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Cost of Living in Podgorica

Podgorica, Podgorica, Montenegro · Population 172,139 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Montenegro average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)€659 ($716)
Couple, monthly€1,176 ($1,279)
Family of four, monthly€1,528 ($1,661)

Estimated Prices in Podgorica

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€6.82 ($7.41)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€27.27 ($29.64)per meal
Cappuccino€2.05 ($2.22)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€155 ($168)per month
Monthly public transport pass€25.00 ($27.17)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€65.90 ($71.63)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€19.09 ($20.75)per month
Fitness club membership€19.09 ($20.75)per month
Cinema ticket€5.00 ($5.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€294 ($319)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€204 ($222)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€613 ($666)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Podgorica is €957 ($1,040) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of €659 ($716) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly €856 ($931) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (€204 ($222)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Podgorica

Podgorica vs NikšićPodgorica vs Herceg NoviPodgorica vs PljevljaPodgorica vs BudvaPodgorica vs Bijelo PoljePodgorica vs Bar

Nearby Cities

Tuzi

10 km away · Tuzi

Golubovci

12 km away · Zeta

Danilovgrad

18 km away · Danilovgrad

Cetinje

28 km away · Cetinje

Budva

38 km away · Budva

Bar

40 km away · Bar

Kotor

40 km away · Kotor

Nikšić

46 km away · Nikšić

Other Major Cities in Montenegro

Nikšić

Nikšić · pop. 58,212

€497 ($540) / mo

Living in Podgorica

Podgorica is the capital and one of the key cities in Montenegro. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is €659 ($716), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around €204 ($222) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to €1,528 ($1,661) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately €1,176 ($1,279) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Podgorica is €957 ($1,040). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least €856 ($931) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Podgorica expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated €659 ($716) per month in Podgorica including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Montenegro.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Podgorica?
A net salary of around €856 ($931) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Podgorica with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Podgorica is €957 ($1,040).
How much is rent in Podgorica?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated €294 ($319) per month in the city centre and €204 ($222) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about €613 ($666).
Is Podgorica cheaper than Montenegro on average?
No — Podgorica is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Montenegro average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Podgorica?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at €155 ($168) in Podgorica. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €7 ($7) and a cappuccino runs around €2 ($2).
How do transport costs in Podgorica compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Podgorica is estimated at €25 ($27). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Podgorica are estimates based on Montenegro national averages adjusted for city size (population 172,139) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.