Cost Of Living in Mostar 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Mostar

Whether you're living in Mostar or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

2,000 BAM

per month
$1,100

160 BAM   $87
$11,000   20,000 BAM

Single

1,400 BAM

per month
$780

470 BAM   $260
$5,200   9,400 BAM

Couple

2,300 BAM

per month
$1,300

780 BAM   $430
$6,900   12,000 BAM

Family

3,100 BAM

per month
$1,700

1,100 BAM   $610
$9,500   17,000 BAM

Student

950 BAM

per month
$530

380 BAM   $210
$950   1,700 BAM
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Mostar is 1,400 BAM. Expenses can range from 470 BAM at the minimum level to 9,400 BAM at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Mostar is 2,300 BAM. Expenditure can range from 780 BAM to 12,000 BAM per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Mostar is 3,100 BAM per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,100 BAM to 17,000 BAM.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Mostar is 950 BAM. Students spend from 380 BAM to 1,700 BAM per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Mostar


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.27 BAM 0.30 BAM 0.35 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.17 $0.19
Fast food combo meal
2.3 BAM 4.5 BAM 7.6 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.5 $4.2
Restaurant meal for one
7.3 BAM 11 BAM 22 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.1 $12
Fine dining meal for one
15 BAM 22 BAM 88 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.1 $12 $49
Soda or Soft Drink
0.32 BAM 0.38 BAM 0.45 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.21 $0.25
Cappuccino or latte
1.9 BAM 3 BAM 4.5 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.7 $2.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
1.5 BAM 1.8 BAM 2.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.84 $1 $1.3
Loaf of bread
0.27 BAM 0.31 BAM 0.36 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.17 $0.20
12 eggs
1.1 BAM 1.5 BAM 2.3 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $0.84 $1.3
Fresh whole chicken
2.6 BAM 3.3 BAM 4.7 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $2.6
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
3 BAM 4.5 BAM 9.1 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.5 $5
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
1.2 BAM 1.7 BAM 2.4 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.68 $0.93 $1.3
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.45 BAM 0.61 BAM 1.1 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.34 $0.63
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
0.81 BAM 1.1 BAM 1.7 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.59 $0.97

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
1.8 BAM 2.2 BAM 4.4 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.2 $2.4
Average car full tank
11 BAM 15 BAM 30 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $8.4 $17
Average car 1-day rental
11 BAM 14 BAM 21 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $7.8 $12
Average car price
5,700 BAM 11,000 BAM 15,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,100 $6,300 $8,400
Bus ticket one way
0.35 BAM 0.53 BAM 1.1 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.29 $0.59
Car Service
14 BAM 21 BAM 42 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.8 $12 $23

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
28 BAM 84 BAM 560 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $47 $310
Utility Bill - Couple
39 BAM 120 BAM 620 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $65 $350
Utility Bill - Family
33 BAM 94 BAM 520 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $52 $290
Internet and cable
11 BAM 23 BAM 30 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $13 $17
Mobile phone charges
9.1 BAM 15 BAM 45 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $8.4 $25

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
5.7 BAM 7.6 BAM 11 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.2 $6.3
One month gym membership
17 BAM 21 BAM 42 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $12 $23

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
12 BAM 18 BAM 26 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $9.8 $15
Woman dress
12 BAM 16 BAM 53 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9 $29
Woman shoes
11 BAM 15 BAM 35 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $8.4 $20
Men's shoes
9.6 BAM 12 BAM 23 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $6.5 $13
Men suit
11 BAM 13 BAM 70 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.9 $7.3 $39
Regular t-shirt
5.3 BAM 7 BAM 21 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.9 $12

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
180 BAM 260 BAM 700 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $150 $390
1-bedroom apartment
260 BAM 420 BAM 1,100 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $590
2-bedroom apartment
350 BAM 530 BAM 1,400 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $290 $780

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
35,000 BAM 53,000 BAM 110,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $29,000 $59,000
1-bedroom apartment
42,000 BAM 70,000 BAM 260,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $39,000 $150,000
2-bedroom apartment
70,000 BAM 210,000 BAM 420,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39,000 $120,000 $230,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
230 BAM 280 BAM 380 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $160 $210
Double Bed
150 BAM 230 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $130 $160
Single Bed
130 BAM 170 BAM 230 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $97 $130
Living Room
250 BAM 320 BAM 1,100 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $180 $630
Dining Table
110 BAM 150 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $84 $160
Sofa or Couch
150 BAM 210 BAM 450 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $110 $250

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
150 BAM 230 BAM 450 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $130 $250
Fridge or Freezer
130 BAM 210 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$74 $110 $160
Washing Machine
170 BAM 250 BAM 450 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $140 $250
Stove or Cooker
160 BAM 210 BAM 280 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$90 $110 $160
Mobile Phone
190 BAM 230 BAM 320 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $130 $180
Laptop or Computer
210 BAM 250 BAM 450 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $250

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Mostar

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.


Spending to Income Ratio

79%

71% to 86%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Mostar is 79% This means that on average, people spend around 79% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
71%
Spending-Income-Ratio
64%
77%

Couple
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
82%

Family
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%

How do people spend their money in Mostar?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$26   47 BAM
AVERAGE$340   610 BAM
HIGH$3,400   6,100 BAM
Per Month

People living in Mostar typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 610 BAM with expenditure ranging from 47 BAM to 6,100 BAM. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$4.3   7.8 BAM
AVERAGE$56   100 BAM
HIGH$560   1,000 BAM
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Mostar ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 100 BAM with 7.8 BAM and 1,000 BAM being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$8.7   16 BAM
AVERAGE$110   200 BAM
HIGH$1,100   2,000 BAM
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 16 BAM to 2,000 BAM on commuting with 200 BAM being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$22   39 BAM
AVERAGE$280   510 BAM
HIGH$2,800   5,100 BAM
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Mostar is 510 BAM. The cost of groceries can range between 39 BAM to 5,100 BAM. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$6.1   11 BAM
AVERAGE$79   140 BAM
HIGH$790   1,400 BAM
Per Month

People in Mostar allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 11 BAM to 1,400 BAM with 140 BAM being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$3.5   6.2 BAM
AVERAGE$45   81 BAM
HIGH$450   810 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 6.2 BAM to 810 BAM with 81 BAM being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$5.2   9.4 BAM
AVERAGE$68   120 BAM
HIGH$680   1,200 BAM
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 120 BAM per month with 9.4 BAM being the minimum spent amount and 1,200 BAM being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$11   20 BAM
AVERAGE$150   260 BAM
HIGH$1,500   2,600 BAM
Per Month

How much money can you save in Mostar every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Mostar manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
57%
Not Saving
43%

Almost 57% of the surveyed people in Mostar said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 43% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Mostar

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles59%41%
Couples55%45%
Families50%50%

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.


Saving to Income Ratio

7.3% 14% of income 26%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

55 BAM
$30
710 BAM
$400
7,100 BAM
$4,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 7.3% to 26% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 14% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 710 BAM on average with savings ranging from 55 BAM to 7,100 BAM.

59% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 55% of couples said the same. 50% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Mostar?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

160 BAM
$91
490 BAM
$270
3,300 BAM
$1,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 10% to 28% of their monthly income to savings, with 17% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 490 BAM with 160 BAM and 3,300 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

8.2% 16% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

270 BAM
$150
820 BAM
$460
4,400 BAM
$2,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 8.2% to 27% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 820 BAM with 270 BAM and 4,400 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

7.3% 13% of income 24%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

380 BAM
$210
1,100 BAM
$610
6,000 BAM
$3,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Mostar can save anywhere between 7.3% to 24% of their monthly income, with 13% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,100 BAM with 380 BAM and 6,000 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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.

Affordable living in Mostar

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Mostar?


Yes
59%
No
41%

Around 59% of surveyed residents think that living in Mostar is affordable with proper budgeting while 41% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Mostar

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options54%

Few low-cost options46%


Based on the survey, 54% of the people living in Mostar have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 46% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Mostar whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes57%

No43%


Based on the survey, 43% of the people living in Mostar said that they don't have an emergency fund while 57% said that they do.

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 residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the 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 of people in Mostar

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Mostar, 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 Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey 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.

Saving Challenges in Mostar

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Mostar. 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 people 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% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Mostar

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Mostar

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Mostar and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Mostar:
AgeAmount
255,500 BAM
3011,000 BAM
3519,000 BAM
4027,000 BAM
4541,000 BAM
5058,000 BAM
5569,000 BAM
6085,000 BAM
65100,000 BAM

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Mostar about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Mostar

340 BAM
$190
1,000 BAM
$570
6,800 BAM
$3,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Mostar


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the people in Mostar have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Mostar

Debt to income ratio

28%

20% to 36%

( 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 28% of the people's monthly income in Mostar 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 Mostar 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 Mostar

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Mostar 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 17% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Mostar.


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 Mostar

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Mostar 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 costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Mostar

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


Rent Cost in Mostar

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
180 BAM 260 BAM 700 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $150 $390
1-bedroom apartment
260 BAM 420 BAM 1,100 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $590
2-bedroom apartment
350 BAM 530 BAM 1,400 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $290 $780
3-bedroom apartment
420 BAM 700 BAM 1,900 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $390 $1,100
Furnished apartment
840 BAM 2,100 BAM 4,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $1,200 $2,300
Townhouse
700 BAM 1,100 BAM 3,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $590 $1,700
House
840 BAM 2,100 BAM 4,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $1,200 $2,300
Villa
1,100 BAM 2,600 BAM 4,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $1,500 $2,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Mostar ranges between 180 BAM and 700 BAM, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 260 BAM to 1,100 BAM. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 350 BAM and 1,400 BAM per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 420 BAM to 1,900 BAM. The average rent of a townhouse in Mostar is around 1,100 BAM while house rental costs can be as high as 2,100 BAM per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,100 BAM to 4,200 BAM per month.



Apartment and house prices in Mostar

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
35,000 BAM 53,000 BAM 110,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20,000 $29,000 $59,000
1-bedroom apartment
42,000 BAM 70,000 BAM 260,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $39,000 $150,000
2-bedroom apartment
70,000 BAM 210,000 BAM 420,000 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39,000 $120,000 $230,000
3-bedroom apartment
230,000 BAM 350,000 BAM 1.1M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $200,000 $590,000
Townhouse
300,000 BAM 700,000 BAM 2.6M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $390,000 $1.5M
House
350,000 BAM 2.1M BAM 3M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $1.2M $1.7M
Villa
420,000 BAM 2.3M BAM 3.5M BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230,000 $1.3M $2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Mostar can range from 35,000 BAM to 110,000 BAM depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 42,000 BAM to 260,000 BAM. A villa can cost you 2.3M BAM on average with prices ranging from 420,000 BAM to 3.5M BAM.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Mostar 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


31 x89 monthly income 181
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Mostar can be x89 to x181 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x89 multiples of the average monthly salary in Mostar.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 28% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Mostar is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 37% 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
25%

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
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
3.9%

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.


3.1 BAM 41 BAM 410 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.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Mostar

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$94   170 BAM
AVERAGE$280   510 BAM
HIGH$1,900   3,400 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$16   28 BAM
AVERAGE$47   84 BAM
HIGH$310   560 BAM
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$21   37 BAM
AVERAGE$62   110 BAM
HIGH$420   750 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$42   75 BAM
AVERAGE$120   220 BAM
HIGH$830   1,500 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$23   42 BAM
AVERAGE$70   130 BAM
HIGH$470   840 BAM
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$13   23 BAM
AVERAGE$39   70 BAM
HIGH$260   470 BAM
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$5.2   9.4 BAM
AVERAGE$16   28 BAM
HIGH$100   190 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$47   84 BAM
AVERAGE$140   250 BAM
HIGH$940   1,700 BAM
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Mostar

Housing27%

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

LOW$140   260 BAM
AVERAGE$430   770 BAM
HIGH$2,300   4,100 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$22   39 BAM
AVERAGE$65   120 BAM
HIGH$350   620 BAM
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

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

LOW$52   94 BAM
AVERAGE$160   280 BAM
HIGH$830   1,500 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

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

LOW$61   110 BAM
AVERAGE$180   330 BAM
HIGH$970   1,700 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare14%

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

LOW$48   86 BAM
AVERAGE$140   260 BAM
HIGH$760   1,400 BAM
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW$26   47 BAM
AVERAGE$78   140 BAM
HIGH$420   750 BAM
Per Month

Education1%

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

LOW$8.7   16 BAM
AVERAGE$26   47 BAM
HIGH$140   250 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

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

LOW$74   130 BAM
AVERAGE$220   400 BAM
HIGH$1,200   2,100 BAM
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Mostar

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$190   350 BAM
AVERAGE$550   1,000 BAM
HIGH$3,000   5,500 BAM
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$48   87 BAM
AVERAGE$140   250 BAM
HIGH$760   1,400 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$110   200 BAM
AVERAGE$310   560 BAM
HIGH$1,700   3,100 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$48   87 BAM
AVERAGE$140   250 BAM
HIGH$760   1,400 BAM
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$30   55 BAM
AVERAGE$87   160 BAM
HIGH$480   860 BAM
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$85   150 BAM
AVERAGE$240   440 BAM
HIGH$1,300   2,400 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$73   130 BAM
AVERAGE$210   370 BAM
HIGH$1,100   2,100 BAM
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Mostar

Housing18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$51   91 BAM
AVERAGE$130   230 BAM
HIGH$230   410 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$8.4   15 BAM
AVERAGE$21   38 BAM
HIGH$38   68 BAM
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$15   27 BAM
AVERAGE$37   66 BAM
HIGH$66   120 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$42   76 BAM
AVERAGE$110   190 BAM
HIGH$190   340 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$13   23 BAM
AVERAGE$32   57 BAM
HIGH$57   100 BAM
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$11   19 BAM
AVERAGE$26   47 BAM
HIGH$47   85 BAM
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$40   72 BAM
AVERAGE$100   180 BAM
HIGH$180   320 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$32   57 BAM
AVERAGE$79   140 BAM
HIGH$140   260 BAM
Per Month
©copound