Cost Of Living in Sarajevo 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Sarajevo

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

Whether you're living in Sarajevo 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

Currency: BAM
180 2,300 23,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $1,300 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BAM
230 1,600 11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $900 $6,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

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

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BAM
1,300 3,600 23,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$700 $2,000 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BAM
180 1,200 7,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $660 $4,400
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Sarajevo is 1,600 BAM. Expenses can range from 230 BAM at the minimum level to 11,000 BAM at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Sarajevo is 2,700 BAM. Expenditure can range from 900 BAM to 14,000 BAM per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Sarajevo is 3,600 BAM per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,300 BAM to 23,000 BAM.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Sarajevo is 1,200 BAM. Students spend from 180 BAM to 7,900 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 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 for a family in Sarajevo

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

14 BAM 97 BAM 650 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $54 $360

Utility Bill - Couple

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

Utility Bill - Family

63 BAM 180 BAM 1,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $100 $650

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

Expenditure to Income Ratio 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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Sarajevo

Spending to Income Ratio

91%

82% to 99%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
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 Sarajevo is 91% This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% 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
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
89%

Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
94%

Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Sarajevo

How do people spend their money in Sarajevo?

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$30   54 BAM
AVERAGE$390   700 BAM
HIGH$3,900   7,000 BAM
Per Month

People living in Sarajevo typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 700 BAM with expenditure ranging from 54 BAM to 7,000 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, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

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

LOW$5   9 BAM
AVERAGE$65   120 BAM
HIGH$650   1,200 BAM
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sarajevo ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 120 BAM with 9 BAM and 1,200 BAM being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

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

LOW$10   18 BAM
AVERAGE$130   230 BAM
HIGH$1,300   2,300 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 18 BAM to 2,300 BAM on commuting with 230 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$25   45 BAM
AVERAGE$320   590 BAM
HIGH$3,200   5,900 BAM
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Sarajevo is 590 BAM. The cost of groceries can range between 45 BAM to 5,900 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$7   13 BAM
AVERAGE$91   160 BAM
HIGH$910   1,600 BAM
Per Month

People in Sarajevo 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 13 BAM to 1,600 BAM with 160 BAM being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

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

LOW$4   7.2 BAM
AVERAGE$52   94 BAM
HIGH$520   940 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 7.2 BAM to 940 BAM with 94 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$6   11 BAM
AVERAGE$78   140 BAM
HIGH$780   1,400 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 140 BAM per month with 11 BAM being the minimum spent amount and 1,400 BAM being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

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

LOW$13   23 BAM
AVERAGE$170   300 BAM
HIGH$1,700   3,000 BAM
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Sarajevo

How much money can you save in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
65%
Not Saving
35%

Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Sarajevo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Sarajevo

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles69%32%
Couples63%37%
Families58%42%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Sarajevo

Saving to Income Ratio

8.4% 16% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

63 BAM
$35
820 BAM
$460
8,200 BAM
$4,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8.4% to 30% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 820 BAM on average with savings ranging from 63 BAM to 8,200 BAM.

69% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 63% of couples said the same. 58% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Sarajevo?

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

12% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

63 BAM
$35
570 BAM
$320
3,800 BAM
$2,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 32% of their monthly income to savings, with 20% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 570 BAM with 63 BAM and 3,800 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

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 who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9.5% to 31% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 950 BAM with 320 BAM and 5,100 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8.4% 15% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

440 BAM
$250
1,300 BAM
$700
8,200 BAM
$4,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Sarajevo can save anywhere between 8.4% to 27% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1,300 BAM with 440 BAM and 8,200 BAM being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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

Saving Challenges in Sarajevo

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people 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 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 social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Sarajevo

Typical saving choices for people 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 to live in Sarajevo

Affordable living in Sarajevo

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sarajevo?


Yes
68%
No
33%

Around 68% of surveyed residents 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. 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 residents 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 people 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

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 Sarajevo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes65%

No35%


Based on the survey, 35% of the people 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 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 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 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 people living in Sarajevo

Financial goals of people 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 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.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Sarajevo

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo:
AgeAmount
256,300 BAM
3013,000 BAM
3522,000 BAM
4032,000 BAM
4547,000 BAM
5066,000 BAM
5579,000 BAM
6098,000 BAM
65120,000 BAM

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo

130 BAM
$73
1,200 BAM
$660
7,900 BAM
$4,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Sarajevo

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Sarajevo


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 29% of the people 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 the people'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 residents 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 / Individual

14 BAM 97 BAM 650 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.6 $54 $360

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

63 BAM 180 BAM 1,200 BAM
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $100 $650

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Sarajevo ranges between 14 BAM and 650 BAM with average being 97 BAM, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 120 BAM with 36 BAM and 790 BAM being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 180 BAM. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and 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 people 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 every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 260 BAM per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 37 BAM and 1,700 BAM depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 380 BAM per month. That number can be get as low as 130 BAM or a high as 2,000 BAM. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 230 BAM to 4,200 BAM with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


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

Housing cost for a single person30%

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

LOW$46   82 BAM
AVERAGE$320   580 BAM
HIGH$2,200   3,900 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

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

LOW$7.6   14 BAM
AVERAGE$54   97 BAM
HIGH$360   650 BAM
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

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

LOW$10   18 BAM
AVERAGE$72   130 BAM
HIGH$480   860 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

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

LOW$20   37 BAM
AVERAGE$140   260 BAM
HIGH$960   1,700 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

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

LOW$11   21 BAM
AVERAGE$81   150 BAM
HIGH$540   970 BAM
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

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

LOW$6.3   11 BAM
AVERAGE$45   81 BAM
HIGH$300   540 BAM
Per Month

Education Cost1%

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

LOW$2.5   4.6 BAM
AVERAGE$18   32 BAM
HIGH$120   220 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

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

LOW$23   41 BAM
AVERAGE$160   290 BAM
HIGH$1,100   1,900 BAM
Per Month


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

Housing cost for a couple27%

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

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

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

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

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

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

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

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

Healthcare Cost14%

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

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

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

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

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

Education Cost1%

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

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

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


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

Housing cost for a family26%

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

LOW$220   400 BAM
AVERAGE$640   1,200 BAM
HIGH$4,200   7,500 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$35   63 BAM
AVERAGE$100   180 BAM
HIGH$650   1,200 BAM
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

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

LOW$70   130 BAM
AVERAGE$200   360 BAM
HIGH$1,300   2,300 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

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

LOW$130   230 BAM
AVERAGE$360   650 BAM
HIGH$2,300   4,200 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

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

LOW$63   110 BAM
AVERAGE$200   360 BAM
HIGH$1,000   1,900 BAM
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

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

LOW$35   63 BAM
AVERAGE$100   180 BAM
HIGH$650   1,200 BAM
Per Month

Education Cost13%

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

LOW$98   180 BAM
AVERAGE$280   500 BAM
HIGH$1,800   3,300 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

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

LOW$56   100 BAM
AVERAGE$160   290 BAM
HIGH$1,000   1,900 BAM
Per Month


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

Housing costs for Student18%

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

LOW$24   43 BAM
AVERAGE$160   280 BAM
HIGH$1,000   1,900 BAM
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

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

LOW$4   7.2 BAM
AVERAGE$26   47 BAM
HIGH$170   320 BAM
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

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

LOW$7   13 BAM
AVERAGE$46   83 BAM
HIGH$310   550 BAM
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

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

LOW$20   36 BAM
AVERAGE$130   240 BAM
HIGH$870   1,600 BAM
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

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

LOW$6   11 BAM
AVERAGE$39   71 BAM
HIGH$260   470 BAM
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

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

LOW$5   9 BAM
AVERAGE$33   59 BAM
HIGH$220   390 BAM
Per Month

Education Cost18%

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

LOW$19   34 BAM
AVERAGE$120   220 BAM
HIGH$830   1,500 BAM
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW$15   27 BAM
AVERAGE$98   180 BAM
HIGH$660   1,200 BAM
Per Month
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