Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Montenegro
Croatia
Based on our comparison, Budva wins 5 out of 8 categories.Split wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Budva and Split, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Budva
$1,303/mo
Best Internet
Split
140 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Split
7.6/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Budva if budget is your top priority, or Split if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Budva and Split for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Budva offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,303/month compared to Split's $1,565/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Split provides faster connectivity at 140 Mbps compared to Budva's 90 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.4/10, Budva provides a more secure environment than Split (7/10).
Overall: Split's NomadIQ score of 7.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Budva is 17% cheaper than Split.
Budva has a higher safety score (7.4/10) compared to Split (7/10).
7.4/10
Budva
7/10
Split
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Split offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Budva
140 Mbps
Split
Based on our analysis, Budva edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Budva: Best for budget-conscious expats
Split: Best for those prioritizing amenities
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.