Living Abroad

Embrace the World: Your Passport to Adventure and Growth!

Home » Living in Montenegro

Living in Montenegro

With its dramatic coastal scenery, relaxed lifestyle, and affordable cost of living, Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. But what is it really like to live in this Balkan country? Here we explore why people move to Montenegro, assess the pros and cons, examine the cost of living, investigate quality of life factors, provide a cultural guide, and recommend the best places to base yourself.

Why Move to Montenegro?

Montenegro offers an idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle in a setting of natural beauty. The coastal region boasts a combination of dramatic mountains plunging into the azure Adriatic Sea, while historic towns full of Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture dot the coastline. Temperatures are mild year-round thanks to the territory’s proximity to the sea, and the pace of life is distinctly laid-back.

The lower cost of living compared to many Western European nations also appeals, with housing, utilities and food significantly cheaper. Though job prospects outside the tourism and service industries are limited, incomes are lower reflecting the lower costs.

Living in Montenegro: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Spectacular coastal scenery and mountains
  2. Mediterranean climate – hot summers, mild winters
  3. Peaceful and relaxed lifestyle
  4. Opportunity to learn the Montenegrin and Serbian languages
  5. Access to local fresh seafood and organic agriculture
  6. A safe country with low crime rates
  7. Strong sense of community and hospitality

Cons:

  1. Lack of career opportunities outside tourism and services
  2. Underdeveloped infrastructure, especially public transport
  3. Bureaucracy and official processes can be complex and frustrating
  4. Rising cost of living, due in part to an influx of expats and tourists
  5. Limited availability of international schools
  6. Internet and mobile coverage can be patchy outside major towns

The Cost of Living in Montenegro: A Comprehensive Guide

Overall, the cost of living in Montenegro is lower than the EU average but rising steadily.

  • Housing costs range from €250-800 per month for a one or two bedroom apartment in popular coastal cities, though cheaper options exist further inland.
  • Utilities like electricity, water and gas typically cost €80-200 per month depending on season and use.
  • Groceries and dining out are relatively affordable, with a basic supermarket bill averaging around €200-300 per month for one person. Restaurants and cafes offer good value for money.
  • Transportation is also reasonable, with public transport monthly passes around €20-40 and fuel prices around 10-15% cheaper than EU averages.
  • Healthcare is publicly funded so is essentially free at point of use for residents, though some expensive medications may require payment.

For an average single expatriate to live comfortably in Montenegro, a monthly budget of €800-1500 would be suitable, though it is possible to spend less if required.

Quality of Life in Montenegro

Montenegro ranks highly for overall quality of life due to factors like access to healthcare, income equality, environmental quality, political stability, and subjective wellbeing.

Safety is considered good with low rates of violent crime and theft, though petty crime does occur opportunistically.

Healthcare provision is generally of a high standard within the public system, though some specialists and newer drugs are only available privately.

Income inequality and unemployment remain problematic, especially for young people and those outside larger towns.

Environmental challenges like waste management and air pollution are being addressed.

Subjective wellbeing scores are boosted by factors like strong community relations, the beautiful natural environment, and traditional family structures. However, young people often cite limited opportunities as a cause for concern.

A Beginner’s Guide to Montenegro Culture

Montenegrin culture is shaped by its history as an Orthodox Christian nation nestled between Eastern and Western influence. Hospitality, family and tradition remain integral to Montenegrin identity.

Orthodox Christianity pervades cultural life, with religious holidays and festivals followed enthusiastically. Food draws on Mediterranean and Balkan inspirations, featuring grilled meats, seafood, cheese and vegetable dishes. Music incorporates both traditional folk songs and instruments as well as contemporary pop and rock.

The Montenegrin language, a variant of Serbian, is spoken nationally though most people also speak Serbian and have a good level of English. Traditional kinship networks and community ties remain strong, leading to a strong sense of national identity. Hospitality towards visitors is considered paramount.

Best Places to Live in Montenegro

The coastal towns and cities offer the most attractive lifestyles in Montenegro, combining access to beaches, cafes, restaurants and nightlife with natural beauty and historic architecture. Standout locations include:

  1. Kotor – A picturesque walled town nestled in a fjord, with medieval architecture and a vibrant café culture.
  2. Budva – The largest coastal resort, known for Stari Grad fortress, sandy beaches and lively nightlife.
  3. Herceg Novi – An elegant town built around a large bay, offering access to unspoiled beaches and mountains.
  4. Tivat – A gateway to Kotor Bay, with an international airport and marina district offering cosmopolitan dining.
  5. Bar – The largest urban center, offering historic attractions, a long promenade and good transport links.

In conclusion, Montenegro may offer an appealing option for those seeking a more peaceful life in beautiful natural surroundings, though some compromises come with its developing nation status. For the right individual however, the unique lifestyle on offer could prove hard to beat.

Emily Johnson

One thought on “Living in Montenegro

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Back to top