Cost of Living: Montenegro vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Montenegro and Japan.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Montenegro is 4.0% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 56.2% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $96 in Montenegro for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 56.2%

Montenegro is 56.2% cheaper

Property Prices 52.0%

Montenegro is 52.0% cheaper

Childcare 36.2%

Montenegro is 36.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 4.0%

Montenegro is 4.0% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +48.9%
  • Clothing And Shoes +44.7%
  • Restaurants +22.9%

Is Montenegro cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Montenegro is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Montenegro are 4.0% lower than in Japan.

Where Montenegro is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 56.2% cheaper
  • Property Prices 52.0% cheaper
  • Childcare 36.2% cheaper

Where Montenegro is more expensive:

  • Transportation 48.9% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 44.7% more expensive
  • Restaurants 22.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Montenegro: 11.38 $ Japan: 7.01 $
62.3% more expensive in Montenegro

Monthly public transport pass

Montenegro: 34.15 $ Japan: 58.97 $
42.1% cheaper in Montenegro

1 liter of milk

Montenegro: 1.32 $ Japan: 1.56 $
15.4% cheaper in Montenegro

1 liter of gasoline

Montenegro: 1.70 $ Japan: 1.22 $
39.3% more expensive in Montenegro

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Montenegro is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 4.0% on living expenses by choosing Montenegro over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

4.0%

Montenegro is 4.0% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

22.9%

Montenegro is 22.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

28.1%

Montenegro is 28.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

2.4%

Montenegro is 2.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Transportation

48.9%

Montenegro is 48.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

29.1%

Montenegro is 29.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

22.2%

Montenegro is 22.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

28.2%

Montenegro is 28.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

36.2%

Montenegro is 36.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

44.7%

Montenegro is 44.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

1.2%

Montenegro is 1.2% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

52.0%

Montenegro is 52.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

56.2%

Montenegro is 56.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Montenegro Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 11.38 $ 7.01 $ 62.3%
Montenegro is 62.3% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 48.38 $ 35.03 $ 38.1%
Montenegro is 38.1% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.11 $ 5.61 $ 62.4%
Montenegro is 62.4% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 2.35 $ 3.36 $ 30.1%
Montenegro is 30.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.24 $ 1.12 $ 100.0%
Montenegro is 100.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.49 $ 0.82 $ 81.7%
Montenegro is 81.7% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.85 $ 0.94 $ 9.6%
Montenegro is 9.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.83 $ 2.32 $ 194.4%
Montenegro is 194.4% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.77 $ 8.42 $ 43.3%
Montenegro is 43.3% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 6.82 $ 11.20 $ 39.1%
Montenegro is 39.1% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.49 $ 2.04 $ 27.0%
Montenegro is 27.0% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.32 $ 1.56 $ 15.4%
Montenegro is 15.4% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.98 $ 1.59 $ 38.4%
Montenegro is 38.4% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.26 $ 4.51 $ 49.9%
Montenegro is 49.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.12 $ 2.24 $ 39.3%
Montenegro is 39.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.63 $ 12.14 $ 28.9%
Montenegro is 28.9% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.68 $ 6.92 $ 11.0%
Montenegro is 11.0% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 24.05 $ 17.18 $ 40.0%
Montenegro is 40.0% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 1.35 $ 5.37 $ 74.9%
Montenegro is 74.9% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.79 $ 2.62 $ 31.7%
Montenegro is 31.7% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.58 $ 4.78 $ 66.9%
Montenegro is 66.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.55 $ 4.84 $ 47.3%
Montenegro is 47.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.03 $ 2.85 $ 63.9%
Montenegro is 63.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.17 $ 2.65 $ 55.8%
Montenegro is 55.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 14.4%
Montenegro is 14.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 34.15 $ 58.97 $ 42.1%
Montenegro is 42.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.10 $ 4.20 $ 2.4%
Montenegro is 2.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.14 $ 1.54 $ 26.0%
Montenegro is 26.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.14 $ 4.20 $ 72.9%
Montenegro is 72.9% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.14 $ 3.15 $ 63.8%
Montenegro is 63.8% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 13.66 $ 23.82 $ 42.7%
Montenegro is 42.7% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.70 $ 1.22 $ 39.3%
Montenegro is 39.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 31,375.68 $ 23,415.29 $ 34.0%
Montenegro is 34.0% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 30,244.18 $ 17,953.06 $ 68.5%
Montenegro is 68.5% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 126.90 $ 178.92 $ 29.1%
Montenegro is 29.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 18.05 $ 27.25 $ 33.8%
Montenegro is 33.8% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 30.89 $ 35.66 $ 13.4%
Montenegro is 13.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 44.51 $ 60.05 $ 25.9%
Montenegro is 25.9% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 13.77 $ 15.69 $ 12.2%
Montenegro is 12.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.69 $ 13.31 $ 57.3%
Montenegro is 57.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 313.53 $ 348.57 $ 10.1%
Montenegro is 10.1% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 8,534.12 $ 13,519.03 $ 36.9%
Montenegro is 36.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 82.37 $ 49.02 $ 68.0%
Montenegro is 68.0% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 40.08 $ 32.77 $ 22.3%
Montenegro is 22.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 98.18 $ 63.16 $ 55.4%
Montenegro is 55.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 116.06 $ 87.75 $ 32.3%
Montenegro is 32.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 675.86 $ 624.64 $ 8.2%
Montenegro is 8.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 509.60 $ 424.63 $ 20.0%
Montenegro is 20.0% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,185.20 $ 1,366.33 $ 13.3%
Montenegro is 13.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 909.21 $ 825.90 $ 10.1%
Montenegro is 10.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,715.54 $ 6,447.80 $ 57.9%
Montenegro is 57.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,089.89 $ 3,555.73 $ 41.2%
Montenegro is 41.2% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 948.90 $ 2,177.14 $ 56.4%
Montenegro is 56.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 5.69 1.82 212.6%
Montenegro is 212.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Montenegro to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Montenegro and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Montenegro vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Montenegro

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Montenegro Cost of living in Japan

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