Popular Expat Towns in Montenegro

Montenegro is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe's most attractive destinations for expatriates. With its dramatic Adriatic coastline, charming medieval towns, and welcoming atmosphere, the country offers a diverse range of places for expats to call home. Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, tranquil seaside living, or a cosmopolitan city experience, Montenegro has something for everyone. Here's a detailed look at the most popular towns and cities among expats in Montenegro.

Town	Vibe & Community	Cost of Living	Key Features	Best For
Tivat	Modern, cosmopolitan	High	Luxury marina, schools, airport	Families, professionals
Budva	Lively, international	Medium-High	Beaches, nightlife, Old Town	Social expats, retirees
Kotor	Historic, scenic	Medium-High	UNESCO site, bay views, culture	Families, culture lovers
Herceg Novi	Relaxed, tight-knit	Low-Medium	Promenade, greenery, peaceful	Retirees, nature lovers
Bar	Authentic, affordable	Low	Local life, marina, old town	Budget expats, families
Ulcinj	Multicultural, laid-back	Low	Sandy beaches, Albanian influence	Adventurous expats
Podgorica	Urban, diverse	Medium	Capital city, business, shopping	Entrepreneurs, families

Tivat

Tivat has transformed from a quiet coastal town into Montenegro's luxury hotspot, thanks largely to the Porto Montenegro marina development. The town is known for its modern amenities, international schools, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Tivat is popular with families, digital nomads, and those seeking a high standard of living. English is widely spoken, and there's a strong expat community with regular meetups and events. The proximity to an international airport is a major plus for frequent travelers.

• Porto Montenegro luxury marina
• International schools and services
• Modern apartments and villas
• Strong expat and digital nomad scene

Budva

Budva is the beating heart of Montenegro's coastal tourism and one of the most popular choices for expats. Known for its lively Old Town, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Budva attracts a diverse international crowd. You'll find everything from luxury condos and beach clubs to family-friendly neighborhoods like Bečići and Rafailovići. While Budva can be crowded in the summer, it maintains a lively atmosphere year-round, making it ideal for expats who enjoy socializing and cultural events.

• Lively international scene and nightlife
• Beautiful Old Town and beaches
• Wide range of real estate options
• Well-developed infrastructure

Kotor

Set within a breathtaking fjord-like bay and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is a magnet for expats seeking history, culture, and stunning scenery. The Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant cafés. Surrounding areas like Dobrota offer a quieter, more residential vibe with upscale properties, making Kotor a favorite for families and retirees. The town does get busy with tourists during the cruise season, but the charm is undeniable.

• UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Scenic bay and mountain views
• Affluent residential areas nearby (Dobrota)
• Rich cultural life

Herceg Novi

For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, Herceg Novi is a top choice. This coastal town is famous for its 7km seaside promenade, lush greenery, and laid-back atmosphere. The expat community here is smaller but tight-knit, and the cost of living is lower than in Budva or Kotor. Its location near the Croatian border and Dubrovnik airport adds to its appeal for international connections.

• Peaceful, scenic setting
• Lower property prices and rental costs
• Tight-knit expat community
• Easy access to Croatia and Dubrovnik airport

Bar

Bar is often overlooked but offers affordable coastal living with a year-round local population. It's less touristy than Budva or Kotor, making it ideal for expats who prefer a slower pace and a more authentic Montenegrin experience. Bar has a small marina, a charming old town (Stari Bar), and good transport links, including a train line to Podgorica and Belgrade.

• Affordable real estate and living costs
• Year-round city with local amenities
• Good transport connections
• Authentic atmosphere

Ulcinj

Located in the far south, Ulcinj stands out for its multicultural vibe and long sandy beaches. The town has a strong Albanian influence and offers a different atmosphere compared to the rest of the coast. Property prices are low, and the area is known for its natural beauty and relaxed pace. A car is recommended, as attractions and amenities are spread out.

• Multicultural atmosphere
• Low cost of living
• Expansive beaches and nature
• Unique cultural experience

Podgorica

While not on the coast, Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, is increasingly popular with expats, especially entrepreneurs and professionals. The city offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, the best shopping in the country, international schools, and convenient access to the rest of Montenegro and Europe via its airport. The expat community here is diverse, with people from across Europe and beyond.

• Cosmopolitan city life
• Business and career opportunities
• International schools and amenities
• Central location for exploring Montenegro

Tips for Choosing Your Expat Town

• Lifestyle: Decide if you prefer a bustling coastal town, a tranquil seaside retreat, or a cosmopolitan city.
• Amenities: Consider proximity to international schools, healthcare, and transport.
• Community: Some towns have larger English-speaking expat communities, while others are more local or multicultural.
• Cost: Coastal hotspots like Tivat and Budva are pricier, while Bar and Ulcinj offer more affordable options.
• Transport: Think about access to airports and major roads, especially if you plan to travel frequently.

Montenegro's towns each offer a unique flavor of expat life. Whether you're drawn by the luxury of Tivat, the charm of Kotor, or the affordability of Bar, you'll find a welcoming community and a high quality of life on the Adriatic coast.