Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Colombia
Based on our comparison, Cali wins 5 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Cali, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cali
$763/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cali
7.5/10
Our Recommendation: Cali is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Cali for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cali is the more budget-friendly option at $763/month versus Budva's $1,303/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Budva leads with 90 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Cali offers 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Cali (2.9/10).
Overall: Cali's NomadIQ score of 7.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cali is 41% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Cali (2.9/10).
7.4/10
Budva
2.9/10
Cali
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
85 Mbps
Cali
Based on our analysis, Cali edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Cali: Best for budget-conscious expats
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.