Cost of food in Serbia

The cost of food in Serbia in 2026 remains one of the lowest in Europe, but the difference between chains and local markets can reach 30 %. We have compiled average prices for main product categories in the largest supermarkets - Maxi, Idea and Lidl - and compared them with markets and farmer's stalls. Below - numbers, practical tips and recommendations on how often to shop depending on the type of outlet.

Average prices for main products in 2026

Serbian dinar to euro exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 117 RSD.

Product	Maxi (EUR)	Idea (EUR)	Lidl (EUR)	Market (EUR)
Milk (1 l)	0.85	0.80	0.75	0.90
Eggs (10 pcs)	1.90	1.80	1.70	2.10
White bread (500 g)	0.60	0.55	0.50	0.70
Chicken breasts (1 kg)	4.20	4.00	3.80	4.50
Beef (1 kg, rear)	8.50	8.30	8.00	9.20
Pork (1 kg, shoulder)	5.80	5.60	5.40	6.20
Potatoes (1 kg)	0.45	0.40	0.38	0.50
Carrots (1 kg)	0.60	0.55	0.52	0.65
Apples (1 kg)	1.20	1.10	1.05	1.30
Bananas (1 kg)	1.10	1.05	1.00	1.20
Rice (1 kg)	1.30	1.25	1.10	1.40
Pasta (500 g)	0.80	0.75	0.70	0.90
Sunflower oil (1 l)	1.80	1.75	1.65	1.90
Cheese качкаваљ (200 g)	2.50	2.40	2.30	2.70
Yogurt (500 g)	1.10	1.05	1.00	1.20
Instant coffee (200 g)	3.50	3.40	3.20	3.80
Tea, bagged (20 bags)	1.80	1.70	1.60	2.00

Lidl remains the cheapest chain, especially for meat and dairy products. Maxi and Idea compete with each other, but Idea often offers promotions on seasonal goods. Markets are 10-15 % more expensive, yet their freshness and quality often justify the premium.

Where it's more advantageous to shop: chain comparison

Lidl - lowest price, but limited assortment

Since 2017 Lidl has been rapidly gaining market share, and in 2026 the chain already offers about 2 500 SKU.

Pros

• Prices 5-10 % lower than competitors, especially on meat, dairy and dry goods.
• Regular promotions (e.g., 20 % discount on coffee or oil once a month).
• Predominantly local production, almost no imported goods.

Cons

• No full range of Serbian delicacies (dried meat, specific cheeses).
• Stores are concentrated in major cities (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac).

Idea - balance of price and assortment

Idea belongs to the Delhaize Group holding and in 2026 has around 400 stores.

Pros

• Wide selection of Serbian delicacies (pršut, kajmak, kajsija).
• "3 for 2" promotions on apples and bananas.
• Online ordering with one-hour pickup (service "Idea Click & Collect").

Cons

• Meat and dairy are 5-8 % more expensive than at Lidl.
• On weekends some stores develop queues.

Maxi - the largest chain, but not always the cheapest

In 2026 Maxi operates about 500 stores.

Pros

• Loyalty programs (bonus accumulation).
• Large choice of imported goods - European cheeses, chocolate, wine.
• Some locations have a cafeteria with local dishes (pljeskavica, burek).

Cons

• Prices for basic products are 5-10 % higher than competitors.
• Meat and vegetable quality can vary from store to store.

Markets and farmer's stalls: when they are worthwhile

Markets remain a favorite spot for expats because of freshness and the possibility to bargain. In 2026 market prices are higher than in supermarkets, but in some categories they still win:

• Vegetables and fruit - in season prices are 10-20 % lower (e.g., tomatoes 1.20 EUR / kg vs 1.50 EUR in Maxi).
• Meat - direct farmer supplies save 15-25 % (chicken thighs 2.80 EUR / kg vs 3.50 EUR in Lidl).
• Cheese and dairy - local producers are 10-15 % cheaper (качкаваљ 2.30 EUR / 200 g vs 2.50 EUR in Maxi).

Drawbacks

• A receipt is not always issued - this can complicate tax deductions.
• Sellers sometimes overprice for foreigners; compare offers from several vendors.
• They operate on weekdays until 15-16 h, and not all stalls are open on weekends.

Farmer's stalls (e.g., "Селска пијаца" or private farms outside Belgrade) are suitable for bulk purchases: eggs 1.50 EUR / 10 pcs vs 1.90 EUR in Lidl. The key is to plan delivery, as such stalls are located outside the cities.

How often to shop: optimal frequency

Rented apartments with a fridge

• 1 time per week - Lidl or Idea, spending 30-50 EUR covers the needs of a 2-3 person household.
• 1 time per month - dry goods (rice, pasta, oil) and frozen products in Maxi or Lidl - savings up to 20 % thanks to bulk packaging.
• 2-3 times per week - market for fresh vegetables, fruit and meat (summer season especially profitable).

Homes with a large fridge

• Every 2 weeks - supermarket (Lidl or Idea) for 60-80 EUR, meat can be frozen.
• Once a week - market or farmer's stall for fresh products.
• Once a month - bulk purchase of dry goods in Maxi or at a wholesale market (e.g., Beogradska pijaca).

Small apartments without a fridge

• 2-3 times per week - market or the nearest supermarket (Idea or Maxi). With this rhythm it is better to buy small portions to avoid the need for long-term storage.

Important: if you plan to use a receipt for tax deductions, check with the seller whether a receipt can be provided.

These recommendations will help keep your budget under control while enjoying quality products without overspending.