Detailed breakdown of monthly expenses for expats living in Montenegro, from rent to groceries.
Planning your budget for life in Montenegro? This comprehensive guide breaks down all the costs you need to know.
For a comfortable lifestyle in Montenegro, expect these monthly ranges:
| Category | Budget (€) | Mid-range (€) | Comfortable (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | 300-400 | 500-700 | 800-1,200 |
| Utilities | 50-80 | 80-120 | 120-180 |
| Groceries | 150-200 | 250-350 | 400-500 |
| Dining out | 50-100 | 150-250 | 300-500 |
| Transport | 30-50 | 80-120 | 150-250 |
| Total | 580-830 | 1,060-1,540 | 1,770-2,630 |
Budva - Studio: €300-500/month - 1-bedroom: €400-700/month - 2-bedroom: €600-1,000/month
Kotor - Studio: €350-500/month - 1-bedroom: €450-750/month - 2-bedroom: €650-1,100/month
Tivat - Studio: €400-600/month - 1-bedroom: €500-900/month - 2-bedroom: €750-1,300/month
Podgorica - Studio: €250-400/month - 1-bedroom: €350-550/month - 2-bedroom: €500-800/month
Monthly utility costs for a 1-bedroom apartment:
Winter note: Heating can increase electricity bills significantly. Budget €100-150/month in winter.
Supermarket Options - Voli: Main chain, good prices - Idea: Wider selection, slightly higher - Aroma: Premium, imported goods - Local markets: Best for fresh produce
Weekly grocery basket: €50-80 for one person
Coastal restaurants are 20-30% more expensive than Podgorica.
Options - Local bus: €1-2 per ride - Taxi (within town): €3-8 - Taxi (Budva-Tivat): €20-30 - Car rental: €300-500/month - Fuel: €1.40-1.60/litre
Tip: Owning a car is almost essential outside Podgorica.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (2026) - Minimum monthly income: €2,010 (3x minimum wage of €670) - Valid health insurance - Proof of remote work for foreign company - Valid for up to 2 years
Register as a sole trader (preduzetnik) to work legally. Income is taxed at progressive rates: - 0% on income up to €8,400/year - 9% on income €8,400-12,000/year - 15% on income above €12,000/year
Budget Expat (Podgorica) - Rent: €350 - Utilities: €60 - Groceries: €180 - Transport: €40 - Entertainment: €100 - Total: €730/month
Comfortable Couple (Budva) - Rent: €700 - Utilities: €100 - Groceries: €350 - Transport: €150 - Entertainment: €300 - Total: €1,600/month
Luxury Lifestyle (Tivat) - Rent: €1,500 - Utilities: €150 - Groceries: €500 - Car: €400 - Entertainment: €500 - Total: €3,050/month
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