Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro

North Macedonia
Based on our comparison, Skopje wins 6 out of 8 categories.Budva wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Skopje, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Skopje
$768/mo
Best Internet
Budva
90 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Skopje
7.8/10
Our Recommendation: Skopje is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Budva and Skopje for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Skopje is the more budget-friendly option at $768/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. Skopje offers 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Skopje (5.4/10).
Overall: Skopje's NomadIQ score of 7.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Skopje is 41% cheaper than Budva.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Skopje (5.4/10).
7.4/10
Budva
5.4/10
Skopje
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Budva offers faster internet at 90 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
85 Mbps
Skopje
Based on our analysis, Skopje edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Skopje: Best for budget-conscious expats
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