Top Cities and Cheap Countries in Europe to Live

Before moving to another European city, one of the most common questions is the cost of living in Europe. How much does it cost to live in Europe? However, with good planning and information about the cheapest European cities to live in, we will see that there are many very affordable options for living in Europe.

The truth is that many cities on the European continent will show you how affordable it can be to live and travel in some areas of this continent, even if you don’t have a big budget.

If you are a freelancer, a digital nomad, an online entrepreneur, or simply have plans to emigrate to a destination that can bring new things to your life, through this post you will learn which European cities are most frequently mentioned on the official lists of the most affordable destinations in Europe today. In addition, you will understand how their cost of living can be perfectly adjusted to your budget.

Do you want to start planning a new life in Europe? Then we recommend you look at these 10 highly affordable European cities.

Budapest, Hungary

On any list of the cheapest cities in Europe to live in, or even of destinations preferred by digital nomads, you will probably see the name of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Budapest is a special city to lead a “low cost” life.

With an average cost of just 360 euros per person, enough to cover basic monthly expenses such as food, transport, and shared accommodation, Budapest has maintained a very high position in this ranking over the last few years.

Budapest offers a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, and a rich history, making it an attractive place to live. The city’s efficient public transportation system ensures easy mobility and affordable dining options allow you to enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Budapest provides a range of co-working spaces for digital nomads and a thriving community, making it an ideal location to work and connect with like-minded individuals.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and on the banks of the Miljacka River lies the city of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nicknamed the “Jerusalem of Europe,” Sarajevo has earned this recognition for being home to Muslims, Orthodox, Catholics, and Jews, making it one of the most religiously and culturally diverse cities in all of Europe.

According to estimates by The Economist Intelligence Unit, the average net monthly salary is 1,286 convertible marks (657.52 euros), and many people agree that this is enough to live cheaply, paying rent, covering basic services, going out at night to do leisure activities, and even travelling around the region.

Sarajevo’s affordability extends beyond just the basic cost of living. The city offers a rich cultural experience, with numerous festivals, museums, and historical sites to explore. The blend of different cultures and religions creates a unique and welcoming atmosphere, making it an interesting place to live and learn. Additionally, Sarajevo’s growing tech scene and availability of remote work opportunities make it a viable option for digital nomads and freelancers looking for a cost-effective yet enriching environment.

If you want to find out more about living in Sarajevo if you are Spanish, the Spanish Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot of information about how to settle there.

Bucharest, Romania

If you want to escape from a fast-paced city with crowds of people that make you feel uncomfortable, but without giving up the possibility of having a social life and finding good job offers, Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a good destination to think about, especially for its low monthly cost of living, where covering all essential expenses is, on average, 34.44% cheaper than in large cities in Spain.

According to various sources, it is possible to live very well in Bucharest on an income of only 600-700 euros per month, or even less, provided you are very careful, thrifty, and orderly with the products and services you consume.

Bucharest is a city of contrasts, where historical charm meets modern development. The city’s affordable cost of living is complemented by its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and numerous cultural attractions. For digital nomads and freelancers, Bucharest offers a range of co-working spaces and a growing startup scene, making it an attractive location for those looking to balance work and leisure.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukraine is a fairly affordable destination for tourists and locals alike, but the capital city of Kyiv in particular has a lot to offer for very little: rents for 300 euros a month with bills and services covered, very cheap transport prices, and food with multiple offers.

Kyiv is a city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a mix of historical sites, modern amenities, and vibrant street life. The affordability of living in Kyiv makes it an attractive destination for those looking to experience Eastern European culture on a budget. The city’s public transportation system is efficient and inexpensive, allowing easy access to various parts of the city. Additionally, Kyiv’s growing tech industry and availability of remote work opportunities make it an ideal location for digital nomads and freelancers.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a city in southern Poland close to the border with the Czech Republic, highly recognized for preserving the Polish historical essence in all its splendour, but also for managing a fairly affordable cost of living, at least compared to other cities in Europe in prices related to food, housing, basic services, transportation passes, and much more. Krakow offers a rich cultural and historical experience with its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant arts scene, and numerous festivals. The city’s affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for those looking to live in Europe without spending a fortune. For digital nomads and freelancers, Krakow provides a range of co-working spaces and a supportive community, making it an ideal location to work and thrive.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Prices in Sofia, the beautiful Bulgarian city, should not only stand out for having cheap wines and beers.

The reality is that the overall cost of living in this city is not far behind, qualifying as one of the cities with the best quality of life scores compared to other cities in Europe and even the rest of the world, especially for housing and the low taxes that citizens are required to pay (Bulgaria is one of the countries in the European Union with the lowest taxes).

Both factors are crucial in a person’s monthly expenses, so it is possible that if you decide to move to Sofia, your expenses will be considerably reduced.

Sofia offers a blend of modern amenities and historical charm, with its affordable cost of living being a major draw for expatriates and digital nomads. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, numerous parks, and proximity to nature make it an attractive place to live. Additionally, Sofia’s growing tech industry and availability of remote work opportunities make it an ideal location for those looking to work and live in an affordable yet dynamic environment.

Belgrade, Serbia

For the capital of Serbia, Belgrade remains firmly on the list of European cities with an affordable cost of living for those who wish to settle in its lands. Its cost of living is positioned with expenses 47% lower than in other cities in Eastern Europe, according to the Expatistan portal.

Belgrade offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions, with its affordable cost of living making it an attractive destination for expatriates and digital nomads. The city’s vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and rich cultural scene provide plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Additionally, Belgrade’s growing tech industry and availability of remote work opportunities make it an ideal location for those looking to balance work and leisure in an affordable environment.

Porto, Portugal

The colourful city of Porto, Portugal, is not only known for its wine but for being an accessible destination for tourism, where it is worth noting that for very few euros it is possible to enjoy a meal out, a fado musical performance, or a visit to one of its many historic buildings.

However, when it comes to affordable living costs for those looking to settle locally, Porto also has a lot to offer for little, being a cheaper city than many Spanish cities, especially due to its ability to rent affordable and well-located homes.

Porto offers a high quality of life with its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and digital nomads. The city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene provide plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Porto’s growing tech industry and availability of remote work opportunities make it an ideal location for those looking to work and live in an affordable yet dynamic environment.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Although it is very common to see Prague on any list of the cheapest European cities, the reality is that the Czech Republic also hides a gem called Cesky Krumlov, a small city in the South Bohemian region that offers fairly fair prices and costs of living compared to many cities in Europe.

Cesky Krumlov offers a charming and affordable living experience with its well-preserved medieval architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for those looking to live in Europe without spending a fortune. For digital nomads and freelancers, Cesky Krumlov provides a range of co-working spaces and a supportive community, making it an ideal location to work and thrive.

Split, Croatia

In recent years, the Croatian city of Split has reached a high point of popularity among European travellers and expatriates who find in this destination an opportunity to get to know a new place without spending a fortune in the process.

Known for its attractive beaches and a very interesting historic centre, Split has attractive prices for housing, food, transportation, and other basic expenses, among which the Internet stands out, a very affordable service in Croatia.

Split offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions. To finish on the most economical European cities

Oh! It seems that it is already getting late, and it is time to pack your bags without any excuses in between because, as you can see, the European continent is not far behind when we talk about cheap cities to live and work in around the world , proving that in Europe there is always a place friendly to all budgets and lifestyles. 

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in one of the European cities on this list? Is there one that has particularly piqued your curiosity?