Cost of living in Podgorica
Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Podgorica, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.43 on average, with a range between $6.32 and $12.64.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $37.93, with prices ranging from $26.97 to $54.68.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.43, with a range between $6.32 and $9.48.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.58 to $3.16, imported beer $2.63 to $4.21, cappuccino $1.58 to $2.11, and Coke/Pepsi $1.05 to $2.63.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.04 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.27.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.74 and $1.68, with an average price of $0.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.53 to $3.29, averaging $2.92.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.84 to $2.11 per kg, while oranges range from $0.94 to $2.53 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.68 and $1.69 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.53 to $2.63 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.95 and $1.05, with a monthly pass priced at $31.61.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.48 and $1.63 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.63, with a cost of $0.74 per km and $11.59 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $474.15 to $632.2, averaging $574.04.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $368.78 to $526.83, averaging $442.98.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $842.93 to $1264.4, averaging $1012.89.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $632.2 to $1053.66, averaging $756.13.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1949.28 to $2950.26, averaging $2312.52.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1475.13 to $2107.33, averaging $1816.18.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $75.86 and $162.84, averaging $105.92.
- Internet - Internet services range from $23.18 to $36.88, with an average cost of $28.57.
Cost of Living Rankings
Podgorica ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Montenegro. The cost of living indices for Montenegro are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Montenegro, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Podgorica offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many European capitals, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Transportation costs are low, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Podgorica presents a balanced cost of living that is attractive for both locals and expatriates. The city offers affordable housing options, especially outside the city centre, and reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
While some imported goods and services may carry higher costs, the overall expenses remain manageable, making Podgorica a viable option for those seeking a European lifestyle without the high price tag.