Is Belgrade expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Belgrade is good value by European standards: noticeably cheaper than Western capitals and also cheaper than Zagreb or Ljubljana, though prices have risen in recent years. A mid-range day is about RSD 12,800 (roughly €110) per person, with the room taking about half. Food, drink and transport are where it really saves you money, especially as city public transport is free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | RSD3,500 | RSD6,000 | RSD13,000 |
| Food & drink | RSD2,500 | RSD4,500 | RSD8,000 |
| Sights & tickets | RSD600 | RSD1,500 | RSD3,000 |
| Local transport | RSD200 | RSD800 | RSD2,500 |
| Per person, per day | RSD6,800 | RSD12,800 | RSD26,500 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Belgrade day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a cafe | about RSD 200-300 |
| Pljeskavica (grilled burger) from a grill | about RSD 400-700 |
| Kafana dinner with grilled meat, salad and rakija | about RSD 2,500-4,000 per person |
| City bus, tram or trolleybus | free (since January 2025) |
| National Museum ticket | about RSD 300-600 |
| Nikola Tesla Museum tour | about RSD 800-1,000 |
| Airport taxi to the centre (voucher) | roughly RSD 2,000-2,800 |
| Mid-range double room, Stari Grad | RSD 9,000-15,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the main cost: rooms in the old centre around Knez Mihailova run RSD 9,000-15,000 a night, while Dorćol and Savamala apartments are cheaper. Eating out is affordable, and portions in kafanas are generous. Most of the big sights, including Kalemegdan fortress and the Temple of Saint Sava, are free, and museum tickets are low. Nightlife on the river clubs (splavovi) can be the surprise expense, with cover charges and table minimums on summer weekends.
When it is cheaper
Winter (November to March, outside New Year) brings the lowest hotel prices, as the cold and the košava wind keep visitors away. July, when the EXIT festival in Novi Sad fills the region, is among the priciest times; check current rates.
How to spend less
- Use the free GSP city buses, trams and trolleybuses instead of taxis for most trips.
- Order taxis by app (CarGo, Yandex Go) or phone rather than hailing on the street to avoid overcharging.
- Eat lunch-time set menus (dnevni meni) in local restaurants for a cheap full meal.
- Buy kajmak, ajvar and fruit at Kalenić or Zeleni Venac markets for picnic food at local prices.
- Pay in dinars: prices in euros are often rounded against you.
- Agree a tip in advance if you ask Skadarlija musicians to play for your table.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Belgrade expensive?
No, it is good value for Europe. A mid-range day is about RSD 12,800 per person, roughly €110, and much less on a budget.
Can I pay in euros in Belgrade?
Some hotels quote in euros, but shops, restaurants and taxis expect dinars. Paying in euros usually means a worse rate.
How much is dinner in a kafana?
About RSD 2,500-4,000 per person for grilled meat, salad and a rakija in a traditional kafana like those in Skadarlija.