Serbia
Profiled in Belgrade · Southeast Europe
Belgrade is a gritty, warm-hearted river city where old-world cafe culture, all-night nightlife and rock-bottom prices pull in a young crowd from all over Europe.
Cost of living
What a month costs
One of Europe's better value capitals. Eating out, transport and coffee stay cheap, but central rents have climbed fast since 2022 as newcomers arrived, so a good one-bedroom near the centre now costs far more than locals remember.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Belgrade
- Belgrade Fortress and KalemegdanThe city's heart, a sprawling old fortress and park where the Sava meets the Danube. Best at sunset.
- Church of Saint SavaOne of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a glittering gold mosaic interior finished recently.
- Knez MihailovaThe grand pedestrian spine of the old town, lined with shops, buskers and 19th century facades.
- SkadarlijaA cobbled bohemian lane of old taverns, live music and painters, Belgrade's answer to Montmartre.
- Ada CiganlijaA river island turned city beach, with a swimming lake, bike paths and cafes packed all summer.
- Nikola Tesla MuseumA compact museum holding the inventor's ashes and working models, with live electricity demonstrations.
- Zemun and Gardos TowerA former Austro-Hungarian town now inside Belgrade, with a hilltop tower, tiled roofs and riverside fish restaurants.
- Republic Square and the National MuseumThe city's main meeting point, anchored by the revamped National Museum and the National Theatre.
- House of Flowers and Museum of YugoslaviaTito's mausoleum and a thoughtful museum that unpacks the country's socialist past.
- Savamala and the Sava waterfrontA once industrial district turned into a strip of bars and galleries beside the new riverfront promenade.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Novi SadAn hour north by train or road. A relaxed university city under the huge Petrovaradin Fortress, home of the EXIT festival each summer.
- Fruska Gora and Sremski KarlovciA low green mountain dotted with Orthodox monasteries, next to a pretty baroque wine town. Easy to pair with Novi Sad.
- Golubac Fortress and the Iron GatesTwo hours east along the Danube, where the river narrows into a dramatic gorge below a restored medieval fortress.
- ZlatiborA breezy highland resort about three and a half hours southwest, good for hiking in summer and easy skiing in winter.
- Topola and OplenacAn hour south. The royal Karadjordjevic mausoleum sits among vineyards, making it a classic day of history and wine.
Coffee
Best cafes
- KafeterijaA local specialty coffee favourite with several branches, reliably good espresso and a busy morning crowd.
- PrzionicaA pioneer roaster in Dorcol and Savamala, serious about single origin coffee.
- KoffeinA popular homegrown chain, good for a long sit with a laptop or a catch up.
- Crna OvcaThe Black Sheep, best known for artisanal gelato but a fine spot for coffee and a sweet break.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- AmbarModern Balkan small plates on the Beton Hala waterfront, lively and popular with visitors.
- Iva New Balkan CuisineChef driven tasting menus that reinvent regional dishes, one of the city's best fine dining rooms.
- Little BayA theatrical opera-box dining room with live singers and generous, well priced plates.
- Lorenzo and KakalambaA wildly decorated Italian and Balkan mashup, as much fun for the interior as the food.
- Tri SesiraA historic Skadarlija tavern serving grilled meats and traditional fare with live music.
- ManufakturaA big, buzzy spot near the pedestrian zone doing home style Serban cooking under a canopy of umbrellas.
- RekaA Zemun riverside institution for grilled and fried fish beside the Danube.
Morning
Best breakfast
- SmokvicaA charming cafe with several locations, a go-to for weekend brunch, eggs and fresh juices.
- Radost Fina KuhinjicaA cosy Dorcol favourite for vegetarian plates and a slow, healthy morning.
- Pekara TrpkovicA beloved bakery for burek, the flaky Balkan pastry Belgraders eat on the go.
- HomaA polished all-day spot doing reliable brunch and coffee at more than one address.
- Toro Latin Gastro BarA waterfront room at Beton Hala with a good weekend brunch and river views.
Residency
Serbia grants accessible one year temporary residence permits, commonly through founding a company, owning property or remote work, and the process is cheap by European standards. Continuous legal stay opens a path to permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
Tax
Personal income tax is low, with a flat rate around 10 to 15 percent and a simple lump sum option that many freelancers use. You are treated as a tax resident once you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Serbia residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Serbia tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of Southeast Europe
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Serbia?
About $1,250 a month for one person and $3,100 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $620, and a casual meal costs about $10. One of Europe's better value capitals. Eating out, transport and coffee stay cheap, but central rents have climbed fast since 2022 as newcomers arrived, so a good one-bedroom near the centre now costs far more than locals remember.
Is Serbia safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 8 out of 10 and healthcare 6 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Serbia?
Serbian, written in both Cyrillic and Latin script. The currency is Serbian dinar (RSD).
What is the capital of Serbia?
Belgrade.
How can a foreigner get residency in Serbia?
Serbia grants accessible one year temporary residence permits, commonly through founding a company, owning property or remote work, and the process is cheap by European standards. Continuous legal stay opens a path to permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
What taxes does Serbia charge?
Personal income tax is low, with a flat rate around 10 to 15 percent and a simple lump sum option that many freelancers use. You are treated as a tax resident once you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year.