Podgorica

MontenegroGMT+1

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

61.1/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,565/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

25Mbps

About Podgorica

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is an emerging hub for digital nomads and expats, blending affordability with modern amenities. Nestled in the Zeta Plain near Lake Skadar, it serves as the country’s economic and cultural center. With a population of around 214,265, the city offers a vibrant urban atmosphere while maintaining a relaxed pace, ideal for remote workers seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. Its strategic location in Europe makes it a convenient base for exploring the Adriatic coast and nearby national parks.

The cost of living is a major draw, with monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, around $630, significantly lower than Western European cities. Housing is affordable, with a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central area costing about $564. High-speed internet, averaging 25 Mbps in public spaces, supports remote work, and coworking spaces like Mtel Digitalna Fabrika and NEST cater to professionals. English is widely spoken, especially among younger residents, easing communication for expats.

Podgorica’s vibrant culture is a highlight, offering a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine, lively nightlife, and diverse dining options that make it a foodie haven. The city’s walkable streets and proximity to hiking trails and scenic views near Lake Skadar appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. While not as picturesque as Montenegro’s coastal towns, Podgorica’s warm climate, with hot summers and mild winters, supports year-round activities, though heavy rainfall in autumn requires planning.

The digital nomad community, estimated at 500, is growing, supported by Montenegro’s digital nomad visa, which allows stays of up to two years with renewability. Regular meetups and events foster a sense of community, while the city’s transport options, including buses, taxis, and trains, provide easy access to the airport (10 minutes away) and beyond. Podgorica’s blend of affordability, connectivity, and culture makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a European base with a unique Balkan flair.

Demographics

Population214,265
LanguagesMontenegrin, Serbian, Albanian, Bosnian

Location

CountryMontenegro
TimezoneGMT+1
Airport to City10 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Train

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,565
/mo
11.9% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Podgorica, Montenegro is $1,565, which is 11.9% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$564
36.0% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$152
9.7% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$310
19.8% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$52
3.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$416
26.6% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$71
4.5% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Podgorica offers reliable high-speed internet, with median download speeds of 25 Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like coworking cafes and libraries, based on recent crowdsourced data. Major providers, including Crnogorski Telekom, M:tel, Telemach Montenegro, BEENET, and ORION Telekom, ensure robust connectivity. The infrastructure supports remote work, though occasional outages may occur in less urban areas. Mobile data operates on 4G networks, with 5G in early stages but not yet widespread.

Podgorica’s digital nomad community, estimated at 500, is steadily growing, drawn by affordability and the digital nomad visa. Over 10 coworking spaces, such as NEST and Work Hub Montenegro, offer modern facilities with high-speed internet. Regular meetups, networking events, and social gatherings, often organized through platforms like Nomad List, foster a supportive environment. The city’s welcoming vibe and expat-friendly cafes make it easy to connect, though the community is smaller than in coastal areas.

25Mbps
4G
5providers
500
Nomads
10+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Podgorica enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 6°C in January to 28°C in August, making it pleasant for most of the year. Rainfall is significant, totaling about 1,956mm annually, with November seeing the highest at 170mm and July and August the lowest at 30mm. The wet season from October to December requires planning for outdoor activities, while dry summers are ideal for exploring nearby parks and lakes.
Temperature Range
6°C - 28°C
Avg: 16°C
Annual Rainfall
1100mm
Monthly Avg: 92mm
Jan
01
6°C
130 mm
💧
Feb
02
7°C
110 mm
💧
Mar
03
10°C
100 mm
💧
Apr
04
14°C
90 mm
May
05
19°C
☀️
60 mm
Jun
06
23°C
☀️
40 mm
Jul
07
27°C
☀️
30 mm
Aug
08
28°C
☀️
30 mm
Sep
09
23°C
☀️
80 mm
Oct
10
18°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
Nov
11
12°C
170 mm
💧
Dec
12
7°C
140 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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