I’m Happier Living In Eastern Europe Than In The U.S. – Here’s How Much It Costs

Belgrade: A Hidden Gem for Expatriates Seeking Quality of Life

In the bustling landscape of global cities, Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, has recently emerged as a go-to destination for those seeking not only a beautiful lifestyle but also a high quality of life at an incredibly affordable cost. For individuals like Angela Blair Cadet, a 35-year-old American expat who now calls Belgrade home, the city transcends the limitations often found in more traditional expatriate destinations.

Angela reflects that if she were to replicate her current lifestyle in the United States, it would cost her ten times more. Her story serves as a touchstone for understanding the expat experience in Belgrade, illustrating how this vibrant city melds a rich cultural heritage with a modern standard of living that is accessible for many. Drawing from her unique perspective, let’s explore what makes Belgrade an attractive location for expatriates and the factors contributing to a thriving expat community.

The Cost of Living: A Breath of Fresh Air

The affordability of daily life in Belgrade is one of Angela’s primary draws. She estimates her total living expenses, including rent and utilities, to be around €600 per month—figures that are nearly unimaginable in cities like New York or San Francisco. As someone who prefers cooking at home and relies on public transportation, which is unexpectedly free in many regions, Angela’s choices reflect a lifestyle rooted in both health and financial sensibility. The local markets offer a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, with even olive oil—a prized culinary staple—being reasonably priced at €15 a bottle. This affordability does not come at the expense of quality; instead, the fresh produce is noted for its superior taste, providing a connection to local culture and cuisine that many expats cherish.

Dining out can range from €10 for a casual meal to €500 for a luxurious night on the town, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. Angela remarked on the impressive nightlife that Belgrade offers, describing it as the best in Europe, with options that range from jazz and rock to hip-hop and rap. For those who value both a vibrant social life and culinary delights, the city presents a buffet of experiences from which to choose.

Settling into Belgrade: A Journey of Discovery

Angela arrived in Belgrade on June 1, 2022, after navigating the challenging landscape of immigration and business establishment as a non-EU citizen. She underscored the importance of personal connection and community as key factors in her successful transition. “Once you see that this life is possible, it became addictive,” she stated, illustrating how the adventure of becoming an expatriate brought excitement and fulfillment to her life.

Upon her arrival, one of her first goals was to build relationships within the local community. Angela has thrived in her role as a business owner, which has allowed her to connect with a diverse range of individuals, including successful entrepreneurs, creative talents, and locals who are eager to share their culture. She emphasizes that this welcoming atmosphere is unique, noting, “As a black American woman, this is the least racist country. Here, I feel very safe.” Her experiences in Belgrade resonate with the sentiments expressed by many expatriates who find comfort living among people who prioritize human connection over narrow identity labels.

Building Connections: The Expat Community

As an expat, Angela has embraced her role in helping others navigate similar paths. Her work involves assisting individuals from the U.S., U.K., and other Western countries in their relocation efforts to Serbia. By offering services ranging from visa assistance to real estate partnerships, she aims to streamline the transition process for newcomers. This aspect of her work reflects a broader trend in which established expatriates play vital roles in ushering newcomers into their new lives, thereby reinforcing community ties and shared experiences.

The vibrant expat community within Belgrade is an underappreciated aspect of life in the city. Many newcomers arrive with preconceived notions, shaped by external narratives that often paint Serbia in an unflattering light. However, once they experience the warmth and generosity of the local population, their perspectives frequently shift. Angela has observed, “People just don’t know what to do here because the world has a really negative perspective of Serbia.”

The Allure of Belgrade’s Lifestyle

Angela speaks highly of her favorite activities, notably afternoon tea with friends and leisurely walks along the Belgrade waterfront. This blend of outdoor leisure and social engagements showcases the city’s appeal as a place where life can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace. The Serbians have a distinct way of approaching life that emphasizes balance, with many opting to socialize at cafes over spending long hours in an office—offering a welcome respite from the high-stress environments seen in other major cities.

Nightlife in Belgrade is another allure that has captivated Angela. With a multitude of venues available, spanning diverse genres and atmospheres, the city comes alive at night. Whether it’s an upscale restaurant or an intimate bar that supports local artists and musicians, there are experiences that appeal to everyone, regardless of their budget or preferences.

In addition to her immediate plans for her career in Serbia, Angela harbors aspirations to travel to other countries and deepen her global ties. She mentions wanting to revisit Thailand and Kazakhstan, while ultimately aiming for Belgrade to be her home base. Angela’s journey illustrates how expatriate living can cultivate personal growth as individuals navigate new cultures and carve out paths less traveled.

As the world becomes more interconnected, stories like Angela’s remind us of the universal desire for belonging, safety, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Embracing the opportunity to live in Belgrade, Angela has discovered not just a city but a community and a way of life that challenges the status quo of expatriate experiences. Surrounding herself with kindness, cultural richness, and camaraderie, she exemplifies the potential of taking bold steps into the unknown. For those contemplating a leap into expat life, Angela’s narrative may serve as both inspiration and guidance in navigating this exciting journey.