Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

Dominican Republic
Based on our comparison, Puerto Plata wins 7 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Puerto Plata, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Puerto Plata
$891/mo
Best Internet
Puerto Plata
95 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Puerto Plata
7.6/10
Our Recommendation: Puerto Plata is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Puerto Plata for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Puerto Plata is the more budget-friendly option at $891/month versus Budva's $1,303/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Puerto Plata provides faster connectivity at 95 Mbps compared to Budva's 90 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Puerto Plata (6.1/10).
Overall: Puerto Plata's NomadIQ score of 7.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Puerto Plata is 32% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Puerto Plata (6.1/10).
7.4/10
Budva
6.1/10
Puerto Plata
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Puerto Plata offers faster internet at 95 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
95 Mbps
Puerto Plata
Based on our analysis, Puerto Plata edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Puerto Plata: Best for budget-conscious expats
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