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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Ljubljana 2024
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Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia


Cost of Living in Ljubljana

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Ljubljana helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Ljubljana
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €500 to €1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €800 to €1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from €400 to €800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from €600 to €1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Ljubljana can range from €1,500 to €3,000 per square meter. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €100,000 to €150,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is €200,000 to €250,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is €80,000 to €120,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is €150,000 to €200,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Ljubljana is very affordable. A single ticket costs €1.20 and a monthly pass costs €30. Taxi fares start at €2.50 and the cost per kilometer is €0.90. Gasoline prices are around €1.50 per liter.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Ljubljana is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, a dozen eggs costs €2.00, and a kilogram of apples costs €2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Ljubljana is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10 per person, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €20 per person. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Ljubljana is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is €90. The average monthly cost for internet is €20.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Ljubljana varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €400 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is €500 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is €600 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is €700 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ljubljana

"The cost of living in Ljubljana is generally considered to be quite affordable. Rent prices are relatively low compared to other European cities, and groceries and other everyday items are also reasonably priced. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two people costing around €30. Public transportation is also affordable, with monthly passes costing around €30. Overall, Ljubljana is a great city for those looking for a good quality of life at an affordable price," said one expat living in Ljubljana.

Can I live in Ljubljana on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Ljubljana for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Šiška, Bežigrad, or Fužine, where you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500-$600 a month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the city center or Trnovo, where rents can be much higher.When it comes to transportation, Ljubljana is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, so you can save money by not owning a car. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $40. For groceries, you can shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl to save money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries and avoid high-end restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities in the city, like outdoor concerts, festivals, and museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities like frequent travel or attending high-priced events.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Ljubljana is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being selective with your entertainment choices, you can live comfortably in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Ljubljana.

Can I live in Ljubljana on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Ljubljana for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, if you want to live in the city center, you'll probably have to pay more for rent, and you might not be able to afford a large apartment. The city center is beautiful and has a lot of great restaurants and bars, but it can be quite expensive. If you're willing to live a bit further out, you can find more affordable options in neighborhoods like Bežigrad, Šiška, or Vi?. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by public transportation, and you can find some nice apartments for a more reasonable price.In terms of other expenses, groceries and utilities are generally quite affordable in Ljubljana. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, especially in the city center, but there are still plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore a bit. Public transportation is also quite cheap, and you can get a monthly pass for around 40 euros.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of shopping for clothes and electronics, as these can be more expensive in Slovenia compared to some other countries. You might want to consider shopping online or taking a trip to a nearby country like Austria or Italy for bigger purchases.Overall, I think you can definitely live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Ljubljana, but you'll have to be smart about your housing choices and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of shopping and eating out," said one expat living in Ljubljana.

Can I live in Ljubljana on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Ljubljana for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other European cities, so you won't have to make too many sacrifices. When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment in a good neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider are Šiška, Bežigrad, and Moste. These areas are well-connected to the city center and have plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks nearby. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out the neighborhoods of Vi?, Trnovo, or the city center itself, but keep in mind that the prices will be higher in these areas.As for transportation, Ljubljana has a good public transport system, and a monthly pass costs around $40. If you prefer to drive, you'll find that gas prices are reasonable, and parking is generally not too difficult to find. When it comes to groceries, you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month, depending on your preferences. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $15 to $20 per person.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Ljubljana without breaking the bank. You can catch a movie for around $8, visit museums and galleries for a few dollars, or enjoy the city's many parks and outdoor spaces for free. If you're into sports and fitness, gym memberships are reasonably priced, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and skiing in the nearby mountains.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Ljubljana on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Ljubljana.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia

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