Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Panama
Based on our comparison, David wins 4 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and David, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
David
$824/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
David
7.3/10
Our Recommendation: David is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and David for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: David is the more budget-friendly option at $824/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. David offers 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than David (6.9/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.3/10.
David is 37% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to David (6.9/10).
7.4/10
Budva
6.9/10
David
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
70 Mbps
David
Based on our analysis, David edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
David: Best for budget-conscious expats
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