Why Nis?
Nis is Serbia's third-largest city and one of the cheapest places to live in Europe with good urban infrastructure. A comfortable life here costs €500–700/month.
Nis has a long history — it is the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years. The old fortress (Niska Tvrdjava) is beautifully preserved and forms the heart of the city's social life.
Population
Comfortable monthly budget for one person
By bus from Belgrade
Cost of living
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, centre | €250–400/month |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outer areas | €180–300/month |
| Coffee in a café | €0.80–1.50 |
| Lunch at a local restaurant | €3.50–6 |
| Monthly transport pass | €15–18 |
What Nis is like
Nis has more sunshine than Belgrade — it is in southern Serbia with a slightly warmer, drier climate. The fortress area and surrounding streets form a charming pedestrian zone with good cafés and restaurants. The city has a university with around 35,000 students, which keeps the atmosphere young and lively.
English is less widely spoken than in Belgrade or Novi Sad — particularly outside the student population. More patience with the language barrier is needed here.
Nis has a small but growing number of international residents — mainly people attracted by the very low cost of living and the authentic, unhurried pace of life.
Nis vs Belgrade
- Much cheaper: Rent roughly 40–50% lower than central Belgrade
- Slower pace: More relaxed, less intense, less crowded
- Smaller expat community: Fewer international connections — you will need to put more effort into building a social life
- Less English spoken: Harder to navigate daily life without some Serbian
- Good access to nature: Close to mountains, gorges, and spa towns
- Its own airport: Nis airport (INI) has budget flights to several European cities
Who Nis is right for
Nis works best for people who are intentional about living cheaply and simply, who enjoy an authentic local experience, and who are not dependent on a large expat social network. It is a poor choice if you need the infrastructure, connections, or fast pace of a capital city.
Legal setup
All the same residence permit and freelancer registration options apply in Nis as in Belgrade. Marko works with clients across Serbia.