegovina average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)KM1,069 ($594)
Couple, monthlyKM1,903 ($1,057)
Family of four, monthlyKM2,468 ($1,371)

Estimated Prices in Sarajevo

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantKM11.23 ($6.24)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeKM44.93 ($24.96)per meal
CappuccinoKM3.37 ($1.87)each
Monthly groceries (single person)KM255 ($141)per month
Monthly public transport passKM41.18 ($22.88)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentKM109 ($60.32)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)KM31.45 ($17.47)per month
Fitness club membershipKM31.45 ($17.47)per month
Cinema ticketKM8.24 ($4.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreKM460 ($255)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreKM320 ($178)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreKM959 ($533)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Sarajevo is KM1,755 ($975) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of KM1,069 ($594) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly KM1,389 ($772) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (KM320 ($178)) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Sarajevo

Sarajevo vs Banja LukaSarajevo vs TuzlaSarajevo vs MostarSarajevo vs PrijedorSarajevo vs ZenicaSarajevo vs Doboj

Nearby Cities

Stara Gora

2 km away · Srpska, Republika

Vogošća

7 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Ilidža

9 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Pale

13 km away · Srpska, Republika

Hadžići

16 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Ilijaš

16 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Breza

22 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Visoko

24 km away · Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of

Other Major Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Banja Luka

Srpska, Republika · pop. 185,042

KM806 ($448) / mo

Tuzla

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of · pop. 110,979

KM806 ($448) / mo

Mostar

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of · pop. 105,448

KM806 ($448) / mo

Prijedor

Srpska, Republika · pop. 89,397

KM806 ($448) / mo

Zenica

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of · pop. 70,553

KM806 ($448) / mo

Doboj

Srpska, Republika · pop. 68,514

KM806 ($448) / mo

Ilidža

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of · pop. 66,730

KM806 ($448) / mo

Živinice

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of · pop. 57,765

KM806 ($448) / mo

Living in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital and one of the key cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is KM1,069 ($594), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around KM320 ($178) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to KM2,468 ($1,371) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately KM1,903 ($1,057) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Sarajevo is KM1,755 ($975). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least KM1,389 ($772) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sarajevo expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated KM1,069 ($594) per month in Sarajevo including rent outside the city centre. That is 24% more than the national average for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Sarajevo?
A net salary of around KM1,389 ($772) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Sarajevo with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Sarajevo is KM1,755 ($975).
How much is rent in Sarajevo?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated KM460 ($255) per month in the city centre and KM320 ($178) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about KM959 ($533).
Is Sarajevo cheaper than Bosnia and Herzegovina on average?
No — Sarajevo is estimated to be about 24% more expensive than the Bosnia and Herzegovina average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Sarajevo?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at KM255 ($141) in Sarajevo. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about KM11 ($6) and a cappuccino runs around KM3 ($2).
How do transport costs in Sarajevo compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Sarajevo is estimated at KM41 ($23). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Sarajevo are estimates based on Bosnia and Herzegovina national averages adjusted for city size (population 394,002) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.