EUROCOSTSCOUNTRY COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-07-15
Montenegro vs Serbia: taxes, salary and cost of living
Montenegro and Serbia present two different cost profiles: the first question is whether the salary gap compensates for housing and daily expenses.
Montenegro vs Serbia at a glance
| Indicator | Montenegro | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 21% | 20% |
| Income tax | 0% / 9% / 15% | 10% |
| Social contributions | 21.5% | 29.9% |
| Tax burden | 21.5% | ~39% |
| Average monthly salary | €1,225 | €1,366 |
| Studio rent | €490 | €420 |
| Monthly food estimate | €230 | €250 |
| Gasoline | 1.49 €/L | 1.55 €/L |
| Electricity | 0.11 €/kWh | 0.12 €/kWh |
How far does the local salary go?
Serbia records the higher listed monthly salary. The gap is €141, approximately 10.3% relative to the lower figure. Within the numeric EuroCosts sample, Montenegro ranks 24 of 27 for salary and Serbia ranks 23 of 27. That ranking is useful context, but gross and net labels must be checked in the source record.
What recurring living costs reveal
Serbia has the lower listed studio rent by €70, a 16.7% difference relative to the higher rent. Montenegro sits 9 of 37 and Serbia 5 of 37 in the available low-to-high rent ranking. Montenegro also has the lower food estimate, so the housing result is partly offset by groceries.
After subtracting only the listed rent and food estimates, the simplified remainder is €505 in Montenegro and €696 in Serbia. This leaves €191 more in Serbia, before utilities, transport, healthcare, childcare or personal taxes not already reflected in salary.
Tax profile for employees
Tax-burden values include a range or text note for at least one country. The standard VAT comparison—21% in Montenegro and 20% in Serbia—is more directly comparable, although reduced rates differ by product.
Fuel-price impact
Montenegro has the lower listed gasoline price by €0.06 per litre. For a driver buying 50 litres a month, that headline difference is about €3 monthly, before insurance, parking and road charges.
The answer depends on your profile
For Montenegro and Serbia, short stays are influenced heavily by rent and restaurant prices; permanent relocation adds payroll, healthcare and administrative costs. These figures work best as a shortlist, not a final decision model.
Final view: Montenegro or Serbia?
Serbia produces the stronger simplified monthly remainder in this dataset, while Serbia leads on listed rent. That split explains why there is no universal winner.
Sources and data references
- PwC standard VAT rates
- PwC personal income tax rates
- PwC corporate income tax rates
- EuroCosts data scope and generation process
Explore Montenegro comparisons · Explore Serbia comparisons