Is Novi Sad expensive to visit?
In Novi Sad, budget travelers spend $28 (RSD2,842) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $28 (RSD2,842) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $28 (RSD2,842) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Novi Sad.
Novi Sad is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Novi Sad can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Novi Sad is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Novi Sad.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Novi Sad Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Novi Sad?
The average Novi Sad trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Novi Sad travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Novi Sad cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Novi Sad, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $28 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Novi Sad has plenty of hostels like Hostel Sova and Narodni DOM. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Novi Sad are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $28 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Novi Sad is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Garni Hotel Centar is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Fontana Novi Sad also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Novi Sad here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $28 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Novi Sad
In Novi Sad, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $42, but during peak season they jump to an average of $78. You can find budget options starting at $25 up to luxury rates at $147. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Novi Sad for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $25 (RSD2,500). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (RSD1,250) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Novi Sad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Novi Sad include:
- Garni Hotel Centar starting at $77
- Hotel Leopold I starting at $93
- GARNI Hotel Planeta Inn starting at $44
- B&B Girasole starting at $37
- Hotel Fontana Novi Sad starting at $49
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Food Budget in Novi Sad
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Novi Sad can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Novi Sad is $16 (RSD1,557) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$16
RSD1,557
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Novi Sad is around $16 (RSD1557) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $16. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Novi Sad are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $5
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $5 to $11
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
For breakfast, Serbians usually have something with meat. This is because it is common that they do not eat again for about eight hours, between the hours of three and six. This is the biggest meal of the day, so it usually consists of large quantities or potatoes, meat, salad and soup.
Frustuk Bar is on the corner of Petra Drapsina and Laze Kostica is a great sandwich shop that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. They also serve delicious pancakes. The trademark sandwich of Novi Sad is called the "index" and you can find this delicious sandwich at a restaurant called Maja. The restaurant is very close to Novosadski Sajam (the Novi Sad Fair).
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Novi Sad, Serbia, at night
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.