The cost of living in Serbia for students is among the lowest in Europe: you need roughly €350 – €750 a month in Niš, Kragujevac and Novi Pazar, €415 – €905 in Novi Sad and €450 – €1,100 in Belgrade, including housing, food, transport and phone. The biggest difference comes from the type of housing: student housing is much cheaper than an apartment. In this guide you will find the details by city in euros and dollars, with tips for cutting your expenses.
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Average cost of living in Serbia for students by city
The following figures are estimates for one student per month (€1 ≈ US$1.12 ≈ 117 Serbian dinars). “Living costs” include food, transport, phone and personal expenses.
| City | Student housing | Apartment outside student housing | Living costs (excluding housing) | Monthly total (euros) | Monthly total (US dollars) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | €95–€140 | €270–€495 | €350–€600 | €450–€1,100 | $500–$1,230 |
| Novi Sad | €95–€140 | €200–€360 | €320–€550 | €415–€905 | $465–$1,015 |
| Niš / Kragujevac / Novi Pazar | €95–€140 | €120–€270 | €250–€480 | €345–€750 | $385–$840 |
The low end in each city means student housing and a frugal lifestyle, and the high end means a private apartment and higher spending. For an accurate estimate for your university and city in your own currency, use the study cost calculator.
Housing: the biggest item in your budget
Student housing (Studentski centar): an estimated €1,150 – €1,700 a year (about €95 – €140 a month), and it is free for World in Serbia scholarship holders. Places are limited, so contact the student centre in your city and your university early.
Private apartment: about €270 – €495 a month in Belgrade, about €200 – €360 in Novi Sad and about €120 – €270 in smaller cities. Prices rise near the city centre, and sharing an apartment with other students cuts your share considerably.
For more on housing options, see housing options in Serbia and learn how to choose a place that fits your budget.
Daily expenses: food and transport
Food is the biggest item after housing. Cooking in your accommodation and buying from local markets and supermarkets is much cheaper than eating in restaurants, and a meal in a simple restaurant usually costs a few euros.
- Transport in Belgrade: buses, trams, trolleybuses and the BG Voz city train have been free for everyone since 1 January 2025, except the airport line A1.
- Other cities: public transport is cheap, and discounted monthly passes for students are usually available.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: such as Yandex Go and CarGo, which cost more than public transport.
Phone and internet
Mobile plans (calls and data) are relatively cheap, and the best-known operators are Yettel, A1 and mts. You can buy a prepaid SIM card with your passport after you arrive.
Other yearly expenses
- Private health insurance: an estimated €100 – €250 a year.
- Temporary residence permit: about 23,880 dinars (≈ €204), renewed every year.
- Books and supplies: these vary by major, and many references are available in faculty libraries.
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Tips for lowering your cost of living in Serbia as a student
- Apply for student housing early; it is the cheapest option in every city.
- Choose a smaller city such as Niš or Kragujevac if your major is available there.
- Cook in your accommodation and buy from local markets.
- Share an apartment with other students if you do not get student housing.
- Apply for the World in Serbia scholarship if you are eligible, as it covers housing and meals.
- Part-time work is allowed for up to 20 hours a week with a study residence permit, but it does not usually cover all your expenses.
Best cities for studying in Serbia by budget
Niš, Kragujevac and Novi Pazar are the cheapest, Novi Sad sits in the middle with a strong university and an active student life, and Belgrade is the most expensive but has the largest number of faculties, programmes and part-time job opportunities. For a comparison, read the best cities to study in Serbia.
Proof of funds, health insurance and registration
Living costs matter for your paperwork as well as your budget. For a D study visa, the official Welcome to Serbia portal asks for proof of adequate and valid health insurance and proof of the financial means available to cover your living costs during the stay (source). For nationalities with no social insurance agreement with Serbia, accepted proof of health insurance includes your own health insurance policy, proof of a scholarship, or proof of funds that can cover emergency medical assistance or treatment of chronic diseases (source).
After arrival, every foreign citizen must register their address at the local police station within 24 hours, which is another reason to agree a written rental contract before you move in (source).
Where students live in Serbia
The European Commission’s Study in Europe profile names Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac as the major student cities, and notes that Serbia has more than 170 English-taught programmes across all study levels (source). You can search programmes in the official programme database, then use the city figures above to compare your total monthly budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Serbia as a student per month?
Roughly €350 – €750 in Niš, Kragujevac and Novi Pazar, €415 – €905 in Novi Sad and €450 – €1,100 in Belgrade, including housing, food, transport and phone.
Can I live in Serbia on €500 a month?
Mostly yes, if you get student housing, or live in a shared apartment in a smaller city and cook at home. In Belgrade with a private apartment you will usually need more.
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Is there free student housing for international students?
Student housing is free for World in Serbia scholarship holders. A self-funded student pays the student housing fee (an estimated €95 – €140 a month) if a place is available, and places are limited.
Can I work while studying in Serbia?
Yes, a holder of temporary residence for study can work without a separate work permit, up to 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) during term time.
The cost of living in Serbia suits most student budgets, especially with student housing or by studying outside Belgrade. For tuition, see tuition fees in Serbia and the first-year budget, or discover studying free in Serbia.
Last updated: October 2026. Figures are estimates based on StudyFlowX calculator data and may change with the market and exchange rate.