Bosnia and Herzegovina: cost of living

How much does electricity cost in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Households using 2,500 to 5,000 kWh a year paid 19.46 KM per 100 kWh, including taxes and VAT, in January to June 2026, according to the BHAS electricity and natural gas prices release. Households using 1,000 to 2,500 kWh paid 22.78 KM, and the smallest users (under 1,000 kWh) 53.78 KM per 100 kWh.

Prices are given by band of annual consumption, and the source of the data is the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). Prices are also given without taxes and without VAT. The same release gives natural gas prices.

Official sources: BHAS: Electricity and natural gas prices, January-June 2026 (PDF)

How much do basic foods cost in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A kilogram of white bread cost an average of 4.0 KM in Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2026, according to the BHAS average consumer prices release. A litre of milk cost 1.7 KM, a kilogram of fresh chicken 6.6 KM, boneless beef 26.8 KM and potatoes 1.4 KM. An egg cost 0.4 KM.

The prices are averages of those recorded for the consumer price index across the country. BHAS notes that they must not be used to calculate inflation; the official measure is the consumer price index, which showed prices 4.9% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier. Prices differ between cities and shops.

Official sources: average consumer prices release

How fast are prices rising in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 4.0%. Since 2006 it has ranged from -1.6% (2016) to 14.0% (2022). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 3.7%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina placed 17th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 53rd of 165.

How much do households in Bosnia and Herzegovina spend per person?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Bosnia and Herzegovina was $5,325, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: $11,266; Bosnia and Herzegovina is 35th highest of 44. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 53rd highest.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

0.3%: that is the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2021, according to the World Bank. It was 0.9% in 2011. It is 19th highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.3%. Of 80 countries with 2021 data, 51st highest.

What share of Bosnia and Herzegovina lives below the poverty line?

16.9%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2015, according to the World Bank. In 2007 the figure was 18.2%. It is 16th highest of 30 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 17.9%. Worldwide: 33rd of 54.

What is income inequality in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2021, is 30.3. In 2011 the figure was 33.3. Europe & Central Asia median: 31.6; Bosnia and Herzegovina is 24th highest of 40. Worldwide: 62nd of 80.

What is food insecurity in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In 2024, moderate or severe food insecurity in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 8.7%, according to the FAO. No year since 2015 has been lower. It is 20th highest of 45 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 7.6%. Worldwide: 104th of 135.