Food prices in Montenegro up 48% since 2021, minimum wage up 102%

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Montenegro rose 48% from August 2021 to August 2026, while the gross minimum wage increased by 102%, according to a Euronews Business analysis based on Eurostat data.

Despite the sharp price rises, minimum-wage growth has outpaced food inflation, so the food purchasing power of the minimum wage is up about 37% compared with five years ago.

Montenegro ranks third among 26 countries analyzed for minimum-wage growth, behind Turkey and Serbia, while for food price rises it is seventh among 35 European states.

The analysis notes, however, that the figures do not show the absolute level of wages or the general standard of living, as they exclude other expenses such as rent, bills and taxes.