🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Podgorica, Montenegro, my home for several months. This charming city, nestled between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic Sea, has a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a growing expat community. Podgorica digital nomads love it here for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, and relatively low cost of living. With a population of around 236,852 people, it’s small enough to get around easily but big enough to have all the amenities you need. As I settled into my apartment in the heart of the city, I quickly discovered that Podgorica has a lot to offer, from its vibrant food scene to its stunning natural surroundings.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Podgorica, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Stari Grad (Old Town): This historic neighborhood is filled with charming streets, quaint shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city. It’s a bit more expensive than other areas, but it’s worth it for the atmosphere and convenience. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Stari Grad can range from €350-€500 (around $400-$570 USD) per month.
- Centre: The city centre is where you’ll find most of the action, including coworking spaces, cafes, and shops. It’s a bit noisier than Stari Grad, but it’s still a great place to live, with plenty of amenities on your doorstep. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the centre can range from €250-€400 (around $280-$450 USD) per month.
- Konik: This up-and-coming neighborhood is a bit further out from the centre, but it’s still within walking distance. It’s a bit more laid-back than the centre, with a mix of old and new buildings, and a growing expat community. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Konik can range from €200-€350 (around $220-$400 USD) per month.
- Golubovci: If you’re looking for a more rural experience, Golubovci is a charming village just outside Podgorica. It’s a bit of a commute to the city centre, but it’s worth it for the peaceful surroundings and stunning views. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Golubovci can range from €150-€250 (around $170-$280 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Podgorica is relatively low compared to other European cities. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from €200-€500 (around $220-$570 USD) per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Podgorica can be very affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €5-€10 (around $5.50-$11 USD) per person. Groceries are also relatively cheap, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around €20-€30 (around $22-$33 USD) per week.
- Transport: Podgorica has a well-developed public transport system, with buses and taxis readily available. A monthly public transport pass costs around €20-€30 (around $22-$33 USD), while a taxi ride across town can cost around €5-€10 (around $5.50-$11 USD).
- Coworking: There are several coworking spaces in Podgorica, with prices ranging from €50-€200 (around $55-$220 USD) per month, depending on the amenities and services offered.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, having reliable internet is essential. Fortunately, Podgorica has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with speeds of up to 47 Mbps available in many areas. There are also several coworking spaces and cafes with good internet, including:
- Hub 385: This coworking space in the city centre offers fast internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and remote workers. Membership prices start at around €100 (around $110 USD) per month.
- Nova: This modern cafe in the centre has excellent internet and a great selection of coffee and food. It’s a popular spot for digital nomads and locals alike, and is open from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week.
- Cafe Dvori: This charming cafe in Stari Grad has a relaxed atmosphere and good internet, making it a great spot to work or meet with clients. Prices are around €2-€5 (around $2.20-$5.50 USD) for a coffee or snack.
While Podgorica’s digital nomad community is still growing, there are already several groups and meetups available for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Some popular options include:
- Podgorica Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and is a great place to connect with other digital nomads, ask for advice, and find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad Coffee: This monthly meetup is a great way to meet other digital nomads and remote workers in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s usually held at a different cafe or coworking space each month, and is a great way to make new connections and friends.
- Startup Montenegro: This organization hosts regular events and meetups for entrepreneurs and startup founders, including pitch competitions, workshops, and networking events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Montenegrin culture is a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and community. As a digital nomad in Podgorica, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture, including:
- Food: Montenegrin cuisine is delicious and varied, with popular dishes including cevapi (minced meat sausages), burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese), and fresh seafood. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as njeguški sir (a type of cheese) and pršut (a type of cured ham).
- Dating: Montenegrins are known for their warm hospitality, and dating in Podgorica can be a fun and exciting experience. Just be aware that the dating scene can be a bit conservative, and it’s not uncommon for couples to meet through social circles or family introductions.
- Nightlife: Podgorica has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular spots include the Karver bar, which has a great selection of craft beers, and the Hemingway bar, which has a relaxed atmosphere and live music.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider your visa options when planning your stay in Podgorica. Montenegro has a relatively straightforward visa policy, with several options available for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tourist visa: Citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Montenegro without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
- Residence permit: If you plan to stay in Montenegro for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit. This can be done through the local authorities, and typically requires proof of income, health insurance, and a rental agreement.
- Digital nomad visa: Montenegro does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but the government is considering introducing one in the near future. In the meantime, remote workers and entrepreneurs can apply for a residence permit or a temporary work permit.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Podgorica:
- SIM cards: You can buy a SIM card from one of the local providers, such as Telenor or Mtel, for around €10-€20 (around $11-$22 USD). This will give you access to data, calls, and texts, and is a great way to stay connected with friends and family back home.
- Transport: Podgorica has a well-developed public transport system, with buses and taxis readily available. You can also rent a car or bike if you prefer to get around on your own.
- Safety: Podgorica is generally a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Just be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas, and take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Podgorica has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, and stay hydrated during the summer months.