Cost of living in Montenegro 2024 - prices, rental and utilities

If you are considering spending some time in Montenegro or looking to start a life here, whether it is for work or pleasure, the question that needs to be answered is, what does it take to live here?

The cost of living in Montenegro can be estimated by various factors –  so let’s dive into all the things you should consider before moving here. 

Porto Montenegro will provide prices in markets, rental fees, utilities, and other crucial factors for the year 2024, allowing you to compare and calculate your expenses when living in Montenegro.

The average prices in Montenegro - food, drink and transport prices

In order to get an overall insight into how much life costs in Montenegro, let’s check the average prices for various expenses in Montenegro.  Firstly, we should consider markets, stores, and transportation, and after we’ll discuss monthly utilities and rental fees.

Montenegro food prices - markets and stores

When it comes to living costs in Montenegro, doing the groceries in markets and stores is the most affordable option, and it is an excellent choice for those who like to try new things. 

A loaf of white bread ranges between 0.60 and 1.50 euros. Regular milk (1 litre) ranges between 0.95 and 1.70 euro. Then, eggs (10) range between 1.90 and 3.35 euros, and rice (1 kg) range between 1.00 and 2.60 euros. Chicken meat (kg.) is circa 6.50 euros, and beef meat is around 9.5 euros. Cigarette packs range between 3.00 and 5.00 euro.

Fruit and vegetable average prices 

  • Banana (kg.) – 1.64 euro
  • Apples (kg.) – 1.11 euro
  • Oranges (kg.) – 1.30 euro
  • Tomato (kg.) – 2.23 euro
  • Lettuce (1 head) – 1.09 euro 
  • Onion (kg.) – 1.09 euro
  • Potato (kg.) – 0.92 euro 

Food prices also depend on whether you buy groceries in markets, retail stores, or big chain stores.

Montenegro restaurant prices

Montenegro offers a diverse culinary scene catering to a range of tastes and budgets. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Montenegro might cost between 6 and 15 euros. 

A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant typically costs 25 to 65 euros, depending on the location and the restaurant’s prestige. Drinks are reasonably priced, with domestic beers costing about 1.50 to 4.00 euros, imported beers slightly higher at around 2.50 to 4.00 euros, and a cappuccino can vary from 1.30 to 3 euros.

Common menu items and their average prices:

  • Pizza – 12 euros
  • Pasta – 15 euros
  • Meat dishes – 15 euros
  • Soup – 5 euros

Drinks and alcohol prices in Montenegro

In grocery stores a bottle of water costs circa 0.70 euros, a bottle of wine (decent quality) costs around 5.00 euros, domestic beer is around 1 euro, and imported beer costs circa 1.40 euros.

Transportation prices - bus and taxi prices in Montenegro

For local transport (such as local buses), a one-way ticket costs around 1 euro, and a monthly pass is circa 30 euros. When it comes to taxi prices in Montenegro, the cost varies depending on the kilometres travelled. There are also taxi companies that can pick you up at the airport and take you to the city where you are staying.  

Usually, taxis start at an average tariff of around 1 euro (it can be more or less depending on the time you spend and the distance travelled, sometimes even from city to city).  If you need to take a car that can wait for you while shopping or dealing with important business, taxi services generally offer these types of services as well, and it is best to agree on the price in advance.

 

Montenegro gasoline price

For those who rather choose private transport, the most important information is the gasoline price. The gasoline prices in Montenegro change every 14 days, so it is best to check the Ministry of Energy and Mining’s website at https://www.gov.me/meir

Utilities when living in Montenegro 

Basic utilities are electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage removal. These are expected to be between 80 and 170 euros per month if living in an apartment. For a house, expenses can be considerably higher. 

As in many other countries, the price of utilities depends on the size of the residential property, the city it’s located in, as well as consumption and location.

When it comes to Porto Montenegro apartments, one of the major advantages is that residents don’t have to worry about individual utility payments, as their total amount is consolidated into one clear bill, making the payment process easier, more transparent, and more convenient.

Differences in prices between the continental and coastal parts of Montenegro

When considering the cost of living in Montenegro, it’s important to understand and bear in mind that life in the continental and coastal parts of Montenegro differs to a greater extent than you might have expected. Long-term rentals of residential space on the Montenegrin coast is the best way to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea in all its glory and to feel all the benefits that tourism in this region offers if you plan to start a business in this industry. 

Giving you more space to grow, develop your business, and earn more money, working and living on the coast in the summer season requires more expenses. The summer season on the Montenegrin coast starts at the end of May and ends in September, with the most popular tourist centres on the Adriatic coast being ideal both for living and for business, including Budva, Tivat, Kotor, and Herceg Novi.

The mainland part of the country - mountain tourism

The abundance of nature can also be seen in the mainland part of our country, especially in the mountains. So, in the winter season, expenses can rise in the most popular areas, such as Durmitor, Zabljak, Cetinje, and Lovcen.

Living in the capital of Montenegro

The cost of living in Montenegro can be separately estimated when it comes to Podgorica, the country’s capital. Prices and rentals here don’t depend on the season or tourism but on location and its benefits

The city center is a place to be if you are trying to develop a business. There, you can find various modern buildings created for offices and workplaces, so the price of living in such an area is higher than living in a suburb.

Montenegro apartments for rent 

If you’re considering renting an apartment in Montenegro, it’s important to bear in mind that the location will largely influence its price. As we said before, when it comes to Montenegrin apartments for rent, looking at property on the coast is best if you want to combine work and pleasure. 

By choosing an apartment in Boka Bay, you have a unique chance to discover Boka Place as well as to build important connections, as Boka Place is home to many entrepreneurs from Montenegro and abroad who run successful businesses on the Montenegrin coast.

Choose an apartment tailored to your needs in this beautiful neighbourhood where everything is within easy reach, surrounded by modern  shopping centres and restaurants, and experience for yourself the magic of the Adriatic Sea, a heavenly sight that will greet you from the window every morning.

Rent a house in Montenegro - make some space for yourself

The cost of living in Montenegro cannot be estimated without mentioning house rentals because a lot of people want to rent their piece of land in our beautiful country. Houses are most popular in central and north areas, and the price depends on the location and size of the property. 

For example, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs from 600 euros per month, and a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs circa 1100 euro p/m. Knowing this information you can approximately calculate a rental price for a house in the suburbs that is a similar size as a 3-bedroom apartment in the center. 

The cost of living in Montenegro is very affordable, and many people are discovering that spending time in such a beautiful country, rich with delightful landscapes, cheerful seaside, and unique mountains, is priceless.