EUROCOSTSCOUNTRY COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-07-15
North Macedonia vs Serbia: taxes, salary and cost of living
A move between North Macedonia and Serbia is not simply a choice between a cheap and an expensive country; income, rent and taxation pull the result in different directions.
North Macedonia vs Serbia at a glance
| Indicator | North Macedonia | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 18% | 20% |
| Income tax | 10% | 10% |
| Social contributions | 27% | 29.9% |
| Tax burden | 35.3% | ~39% |
| Average monthly salary | €1,070 | €1,366 |
| Studio rent | €350 | €420 |
| Monthly food estimate | €220 | €250 |
| Gasoline | 1.27 €/L | 1.55 €/L |
| Electricity | 0.11 €/kWh | 0.12 €/kWh |
Salary advantage and purchasing power
Serbia records the higher listed monthly salary. The gap is €296, approximately 21.7% relative to the lower figure. Within the numeric EuroCosts sample, North Macedonia ranks 25 of 27 for salary and Serbia ranks 23 of 27. Currency conversion and salary methodology can materially change a relocation budget.
Housing pressure and everyday spending
North Macedonia has the lower listed studio rent by €70, a 16.7% difference relative to the higher rent. North Macedonia sits 3 of 37 and Serbia 5 of 37 in the available low-to-high rent ranking. North Macedonia also has the lower food estimate, so the housing result is reinforced by groceries.
After subtracting only the listed rent and food estimates, the simplified remainder is €500 in North Macedonia and €696 in Serbia. This leaves €196 more in Serbia, before utilities, transport, healthcare, childcare or personal taxes not already reflected in salary.
VAT and personal tax context
Tax-burden values include a range or text note for at least one country. The standard VAT comparison—18% in North Macedonia and 20% in Serbia—is more directly comparable, although reduced rates differ by product.
Driving and mobility costs
North Macedonia has the lower listed gasoline price by €0.28 per litre. For a driver buying 50 litres a month, that headline difference is about €14 monthly, before insurance, parking and road charges.
Choosing by relocation scenario
For a remote worker paid from abroad, housing and daily costs may matter more than the local salary ranking; on that narrow view, North Macedonia deserves closer attention. A locally employed professional should instead begin with salary and payroll definitions.
Where the comparison lands
Serbia produces the stronger simplified monthly remainder in this dataset, while North Macedonia leads on listed rent. Your income source determines which advantage matters more.
Sources and data references
- PwC standard VAT rates
- PwC personal income tax rates
- PwC corporate income tax rates
- EuroCosts data scope and generation process
Explore North Macedonia comparisons · Explore Serbia comparisons