Cost of Living in Montenegro. Minimum Monthly Budget in 2026

In this article, we'll calculate the minimum budget for living in Montenegro in 2026 and determine which method of obtaining a residence permit is cheaper, depending on taxes.

Moving to another country requires planning in advance and considering not only food and rent, but also legalization costs, taxes, and unexpected expenses. It's also advisable to have a six-month reserve to feel secure. In our article, we used the average prices and taxes for the current year.

If you have any questions about resident taxes, you can consult with our immigration lawyer at GoMonte. We've been helping our clients become residents of Montenegro for over 10 years.

To schedule a consultation, please call +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

Monthly rental costs

Average monthly rental prices: studios start at €300, one-bedroom apartments start at €550, and apartments with two or more bedrooms start at €700. Prices vary depending on the distance from the sea and amenities, as well as whether the city is considered a tourist destination. If you're looking for affordable accommodation, consider the suburbs or the capital, Podgorica.

Food prices in Montenegro, February 2026, minimum set of ingredients:

• Bread - €0.60/500g
• Butter - €25/kg
• Olive oil - €10/l
• Eggs - €2.50
• Chicken - €3.70/kg
• Pork - €6.00/kg
• Sardines - €0.80/125g
• Vegetables:
• Cabbage - €1/kg
• Tomatoes - €2.50
• Onions - €0.60
• Potatoes - €0.80
• Fruits:
• Apples - €1.50
• Tangerines - €1.80
• Rice - €1.00/kg
• Pasta - €2.00/kg
• Ground Italian coffee - €8.00/250g
• Ground Turkish coffee - €2.00/100g
• Tea - €5.00/500g

The average cost of groceries in Montenegro in 2026 is €50 per person per week. The minimum monthly food budget, excluding restaurants, is €200.

Transportation

Car rental per month during the off-season starts from €300. Gasoline averages €1.40/liter.

Restaurant prices in Montenegro

Prices in cafes and restaurants vary depending on the city and location. For example, on the coast with a sea view, prices are higher than in the capital.

Average prices for menu items at coastal restaurants:

• Coffee - from €2
• Croissant - €1.50
• Salad from - €10
• Glass of wine - €7-€10
• Main meat dish - from €15
• Fish from - €20
• Pizza - from €9
• Burgers - €10
• Appetizers (cheese, olives, prosciutto, bruschetta) - from €10

The photo shows prices in cafes and restaurants on the coast.

Budget for a Month in Montenegro in 2026

Let's calculate the minimum monthly budget for one person in Montenegro in 2026, depending on the type of residence permit. Let's find out which is more profitable in Montenegro: a residence permit through a company, an employment-based one, or a digital nomad visa.

The calculations do not include the costs of obtaining and renewing a residence permit, only the monthly resident taxes.

Consumer prices in December 2025 decreased by 0.3% compared to November 2025, according to statistics from the Monstat of Montenegro www.monstat.org

Monthly expenses if you have a residence permit for starting a business:

• Studio rent: from €300
• Utilities: from €30
• Internet: from €25
• Food and groceries: €200
• Taxes per month: from €400
• Accountant from: €60
• Total: €1015

Monthly expenses if you have a Digital Nomad Visa:

• Studio rent: from €300
• Utilities: from €30
• Internet: from €25
• Food and groceries: €200
• Taxes: €0
• Accountant: €0
• Total: €555

Monthly budget if you have a residence permit through employment:

• Studio rent: from €300
• Utilities: from €30
• Internet: from €25
• Food and groceries: €200
• Taxes: from €80
• Total: €635

Table 1. Comparison of monthly expenses depending on the basis of residence permit, €

Thus, the minimum living budget for one person in Montenegro in 2026, excluding the cost of a residence permit, car rental, expensive purchases, and healthcare, is from €750 per month. This is cheaper than in neighboring EU countries.

The most cost-effective option from our calculations is to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa and avoid any expenses. You'll pay a single fee of €1,500 for documents and support and receive a two-year residence permit (with the possibility of renewal).

Learn more from our specialists: +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

How to save money in Montenegro

You can save money in Montenegro if you've obtained a digital nomad residence permit and avoid paying taxes, which eat up most of your income. Here are some more tips from those who have long since moved to Montenegro.

Top tips for living cheaply in Montenegro:

1. Cook at home, as cafes and restaurants are very expensive, and the average bill for a hot meal and drink starts at €20 per person.
2. Buy a dehumidifier; in winter, you'll save on heating, as apartments are cold mainly due to high humidity.
3. Do laundry and cleaning on Sundays. Electricity is discounted on Sundays. You can also turn on your boiler or heating overnight, when there's a 50% discount from midnight to 6:00 AM.
4. Clothing and shoes: Almost every city has thrift stores and secondhand shops where you can find clothing cheaper than in chain stores.
5. Take care of your health. Swimming, jogging, going to the gym, walking in the woods or parks, and eating more fresh vegetables. A healthy lifestyle will reduce your chances of visiting a doctor, where a single appointment with a general practitioner can cost from €40.
6. Keep an eye out for discounts in supermarkets and shopping centers; you can often buy goods at a good price.

So, we answered the question in this article: the average cost of living in Montenegro, based on prices as of February 2026, is €750 per person. For a family with one child, the minimum budget is €2,000/month. For a comfortable life with a rental car and a spacious apartment, plus entertainment expenses, the minimum is €3,000.

See rental prices on our website: gomonte.me

Learn more about residence permits and the cost of assistance: gomonte.me/services

If you dream of moving to Montenegro and need legal advice or assistance in obtaining a residence permit, contact our specialists: +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

Read other articles about life in the country:

Medicine in Montenegro: gomonte.me/blog/post/40

Prices for services: gomonte.me/blog/post/23

How to choose a city to move to, where it's cheaper to live: gomonte.me/blog/post/9