MigrantoCost of living in Bosnia
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries, and where the money goes
Monthly cost in Bosnia
Spending runs from BAM 465 a month in the poorest fifth to BAM 2,190 in the richest
Per person, whole country
BAM 976
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
BAM 465richest 20%
BAM 2,190
Where people spend money in Bosnia
One person's out-of-pocket spending, averaged across the whole country
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Key facts
The cost of living in Bosnia in numbers
Groceries takes an unusual share of the budget
It absorbs 32.7% of spending here, or BAM 320 a month, against 19.7% in a typical country, 13 points more.
Typical spending takes 58% of the average wage
A typical person spends BAM 976 a month while the average take-home wage is BAM 1,680, so 42% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Bosnia compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Bosnia against other countries
More expensive than 53% of countries
Where Bosnia sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs BAM 1,690 at world-middle prices costs BAM 1,760 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), category breakdown 2023 (Eurostat), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Bosnia
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Bosnia and how much you could have left each month
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Cost of living in Bosnia
BAM 465/mo
vs BAM 1,350 in your country
Take-home
BAM 986
vs BAM 2,030 in your country
Potential savings
BAM 521
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Bosnia?
A typical person in Bosnia spends about BAM 976 a month — around BAM 11,700 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Bosnia?
By spending, Bosnia ranks #73 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about BAM 976 a month, the poorest 20% about BAM 465 and the richest 20% about BAM 2,190. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Bosnia in US dollars?
The cost of living in Bosnia is about $577 a month, or roughly $6,924 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Bosnia?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about BAM 465 a month per person, a typical one around BAM 976, and a comfortable life around BAM 1,300. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
What do people spend the most on in Bosnia?
The biggest expense is groceries, at about BAM 320 a month (33% of spending). Then come housing (BAM 122, 12%) and dining out (BAM 78, 8%).
Is the average salary in Bosnia enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about BAM 976 a month, while the average take-home pay in Bosnia is about BAM 1,680. For more on incomes, see salaries in Bosnia.
Is Bosnia an expensive country to live in?
Somewhat. Bosnia is more expensive than 61% of countries worldwide and ranks 37th of 41 in Europe by cost of living.
What currency is used in Bosnia?
Bosnia uses the Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Bosnia
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