Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Ecuador
Based on our comparison, Cuenca wins 6 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Cuenca, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Cuenca
$819/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cuenca
7.5/10
Our Recommendation: Cuenca is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Cuenca for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Cuenca is the more budget-friendly option at $819/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. Cuenca offers 80 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Cuenca (5.4/10).
Overall: Cuenca's NomadIQ score of 7.5/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Cuenca is 37% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Cuenca (5.4/10).
7.4/10
Budva
5.4/10
Cuenca
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 80 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
80 Mbps
Cuenca
Based on our analysis, Cuenca edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Cuenca: Best for budget-conscious expats
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