Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Montenegro Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Montenegro Property Pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in Montenegro, you'll want to know what landlords are actually charging right now.
This guide breaks down current rental prices across Montenegro's key cities and coastal towns, from studios to 2-bedroom apartments, with real numbers you can use.
We update this blog post regularly so you always have the freshest data available.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro.
What are typical rents in Montenegro as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Montenegro rents for around €420 per month, which works out to approximately $440 USD.
Most studios in Montenegro fall within a range of €350 to €650 per month ($365 to $680 USD), with the lower end in Podgorica and the higher end along popular coastal towns like Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi.
The main factors that push Montenegro studio rents up or down include location (coast versus capital), building age, whether parking is included, and proximity to the waterfront or town center.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Montenegro rents for around €600 per month, or about $625 USD.
The realistic range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Montenegro spans from €530 to €1,300 per month ($555 to $1,360 USD), depending heavily on whether you're looking in Podgorica or in premium coastal spots like Tivat.
In Podgorica, neighborhoods like Zabjelo and Stari Aerodrom offer the most affordable 1-bedroom rents, while Porto Montenegro in Tivat and Dobrota near Kotor sit at the expensive end of the spectrum.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Montenegro rents for around €850 per month, which equals approximately $890 USD.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Montenegro rent within a range of €650 to €1,800 per month ($680 to $1,880 USD), with Podgorica at the lower end and prime Tivat or Porto Montenegro properties at the top.
For more affordable 2-bedroom rents in Montenegro, look to Podgorica neighborhoods like Zabjelo or Stari Aerodrom, while the priciest 2-bedrooms cluster around Porto Montenegro, Dobrota, and the Gospoština area of Budva.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro.
What's the average rent per square meter in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average rent per square meter in Montenegro is around €13 per month, or approximately $13.50 USD per square meter.
Across different neighborhoods in Montenegro, rent per square meter ranges from about €10 to €20 or more ($10.50 to $21 USD), with Podgorica typically at €10 to €12 and ultra-prime locations like Porto Montenegro exceeding €20 per square meter.
Compared to other Balkan capitals, Montenegro's rents per square meter are higher than average, largely because coastal demand from tourists and expats inflates the national figure well above what inland cities would suggest.
Properties in Montenegro that command above-average rents per square meter typically feature sea views, newer construction, dedicated parking, good air conditioning, and walkable access to waterfronts or town centers.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Montenegro in 2026?
As of January 2026, rents in Montenegro have increased by approximately 7% compared to one year ago, with coastal areas like Tivat and Kotor Bay seeing even stronger growth of 8% to 12%.
The main factors driving rent increases in Montenegro this year include sustained demand from expats and remote workers, limited new housing supply along the coast, and continued tourism growth that keeps landlords confident they can find tenants.
This year's rent growth in Montenegro is slightly more moderate than the previous year, when post-pandemic recovery and a surge in foreign interest pushed rents up even faster, especially in premium coastal segments.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Montenegro in 2026?
As of January 2026, we expect rents in Montenegro to grow by 4% to 8% over the coming year, with Podgorica at the lower end and Tivat or Kotor Bay at the higher end of that range.
Key factors likely to influence Montenegro rent growth include wage trends in Podgorica (which cap how much locals can pay), continued foreign buyer and renter interest on the coast, and tourism performance which affects landlord confidence.
Within Montenegro, neighborhoods around Porto Montenegro, Dobrota, and Budva's central areas are expected to see the strongest rent growth because expat demand and limited comparable housing stock keep competition high.
The main risks that could change Montenegro's rent outlook include a tourism slowdown, broader European economic weakness, or a sudden increase in new housing supply along the coast.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Montenegro. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Montenegro as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest rents in Montenegro are Porto Montenegro in Tivat (averaging €1,100 to €1,500 per month for a 1-bedroom, or $1,150 to $1,570 USD), Dobrota near Kotor (€900 to €1,200, or $940 to $1,255 USD), and Gospoština in central Budva (€800 to €1,100, or $835 to $1,150 USD).
These Montenegro neighborhoods command premium rents because they combine waterfront access, marina lifestyle, newer international-standard buildings, and walkability to restaurants, shops, and beaches.
The typical tenants in these high-rent Montenegro neighborhoods are expats, remote workers, seasonal residents from Western Europe, and affluent local professionals who prioritize lifestyle over cost.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Montenegro.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Montenegro right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Montenegro are City Kvart and Preko Morače in Podgorica, plus Seljanovo in Tivat for those working remotely.
Young professionals in these Montenegro neighborhoods typically pay between €450 and €750 per month ($470 to $785 USD) for a modern 1-bedroom apartment with good internet and nearby cafés.
What attracts young professionals to these Montenegro neighborhoods includes newer apartment buildings, easy parking, proximity to offices and co-working spaces, vibrant café culture, and reliable high-speed internet for remote work.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro.
Where do families prefer to rent in Montenegro right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Montenegro are Preko Morače and Zabjelo in Podgorica, plus Dobrota along Kotor Bay for those who want a coastal lifestyle.
Families in these Montenegro neighborhoods typically pay between €700 and €1,200 per month ($730 to $1,255 USD) for a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment with enough space for children.
What makes these Montenegro neighborhoods attractive to families includes quieter streets, larger apartment layouts, proximity to schools and parks, and better value per square meter compared to premium tourist zones.
Near these family-friendly Montenegro neighborhoods, notable schools include the primary schools in Podgorica's central districts and the Knightsbridge Schools International campus near Tivat, which draws many expat families.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Montenegro in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three areas that rent fastest in Montenegro are Preko Morače and Blok 5/6 near the University of Montenegro in Podgorica, and Rozino in Budva where services and transport links make daily life practical.
Properties in these high-demand Montenegro areas typically stay listed for only 15 to 25 days, compared to 30 to 40 days in less convenient locations.
The typical rent premium for apartments within walking distance of the university or major roads in Montenegro is around €50 to €100 per month (about $52 to $105 USD) above comparable units further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Montenegro right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Montenegro are Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Dobrota near Kotor, and Gospoština in central Budva.
Expats in these Montenegro neighborhoods typically pay between €900 and €1,500 per month ($940 to $1,570 USD) for a quality 1 to 2 bedroom apartment with modern finishes.
What makes these Montenegro neighborhoods attractive to expats includes English-speaking services, international-standard housing, walkable waterfronts, reliable internet, and easy access to restaurants and shops catering to foreign residents.
The nationalities most represented in these expat-friendly Montenegro neighborhoods include Russians, Ukrainians, Serbians, British, and increasingly citizens from Western European countries and the United States seeking lifestyle or remote work bases.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Montenegro.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Montenegro right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Montenegro?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate Montenegro's rental market are local employees and young couples in Podgorica, expats and remote workers along the coast, and seasonal service workers who arrive before summer.
In Montenegro, local employees and young couples make up roughly 40% of long-term renters, expats and remote workers account for about 35%, and seasonal or transitional renters represent the remaining 25%.
Local employees in Montenegro typically seek 1 to 2 bedroom apartments in Podgorica near work, expats prefer furnished 1 to 2 bedrooms along the coast with sea views, and seasonal workers often look for affordable studios or shared housing.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Montenegro.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Montenegro?
In Montenegro, approximately 70% of long-term tenants prefer furnished apartments, while only about 30% seek unfurnished units, largely because coastal landlords keep properties ready for flexible seasonal use.
Furnished apartments in Montenegro typically command a rent premium of €50 to €150 per month ($52 to $157 USD) compared to equivalent unfurnished units, depending on the quality of furniture and appliances included.
The tenant profiles that most prefer furnished rentals in Montenegro are expats, remote workers, and anyone relocating for less than two years, since they want to avoid the hassle and cost of buying and moving furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Montenegro?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Montenegro are dedicated parking, newer buildings with elevators, quality air conditioning and heating, sea views or walkable waterfront access, and high-speed internet with a dedicated workspace.
In Montenegro, dedicated parking can add €30 to €80 per month ($31 to $84 USD), newer construction with an elevator adds €40 to €100 ($42 to $105 USD), good climate control adds €20 to €50 ($21 to $52 USD), a sea view adds €100 to €200 or more ($105 to $210 USD), and quality internet with workspace adds €30 to €70 ($31 to $73 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Montenegro?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Montenegro are kitchen upgrades with modern appliances, bathroom refreshes with good waterproofing, adding or upgrading split air conditioning units, improving insulation and windows, and refreshing lighting with neutral paint and built-in storage.
In Montenegro, a kitchen refresh typically costs €1,500 to €4,000 ($1,570 to $4,180 USD) and can increase rent by €40 to €80 per month, a bathroom update costs €1,000 to €3,000 ($1,045 to $3,135 USD) for €30 to €60 more rent, and split AC installation costs €500 to €1,200 ($520 to $1,255 USD) for €20 to €50 additional monthly rent.
Renovations with poor ROI that landlords in Montenegro should generally avoid include luxury marble finishes, swimming pool additions (unless ultra-prime), and extensive structural changes that don't translate directly into higher rent willingness from typical tenants.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Montenegro versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Montenegro as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the estimated long-term rental vacancy rate in Montenegro is around 7% nationally, meaning most properly priced apartments find tenants without too much difficulty.
Across different neighborhoods in Montenegro, vacancy rates range from about 4% to 6% in Podgorica (where demand is steadier year-round) to 6% to 12% along the coast (where seasonal fluctuations create more variability).
The current vacancy rate in Montenegro is roughly in line with historical averages, though it remains tighter than a few years ago thanks to sustained expat interest and limited new construction in popular areas.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rentals in Montenegro stay listed for an average of about 25 to 35 days before finding a tenant, though this varies significantly by location and season.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Montenegro, days on market range from 10 to 20 days for well-priced coastal apartments during the spring lead-up to summer, to 40 to 60 days for overpriced or off-season coastal listings.
The current days-on-market in Montenegro is slightly shorter than one year ago, reflecting continued strong demand from expats and remote workers keeping the market competitive.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Montenegro?
The peak months for tenant demand in Montenegro are August through October in Podgorica (when students and job relocations peak) and April through June along the coast (when people secure housing before summer).
In Montenegro, seasonal demand is driven by the academic calendar in Podgorica, the tourism cycle along the coast (where landlords and tenants alike prepare for the summer rush), and expat arrivals who often time moves for spring or early fall.
The months with lowest tenant demand in Montenegro are typically December through February, when the coast is quieter and fewer people are relocating, giving tenants more negotiating power on rent.
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What will my monthly costs be in Montenegro as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, landlords in Montenegro should expect to pay annual property taxes of roughly €300 to €1,200 (about $315 to $1,255 USD), which works out to approximately €25 to €100 per month on a typical apartment worth €120,000.
Depending on property value and location in Montenegro, annual property taxes can range from as low as €150 for a modest Podgorica flat to over €2,000 for a premium coastal villa, reflecting the 0.25% to 1% rate range set by municipalities.
Property taxes in Montenegro are calculated as a percentage of the property's market value, with the exact rate determined by each municipality within the legally allowed range of 0.25% to 1%.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Montenegro, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Montenegro right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Montenegro is around €1,000 to €1,500 ($1,045 to $1,570 USD), or roughly €80 to €125 per month set aside for repairs and upkeep.
Depending on property age and condition in Montenegro, annual maintenance costs can range from €600 for a newer apartment in good shape to €2,500 or more for an older property that needs frequent repairs.
Most landlords in Montenegro set aside about 8% to 12% of their annual rental income for maintenance, with the standard rule of thumb being roughly 1% of the property's value per year.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Montenegro right now?
In Montenegro, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are building or common-area maintenance fees, which typically run €15 to €50 per month ($16 to $52 USD) depending on the building's amenities.
For these landlord-paid utilities in Montenegro, building fees average around €0.50 to €1.50 per square meter monthly, while property tax (also a landlord cost) adds another €25 to €100 per month depending on property value.
The common practice in Montenegro is for tenants to pay electricity, water, and internet directly, while landlords cover building fees, property taxes, and any major structural repairs.
How is rental income taxed in Montenegro as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income in Montenegro is taxed at a flat 15% rate under the personal income tax system, plus a municipal surtax of 13% to 15% applied on top of the tax amount (not the income), which many foreign landlords forget to factor in.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Montenegro include documented maintenance expenses, depreciation allowances, and certain property-related costs, though the rules require proper documentation and should be verified with a local accountant.
A common tax mistake specific to Montenegro that landlords should avoid is forgetting the municipal surtax, which adds an extra 13% to 15% to your tax bill and applies differently in Podgorica and Cetinje (15%) versus other municipalities (13%).
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Montenegro.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Montenegro compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Montenegro, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why We Trust It | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| MONSTAT (Statistical Office of Montenegro) | It's Montenegro's official government statistics agency, which makes it the baseline authority for economic and demographic data. | We used it to anchor the macro context including prices, wages, tourism, and population. We also used MONSTAT releases to check whether our rent estimates fit what locals can realistically afford. |
| MONSTAT Average Earnings (October 2025) | It's an official statistical release with clearly defined methodology and recent timing. | We used it to benchmark affordability and explain why Podgorica rents behave differently from coastal rents. We treated wages as a ceiling on how far long-term rents can climb. |
| MONSTAT Consumer Prices Index (CPI) | It's official inflation reporting that explicitly tracks rent as a component inside CPI. | We used it to confirm that rents are rising and to cross-check year-over-year movement when listing-based rent data gets noisy. |
| ECB Data Portal (Eurostat HICP Rent Index) | It republishes Eurostat's harmonized inflation series with consistent definitions across countries. | We used it to triangulate rent inflation with MONSTAT CPI commentary. We treated it as the cleanest comparable time-series signal for rent direction and momentum. |
| Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) Bulletin | The central bank is a top-tier public institution, and this is its official statistics publication channel. | We used CBCG publications to understand the macro picture including credit, demand backdrop, and investment flows that drive housing demand. |
| CBCG Bulletin 10/2025 | It's an official monthly statistical bulletin from Montenegro's central bank. | We used it to triangulate the macro conditions behind rent growth, including inflation, employment signals, and economic activity. |
| CBCG Macroeconomic Report / Annual Report | It's the central bank's structured macro report series with a dedicated real estate section. | We used it to understand what's structurally unique in Montenegro (FDI, tourism, coastal supply constraints) and to shape our 2026 outlook assumptions. |
| Government of Montenegro Property Tax Page | It's an official government page summarizing the property tax rules in plain language. | We used it to state the legal property tax rate range confidently and to build simple monthly cost estimates for landlords. |
| Montenegro Personal Income Tax Law (PDF) | It's a government-hosted legal text, meaning it's a primary source. | We used it to confirm the tax treatment and rate logic for rental income and as the legal backbone for our rental income taxation section. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - Montenegro | PwC is a major global tax publisher that clearly timestamps updates. | We used it to cross-check the personal income tax brackets and municipal surtax approach in a reader-friendly way alongside the law PDF. |
| EPCG (Elektroprivreda Crne Gore) Tariffs | It's the national power utility's official pricing and tariff information. | We used it to anchor the utilities discussion since electricity is often the largest variable bill for tenants. |
| MONSTAT Tourism Arrivals & Overnights 2024 | It's an official tourism dataset, and Montenegro is heavily tourism-driven, especially on the coast. | We used it to explain why coastal rents behave seasonally and why long-term inventory tightens before summer. We also used nationality shares to inform the expat popularity narrative. |
| Global Property Guide - Montenegro Rent | It's a well-known cross-country real estate data publisher that documents update cadence and sourcing. | We used it as our rent level anchor where public-sector average rent stats are limited. We treated it as an asking-rent median signal and triangulated it with CPI rent inflation plus local affordability. |
| Global Property Guide - Montenegro Rent Trends | It provides a consistent historical rent change lens that's easy to verify. | We used it as an additional cross-check on the direction and magnitude of rent growth, not as a sole source but as a triangulation leg. |
| Colliers Montenegro | Colliers is a major global real estate consultancy with established research practices. | We used it as a credibility check that institutional-grade market coverage exists and to guide which submarkets and demand drivers are standard in professional real estate framing. |
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