Is Sarajevo expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Sarajevo is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe, with food, transport and sights far cheaper than in Western Europe and slightly cheaper than neighbouring Croatia. Plan on about KM 74 (around €38) a day per person on a budget, KM 170 mid-range and KM 370 for comfort. Accommodation is the main cost; ćevapi, coffee and trams cost very little.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | KM35 | KM80 | KM170 |
| Food & drink | KM25 | KM50 | KM100 |
| Sights & tickets | KM10 | KM30 | KM70 |
| Local transport | KM4 | KM10 | KM30 |
| Per person, per day | KM74 | KM170 | KM370 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Sarajevo day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Bosnian coffee in a copper džezva | about KM 2–4 |
| Ćevapi (ten in somun bread) at Željo or Hodžić | about KM 10–12 |
| Burek or sirnica by weight | a few marks per portion |
| Traditional dinner (begova čorba, klepe) | KM 15–25 |
| Tram ticket | about KM 1.80 from a kiosk |
| Taxi from the airport | about KM 25–35 |
| Tunnel of Hope museum | about KM 20 |
| Trebević cable car, return | about KM 20–30 |
| Mid-range room in the old town | KM 120–200 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation takes the biggest share, especially in August during the Sarajevo Film Festival, when hotels fill up. Food is cheap — ćevapi, burek and Bosnian coffee are everyday staples — and even sit-down dinners are inexpensive by European standards. The paid sights are cheap individually (KM 5–20), but guided siege tours, which include the Tunnel of Hope, cost about KM 60–80 and are worth it. Transport is very cheap, with trams and metered taxis.
When it is cheaper
November to March, outside the Winter Festival and ski holidays, is the quietest period, with lower hotel rates. August, during the Film Festival, is the most expensive time.
How to spend less
- Eat ćevapi and burek at local shops in Baščaršija rather than restaurants on the main square.
- Buy tram tickets from kiosks, which are cheaper than buying from the driver, and stamp them.
- Use official metered taxis or apps rather than unmarked cars.
- Join a free walking tour and tip, then pick one paid siege tour.
- Pay in convertible marks (KM); euros are accepted, but change is often given in marks at a rounded rate.
- Avoid the Film Festival week in August if you want cheaper rooms.
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Common questions
Is Sarajevo expensive?
No, it is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe, especially for food and transport.
Can I pay with euros in Sarajevo?
Euros are often accepted, but the local currency is the convertible mark (KM), fixed at KM 1.96 to €1.
How much does ćevapi cost?
About KM 10–12 for a portion of ten in somun bread.