Pros And Cons Of Living In Serbia

Considering buying a one-way ticket to Europe and spending your days hiking and soaking up endless amounts of culture?

Check out these pros and cons of living in Serbia first.

Serbia is a country located in Southeast Europe, known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

It is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, which makes it an attractive destination for many people.

However, just like any other country, living in Serbia has its own pros and cons.

In this post, we’re going to dive into the pros and cons of living in Serbia to give you an insight into what to expect.

Pros Of Living In Serbia

Let’s first take a look at some of the pros of living in Serbia to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Affordable Cost Of Living

The first pro which draws many expats to Serbia is the affordable cost of living in the country.

Serbia has a low cost of living compared to other European countries. This means that you can live a comfortable life without breaking the bank.

It will of course vary throughout the country, for example, you can expect to pay slightly more in Belgrade in comparison to more rural areas.

The cost of your basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing is relatively cheap, making it an attractive option for people on a budget.

Friendly People

Another huge pro of moving to Serbia is the local people.

Serbians are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. They are welcoming to foreigners and always willing to help.

This makes it easy for people to integrate into the local community and make new friends. This of course is really important if you are planning to move here as it means you can settle into daily life in Serbia easily.

Stunning Natural Beauty

A huge benefit of moving to this European country is the incredible natural beauty of the country.

Serbia has breathtaking scenery, with diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills and snow-capped mountains to stunning lakes and rivers.

All of this diverse landscape makes it a really attractive option for nature lovers and digital nomads who want a balance between sitting at their laptops and getting active outside.

Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply relaxing in nature, Serbia has it all.

Delicious Cuisine

A pro that appeals to a lot of expats considering a move to Serbia, is the delicious local cuisine available here.

Serbian cuisine is rich, hearty, and delicious. It is based on traditional recipes and local ingredients and is known for its hearty stews, grilled meats, and savory pastries.

This local food is also very affordable which makes it even more appealing.

Vibrant Culture

Like many countries in southeast Europe, Serbia has a vibrant culture and so much to learn about and explore.

Serbia has a rich cultural heritage, with a long history of music, dance, and traditional crafts.

Whether you are interested in visiting historic sites, attending cultural events, or simply exploring the local markets, there is always something to see and do.

Cons Of Living In Serbia

Now we have looked at the pros, it is also important to consider some of the cons of living in Serbia.

Bureaucracy

An important point for expats to consider when moving to a new country is the bureaucracy and how easy it will be for them to get a visa etc.

The bureaucracy in Serbia can be slow and complex, which can make it difficult to get things done quickly and efficiently. This means that filling out paperwork, extending your visa, or setting up a bank account can be a bit of a slow process.

This can be particularly frustrating for people who are used to more streamlined systems in their home countries.

Limited Job Opportunities

If you are an expat looking to find work locally in Serbia, it is important to know that there isn’t a wide variety of jobs for expats available, even in the capital city.

Although the economy is growing, there are limited job opportunities for foreigners, particularly in certain industries. This can make it difficult for people to find work and support themselves.

However, if you are a digital nomad working online, this will not be an issue for you.

Limited English Speaking Population

A big con to mention, and one that may impact your ability to settle into life in Serbia is the limited number of English-speaking people.

While the younger generations are more likely to speak English, the overall population is not very fluent in the language.

This can make it difficult for people to communicate with locals and navigate daily life in Serbia. It also makes it tough to integrate with the locals if you are living here long term.

In this case, it is important that you spend time learning Serbian.

Public Healthcare System

Unfortunately, and similar to several other countries in southeast Europe, the public health system leaves a lot to be desired in Serbia.

The public healthcare system in Serbia is not up to the standards that many expats would expect when moving here.

It can be difficult to find good quality medical care, especially for people with serious health conditions.

This may not impact your day-to-day life if you don’t have any health conditions, but it is still important to consider.

Final Thoughts On Living In Serbia

Now you’ve read all about the pros and cons of living in Serbia, does it seem like the right place for you?

If you’re interested in a low cost of living, friendly people, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, Serbia could be an excellent option for you

However, if slow bureaucratic processes, limited job opportunities, and inadequate healthcare are a dealbreaker for you, you might wish to keep searching for your dream location.

If you want to compare Serbia with other destinations, check out these posts:

• Pros and cons of living in Croatia
• Pros and cons of living in the UK
• Pros and cons of living in Greece