Best Places to Live in Montenegro
Montenegro’s natural geography is incredibly diverse, offering everything from sunny beaches and rugged mountain peaks to Tuscan-like countryside and fjord-like bays reminiscent of Norway. This country of just 630,000 inhabitants enjoys a Mediterranean climate along its Adriatic coast, with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for year-round living.
For those looking to make Montenegro their home, the country’s warm and welcoming culture makes it a friendly destination for expats, entrepreneurs, and retirees. With a combination of vibrant fiestas and laid-back café culture, its coastal towns and inland cities offer a rich and fulfilling experience for those eager to immerse themselves in the Dolce Vita Montenegrina. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to call home in Montenegro.
How to Choose Where to Live in Montenegro
Choosing where to live in Montenegro is about matching your lifestyle goals against the local constraints of budget, transport links, healthcare, and job opportunities. What feels like a rural paradise for a retiree in Danilovgrad might feel isolating for a young remote worker based in Budva or Tivat seeking connection. Understanding these differences is the first step towards a smoother relocation to Montenegro.
Montenegro is home to three wonderfully diverse regions (coastal, central, and northern Montenegro), each with its own history and culture. Far from just lines on a map, these regions are marked by different scenery and weather, as well as more important factors like the costs of living and proximity to airports, as well as the availability of jobs, schools, and healthcare.
Generally speaking, if you’re interested in Montenegro’s famed Mediterranean climate and easy-going lifestyle, opting for Tivat, Kotor, or a settlement along the Budva Riviera might be your best bet. Meanwhile, Podgorica appeals to those seeking more urban conveniences and lower living costs. These areas also host several international schools, making it especially appealing to families seeking education in English, French, or Russian.
Some expats also choose Bar and Herceg Novi, where the cost of living is comparatively lower while still offering a laid-back coastal environment; however more local and authentic. For cooler temperatures, the mountainous regions of northern Montenegro, especially Kolasin and Durmitor, are famous for their ski resorts and cool summer climates; however, they are more remote, less accessible, and have relatively few expats.
Best Coastal Towns in Montenegro
For those drawn to Montenegro’s Mediterranean climate and seaside lifestyle, its various coastal towns are without doubt among some of the most picturesque locations in the world, while still offering international conveniences. From luxurious marinas to lively beach resorts, each town comes with its own distinct vibe, and the beauty is that they’re all within easy reach.
Tivat
Tivat is a modern town of 15,000 inhabitants, known for its superyacht marina, Porto Montenegro, which offers international schools, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as a range of essential modern comforts, making it especially attractive for yacht-loving expats seeking a luxury lifestyle.
Schools in Tivat, including the bilingual Knightsbridge Schools International, are excellent, and the town’s compact size makes walking to school or out-of-school activities simple. There’s a tight network of expat families already living here. So you won’t be the only parent trying to juggle school enrollment forms and figuring out how everything works.
Although the climate is mild year-round (Tivat sits at the sunny side of the Bay), with its own international airport and Dubrovnik airport nearby, it’s easy to jet off to a new destination whenever you feel like it. Tivat has a slightly higher cost of living than neighboring coastal towns, but benefits from zero unemployment and the country’s top wages.
Radovici, a Tivat suburb located on the Lustica Peninsula, may not be on every expat’s radar, but it’s quietly attractive to retirees seeking peace and affordability. Everyone knows nearby Lustica Bay, with its luxurious marina, but Radovici offers a slower pace, more rustic village charm, and lower housing costs.
Kotor
Retirees, expats, and entrepreneurs yearning for serenity will find solace in Kotor’s idyllic landscapes. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and the UNESCO-listed bay that shares its name, this ancient city may feel like an open-air museum, but it’s also surprisingly practical for raising kids and has a relatively strong expat and digital nomad community.
Winters are notorious for being damp, with the sun setting here an hour or so sooner than in nearby Tivat, and housing with bay views doesn’t come cheap. Still, compared to Budva’s intensity, Kotor’s pace feels far more sustainable – except on cruise ship days, when from spring through fall, you’ll find yourself weaving through crowds of tour groups in its historic center.
And while Kotor is undoubtedly tourism-driven, it also offers quieter neighborhoods like Dobrota or Muo for more space and year-round, authentic local life. The town is also known for its biannual Venetian-style carnival celebrations, a lively nod to its maritime heritage. Conveniently for frequent travelers and families, Kotor lies just a 15-minute drive from Tivat Airport and several international schools.
Budva
With its terracotta-roofed homes spilling down to the Adriatic Sea and dramatic cliffs framing turquoise coves and busy beaches buzzing with music, cocktails, and sun loungers, the 35-km-long (22 miles) Budva Riviera is a postcard-perfect vision of Montenegrin summer. Budva, the main town along the Riviera, combines historic charm with a notoriously vibrant nightlife.
Many families choose nearby hillside towns like Petrovac and Sveti Stefan for more space. They enjoy a calmer pace while keeping Budva’s cultural and social riches within easy reach. Many describe these Adriatic gems as ‘big enough to matter, small enough to manage.’ The best part? Budva sits right in the middle of it all. The Bay of Kotor, Podgorica, and Lake Skadar are all just a short ride away, which means weekends are built for exploration.
If you can handle the summer crowds, few places offer such a serene and rich upbringing for your children. Budva hosts two international schools and has one of the biggest digital nomad communities in Montenegro. The trade-off? Budva is pricier than Bar and Herceg Novi, and currently has no hospital for residents seeking full-scale medical care within the town.
Bar
The coastal town of Bar doesn’t scream “family destination” on Instagram, but it should. Broad boulevards, plenty of playgrounds, and access to a variety of beaches make life easy here. Families love this low-key environment with less tourist traffic yet access to all urban amenities, including its own hospital. Life here feels balanced.
On weekends, it’s just a short trip to the beaches of Ulcinj, the vineyards near Virpazar, and Lake Skadar, giving families plenty of options for day trips and outdoor adventures. It’s also an easy getaway to the mountains for hiking and canyoning. Housing costs in Bar are manageable compared to Budva, and day-to-day life feels less chaotic.
Many retirees love Bar’s stunning location, surrounded by olive groves and towering mountains, particularly near the old town. Life here is simple and sunny. While it lacks the bustling nightlife and high-end amenities of more established coastal resorts, families benefit from affordability, space, and a stronger sense of community. For those who seek authenticity with a side of camaraderie, Bar delivers.
Herceg Novi
Once a must-visit stop and favorite retreat for writers, painters, and intellectuals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Montenegro’s northernmost cliffside town is as popular today for its medieval fortresses and ancient open-air amphitheater as for its long coastal promenade (the longest in Montenegro!), tropical plants, and seemingly endless stairways.
Digital nomads like its affordability, laid-back vibes, and growing coworking culture. Summers can be scorching, but the Lustica Peninsula and proximity to Dubrovnik make it a dynamic base. Retirees stroll leafy parks and piazzas and spend early evenings at wine tastings. Property is more affordable here than in other towns along the bay, and life slows to a rhythm retirees feel comfortable with.
Herceg Novi is also a city made for families, with several international schools nearby and plenty of outdoor spaces, where children actually play freely. The only real drawback? Winters can feel too quiet. However, many view that as a small price for living in one of Montenegro’s most underrated coastal towns. For many retirees, that peace is exactly the point.
Other Coastal Towns
Families who move to Ulcinj, an Albanian-majority town known for its long sandy beaches, pirate history, and laid-back pace of life, talk about neighbors who treat their kids like family, because in Ulcinj, family really does come first. The downside? No international schools and a bit of a drive to the nearest airports.
However, many expats who choose this surfer-friendly southern enclave think of these as small trade-offs; they gain affordability, space, and a true local experience. For those drawn to quieter living but still requiring proximity to Kotor, Tivat, or Herceg Novi, smaller coastal settlements like Risan, Prcanj, Dobrota, Stoliv, and Perast offer peaceful alternatives.
Once outposts of major maritime republics, these postcard-perfect villages today are a different kind of hub – for slow living, heritage restoration projects, and boutique tourism that attracts artists, digital nomads, and retirees alike.
Best Inland Cities and Towns
Podgorica, located in the central region on the plains between the Morača and Zeta rivers, is a city of 250,000 inhabitants often overshadowed by Montenegro’s more famous Adriatic coastal towns. It has vineyards and rolling hills that rival Tuscany – without Tuscany prices. Expats and retirees often point out that Podgorica feels truly ‘genuine’ and ‘functional’ in a way that more touristed regions don’t.
Healthcare access is strong, and the cost of living remains low compared to coastal hubs. Nomads appreciate that the internet is very reliable here, flexible office and coworking spaces like Regus, Mtel Digitalna Fabrika, and Work Hub Montenegro exist, and the growing cafe and restaurant scene commonly tolerates laptops.
They are also drawn here for the proximity to the ski slopes of Kolasin, the Adriatic and Lake Skadar coasts, and easy access via Podgorica Airport. Montenegro’s capital city hosts a growing number of international schools that cater to diverse educational needs. Downsides include brutal summer heat and uninspiring architecture, but for those seeking urban amenities and affordability, Podgorica is a rising star.
Danilovgrad, a small town 20 minutes northwest of Podgorica, is developing a reputation for being especially welcoming to newcomers. Montenegrin language skills are definitely helpful here since the local population speaks limited English and the international community is tiny, but that makes up part of the appeal; it’s immersion, not an expat bubble. One downside? Public transportation is nearly non-existent, so owning a car is a must.
Luxury & Resort Communities
Considered the crown jewel of the fjord-shaped Bay of Kotor, Porto Montenegro’s honey-colored buildings and high-end international boutiques have made it one of the most popular marina villages in the Mediterranean. Well-heeled nomads are increasingly drawn here for the balance of good internet, infinity pools, and a jet-set reputation.
That said, winters in Tivat can feel unusually quiet once the yachts and seasonal residents leave, and housing in the center doesn’t come cheap. But compared to some other resort towns where businesses close down for the low season, Porto Montenegro remains lively, with restaurants, shops, and amenities open year-round.
Lustica Bay, a newer development on the other side of the bay, is designed to feel like a Mediterranean fishing village, albeit one where the boats are of the yachting variety. Hugging the hillside above the turquoise waters, the Gary-Player-designed 18-hole golf course is one where you can see-and-be-seen and then retreat in the surprisingly relaxed harborfront, with its casual cafes and fine dining options.
While Lustica Bay tries to merge active social life with relaxed seaside living, further down the coast, Portonovi, offers a different, even quieter, take on Adriatic luxury, with high-end residences (tennis legend Novak Djokovic will be your neighbor) and the One&Only resort, providing world-class dining, spa facilities, private beach access, and an international school. You’ll feel like you just stepped out of a shoot by a luxury lifestyle magazine.
Summary: Where Should You Live in Montenegro?
Choosing the ideal location hinges on your lifestyle priorities and what matters most to you. Families moving to Montenegro typically prioritize good (international) schools and safe neighborhoods, with Tivat, Kotor, and Podgorica standing out as the top choices for full expat amenities and schooling, while Bar and Herceg Novi for a quieter pace and more local vibe.
While remote workers can find reliable internet all across the country, most digital nomads are naturally drawn to Montenegro’s charming coastal hubs, where things run smoothly and expat amenities and beaches are plentiful. There’s also a growing coworking culture and a vibrant summer lifestyle.
For retirees, all towns in the Bay of Kotor, along with Montenegro’s rising stars—Bar, Petrovac, and Danilovgrad—offer affordability, authenticity, and a chance to truly integrate. Those seeking quality healthcare close to home can also consider Podgorica (and surroundings), which is welcoming an increasing number of pensioners who can bear the summer heat.
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