Cost of living in Montenegro

Cost of living in Montenegro: an overview with current figures and examples (as at May 2024)

Montenegro, a small country on the Adriatic coast, has become an attractive destination for emigrants and investors. The cost of living plays an important role in the decision to move to a new country. In this article, we take a detailed look at the cost of living in Montenegro to help you make an informed decision.

Housing and rental costs

Rental costs in Montenegro vary greatly depending on the location and type of property. In general, prices are higher in urban areas than in rural regions.

• Podgorica: The capital Podgorica has the highest rents in the country. A one-room apartment in the city center costs around 400 to 600 euros per month, while a similar apartment outside the center costs around 300 to 450 euros. A three-room apartment in the city center can be between 800 and 1,200 euros per month, outside the center it is around 600 to 900 euros.

• Coastal regions: Rental prices are also high in popular coastal towns such as Kotor, Budva and Tivat. A one-room apartment in the city center costs around 450 to 700 euros per month, while a three-room apartment can cost 900 to 1,500 euros. Prices are somewhat lower in more rural coastal areas.

• Rural areas: Rental costs are significantly lower in smaller towns and rural areas. A one-room apartment can be rented here for as little as 200 to 350 euros per month, while a three-room apartment costs between 400 and 600 euros.

Incidental costs

Service charges in Montenegro are generally affordable. These costs include electricity, water, heating, waste disposal and internet.

• Electricity, water and refuse collection: For an average 85m² apartment, the monthly ancillary costs amount to around 100 to 150 euros. In the winter months, when heating is used, the costs can be somewhat higher.

• Internet and TV: Broadband Internet access with a speed of around 60 Mbit/s costs around 20 to 30 euros per month. Cable or satellite TV can cost an additional 10 to 20 euros.

Food and eating

The cost of food in Montenegro is relatively low, especially compared to Western European countries. There are many local markets and supermarkets that offer a wide range of products at affordable prices.

• Basic foodstuffs: Prices for basic foodstuffs such as bread, milk, eggs, rice and vegetables are very reasonable. A loaf of bread costs around 0.60 to 1 euro, a liter of milk around 0.80 to 1 euro, a dozen eggs around 1.50 to 2 euros and a kilogram of rice around 1.50 to 2.50 euros.

• Meat and fish: A kilogram of chicken breast costs around 4 to 6 euros, beef around 6 to 9 euros and fish around 7 to 12 euros per kilogram.

• Fruit and vegetables: One kilogram of apples costs around 0.70 to 1.50 euros, tomatoes around 1 to 2 euros and potatoes around 0.50 to 1 euro.

Eating out

Restaurants and cafés in Montenegro offer a variety of options at different prices.

• Inexpensive restaurants: A simple lunch in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 5 to 10 euros per person. A meal in a fast food restaurant costs around 5 to 7 euros.

• Mid-range restaurants: A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs around 30 to 50 euros.

• Drinks: A cappuccino in a café costs around 1.50 to 2 euros, a beer around 2 to 3 euros and a glass of wine around 2 to 4 euros.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Montenegro are low compared to many other European countries.

• Public transport: A one-way ticket for local public transport costs around 0.90 to 1.50 euros. A monthly ticket for local public transport costs around 30 to 40 euros.

• Cab: The basic fare for a cab is about 1 to 2 euros, and each additional kilometer costs about 0.70 to 1 euro.

• Petrol: The price for a liter of petrol is around 1.30 to 1.50 euros.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Montenegro is available both publicly and privately. Public health services are relatively cheap or free for citizens and foreign residents, while private health services are more expensive.

• Public healthcare: For registered residents, the costs for visits to the doctor and hospital stays in the public healthcare system are low. Medication is available in pharmacies at affordable prices.

• Private healthcare: The cost of private healthcare services varies. A visit to a general practitioner costs around 30 to 50 euros, while a visit to a specialist can cost between 50 and 100 euros. Private health insurance is also available and offers more comprehensive cover.

Education

The cost of education in Montenegro varies depending on the type of school and educational institution.

• Public schools: Attendance at public schools is free of charge for residents. The education system includes elementary school, secondary schools and universities.

• Private schools: Private schools and international schools charge school fees, which vary depending on the institution and level of education. The annual costs for private primary and secondary schools are between 3,000 and 10,000 euros.

Leisure and entertainment

Montenegro offers numerous leisure and entertainment options at different prices.

• Cinema and theater: A cinema ticket costs around 5 to 7 euros, while theater tickets can cost between 10 and 20 euros, depending on the performance.

• Sport and fitness: A monthly gym membership costs around 25 to 40 euros. Tennis or soccer courts can be rented by the hour, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 euros per hour.

• Leisure activities: Activities such as hiking, sailing and skiing are very popular in Montenegro. The costs for these activities vary depending on the location and provider, but are generally affordable.

Other expenses

In addition to the basic cost of living, there are other expenses that should be taken into account.

• Clothing: Prices for clothing and shoes in Montenegro are similar to those in other European countries. A pair of jeans costs around 30 to 70 euros, a summer dress around 20 to 50 euros and a pair of sports shoes around 50 to 100 euros.

• Telephone and mobile phone: The monthly costs for a mobile phone contract are between 10 and 30 euros, depending on the tariff selected and the services included.

Conclusion

Life in Montenegro offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Rental prices are moderate compared to many Western European countries, and the cost of food, transportation and leisure activities is also affordable. This makes Montenegro an attractive destination for emigrants, retirees and investors.

The variety of landscapes, the pleasant climate and the hospitable people also contribute to making life in Montenegro enjoyable and rewarding. If you are considering emigrating to Montenegro, you can be sure that you will arrive in a country with a low cost of living and a high quality of life.