Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILBelgrade, Serbia

You would need around 68.0% less money in Belgrade, Serbia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

68.0%

Belgrade, Serbia is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B844 USD
Difference-64.9%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B84 USD
Difference-71.3%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B1,242 USD
Difference-75.8%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Belgrade, Serbia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Belgrade, Serbia is 68.0% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Belgrade, Serbia's center costs around 844 USD, which is a staggering 64.9% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Belgrade, Serbia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Belgrade, Serbia to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Belgrade, Serbia

1,646 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Belgrade, Serbia and investing the 68% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Belgrade, Serbia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing844 USD
Groceries84 USD
Utilities & Internet38 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1562 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Belgrade, Serbia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~262,416 USD in 10 years.