Cost of Living in Montenegro in 2023

Montenegro, Europe’s enchanting gem, is gaining popularity among digital nomads and expats for its affordable lifestyle, especially compared to other European and American destinations. Our picturesque and vibrant gem nestled on the sunny shores of the Balkans is a haven for those looking for a breathtaking country with low living costs.

As a Montenegrin, living my whole life in this country, I can assure you that you can get away from a busy city jungle and enjoy life surrounded by high mountains and the bluest sea but with a vibrant lifestyle all in one place. Let’s take a look of what are the actual costs of living in this gem.

Before we start, I need to emphasize that the costs of living in Montenegro, as in any country, depend on your lifestyle and destination. So, the best way to see it is to compare the capital city, Podgorica, with the hotspot of tourism – the south region.

Last year brought higher living costs since the prices of the apartments have increased. But still, living here is much cheaper than in many parts of Europe, not to mention the USA. And the best part is that you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking nature, an energetic urban lifestyle, engaging sports activities, and a safe environment for you and your family.

Apartment Rent Cost

Although the rent prices significantly increased in 2022, Montenegro’s housing affordability is still one of its most appealing features. Your lifestyle and preference – whether you’re a sun-soaked sea lover or not – would determine the cost of your residence, with a one-bedroom apartment typically ranging from 500-700€.

The southern region, with its bustling crowds of tourists and opulent residential projects like Porto Montenegro, Luštica, and Portonovi, has higher accommodation prices. The average cost of a city-centre apartment for a single dweller is now around 750€ in Tivat, and 600-700€ in Kotor and Budva.

But don’t worry, if you’re budget-conscious like me, you can find more economical options in the suburbs, where the cost of apartments ranges from 400-500€. And for families seeking a bit more space, a three-bedroom apartment is typically priced between 900-1200€, with some going as high as 1800€.

For those of you leaning towards the vibrant capital, Podgorica, you’re in luck! The cost of apartments here is even more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be yours for around 500€, while a three-bedroom apartment stands at a cool 800-1000€. And the suburban part offers even cheaper ones.

Please note that rental costs typically do not include utilities such as electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, which can set you back another 100-130€ per month. The electricity bill for a one-bedroom apartment will go from 50€ to 80€ in the heating season, while the water bill will be 8-15€. You can get a high-speed internet plus cable TV combination for 20-40€ per month.

Daily Expenses

When it comes to daily living expenses, like food, you’ll find a bit of a variance between the south region and the capital, Podgorica.

In the coastal towns of Kotor, Tivat, and Budva, you’ll find that an average meal such as pizza, salad, or pasta will set you back about 10€. And if you’re a fan of seafood or steak like me, you’ll be shelling out starting from 16€. These towns are dotted with exquisite seafood joints and high-end restaurants, but there are plenty of wallet-friendly spots to enjoy a good meal. Meanwhile, in Podgorica, your food budget can stretch a little further, with meals costing a few euros less, but don’t worry, there’s no shortage of posh restaurants if you’re up for a splurge.

As for grocery shopping, you’ll find supermarket prices are more or less consistent across the country, but still with higher ones in the south. A solo adventurer might spend about 200-300€ a month on groceries, and a couple might spend up to 400€. However, a family should budget from 800€ to 1000€. This, of course, hinges on your chosen lifestyle and diet. I always look forward to visiting Montenegro’s green markets, where you can get your hands on fresh, organic produce, albeit at slightly higher prices than in the supermarkets.

If you indulge in basking in the sun or sipping on a coffee by the azure sea with your friends, this simple pleasure will only set you back about 2€. And if you find yourself in Podgorica, your brew comes even cheaper at around 1.2 – 1.5€. It’s these little moments that make living in Montenegro so delightful!

Do you know what’s another interesting fact about Montenegro? We’ve got our own wineries and breweries – from big factory operations to small family-run businesses. And the best part? There’s a whole bunch of flavors to check out.

It only gets better. The prices are pretty sweet too. A regular-sized beer, 0.5l, will cost only about 2-2,5€, and a smaller one, 0.3l, is around 1,8€. Fancy a glass of wine? Well, you can start sipping from just 4€. Of course, it depends on the type of wine or beer and where you’re having it.

And guess what? We’re not just about local drinks here. We’ve got a whole range of imported brands, from regional to international ones. So, no matter what you’re into, we’ve got something that’ll make your taste buds happy.

Getting Around

Despite our constant efforts to improve the public transportation infrastructure, getting from place to place can be a bit of a challenge in the summertime if you are not with a car, or don’t want to use a taxi. But don’t let this deter you. During winter, when the tourist crowds thin out, intercity bus lines are readily available and consistently punctual, making travel a breeze. But when the season starts, the south region is crowded, and expect to be late or to travel in the area of Budva/Kotor/Tivat for much longer than usual. Bus tickets in the Kotor-Tivat-Budva area cost around 3-4€, and each city has its own local bus lines. You can purchase a monthly ticket for approximately 40€ or opt for a single-ride ticket ranging from 1-2€, depending on your destination. In Podgorica, a single bus ride costs 1.20€, and the city is well connected.

Podgorica’s taxi scene is pretty solid and easy on the pocket, with loads of taxi companies to choose from. Just a heads-up, grabbing a taxi when it’s pouring can be a bit of a mission. On the bright side, you’ll find the cheapest taxi fares in the region right here in the Montenegrin capital. But if you head down south, brace yourself, taxi prices can double or even triple of what you’d pay in Podgorica.

The best option is to have your own car, preferably a smaller one, since our city roads aren’t that wide and sometimes it can be “a mission impossible” to find a parking lot. With gas prices of 1.34€ for diesel and 1.50 € for petrol, Montenegro has cheaper gas prices than Germany, France, Norway, the UK, and Iceland and is similar to the USA.

Health and Fitness

In short, the public health care system in Montenegro is a mess, and even we, the residents, avoid using it. But don’t worry, since the average annual price of private health insurance can be as low as 100-120€ per person, covering everything from basic examinations to complex procedures. If you need a tooth fix, that will be around 30-50€ across the whole country; basic doctor appointments are around 20-25€, and the specialists start from 50€, with an additional 30-50€ for an ultrasound, x-ray or Doppler check.

Keeping fit and eating well is the secret recipe to dodge those frequent trips to the doctor, right? Well, you’re lucky because we’ve got you covered here in Montenegro. With a slew of gyms at your disposal, you can choose between individual and group training sessions or even switch between indoor and outdoor workouts based on your mood. The average cost hovers around 30-60€, and you can have a personal trainer for another 80-150€ per month.

Schooling Cost

If you are moving to Montenegro with your family, we have great news! Montenegro has several private schools teaching English, French, and Russian. You’ll find these schools in cities like Tivat, Budva, and Podgorica. They covered everything from kindergarten to middle school. Your kid will get to be part of fantastic international educational programs.

And as for the cost, it’s a bit of a range. You could be looking at anywhere from 5000€ to 19000€, depending on the school and the grade your child is in.

It All Comes Down to Your Lifestyle

As you consider making Montenegro your new home, these insights into the cost of living can guide you in planning your financial journey. In conclusion, most of you coming single can expect to spend at least 1000 Euros per month. For a family of four, estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, amount to approximately €1,900. However, everything can vary, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. 

But hey, it’s not all about the numbers. Living in Montenegro means so much more. It’s the feeling of being at home without stressing about emptying your bank account. So, why not take the leap? Montenegro is ready and waiting to welcome you with open arms!

The author is a local external contributor to Like a Bird Migration Consulting, born in Kotor and making waves in Tivat’s marketing scene, continually exploring every inch of Montenegro and knowing how to live economically without missing out on a thing.