Last update: Oct 2026 3.8M

Cost of Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Name: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Address: BA

Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, living costs for one person average $1,007 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $20 a day.

Compare Destinations Jump to prices

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bosnia and Herzegovina actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $1,007 including rent across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

$1,007 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,519 including rent across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

$1,519 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,031 including rent across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

$2,031 /mo

Living costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina vary widely – from $774 in the most affordable city to $1,206 in the most expensive one, spanning a $432 range across 31 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.99 BAM 12.15

$4.47 BAM 7.77

$11.18 BAM 19.45

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.14 BAM 59.4

$22.77 BAM 39.59

$62.6 BAM 109

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.40 BAM 12.87

$5.69 BAM 9.89

$8.54 BAM 14.84

Cappuccino

$1.63 BAM 2.83

$1.11 BAM 1.93

$2.28 BAM 3.97

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.91 BAM 3.32

$1.70 BAM 2.96

$2.50 BAM 4.35

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.27 BAM 2.20

$1.02 BAM 1.77

$1.69 BAM 2.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.34 BAM 4.07

$1.75 BAM 3.04

$3.50 BAM 6.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.33 BAM 4.06

$1.74 BAM 3.03

$3.50 BAM 6.08

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 BAM 2.22

$0.95 BAM 1.66

$1.68 BAM 2.92

White Bread (500g)

$1.12 BAM 1.95

$0.82 BAM 1.42

$1.74 BAM 3.03

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.89 BAM 3.29

$1.12 BAM 1.95

$2.82 BAM 4.90

Eggs

$2.79 BAM 4.86

$2.07 BAM 3.60

$3.45 BAM 5.99

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.56 BAM 14.89

$4.52 BAM 7.87

$14.15 BAM 24.60

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.27 BAM 12.64

$4.44 BAM 7.72

$8.33 BAM 14.48

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.51 BAM 21.76

$9.32 BAM 16.21

$17.48 BAM 30.39

Apples (1kg)

$1.39 BAM 2.41

$0.87 BAM 1.51

$1.73 BAM 3.01

Banana (1kg)

$1.75 BAM 3.04

$1.17 BAM 2.04

$2.36 BAM 4.10

Oranges (1kg)

$1.60 BAM 2.78

$1.15 BAM 2.00

$2.89 BAM 5.03

Tomato (1kg)

$1.83 BAM 3.18

$1.02 BAM 1.77

$2.83 BAM 4.92

Potato (1kg)

$1.01 BAM 1.76

$0.56 BAM 0.97

$1.67 BAM 2.90

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 BAM 2.10

$0.56 BAM 0.97

$1.68 BAM 2.92

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.10 BAM 1.91

$0.58 BAM 1.02

$1.75 BAM 3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.78 BAM 1.35

$0.53 BAM 0.92

$1.18 BAM 2.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.84 BAM 6.68

$3.49 BAM 6.08

$4.07 BAM 7.09

Wine (Bottle)

$7.23 BAM 12.57

$3.89 BAM 6.77

$10.01 BAM 17.40

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.92 BAM 1.60

$0.58 BAM 1.01

$1.46 BAM 2.54

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.30 BAM 2.26

$0.85 BAM 1.47

$2.26 BAM 3.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.24 BAM 2.15

$1.01 BAM 1.76

$2.25 BAM 3.91

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$33.82 BAM 58.8

$28.19 BAM 49.02

$49.61 BAM 86.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.39 BAM 2.41

$1.11 BAM 1.92

$1.94 BAM 3.38

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.12 BAM 1.94

$0.56 BAM 0.97

$1.40 BAM 2.43

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.48 BAM 18.22

$5.81 BAM 10.11

$17.45 BAM 30.35

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.54 BAM 2.67

$1.31 BAM 2.28

$1.88 BAM 3.26

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.0K BAM 53.8K

$29.0K BAM 50.5K

$31.0K BAM 53.8K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.9K BAM 41.6K

$20.2K BAM 35.1K

$28.0K BAM 48.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$167 BAM 291

$98.5 BAM 171

$232 BAM 403

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$17.51 BAM 30.44

$8.71 BAM 15.14

$23.23 BAM 40.39

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.36 BAM 47.58

$20.18 BAM 35.10

$40.37 BAM 70.2

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$33.49 BAM 58.2

$23.13 BAM 40.22

$46.25 BAM 80.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.22 BAM 24.72

$8.65 BAM 15.03

$20.18 BAM 35.09

Cinema Ticket

$5.88 BAM 10.22

$4.12 BAM 7.16

$8.82 BAM 15.34

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$204 BAM 355

$114 BAM 198

$290 BAM 505

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,911 BAM 6,801

$2,032 BAM 3,533

$8,707 BAM 15.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$69.1 BAM 120

$28.58 BAM 49.70

$126 BAM 219

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.07 BAM 57.5

$16.99 BAM 29.54

$45.30 BAM 78.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.1 BAM 165

$69.3 BAM 120

$115 BAM 201

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$104 BAM 181

$68.2 BAM 119

$153 BAM 267

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$308 BAM 536

$169 BAM 293

$468 BAM 813

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$225 BAM 392

$141 BAM 244

$337 BAM 587

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$538 BAM 936

$281 BAM 489

$1,013 BAM 1,761

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$375 BAM 651

$218 BAM 378

$630 BAM 1,096

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,255 BAM 3,922

$1,361 BAM 2,367

$3,630 BAM 6,312

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,739 BAM 3,025

$1,160 BAM 2,017

$2,633 BAM 4,578

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$843 BAM 1,467

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.46

3.55

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Bosnia and Herzegovina $1,007

Accommodation & Living

$225 22.4%

Groceries & Markets

$216 21.5%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$212 21.1%

Clothing & Footwear

$136 13.5%

Eating Out

$127 12.6%

Getting Around

$46 4.5%

Sport & Entertainment

$45 4.5%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $292 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For reference, capital rent is $457 in Sarajevo, and $169 in Gradiska.

National average salary: $708. With average costs at $1,007, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $212 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $33.00 for two.

In Sarajevo (capital), expect about $1,206 per month, while Gradiska offers the lowest costs at $774 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($1,007) is 25% below the global median of $1,350.

Average rent ($292) is 55% below the global median of $652.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($33.00) is 31% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($19.00) is 44% below the global median of $34.00.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

06:21 6:21 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

3,816,459

💱 Currency

Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark BAM KM

📈 Exchange rate

1 BAM = 0.575 USD

1 BAM = 0.512 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BAM – Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark Converter

🇺🇸 United States Dollar ($)

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (KM)

Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 1.74 BAM (1 BAM = 0.575 USD). 1 EUR = 1.95 BAM (1 BAM = 0.512 EUR).

USD to BAM in detail →

By City in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Banja Luka	138963	58	$738	$1,200	$1,825	$2,469	153.86	33.91
2	Bihac	39690	48	$583	$984	$1,403	$1,870	161.24	13.75
3	Bijeljina	42278	44	$608	$910	$1,491	$1,911	142.3	26.55
4	Bosanska Krupa	10196	42	$488	$882	$1,139	$1,593	144.4	9.58
5	Brcko	39893	47	$527	$962	$1,289	$1,812	86.44	21.46
6	Bugojno	15555	44	$508	$927	$1,236	$1,693	32.19	21.13
7	Cazin	13863	40	$533	$818	$1,272	$1,660	218.85	9.58
8	Doboj	25132	40	$517	$837	$1,249	$1,720	34.88	19.57
9	Foca	12334	46	$544	$952	$1,261	$1,786	167.41	21.78
10	Gorazde	20897	45	$526	$876	$1,317	$1,790	217.31	20.75
11	Gracanica	12882	46	$609	$966	$1,479	$1,959	186.33	26.76
12	Gradiska	14368	38	$545	$774	$1,360	$1,760	179.19	19.94
13	Istočno Sarajevo	10642	44	$620	$897	$1,529	$1,830	53.25	43.07
14	Kakanj	11796	46	$561	$979	$1,384	$1,890	22.96	20.73
15	Konjic	10732	54	$708	$1,123	$1,761	$2,288	194.55	65.38
16	Livno	17000	43	$503	$869	$1,227	$1,735	122.19	29.58
17	Lukavac	12061	45	$587	$895	$1,398	$1,839	108.22	23.96
18	Maglaj	7000	44	$565	$910	$1,385	$1,833	78.76	16.06
19	Mostar	60195	44	$560	$899	$1,355	$1,904	133.8	126.83
20	Neum	3200	46	$572	$955	$1,375	$1,866	80.51	23.55
21	Pale	12569	47	$645	$972	$1,590	$1,974	57.78	21.33
22	Prijedor	32342	53	$631	$1,087	$1,529	$2,096	29.49	49.96
23	Sanski Most	16913	38	$528	$790	$1,270	$1,598	39.66	12.41
24	Sarajevo	271194	58	$671	$1,206	$1,642	$2,461	92.95	111.71
25	Tesanj	5500	42	$527	$880	$1,236	$1,696	30.74	15.06
26	Travnik	15344	44	$511	$862	$1,242	$1,732	31.9	23.4
27	Trebinje	25589	41	$573	$850	$1,389	$1,834	33.55	60.06
28	Tuzla	74475	43	$562	$881	$1,353	$1,752	116.66	23.63
29	Visoko	11552	46	$641	$947	$1,574	$2,004	67.7	46.84
30	Zenica	70533	41	$547	$850	$1,278	$1,639	158.96	33.11
31	Zepce	7500	53	$678	$1,095	$1,595	$2,076	136.79	20.79

Bosnia and Herzegovina Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Bosnia And Herzegovina tends to feel approachable for travelers and long-term visitors, with a broad mix of housing, food, and culture. You can find affordable options in smaller towns and a satisfying range of central apartments in key cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka. Rural areas often offer even more breathing room for your budget. Seasonal needs, such as heating in winter and cooling in summer, shape monthly expenses more than raw price tags. Neighborhoods span quaint old-town cores to modern residential belts, so you can tailor lifestyle to your pace. Tip: spend a few days exploring different neighborhoods to gauge value and vibe.

Bosnia And Herzegovina living cost varies by city, neighborhood, and building type, so you’ll want to tailor your searches. For housing, check trusted local agencies, university boards, and popular online groups; expect short-term trials before a longer lease and be mindful of heating policies and energy usage. Food options span vibrant markets, bakeries, and family-run eateries; cooking at home with seasonal produce can stretch your budget. Public transit is practical in cities, with trams and buses; bikes and rideshares fill gaps. For errands, locate a nearby market, pharmacy, and coworking hub to minimize trips. Tip: map a core walkable zone to simplify daily routines.

Quality of life leans on balance: you can enjoy outdoor time in mountain trails and river towns; budgeting frameworks like flexible envelopes help. Seasons matter: winter adds heating needs; summer brings cooling; plan for occasional peak travel. To save, pick a neighborhood with proximity to markets, cafes, and transit, and mix cooking at home with occasional dining out at local spots. Seek a base that offers safety, community events, and easy access to nature or historic areas. Tip: keep a short list of go-to places and revisit it seasonally.

As a lower-cost destination, Bosnia and Herzegovina attracts expats, retirees, and long-term visitors on fixed budgets. Smaller cities are especially wallet-friendly, while bigger centers charge more but remain competitive globally.

As of 2026, living expenses in Bosnia and Herzegovina span $774 to $1,206 monthly. Capitals and tourist hotspots sit at the top end; provincial towns offer substantially cheaper living.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina drop fast. Gradiska is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$800 a month goes far in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially outside the big cities. It's a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.

Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is cheap by global standards. Regional cities offer the best value, with the capital Sarajevo sitting higher. Low living costs are one of the country's main draws for expats, retirees, and anyone stretching a budget.