Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Europe For Expats
Europe offers a diverse range of cities that combine rich cultural experiences with affordable living, making them ideal destinations for expats. Whether you seek historic charm, coastal beauty, or vibrant urban life, these cities provide excellent quality of life without a hefty price tag. Below is an in-depth look at ten such cities, each offering unique advantages for those looking to relocate:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Budapest, Hungary
- Valencia, Spain
- Krakow, Poland
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Riga, Latvia
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Prague, Czech Republic
Each of these cities not only offers affordable housing, food, and transport but also boasts thriving cultural scenes, modern amenities, and welcoming communities for expats.
1. Living in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic neighborhoods, and picturesque landscapes. The city’s Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive destination year-round. Lisbon seamlessly blends traditional Portuguese heritage with a modern cosmopolitan vibe, evident in its bustling markets, contemporary art scenes, and innovative culinary offerings.
The city’s public transportation system is both efficient and affordable, encompassing buses, trams, and a metro system that connects various districts. Lisbon is also a hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs, thanks to its growing startup ecosystem and numerous co-working spaces. The local populace is known for their hospitality, and English is widely spoken, easing the transition for expats.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: Rental prices in Lisbon have seen an increase due to its rising popularity. As of recent data, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges between €1,500 to €2,500, depending on the unit’s location and amenities. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average around €100 per month.
- Food: Groceries for a single person typically cost between €200 to €300 monthly. Dining out varies by establishment; a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages €15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €50.
- Transportation: A monthly public transport pass is priced at approximately €40, granting access to buses, trams, and metro services. Taxis and ride-sharing services start at €3.50 plus €0.47 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet services average around €30 per month. Mobile phone plans with calls, texts, and data start at €20 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Entertainment, leisure activities, and personal expenses add an additional €200 to €400 monthly, depending on lifestyle choices.
2. Living in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is celebrated for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is divided by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, each offering distinct experiences. Buda boasts historic sites and hilly landscapes, while Pest is known for its lively urban atmosphere.
Budapest’s public transportation network includes buses, trams, and a metro system, making commuting straightforward. The city is also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a range of dining options from traditional Hungarian eateries to international cuisines. English is commonly spoken in central areas, particularly among younger residents and in tourist-centric zones.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: The rental market in Budapest offers a variety of options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €500 to €800 per month, while outside the center, it’s around €350 to €600. Utilities average around €120 monthly.
- Food: Monthly grocery expenses are approximately €150 to €250. Dining out is affordable; a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages €10, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about €40.
- Transportation: A monthly public transport pass costs around €30. Taxi fares start at €2.50, with an additional €1 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet costs approximately €20 per month, with mobile plans starting at €15 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, including entertainment and personal items, typically add up to €200 to €350 monthly.
3. Living in Valencia, Spain
Valencia, situated on Spain’s southeastern coast, is renowned for its blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The city offers beautiful beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Valencia is famous as the birthplace of paella and hosts numerous festivals, including the renowned Las Fallas.
The city’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and a metro, facilitating easy navigation. Valencia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Turia Gardens, which provide residents with ample recreational opportunities.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €700 to €1,000 per month, while outside the center, it’s €500 to €800. Utilities average around €100 monthly.
- Food: Monthly groceries cost approximately €200 to €300. Dining out averages €12 per meal, with a three-course meal for two costing about €45.
- Transportation: A monthly transport pass is around €40. Taxi fares start at €4, with an additional €1.10 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet costs approximately €30 monthly, with mobile plans starting at €20.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses average €200 to €350 monthly.
4. Living in Krakow, Poland
Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital, offers expats a blend of history, vibrant nightlife, and affordability. Known for its well-preserved medieval core, Krakow also boasts a dynamic arts scene and numerous festivals throughout the year.
The city is compact, making it easy to navigate on foot or via public transport. Krakow is also home to several universities, creating a youthful and energetic atmosphere. Its cost-effective living standards attract many expats and students alike.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €400-€700, while suburban areas are €300-€500. Utilities average €100 monthly.
- Food: Groceries cost €150-€250 monthly. Dining out is very affordable at €5-€10 per meal, with mid-range dining for two around €35.
- Transportation: Monthly passes are €25. Taxi fares start at €2, with €0.80 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: Internet costs around €20, and mobile plans start at €10.
- Miscellaneous: Additional monthly expenses range from €150 to €300.
5. Living in Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is a coastal city rich in history and culture, offering a laid-back lifestyle with a Mediterranean charm. Known for its vibrant food scene and historical landmarks, the city is a blend of ancient and modern Greece.
Expats in Thessaloniki enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and a slower pace of life compared to Athens. The city’s coastal promenade is a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: City center apartments cost €400-€700, while outside the center, they range from €300-€500. Utilities are around €90 monthly.
- Food: Groceries cost about €200 monthly, and dining out is €8-€12 per meal, with mid-range dining at €30 for two.
- Transportation: A monthly pass is €30. Taxi fares start at €3, with €0.50 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: Internet costs €25 monthly, with mobile plans starting at €15.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses range from €150 to €300 monthly.
6. Living in Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia offers expats a low cost of living with modern amenities. The city is surrounded by mountains, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Sofia’s public transport system includes buses, trams, and a metro. The city’s affordability and growing international community make it an attractive destination for expats.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: City center apartments cost €300-€500, with suburban areas at €200-€400. Utilities average €80 monthly.
- Food: Groceries cost €150-€200 monthly. Dining out costs €5-€8 per meal, with mid-range dining at €25 for two.
- Transportation: Monthly passes are €25. Taxi fares start at €1, with €0.60 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: Internet costs €20, with mobile plans starting at €10.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses range from €100 to €250 monthly.
7. Living in Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a city where history meets modernity. Nestled along the Danube River and bordering Austria and Hungary, its strategic location offers expats easy access to other European destinations. The city’s compact size means that most amenities are within walking distance, and its well-preserved medieval architecture coexists with contemporary developments.
The local culture is rich, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music festivals. Bratislava’s culinary scene offers traditional Slovak dishes alongside international cuisines, catering to diverse palates. The city is also known for its safety and cleanliness, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: Rental prices in Bratislava are relatively affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €760 per month, while outside the center, rents are approximately €580 monthly. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, typically add about €150 per month.
- Food: Monthly grocery expenses for an individual are estimated between €200 to €300. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €10, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging €40.
- Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and economical. A monthly pass for buses, trams, and trolleybuses costs approximately €30. Taxi services start at €3, with an additional €1 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet services are available for about €20 per month. Mobile phone plans, including calls, texts, and data, start at €15 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, such as entertainment, fitness memberships, and personal care, can range from €200 to €400 monthly, depending on lifestyle choices.
8. Living in Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a vibrant city known for its Art Nouveau architecture and rich cultural heritage. As the largest city in the Baltic states, Riga offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes and shops.
Riga’s cultural scene is dynamic, with various music festivals, art exhibitions, and theaters. The city is also home to a growing expat community, attracted by its affordable living costs and high quality of life. English is widely spoken, especially among the younger population, making it easier for expats to integrate.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: In Riga, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €530 per month, while outside the center, rents are approximately €400 monthly. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, typically add about €150 per month.
- Food: Monthly grocery expenses for an individual are estimated between €200 to €300. Dining out is affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €10, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging €40.
- Transportation: Riga offers an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A monthly pass costs approximately €35. Taxi services start at €2.50, with an additional €0.80 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet services are available for about €20 per month. Mobile phone plans, including calls, texts, and data, start at €15 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, such as entertainment, fitness memberships, and personal care, can range from €200 to €400 monthly, depending on individual preferences.
9. Living in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” Sarajevo boasts a unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The city’s scenic backdrop, surrounded by mountains, offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
The local community is known for its warmth and hospitality. While Bosnian is the official language, English is increasingly spoken, particularly among younger residents and in business settings. Sarajevo’s cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking affordability without compromising on cultural experiences.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: Rental prices in Sarajevo are among the most affordable in Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €340 per month, while outside the center, rents are approximately €250 monthly. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, typically add about €100 per month.
- Food: Monthly grocery expenses for an individual are estimated between €150 to €250. Dining out is very affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €5, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging €30.
- Transportation: Sarajevo’s public transportation system includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses. A monthly pass costs approximately €25. Taxi services start at €1.50, with an additional €0.70 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet services are available for about €15 per month. Mobile phone plans, including calls, texts, and data, start at €10 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, such as entertainment, fitness
10. Living in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a harmonious blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking both beauty and functionality.
The city’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable, encompassing buses, trams, and a metro network that connects various parts of the city seamlessly. Prague is also a hub for education and innovation, hosting numerous international universities and tech companies. The local populace is generally proficient in English, especially in central areas, which eases the transition for expats.
Cost Breakdown:
- Accommodation: Rental prices in Prague are relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €760 per month, while outside the center, rents are approximately €580 monthly. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, typically add about €150 per month.
- Food: Monthly grocery expenses for an individual are estimated between €200 to €300. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €10, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging €40.
- Transportation: Prague offers an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. A monthly pass costs approximately €30. Taxi services start at €2.50, with an additional €1 per kilometer.
- Internet and Mobile: High-speed internet services are available for about €20 per month. Mobile phone plans, including calls, texts, and data, start at €15 monthly.
- Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, such as entertainment, fitness memberships, and personal care, can range from €200 to €400 monthly, depending on individual preferences.
