Serbia vs North Macedonia
North Macedonia costs roughly 20% less than Serbia. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
North Macedonia is approximately 20% less expensive than Serbia based on cost of living including rent. This makes North Macedonia a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
North Macedonia has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 58.9, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: North Macedonia is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Serbia
A 1BR in central Belgrade runs $514, less than a studio in most mid-size US cities, with a flat 10% income tax and a $711 monthly budget covering essentials easily. Retirement visa needs just EUR 400/mo income, among the lowest thresholds in Europe. The catch: no digital nomad visa and a path to permanent residency exists, but permanent residency does not necessarily lead to EU stability.
$1,775/mo
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About North Macedonia
A digital nomad visa exists, requiring a minimum monthly income of $2,175, while a temporary residence permit route also offers a clear pathway to residency, which gives remote workers certainty. Budget-focused retirees should look past that gap: rent runs $336.79/mo in the city center and monthly costs excluding rent sit at $612, against a flat 10% income tax. Small expat community, medium English proficiency, but a 35.5 COL index makes the math work for anyone prioritizing cash flow over ease.
$2,051/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Serbia | North Macedonia |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 124.8 +4.5 | 120.3 |
| Healthcare Index | 52.1 | 55.1 +3.0 |
| Safety Index | 62.8 +3.9 | 58.9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 42.6 | 35.5 +7.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $711.5 | $612 +99.5 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,474.6 | $2,102.1 +372.5 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $513.94 | $336.79 +177.15 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $380.7 | $259.5 +121.2 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $956.49 | $570.73 +385.76 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $686.17 | $407.03 +279.14 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 110.27 Mbps +4.5 | 105.73 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in North Macedonia. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
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