Bosnia is the best value destination in the Balkans — and one of the cheapest countries in Europe full stop. Here is exactly what things cost and how to travel well for less.
✔ Budget daily cost: €30–45 (hostel, local food, sightseeing)
✔ Mid-range daily cost: €55–80 (guesthouse, restaurants, tours)
✔ Currency: BAM (Bosnian Mark) — €1 ≈ 1.96 BAM
✔ Cheapest food: burek €1.50, ćevapi €4, restaurant main €6–9
✔ Cheapest beds: hostels from €12/night, guesthouses from €25/night
What Things Cost in Bosnia
🏨 Accommodation
Hostels: €12–18/night in Sarajevo and Mostar — some of the best-value hostels in the Balkans, often in beautiful old town buildings.
Guesthouses: €25–40/night — family-run, usually excellent value with local knowledge included.
Mid-range hotels: €45–75/night — comfortable, often boutique, good central locations.
Comparison: Equivalent accommodation in Dubrovnik costs 3–4x more.
🍽️ Food Costs
Burek (pastry, breakfast): €1.20–1.80
Ćevapi portion (10 pieces + bread): €3.50–5
Restaurant main course: €6–10
Traditional Bosnian stew (bosanski lonac): €7–9
Bosnian coffee: €0.80–1.30
Local beer (Sarajevsko): €1.50–2.50
Full dinner for two with drinks: €18–28
🎟️ Sightseeing Costs
Tunnel of Hope museum: €6
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque + tower, Mostar: €4
War Childhood Museum, Sarajevo: €5
Baščaršija old town: Free
Yellow Fortress viewpoint: Free
Stari Most bridge walk: Free
Kravice Waterfalls entry: €3–5
🚌 Transport Costs
Bus Dubrovnik–Mostar: €10–12 one way
Bus Mostar–Sarajevo: €8–10 one way
Train Sarajevo–Mostar: €5 one way (scenic, recommended)
Taxi within Sarajevo: €3–6 (use Bolt app)
Car rental: €30–45/day — essential for Kravice, Blagaj and countryside
📅 Sample Daily Budgets
Budget (€30–45/day): Hostel dorm €15, burek breakfast €1.50, local lunch €6, ćevapi dinner €5, beers €6, sightseeing €5. Covers everything essential — comfortable backpacker travel.
Mid-range (€55–80/day): Guesthouse €35, sit-down meals three times €25, a tour or museum €8, transport €5. Very comfortable, nothing sacrificed.
Comfortable (€90–120/day): Boutique hotel €65, good restaurants €35, guided tour €15. Excellent quality throughout.
Budget Tips
Eat where locals eat — one street back from the Stari Most tourist strip in Mostar saves 30–40% on identical food quality. The same principle applies in Baščaršija.
Use the train between Sarajevo and Mostar — €5, more scenic than the bus and no traffic delays through the gorge.
Withdraw BAM at bank ATMs — decline DCC (dynamic currency conversion) offers and choose local currency. Avoid exchange bureaux at the airport.
Stay in guesthouses over hotels — guesthouses in Bosnia are often the best accommodation option at any price point, not just for budget travellers.
FAQs
Is Bosnia cheaper than Croatia?
Significantly — 40–60% cheaper across accommodation, food and transport. Bosnia is among the cheapest countries in Europe for travel.
Can you travel Bosnia on €50/day?
Yes, very comfortably — including a private guesthouse room, three meals, local transport and sightseeing.
Do you need cash in Bosnia?
Yes — cards are accepted at hotels and some restaurants in main cities, but cash (Bosnian Mark) is needed for smaller restaurants, markets, taxis and sights. Withdraw from bank ATMs on arrival.