You can live comfortably in Bosnia and Herzegovina on about $791 a month, with average net salaries near 1,276 KM and essentials costing far less than in Western Europe. Expect one-bedroom rent from ~$212–282 depending on location, utilities around 99–168 KM monthly, internet near 47 KM, groceries modest (eggs ~2.22 KM, tomatoes ~4.95 KM) and a transit pass about 55 KM. Costs rise in Sarajevo and major hubs; keep reading for detailed city and budget breakdowns.

Cost of Living Breakdown by City and Neighborhood

You’ll find the national average cost of living around $791/month, about 1.45 times cheaper than the world average.

In Sarajevo, expect higher living expenses driven by stronger demand for housing, services and amenities; rent indexes reflect that pressure.

Banja Luka’s index is similar but rent is modestly lower, so you’ll often pay less for comparable apartments.

Major hubs like Mostar push prices up for dining and entertainment, while smaller towns cut your monthly outlay substantially.

Major centers such as Mostar drive up dining and entertainment costs, while smaller towns significantly reduce overall monthly expenses

A basic meal costs roughly 10.00 KM, though neighborhood and city will sway that figure.

When planning, compare specific districts: central, amenity-rich areas cost noticeably more than peripheral neighborhoods.

Use these granular differences to target savings without sacrificing access to services.

Monthly Budget: Typical Expenses and Sample Budgets

Having compared neighborhood price differences, let’s look at what a typical monthly budget actually looks like in Bosnia and Herzegovina so you can plan expenses against local wages. You’ll find overall Living costs lower than many places — average monthly cost is about $791 — but pockets of higher cost of living exist for dining out or imported goods. Use the table below for a quick sample budget in KM.

With an average net salary of 1,276 KM, you’ll cover basic expenses but want to monitor discretionary spending. Prioritize groceries and transport, and expect variability by city and lifestyle when estimating your personal budget.

Housing, Utilities and Internet Costs

Although rent and utilities are generally lower than in Western Europe, you’ll still see meaningful variation by neighborhood and apartment size: a one‑bed in a city center runs about $282 while outside center it’s roughly $212, and a three‑bed in the center averages $498.

You’ll find housing choices from modern city flats to older buildings; location and size drive price more than countrywide differences.

Expect monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water) for one person around $99.6. For a typical 915 sq ft apartment basic utilities average about 293.23 KM (roughly $168), with a consumption range from 196.15 KM to 425.00 KM. That variance reflects heating season and appliance use.

Internet is affordable: plans with 50 Mbps+ cost approximately $24.9/month.

When budgeting, combine rent, utilities, and internet to estimate your true housing outlay; in practice, a one‑bed in center plus utilities and internet will generally land between $400–$550 monthly depending on consumption and exact location.

Food, Dining Out and Grocery Prices

Eating out and shopping for groceries in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally affordable: a basic meal runs about 10.00 KM (7–18 KM), a mid-range dinner for two averages 50.00 KM (36–100 KM), and a pint of local beer is roughly 3.50 KM (2–5 KM). You’ll find food and dining out options that fit tight and moderate budgets. A cappuccino is ~1.67 KM, good for daily coffee habits. Groceries are wallet-friendly: 12 eggs ~2.22 KM, 1 kg tomatoes ~4.95 KM, 500 g local cheese ~3.42 KM.

You can shop markets and supermarkets; local produce and dairy offer the best value.

Transportation, Healthcare and Other Essentials

While commuting and day-to-day essentials stay affordable, you should budget for a few predictable monthly costs: a city public transport pass runs about 55 KM, basic utilities for a standard apartment average 293.23 KM, and a typical home internet plan (60+ Mbps) is roughly 47.01 KM.

You’ll find transportation reliable and cheap within cities, so many residents skip car ownership to save on fuel, insurance and maintenance.

For healthcare, plan for out-of-pocket costs: a short private doctor visit is ~42 KM and common meds (six days of cold medicine) cost about 18 KM, making basic care accessible without heavy spending.

Combine these with utilities and internet, and your essential monthly baseline is clear and predictable. If you need specialized treatment or frequent prescriptions, budget extra or consider private insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Rent in Bosnia?

The average rent is about $282 for a 40 m² one-bedroom in city centers and roughly $212 in smaller towns; you’ll see $498 for an 80 m² three-bedroom, reflecting a varied housing market you can often negotiate.

How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period as a US citizen; check visa requirements, carry a passport valid six+ months, proof of onward travel and funds, consider extensions via local immigration—practical travel tips.

Is Bosnia a Cheap Country?

Absolutely — it’s ridiculously affordable: you’ll see a clear cost comparison favoring Bosnia, where lower prices pair with decent living standards; average monthly costs and cheap rents mean you’ll stretch your budget further without sacrificing essentials.

Is Bosnia a Good Country to Live In?

Yes — you’ll find Bosnia offers rich cultural experiences, decent quality healthcare, affordable living, and a 77th livability rank; with ~$784 net salary and ~$791 monthly costs, it’s practical for budget-conscious, culturally curious residents.

Conclusion

You’ll find living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is affordable compared with Western Europe: city choices and lifestyle drive costs. In Sarajevo expect higher rents and dining prices; smaller towns like Banja Luka or Mostar save you money. Budget €400–€700/month for a modest single lifestyle, €800–€1,400 for comfortable couples. Utilities, internet and groceries are low; private healthcare and cars add costs. Remember, “A stitch in time saves nine” — plan budgets early to avoid surprises.