Best places to live in Serbia (2023): The Ultimate Mini-Guide!

Thinking of moving to Serbia but wondering about the best places to live in Serbia?

As one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, Serbia is getting more and more attention from people and families who want to settle down in a place that is rich in culture, friendly, and stunningly beautiful. So, what about the best places to live in Serbia?

Well, from busy cities to quiet small places, this country has a lot to offer people with different lifestyles.

This mini-guide will tell you everything you need to know about seven amazing Serbian cities and towns that could be your new home!

7 Best Places to live in Serbia

Let’s dive into my seven best places to live in Serbia!

1. Belgrade

The first city that comes to my mind when we talk about Serbia is its lively capital, Belgrade. Belgrade is often thought of as the beating heart of the country. It is a place where culture and modernity live together.

This busy city is proud of its great nightlife. Clubs and bars along the Danube River are known for their amazing parties that go on all night and into the morning. But Belgrade is more than just a city with a lot of energy.

As you explore the city, you’ll find amazing pieces of architecture, some of which date back to Roman times and others to the time when the Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians ruled.

The impressive Belgrade Fortress is a reminder of the troubled past of the city, and the Church of Saint Sava, which is one of the biggest Orthodox churches in the world, adds to Belgrade’s mysterious appeal.

If you love to eat, the city is a foodie’s dream, with delicious Serbian meals that combine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central European flavors.

Simply put, life in Belgrade is filled with history, sport events, different cultures, and delicious food, all wrapped up in a modern, exciting vibe.

2. Novi Sad

The second biggest city in the country, Novi Sad, is next on the list. It is north of Belgrade, and because of its long history of supporting art, culture, and education, it is known as the Serbian Athens.

Novi Sad has a lot of museums, art galleries, and, of course, the famous Exit music festival, which brings in musicians and music fans from all over the world.

But the banks of the Danube are where the city’s heart is. Here, you can take long walks along the river, eat delicious food at restaurants right by the water, or just relax in the calm atmosphere.

The Petrovaradin Fortress, also in Novi Sad, is known as Gibraltar on/of the Danube because it has amazing views of the city and the river. Novi Sad is a great place to live because it has a lot of culture and is less busy than Belgrade.

3. Nis

Nis is the third biggest city in Serbia and is found in the southeast. If you love history, you’ll love this place. Ancient Roman ruins, like the Mediana archeological site, show how important Nis was in the past.

The Skull Tower is one of the creepiest landmarks in the city. It was built by the Ottoman Empire from the skulls of Serbian revolutionaries. It is a powerful memory of the country’s troubled past.

But Nis is more than just its old buildings. It’s also a city with busy markets, beautiful buildings, and a lively food scene. With a good mix of urban growth and green places, it’s a city where you can live a relaxed life that’s still full of things to do.

4. Subotica

On Serbia’s northern border you’ll find the lively city of Subotica, which is known for its stunning art nouveau buildings. The city is a real treat to look at because of its beautiful City Hall and bright buildings.

But Subotica’s draw isn’t just on the surface. The city is a real mixing pot of different cultures, with Serbs, Hungarians, Croats, and many other groups living together peacefully.

This multicultural outlook is mirrored in the city’s food, festivals, and way of life as a whole, making Subotica a great place to live in terms of culture.

5. Kragujevac

Kragujevac is in the middle of Serbia and is known as the center of the country’s car industry. It’s actually where the first car in the country was made, and it’s where the important Zastava car plant is.

This city is a sign of how strong Serbia’s industry is and how creative its people are. Kragujevac is an industrial city, but it also has a relaxed way of life. It has a lot of parks, like the big Umarice Park, where you can go to relax.

The city’s busy coffee scene and growing art scene make sure there’s never a dull moment. Kragujevac is a place to think about if you want a mix of industrial progress and a laid-back way of life.

6. Zlatibor

Zlatibor is a great place if you like the peace and quiet of nature more than the hustle and bustle of city life.

This mountainous area in the west of Serbia is known for its beautiful pine forests, clear rivers, and beautiful mountain peaks. Zlatibor is a nature lover’s dream, whether you like to hike, ski or just breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Living in Zlatibor also means living a healthy life in the country. It’s a place where you can get farm-fresh food, classic dishes, and friendly service from the locals. Zlatibor is a great place to live because of its amazing natural beauty and easygoing way of life.

7. Sremski Karlovaci

If you want to live a quiet life in a charming small town, you should look into Sremski Karlovci. This beautiful town is known for its long past, great wines, and beautiful baroque buildings.

If you moved to Sremski Karlovci, you would find yourself in a quiet place where simple joys like walking along the Danube or tasting the local Bermet wine are the most important things.

Sremski Karlovci is a unique and interesting place to visit because of its peacefulness and cultural diversity.

Moving to Serbia: FAQ’s

If you’re really thinking about moving to Serbia, the information below will help you get a better understanding!

How easy is it to move to Serbia?

Now that we’ve talked about the best places to live in Serbia, let’s talk about how easy it is to move there.

The answer depends on your situation, especially what country you are from. If you are from the USA, Canada, Australia, or most of Europe, you can enter Serbia and stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you want to stay longer or are from a country that needs a visa, the process gets more complicated. In this case, you’d need to get a temporary residence permit.

To get one, you’d have to meet certain requirements, like getting a job in Serbia, starting a business, going to school, or getting married to a Serbian person. This may sound scary, but it’s not a hurdle that can’t be overcome.

With some study and planning, a lot of people have been able to move to Serbia and make it their new home.

Is Serbia a good country to immigrate to?

This is of course the big question!

Yes, that is the clear answer in my eyes. The cost of living in Serbia is much lower than in most Western and Central European countries, but the standard of life is very high. The country has a lot of history and culture, and the people there are known for being friendly and helpful.

Whether you’re walking through the busy markets of Belgrade, having a peaceful picnic by the river in Novi Sad, or hiking through the lush landscapes of Zlatibor, you’ll feel a sense of belonging and warmth that is truly Serbian.

In addition to being interesting because of its culture, Serbia is also making fast technical and digital progress. This gives IT and digital professionals a lot of job possibilities, making Serbia not only a nice place to live but also a smart place to move!

What is the monthly cost of living in Serbia?

The cost of living is another important thing to think about when deciding to move to a new country. Luckily, Serbia does well in this area. The cost of living in the country is much lower than the average in Europe, which makes it a good choice for both people and families.

Let’s look at how much it costs to live in Serbia on average each month. Keep in mind that these prices can change depending on how you live and where you live.

• Housing: Depending on the city, the rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city center can be anywhere from €200 to €400 per month.
  
  If you choose to live outside of the city center, your rent could be as low as €150 per month for a similar flat, which is a big difference.

• Utilities: Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, and other utilities can cost between €100 and €150 per month. This can be higher in the winter because of the cost of heating.

• Internet and Mobile: A monthly subscription to the internet would cost between €10 and €20, and a mobile plan that includes calls and data would cost around €10 per month.

• Food: Groceries can cost between €100 and €200 per month for a single person, based on their diet and how often they cook at home.
  
  If you like to eat out, a meal at a cheap restaurant might cost between €5 and €10, while a three-course meal at a moderately priced restaurant might cost between €20 and €30.

• Transportation: A monthly pass for public transportation in Belgrade or Novi Sad would cost between €20 and €30. If you’d rather drive, a liter of oil costs about €1.30.

• Leisure: Going to the movies is an example of a leisure activity that can cost about €5 per ticket. A monthly gym ticket can cost between €20 and €30 if you like to work out.

When you add up all of these costs, the cost of living in Serbia for a single person living a moderate life can run from €400 to €700 per month.

These costs can be higher, of course, if you have a family, live in a nicer neighbourhood, eat out a lot, or have expensive hobbies. It’s also important to keep some extra money in the budget for unexpected costs and your own needs.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Serbia?

Again, if you’re thinking about moving to Serbia, you might want to know how much money you’d need to live well there. Obviously, the answer to this question depends a lot on how you live and how much money you spend.

A rough estimation, though, is that a single person in Serbia might need between €700 and €1,000 per month to live comfortably.

This would be enough to rent a nice one-bedroom flat in the middle of the city, eat out on a regular basis, take public transport, and do a variety of fun things.

How much is the average salary in Serbia in euros?

In 2023, the average net salary in Serbia is around €750 per month. However, this number can change a lot, though, based on the type of job and the area!

For example, salaries tend to be higher in big places like Belgrade and Novi Sad than in small towns.

But it’s important to note that even though the average salary in Serbia isn’t very high, the cost of living is much cheaper than in many other countries, making it possible to live comfortably on a modest income.

Are people in Serbia friendly?

The people of Serbia are one of its most valuable possessions in my opinion. People all over the world know Serbians for how friendly and warm they are.

The culture puts a lot of value on socializing and being involved in the community, so don’t be surprised if your neighbors ask you over for a meal or a cup of coffee.

Also, when they see someone in need, people often go out of their way to help. Because people are friendly and open, it’s much easier and more fun to settle down in Serbia.

Do the speak English in Serbia?

If you speak English and are thinking about moving to Serbia, you’ll be happy to know that English is widely spoken there, especially among younger people and in larger towns.

People who work in restaurants, shops, and tourist spots are likely to know English.

But learning a few words and phrases in Serbian can make your trip more interesting and help you connect with locals in a deeper way. Especially when you’ll go to the rural areas!

Can I emigrate to Serbia?

If the idea of moving to Serbia appeals to you, you may be wondering, can I emigrate to Serbia? Yes, that’s the answer.

It is possible to move to Serbia, though it may take some work to do so, like getting the right visa, finding a job, or investing in property.

Many people from other countries have moved to Serbia and made it their new home. The country has a lot of different cultures and is very friendly.

The Wrap-Up: Best places to live in Serbia

So, what about the best places to live in Serbia? The country has a wide range of places to live, from the busy city of Belgrade to the quiet farms of Sremski Karlovci.

This means that different people can find places to live that fit their lifestyles. The country is relatively cheap, has a lot of culture, is friendly, and has a tech sector that is growing quickly.

All of these things make it a good place to move to. Serbia has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, technology, nature, or just want to slow down.

I would always advise to visit the country first and discover it for yourself to find the place you love!

And while you’re in Serbia and you love food, check out my post about the national dish of Serbia for you to try out!

Your restless voyager,

Dustin