From Arizona to Serbia: Russian migrant cuts rent from $2,000 to $650 and boosts income.

Daria Ershova, a Russian national who moved to the United States at 16 to study, found herself struggling with high living costs in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite working two marketing-related jobs and earning an annual salary of $42,000, her income was largely consumed by a $2,000 monthly rent, car insurance, phone bills, and other essentials. This financial strain left her with little disposable income.

Seeking a more affordable and potentially better life, Ershova relocated to Belgrade, Serbia, in April 2025. She chose Serbia based on online research, attracted by its straightforward visa process for entrepreneurs and a favorable tax structure for freelancers. After establishing her own independent consultancy, Soma Creative, her annual income rose to $54,000 as she began charging international rates to clients abroad.

Her cost of living in Belgrade has dramatically decreased. Rent, her largest expense in Arizona, is now only $650 per month. Beyond the financial benefits, Ershova has embraced Belgrade's culture, appreciating the abundance of "third spaces" like cafes and walking trails. She also prefers the local climate, enjoying the rain, cold, and snow, a stark contrast to Arizona's extreme heat, though she does miss the desert sunsets and Mexican cuisine.

Despite the positive changes, Ershova has encountered challenges, primarily the language barrier. While English is spoken in cafes, Serbian is essential for navigating bureaucracy at banks and police stations. She also noted that, unlike the digitalization common in the U.S., many administrative tasks in Serbia require in-person visits. Nevertheless, she feels significantly less worried about money and is thriving in her new environment.