Serbia is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Serbia?
You should plan to spend around $45 (RSD4,937) per day on your vacation in Serbia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $15 (RSD1,665) on meals
- $5.58 (RSD609) on local transportation
- $49 (RSD5,383) on hotels
A one week trip to Serbia for two people costs, on average, $633 (RSD69,118). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$317
RSD34,559
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$633
RSD69,118
-
One Month
Per person
$1,357
RSD148,110
-
One Week
For a couple
$633
RSD69,118
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,266
RSD138,236
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,714
RSD296,220
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Serbia cost?
A one week trip to Serbia usually costs around $317 (RSD34,559) for one person and $633 (RSD69,118) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Serbia on average costs around $633 (RSD69,118) for one person and $1,266 (RSD138,236) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Serbia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Serbia on average costs around $1,357 (RSD148,110) for one person and $2,714 (RSD296,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Serbia expensive to visit?
Serbia is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Serbia is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Europe for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Serbia.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Serbia has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Belgrade and Novi Sad are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Serbia, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $19 (RSD1,994) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $46 (RSD4,937) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $114 (RSD12,297) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Serbia.
For more details, see Is Serbia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Serbia?
The average Serbia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Serbia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Serbia cost?
Serbia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9.41
(RSD1,027)
|
$25
(RSD2,691)
|
$67
(RSD7,333)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2.30
(RSD252)
|
$5.58
(RSD609)
|
$13
(RSD1,382)
|
|
Food 2
|
$6.28
(RSD685)
|
$15
(RSD1,665)
|
$35
(RSD3,816)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2.04
(RSD223)
|
$4.50
(RSD491)
|
$7.56
(RSD825)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$10-31
(RSD1,135-3,405)
|
$10-31
(RSD1,135-3,405)
|
$10-31
(RSD1,135-3,405)
|
Novi Sad, Serbia, at night
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Serbia for around $19 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Serbia has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $46 per person, per day.
In Serbia, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Kragujevac and Belgrade offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Garni Hotel Viva in Kragujevac or Eden Garden Suites in Belgrade. If you're seeking romance in Brzece, Hotel Junior is an ideal place for couples to stay. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Serbia here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $114. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Novi Sad and Belgrade. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Year-round Serbia 17 days discovery tour from Belgrade. Beautiful road trip across the largest former Yugoslavia country. Plenty of fascinating history, culture, nature, architecture, and delicious cu - offered by Monterrasol Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Serbia
The range of hotel prices in Serbia can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Serbia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $49 (RSD5,383). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (RSD2,691) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Serbia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Serbia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.58 (RSD609) per person, per day, on local transportation in Serbia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Serbia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.58
RSD609
In Serbia, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
When planning a trip to the countryside, renting a car is likely the best option. Just remember that the standard vehicle in Europe is often a manual transmission, and choosing an automatic can raise your rental costs. Be sure to reserve your car well in advance since budget-friendly options can get booked up fast.
Notice: Undefined index: bigcity in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2682
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2682
Warning: array_slice() expects parameter 1 to be array, null given in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2682
If you're driving in a larger city, it's a good idea to ask your hotel about parking options ahead of time. You might need to pay for parking either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. It could save you money to find a parking spot further away from the city center.
Food Budget in Serbia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Serbia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Serbia is $15 (RSD1,665) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$15
RSD1,665
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Serbia is around $15 (RSD1665) per person, with previous travelers spending from $6 to $35. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Serbia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $5
- Lunch: $2 to $8
- Dinner: $5 to $12
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Cevapi: This is a popular Serbian dish made with mixed, minced, and grilled meat and served in the typical kabob style. It's often accompanied by rice and a flatbread. The meal is often considered to by the national dish of Serbia, but you will find comparable dishes in other nearby countries.
Gibanica: This is a phillo pastry pie filled with spinach and cheese. It's often made with white cheese which is layered between the pastry dough. There are comparable dishes in neighboring countries as well as some countries in the Middle East. It's most often served in the home as a snack option between meals.
Prebranac: This is one of the country's few vegetarian dishes. It's made from a mixture of beans and vegetables and served in a casserole style dish. It's comparable to baked beans, but instead made with lima beans which are cooked with onions and Hungarian paprika.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Serbia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Serbian Evening-Entertainment Program and Traditional Dinner for $59 details
- Private Walking and Food Tour in Belgrade for $74 details
- Private Serbian Food Cooking Experience in Belgrade with Meal for $75 details
- The 10 Tastings of Belgrade Private Food Tour for $135 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Serbia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Serbia typically cost an average of $4.50 (RSD491) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$4.50
RSD491
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Serbia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Nis Sightseeing Tour for $124 details
- Belgrade Private City Tour for $55 details
- E-Scooter Zemun Tour for $38 details
- Kalemegdan Segway Tour for $54 details
Nightlife Budget in Serbia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $21 (RSD2,270) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Serbia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
RSD2,270
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Serbia. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci private tour with wine tasting for $74 details
- Natural wine tasting with great views for $54 details
- Private Wine Tasting by Party in Belgrade for $70 details
- Full-Day Tour along Danube with Three Stronghold Sightseeing and Wine Tasting for $209 details
Traveling in Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia is a fascinating country in the Balkan region. It is one of six republics that came from the former Yugoslavia. While you can visit Serbia most times of the year, the summer months offer the best weather and more activities and festivals. Most travelers head to the capital city of Belgrade, but you don't have to venture too far away to see some of the country's wonderful national parks and small towns.
Serbia has been slower to gain popularity among travelers than some of its nearby neighbors, but that isn't for a lack of cultural and historical sites. In Serbia you can still catch a glimpse of traditional life at a crosswords of cultures and ethnicity without the abundance of crowds you might find in other nearby countries.
Belgrade is the city to visit if you're hoping to do some shopping. The downtown area is filled with high end shops selling anything from cloths to designer goods. Once you're outside of the capital city you'll find that most things are much cheaper in price.
Food in Serbia is quite reasonably priced, in part because there are local "fast food" options everywhere. Burek, or pastry filled with meats or cheeses, is probably the most budget friendly option. You'll also find countless fast food grills that offer everything from Serbian style burgers to meat snacks. Almost all food has some form of meat or cheese in it, so as a vegetarian you will likely struggle to find food.
Transportation in Serbia is relatively straight forward. If you're hoping to save money you should opt for the bus instead of the train. Buses are generally cheaper and they are more abundant here. You are likely to at least a couple of bus trips during your stay in Serbia.
Although Serbia hasn't yet become a hotspot in Europe, it has much to offer the travelers who take the time to experience this fascinating country. Allow yourself plenty of time and make sure you venture outside the Belgrade and you're likely to catch a rare glimpse at a European country not yet influenced by the tourism industry.
Related:
Looking for a party in Croatia?
Traveling alone to Split or Dubrovnik?
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions
Skadarlija: This neighborhood is made up of an old, vintage street which is the main Bohemian area in the country of Serbia. Located in Belgrade, it is lined with interesting shops and restaurants and has an interesting ambiance worth experiencing.
Kalemegdan Fortress: This is a fort in Belgrade that has been built and rebuilt over 2000 years by the Celts, Romans, Byzantins, Serbs, Austrians and Turks. It has both the fortress and a park area and sits in near the point where the River Sava and Danube River meet.
Novi Sad: Novi Sad is an enjoyable city worth exploring with its main site being Petrovaradin Fortress. It's the second largest city in the country, and probably the second most popular city amongst travelers.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.