Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Saudi Arabia
Based on our comparison, Mecca wins 5 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Mecca, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Mecca
$1,059/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Mecca
7.8/10
Our Recommendation: Mecca is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Mecca for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Mecca is the more budget-friendly option at $1,059/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. Mecca offers 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 8.2/10, Mecca offers better security than Budva (7.4/10).
Overall: Mecca's NomadIQ score of 7.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Mecca is 19% cheaper than Budva.
Mecca has a higher safety score (8.2/10) compared to Budva (7.4/10).
7.4/10
Budva
8.2/10
Mecca
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
85 Mbps
Mecca
Based on our analysis, Mecca edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Mecca: Best for budget-conscious expats
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