Cost Of Living For a Couple in Sarajevo 2025

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Sarajevo

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BAM
900 2,700 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,500 $8,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Sarajevo

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Sarajevo?

Couples in Sarajevo spend around 2,700 BAM per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 900 BAM or as high as 14,000 BAM. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Sarajevo


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Sarajevo

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

2.2 BAM 4.4 BAM 7.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $4.1

Restaurant meal for one

7.7 BAM 12 BAM 23 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $13

Fine dining meal for one

15 BAM 23 BAM 93 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $51

Cappuccino or latte

1.8 BAM 2.9 BAM 4.4 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.6 $2.4

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

1.5 BAM 1.8 BAM 2.2 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $0.98 $1.2

12 eggs

1.1 BAM 1.5 BAM 2.2 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.61 $0.81 $1.2

Fresh whole chicken

2.5 BAM 3.2 BAM 4.6 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $2.5

Pack of beef

2.9 BAM 4.4 BAM 8.8 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.9

Medium bag of rice

1.2 BAM 1.6 BAM 2.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.90 $1.3

Bag of tomatos

0.44 BAM 0.59 BAM 1.1 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.33 $0.61

Bag of apples

0.79 BAM 1 BAM 1.7 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.57 $0.94
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Sarajevo


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

1.9 BAM 2.3 BAM 4.6 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.6

Average car full tank

11 BAM 15 BAM 29 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $8.1 $16

Average car 1-day rental

12 BAM 16 BAM 24 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $9 $13

Average car price

5,500 BAM 11,000 BAM 15,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,100 $6,100 $8,100

Bus ticket one way

0.41 BAM 0.61 BAM 1.2 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.34 $0.67

Car Service

16 BAM 24 BAM 49 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $13 $27
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Sarajevo


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

36 BAM 120 BAM 790 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $67 $440

Internet and cable

11 BAM 22 BAM 29 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $12 $16

Mobile phone charges

8.8 BAM 15 BAM 44 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $8.1 $24

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

5.5 BAM 7.3 BAM 11 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.1 $6.1

One month gym membership

19 BAM 24 BAM 49 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $13 $27
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Sarajevo


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

14 BAM 20 BAM 30 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $11 $17

Woman dress

14 BAM 19 BAM 61 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $34

Woman shoes

13 BAM 17 BAM 41 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.6 $22

Men's shoes

11 BAM 14 BAM 27 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $7.5 $15

Men suit

12 BAM 15 BAM 81 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $8.4 $45

Regular t-shirt

6.1 BAM 8.1 BAM 24 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.5 $13
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Sarajevo


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

200 BAM 300 BAM 810 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450

1-bedroom apartment

300 BAM 490 BAM 1,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $670

2-bedroom apartment

410 BAM 610 BAM 1,600 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $340 $900

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

41,000 BAM 61,000 BAM 120,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22,000 $34,000 $67,000

1-bedroom apartment

49,000 BAM 81,000 BAM 300,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000

2-bedroom apartment

81,000 BAM 240,000 BAM 490,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $130,000 $270,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Sarajevo


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

220 BAM 280 BAM 370 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $200

Double Bed

150 BAM 220 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $120 $150

Single Bed

130 BAM 170 BAM 220 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$72 $94 $120

Living Room

240 BAM 310 BAM 1,100 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $170 $610

Dining Table

110 BAM 150 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $81 $150

Sofa or Couch

150 BAM 200 BAM 440 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $110 $240
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Sarajevo


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

150 BAM 220 BAM 440 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $120 $240

Fridge or Freezer

130 BAM 200 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$72 $110 $150

Washing Machine

170 BAM 240 BAM 440 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $140 $240

Stove or Cooker

160 BAM 200 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$87 $110 $150

Mobile Phone

180 BAM 220 BAM 310 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $120 $170

Laptop or Computer

200 BAM 240 BAM 440 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $240
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Sarajevo

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Sarajevo

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Sarajevo

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

86%

78% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Sarajevo spend around 86% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 78% of their income while some as high as 94%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Sarajevo

How do couples spend their money in Sarajevo?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$170   310 BAM
AVERAGE$510   920 BAM
HIGH$2,700   4,900 BAM
Per Month

Couples in Sarajevo typically spend from 20% to 37% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 920 BAM with expenditure ranging from 310 BAM to 4,900 BAM. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$20   36 BAM
AVERAGE$67   120 BAM
HIGH$440   790 BAM
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sarajevo ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 120 BAM with 36 BAM and 790 BAM being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$60   110 BAM
AVERAGE$180   320 BAM
HIGH$960   1,700 BAM
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 110 BAM to 1,700 BAM in a month on commuting with 320 BAM being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 14%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$70   130 BAM
AVERAGE$210   380 BAM
HIGH$1,100   2,000 BAM
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Sarajevo is 380 BAM. The cost of groceries can range between 130 BAM to 2,000 BAM. Couples spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 22% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$55   99 BAM
AVERAGE$160   300 BAM
HIGH$880   1,600 BAM
Per Month

Couples in Sarajevo allocate 8% to 18% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 14%. The range of medical expenses range from 99 BAM to 1,600 BAM with 300 BAM being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$30   54 BAM
AVERAGE$90   160 BAM
HIGH$480   860 BAM
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 54 BAM to 860 BAM with 160 BAM being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$10   18 BAM
AVERAGE$30   54 BAM
HIGH$160   290 BAM
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 54 BAM per month with 18 BAM being the minimum spent amount and 290 BAM being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$85   150 BAM
AVERAGE$250   460 BAM
HIGH$1,400   2,400 BAM
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Sarajevo

What percentage of couples in Sarajevo are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
63%
Not Saving
37%

Almost 63% of surveyed couples in Sarajevo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 37% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Sarajevo

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

9.5% 18% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

320 BAM
$180
950 BAM
$530
5,100 BAM
$2,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 9.5% to 31% of their monthly income to their savings, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 950 BAM with 320 BAM and 5,100 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Sarajevo

Saving Challenges in Sarajevo

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Sarajevo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Sarajevo

Typical saving choices for couples in Sarajevo

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Sarajevo

Affordable living in Sarajevo

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sarajevo?


Yes
68%
No
33%

Around 68% of surveyed couples think that living in Sarajevo is affordable with proper budgeting while 33% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Sarajevo

Low-cost alternatives in Sarajevo

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the couples living in Sarajevo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Sarajevo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes65%

No35%


Based on the survey, 35% of the couples living in Sarajevo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 65% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Sarajevo

Financial Literacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy59%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Sarajevo whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 41% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 59% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Bosnia and Herzegovina have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 36% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 64% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance36%

Easily manages finances64%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Sarajevo

Financial goals of couples in Sarajevo

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Sarajevo, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Sarajevo

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Sarajevo


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 29% of the couples in Sarajevo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Sarajevo

Debt-to-income ratio in Sarajevo

Debt to income ratio

33%

23% to 41%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of a couple's monthly income in Sarajevo goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Sarajevo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Sarajevo

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Sarajevo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Sarajevo.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Sarajevo

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Sarajevo how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Sarajevo

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Sarajevo

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Sarajevo

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

200 BAM 300 BAM 810 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

300 BAM 490 BAM 1,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $670

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

410 BAM 610 BAM 1,600 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $340 $900

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

490 BAM 810 BAM 2,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $450 $1,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

970 BAM 2,400 BAM 4,900 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,300 $2,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

810 BAM 1,200 BAM 3,500 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $670 $1,900

House monthly rent cost

970 BAM 2,400 BAM 4,900 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,300 $2,700

Villa monthly rent cost

1,200 BAM 3,000 BAM 4,900 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $1,700 $2,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Sarajevo ranges between 200 BAM and 810 BAM, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 300 BAM to 1,200 BAM. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 410 BAM and 1,600 BAM per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 490 BAM to 2,200 BAM. The average rent of a townhouse in Sarajevo is around 1,200 BAM while house rental costs can be as high as 2,400 BAM per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,200 BAM to 4,900 BAM per month.



Apartment and house prices in Sarajevo

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

41,000 BAM 61,000 BAM 120,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22,000 $34,000 $67,000

1-bedroom apartment price

49,000 BAM 81,000 BAM 300,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000

2-bedroom apartment price

81,000 BAM 240,000 BAM 490,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $130,000 $270,000

3-bedroom apartment price

270,000 BAM 410,000 BAM 1.2M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $220,000 $670,000

Townhouse price

350,000 BAM 810,000 BAM 3M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190,000 $450,000 $1.7M

House price

410,000 BAM 2.4M BAM 3.5M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $1.3M $1.9M

Villa price

490,000 BAM 2.7M BAM 4.1M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270,000 $1.5M $2.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Sarajevo can range from 41,000 BAM to 120,000 BAM depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 49,000 BAM to 300,000 BAM. A villa can cost you 2.7M BAM on average with prices ranging from 490,000 BAM to 4.1M BAM.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Sarajevo will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x102 monthly income 209
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Sarajevo can be x102 to x209 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x102 multiples of the average monthly salary in Sarajevo.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Sarajevo is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.8%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


3.6 BAM 47 BAM 470 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Sarajevo

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Sarajevo

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

36 BAM 120 BAM 790 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $67 $440

Internet and cable cost

11 BAM 22 BAM 29 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $12 $16

Mobile phone bill and charges

8.8 BAM 15 BAM 44 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $8.1 $24

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 120 BAM. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 11 BAM to 29 BAM with 22 BAM being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 15 BAM but can range between 8.8 BAM and 44 BAM depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.2% 6.3% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Sarajevo is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Sarajevo

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Sarajevo

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

2.2 BAM 4.4 BAM 7.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.4 $4.1

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Sarajevo is approximatly 4.4 BAM with meal cost ranging from 2.2 BAM to 7.3 BAM. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

7.7 BAM 12 BAM 23 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.4 $13

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 7.7 BAM and 23 BAM with 12 BAM being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Sarajevo.

Fine dining meal for one price

15 BAM 23 BAM 93 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $51

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 15 BAM to 93 BAM with the average cost being 23 BAM for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Sarajevo.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1.8 BAM 2.9 BAM 4.4 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.6 $2.4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Sarajevo is around 2.9 BAM. Price ranges between 1.8 BAM and 4.4 BAM depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1.5 BAM 1.8 BAM 2.2 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.81 $0.98 $1.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Sarajevo is 1.8 BAM. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 2.2 BAM and the minimum being 1.5 BAM depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.1 BAM 1.5 BAM 2.2 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.61 $0.81 $1.2

A dozen eggs costs around 1.5 BAM on average with 1.1 BAM and 2.2 BAM being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

2.5 BAM 3.2 BAM 4.6 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $2.5

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Sarajevo is between 2.5 BAM and 4.6 BAM depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 3.2 BAM.

Pack of beef price

2.9 BAM 4.4 BAM 8.8 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.9

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 4.4 BAM. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.2 BAM 1.6 BAM 2.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.90 $1.3

A bag of rice in Sarajevo costs around 1.6 BAM on average with prices rangeing between 1.2 BAM and 2.3 BAM depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.44 BAM 0.59 BAM 1.1 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.33 $0.61

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.44 BAM to 1.1 BAM. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.79 BAM 1 BAM 1.7 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.57 $0.94

A bag of apples costs 1 BAM on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


20% 29% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Sarajevo is around 29%. This means that couples spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 130 BAM to 2,000 BAM with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

evoeicarsraw©copound