Talking about expenses, I can easily say that it is a very personal thing. It strongly depends on your salary, budget for traveling as well as previous experiences. What is considered budget friendly for some, could be expensive for others.
I have written this blog to address whether Montenegro is an expensive travel destination so that you can plan accordingly and know what to expect before visiting my country.
Before getting into the actual evaluation of the expense situation in Montenegro, I want to tell you a couple of general knowledge facts that you should know before making a trip.
Currency
Montenegro’s official currency is the euro, making it simple for travelers from the Eurozone to budget their trip. However, having some cash on hand is always a good idea, especially when traveling to more rural parts where credit cards may not be accepted.
Shopping
Montenegro has a number of markets and shops where you can buy handcrafted items and souvenirs that were produced here. Prices can vary greatly depending on the item and the seller, but it is often possible to bargain. It is important to remember that prices in tourist areas could be higher than in other parts of the country.
Internet and communication
Most Montenegrin hotels and cafes provide free Wi-Fi, but if you need to buy a SIM card for your phone, prices are reasonable. A prepaid SIM card with data costs around €10-€15. To find out more about the best sim card options in Montenegro, take a look at our blog Our Guide to the Best SIM Cards in Montenegro.
Tipping
Tipping is not required in Montenegro, but it is always appreciated for good service. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants while rounding up to the nearest euro is common in taxis.
How expensive is Montenegro actually
To answer the question of how affordable is Montenegro, we must first define the term “expensive.” The cost of living and travel in Montenegro will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the season, region, type of accommodation, and activities you chose to explore.
Overall speaking, Montenegro is regarded as a more affordable destination than other European countries. Food, drink, and transportation prices are generally lower than in Western Europe. However, Montenegro is slightly more expensive than neighboring countries such as Albania and Serbia.
Montenegro, with its stunning natural beauty and rich history, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years.
Montenegro compared to other travel destinations
To demonstrate the differences between vacationing in Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece I used the website whereandwhen which gives you the estimated prices of traveling to certain locations. To assist you in determining your upcoming vacation destination, I examined the estimated costs for the month of July, which is considered the optimal time to visit all three countries.
In order to show the difference in the travel budget I have created a table of comparison of Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece – the below table shows the typical cost of a week’s holiday in each of the countries in June including lodgings.
| Total | Accommodation | Transport | Flight | Meals | Activities | |
| Montenegro | $1119 | $97 per person a night | $15 per person a day | $140 per person |
$23 per person a day | $6 per person a day |
| Greece | $1456 | $126 per person a night | $22 per person per day | $134 per person |
$33 per person a day | $9.6 per person a day |
| Croatia | $1640 | $164 per person a night | $18 per person per day | $134 per person |
$27 per person a day | $7.2 per person a day |
This comparison does not only stop at travel expenses. In the comparison of the cost of living, Montenegro also averages lower than both Croatia and Greece. In the above example, Montenegro is around 23% cheaper than Greece. For other comparisons, please visit Greece vs Montenegro – no not a football match, it compares which country might be better for you on holiday.
As many individuals are currently selecting their next vacation destination, I strongly recommend adding Montenegro to your list, as it provides numerous activities at a lower cost than typical vacation spots.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the most expensive expenses for travelers, and this is also true in Montenegro. As noted previously, accommodation costs in Montenegro vary greatly depending on region and season. Prices for hotels and vacation rentals in popular tourist destinations such as Budva, Kotor, and Sveti Stefan can be quite high, especially during the busy summer season.
However, if you are open to staying in less touristy areas or in more cost-effective options such as hostels or campsites, you can still find affordable places to stay. A night in a hostel dormitory, for example, can cost around €10-€15, whereas a private room in a budget hotel can cost between €25 and €50.
Food and drink
Food and drink prices are generally quite reasonable in Montenegro, particularly if you stick to local restaurants and cafes rather than more tourist-oriented establishments. Flavorful meals can be found for less than €5-€10 in smaller towns and villages, while prices in larger cities and tourist areas can range from €10-€20.
Local wines and beers are also reasonably priced, with prices ranging between €1.50 and €3 per glass. However, keep in mind that prices in trendy restaurants and bars can be higher.
Transportation
Transportation options in Montenegro are affordable. Tourists in Montenegro mostly prefer buses, and fares are generally reasonable. For a local bus, a one-way ticket can cost as low as €1-€2, while longer inter-city journeys may cost up to €10-€15. Taxis may be more costly, particularly in tourist zones, hence it’s advisable to negotiate with the driver before commencing the journey. Uber and other global ride-hailing apps do not operate in Montenegro.
Activities
Montenegro is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of inexpensive activities to enjoy. Hiking, swimming, and visiting beaches are all excellent options, as are trips to national parks like Durmitor or Biogradska Gora. National Park entrance fees are generally quite reasonable, ranging from €3 to €5 per person. Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular and reasonably priced, with prices ranging from €15 to €25 per hour. More luxurious activities, such as yacht tours or spa treatments, can, however, be quite costly.
To summarize, Montenegro is a budget-friendly travel destination, particularly when compared to other European countries. In summary, Montenegro is a budget-friendly travel spot, but prices for lodging and transportation can vary due to factors like region and season. To save money, choose affordable accommodations and local eateries, and be mindful of transportation costs.
