Cost of Living in Montenegro in 2025: A Complete Guide to Prices for Expats and Travelers
The cost of living in Montenegro is the first thing expats, digital nomads, and investors pay attention to when choosing a country for relocation or a long-term stay. This Adriatic country combines affordability, a mild climate, and per...
The cost of living in Montenegro is the first thing expats, digital nomads, and investors pay attention to when choosing a country to move to or stay in long term. This Adriatic country combines affordability, a mild climate, and growth potential, making it an increasingly popular choice for relocation.
In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of all the main expenses — from rent and utilities to grocery prices and leisure. All prices are listed in euros (€) and are current for 2024–2025, so you can get the most realistic picture possible of the costs ahead.
Salaries and potential income in Montenegro
The basis of any cost-of-living analysis is income levels. Understanding real salaries in Montenegro makes it possible to assess how comfortable life in the country will be. Official data and market trends for 2024–2025 paint a complex but telling picture.
General income indicators
According to the latest data from the Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT), the average net salary (after taxes) in the countryshowssteady growth. If in May 2024 it was 832 €, by December 2024 this figure had reached 1,012 €. Considering this trend, a realistic benchmark for the average net salary in the country in 2025 is in the range of850–1000€. At the same time, the legally established minimum gross salary (before taxes) is 532.50 € per month. The minimum pension as of January 1, 2024 is 450€ per month (provided that the employment record is at least 15 years). Montenegro does not recognize work experience gained in CIS countries.
Geographic and sectoral income inequality
A key feature of the Montenegrin economy is significant income inequality both by region and by sector. The national average is heavily distorted by high salaries in a few economically developed municipalities.
Regional breakdown:There is a clear divide between the coastal and central regions and the poorer north.
Income leaders:Only four municipalities can boast an average salary above 1000€: Tivat (1165€), Zeta (1048€), the capital Podgorica (1025€), and the tourist center Budva (1006€).
Average level:Other popular coastal towns such as Kotor (982 €), Bar (936 €), and Herceg Novi (963 €) are below the national average.
Lowest incomes:In the northern and less developed municipalities, such as Gusinje (822 €) and Ulcinj (848 €), salary levels are significantly lower.
Sector differences:Occupation plays no less important a role than location.
High-paying sectors:Financial and insurance activities lead the way (1,287–1685€), the electricity and gas supply sector (1219€), and the information and communications sector (IT), where the average salary is 1069m€.
Mid-range sectors:Healthcare workers (700–1700€), education professionals (700–1200€), and construction workers (778€) occupy the middle segment.
Low-paying sectors:In manufacturing (670€), administrative services (669€), and wholesale and retail trade (716 €), salaries are significantly below the national average. Income in tourism and hospitality depends heavily on the season and can range from 550€ to 1000€.
These data show that Montenegro has two completely different economic realities. The first is oriented toward the international market, concentrated in Tivat and Podgorica, and driven by the financial sector, IT, and luxury real estate. The second is the domestic economy with lower incomes, predominant in the north of the country and in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
For a potential expat, this means that financial success and quality of life depend largely on which of these two economies they can integrate into. For example, an IT specialist moving to Podgorica will find themselves in a completely different reality from someone looking for seasonal work in tourist Ulcinj.
Housing market: renting and buying
Housing costs are the largest item in the budget of most residents of Montenegro. The country’s real estate market is quite diverse: prices in popular coastal areas are significantly higher than in other regions. This contrast makes the market highly uneven and requires a careful approach when choosing a place to live or invest.
Renting: coast vs. central areas
The average cost of long-term rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montenegro ranges around 450–617 €, while a two-bedroom apartment costs about 650 €. However, these figures are not very informative without regional context.
Premium coast:In major tourist centers such as Budva, Kotor, and Tivat, rental prices reach their peak. A studio apartment will cost300–400 €per month, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center —500–800 €per month, and a three-bedroom apartment —900–1 800 €and above. Outside the center, prices are somewhat lower:400–600 €for a one-bedroom apartment. Budva stands out with especially high rates, where rent for such an apartment can reach 1,000 € per month.
Affordable capital and other cities:In Podgorica, prices are more moderate. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs450–650 €, and on the outskirts —350–500 €. In other cities such as Bar and Herceg Novi, prices are even lower. In the continental part of the country, for example in Nikšić, you can find housing at the most affordable prices.
Seasonality factor:Rental prices, especially on the coast, depend heavily on the time of year. Many landlords prefer short-term rentals for tourists during the summer months, which brings them higher income. This makes it difficult to find long-term rental housing at a reasonable price.
For a clearer comparison, below is a table with indicative monthly rental prices under a long-term contract in 2025.
Comparative monthly rent by city (€, 2025)
City/Region
1-bedroom apartment (center)
1-bedroom apartment (outskirts)
3-bedroom apartment (center)
Budva/Kotor/Tivat
500 - 800+ €
400 - 600 €
900 - 1 800+ €
Podgorica
450 - 650 €
350 - 500 €
850 - 1 200 €
Bar/Herceg Novi
350 - 550 €
300 - 450 €
500 - 900 €
Nikšić
300 - 400 €
250 - 350 €
500 - 700 €
Real estate investment: purchase price analysis
Montenegro’s real estate market went through a period of explosive growth (prices rose by 20.8% in 2024), but in 2025 it is moving into a more mature phase of steady appreciation, forecast at3–7% per year. This is important information for investors looking for stability rather than speculative profit.
The Budva Rivieraandthe Bay of Kotorremain the most expensive locations. Prices for standard apartments range from2100 to 3 500 € per m². New developments are sold at2400–4 200 € per m².
Luxury real estate is in a completely different price category. In ultra-luxury complexes such asPorto Montenegro(9,000–15,000 € per m²),Portonovi(12,000 € per m²), andLuštica Bay(6,000–15,000 € per m²), prices reach their peak.
Prices in central areas (per m²):
Podgoricaoffers significantly more affordable options. The average price for new developments is around1 800–2 250 € per m².
Central and northern regionsare the most budget-friendly entry point to the market, with prices in the range of980–1 280 € perm².In Nikšić, you can find apartments priced from600–700 € per m².
Transaction costs:Buyers should budget an additional4–5.2%of the property value for taxes and fees. This includes a progressive property transfer tax (3% on amounts up to €150,000, 5% on amounts from €150,000 to €500,000, and 6% on amounts above €500,000), as well as notary and legal services.
Average property purchase price per square meter (€/m², 2025)
Region/City
Standard apartment (€/m²)
New development (€/m²)
Luxury/premium (€/m²)
Budva Riviera
2
100 - 3
500
€
2
400 - 4
200
€
5
000 - 10
000
€
Bay of Kotor
2
000 - 3
800
€
2
800 - 4
500
€
6
000 - 15
000+
€
Podgorica
1
500 - 1
800
€
1
800 - 2
250
€
2
500 - 5
000
€
Center/North
700 - 1
000
€
980 - 1
280
€
N/A
The coastal real estate market in Montenegro is not aimed at locals at all — it has long since become a global investment instrument. In 2023, €463 million in foreign investment flowed into the country, mainly from Serbia, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and the United States. Thanks to open legislation and freedom of ownership, demand from foreign buyers remains high. As a result, housing prices have risen so much that they have long since detached from local income levels.
For comparison: with an average salary in the country of around 850–1000€ and a price per square meter in coastal new developments of about 3500€, an ordinary resident would need to save their entire salary for four months just to buy one square meter. For most locals, owning a home on the coast has simply become unaffordable.
In addition to housing, daily expenses for food, transport, and leisure make up a significant part of the budget. In Montenegro, these costs can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and consumption habits.
Food: supermarkets vs. local markets
The monthly grocery budget for one person is180–280 €, while a family of four will spend400–700 €. The most cost-effective shopping strategy is a hybrid one: fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, and meat are best bought at local farmers’ markets (pijaca), where they are often cheaper and better quality, while groceries and other long-shelf-life items are better purchased at large supermarket chains such as Voli, HDL, Idea, and Mega Promet.
It is important to remember that prices in major coastal cities (Budva, Tivat) during the peak tourist season are 15–20% higher than in other regions.
Indicative prices for basic food products (€, 2025)
Product
Average price (€)
Milk (1 l)
1.00 - 1.45 €
Flour (1 kg)
0.90 - 1.15 €
Bread (white, 500 g)
0.80 - 1.20 €
Eggs (10 pcs.)
2.50 - 2.75 €
Local cheese (1 kg)
7.00 - 12.00 €
Chicken fillet (1 kg)
6.00 - 8.00 €
Beef (sirloin, 1 kg)
9.00 - 11.00 €
Apples (1 kg)
1.00 - 1.50 €
Bananas (1 kg)
1.60 - 1.90 €
Peaches (1 kg)
3.20 - 3.50 €
Potatoes (1 kg)
0.60 - 1.00 €
Tomatoes (1 kg)
2.20 - 2.40 €
Bottle of wine (mid-range)
5.00 - 8.00 €
Local beer (0.5 l bottle)
0.90 - 1.10 €
Eating out: from konobas to restaurants
Montenegro offers a wide selection of places for every taste and budget.
Budget dining:Lunch at a local tavern (konoba) or an inexpensive restaurant will cost7–12 €per person.
Mid-range restaurants:A three-course dinner for two will cost30–50 €.
Drinks:A cappuccino in a café costs on average1.50–2.50 €, and a glass of local draft beer (0.5 l) costs2.00–3.50 €.
Transport costs
Montenegro’s public transport system is unevenly developed, but intercity bus connections are quite good.
Public transport:A single city bus ticket costs0.80–1.50 €. A monthly pass is a cost-effective option at20–30 €.
Intercity buses:This is the main way to travel around the country. A trip on the popular Podgorica–Budva route will cost5–8 €one way.
Fuel:As of August 2025, the price of petrol (95 octane) is approximately1.43 € per liter, while diesel costs1.34 € per liter.
Taxi:Rates vary depending on the city and company, but the general structure is as follows: base fare0.50–1.00 €, price per kilometer0.70–1.30 €, waiting time — about 10 €. A pre-booked transfer from Podgorica to Budva will cost approximately45–60 €.
Utilities and communications
Monthly utility and communication bills are a mandatory expense that must be taken into account when planning a budget.
Utilities
For a standard 85 m2 apartment, the total monthly bills for electricity, air conditioning, water supply, and garbage collection average110–150 €.
A feature of Montenegro’s electricity system is the two-tier tariff. The daytime rate (from 07:00 to 23:00) is about 0.09 €/kWh, while the nighttime rate is significantly cheaper — about 0.05 €/kWh (excluding VAT). Smart electricity use, such as running the washing machine and dishwasher at night, can lead to substantial savings. However, it should be taken into account that the country may face electricity shortages, which could potentially lead to price instability in the future.
Internet and mobile communications
The telecommunications market in Montenegro is quite competitive.
Home internet:A high-speed unlimited internet plan (60+ Mbps) will cost approximately25–30 €per month.
Mobile communications:A standard monthly plan with included minutes and mobile internet costs around16 €. For tourists and newcomers, prepaid tourist SIM cards or eSIMs are an excellent solution. For example, you can buy a package with 500 GB of internet for 15 days for15 €.
Lifestyle, health, and education expenses
In addition to basic needs, the budget should include expenses for maintaining health, leisure, and, for families with children, education. There is also a significant price gap in these areas.
Medical services
Although residents with a residence permit have access to the public healthcare system, foreigners and tourists most often use private clinics.
Private healthcare:A standard consultation with a specialist at a private clinic costs30–60 €. A more comprehensive appointment, including ultrasound diagnostics, will cost100–130 €.
Beauty and self-care
The beauty services sector in Montenegro is well developed, especially in major cities and on the coast. Prices can vary depending on the salon level, the specialist’s experience, and the materials used, but on average they remain affordable by European standards.
Massage and spa:Massage prices vary greatly depending on the location. A one-hour classic or relaxing massage in a city salon may cost30–50€. In spa centers at premium hotels, the price of a similar treatment rises to60–90€. Various spa programs including scrubs, wraps, and access to the thermal area usually start at70€and can reach several hundred euros. A day pass to the spa area of a good hotel (pool, saunas) can be purchased for25–50€.
Nail services:A classic manicure with gel polish will cost on average20–35€. A pedicure with similar polish costs in the range of30–45€. Simpler hygienic procedures without polish will cost less.
Hairdressing services:A women’s haircut with styling starts at25€, while a men’s haircut starts at10-15€. Complex coloring such as balayage or highlights can cost from70 to 150€and above, depending on hair length and the complexity of the work.
Eyebrow and eyelash services:Eyebrow shaping and tinting with dye or henna costs about15–25 €. Eyelash or eyebrow lamination costs30–50€per treatment.
Leisure and recreation
The cost of entertainment in Montenegro is quite comparable to other Eastern European countries.
Sports:A monthly membership at a regular gym costs30–40 €. In premium fitness centers, for example in Budva, the price can exceed90 €.
Entertainment:A ticket to the cinema for an international film costs on average5 €. The cost of attending a workshop or other classes for children and adults is15–20 €.
Education: a huge cost gap
For expat families with children, education costs can become one of the largest items in the budget.
Public system:For residents, public kindergartens are very affordable and cost only40-50 €per month. Public schools in Montenegro arefree.
International schools:Tuition here is very high and aimed at affluent clients, which is completely out of step with local salary levels.
QSI International School (Podgorica):from24260€per year.
Knightsbridge Schools International (Tivat):16761 – 20827€per year.
Adriatic College (Budva):7500 – 14000 €per year.
For an expat family with two children, international school tuition (from 30000 to 50000€ per year and above) can easily become the largest annual expense, even exceeding the high cost of coastal housing rent. If annual rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Budva can be around 14400€, then schooling for two children even at a mid-range school such as Adriatic College will cost 15000–20000€. This creates a clear financial barrier that segments the expat community: either they must have a very high income or corporate support, or they must be ready to integrate their children into the local public school system.
Bottom line: how much do you need to live in Montenegro
The analysis shows that the cost of living in Montenegro is highly uneven. It offers a wide range of options — from a very affordable lifestyle in the continental part of the country to a premium one comparable to Western Europe on the coast, where prices are driven by tourism and international investment.
For clarity, here are a few examples of monthly budgets for different scenarios:
A digital nomad in Budva (high spending):
Rent (1-bedroom apartment): 700 €
Groceries: 250 €
Utilities and internet: 150 €
Transport: 50 €
Eating out and leisure: 400 €
Total: ~1550€ per month
A family of four in Podgorica (average spending):
Rent (3-bedroom apartment): 1000€
Groceries: 600 €
Utilities and internet: 180 €
Transport (car and public transport): 250 €
Leisure: 300 €
Public kindergarten (2 children): 80 €
Total: ~2410€ per month(excluding international school fees)
A financially comfortable life in Montenegro begins with understanding local realities and adapting your lifestyle, work, and choice of place to live accordingly. There are truly two different economic systems here — and it is important to choose the one that suits you. If you plan ahead and choose a region that matches your income and expectations, Montenegro will show its best side and offer exactly the pace of life you have been dreaming of.
Финансово комфортная жизнь в Черногории начинается с понимания местной реальности и умения подстроить под неё свой образ жизни, работу и выбор места проживания. Здесь действительно существуют два разных экономических уклада — и важно выбрать тот, который подходит именно вам. Если заранее всё продумать и выбрать регион, соответствующий вашим доходам и ожиданиям, Черногория откроется с самой лучшей стороны и подарит именно тот ритм жизни, о котором вы мечтали.
