Are you looking to move abroad and are wondering what are some of the cheapest European countries to live in?
While moving abroad can be both an exciting and challenging experience, you need to properly explore your options before making a final decision. You must also determine how much money you will need to enjoy a good standard of living, as well as pay your rent, bills, and other expenses.
However, the experience itself does not have to be intimidating. Understanding some of the essential details prior to leaving will help you in the long run.
Kickstart your journey with this list of the cheapest European countries to live in:
Portugal
Turkey
Romania
Poland
Hungary
Slovakia
Czechia
Montenegro
Latvia
Portugal
Located in Western Europe, Portugal is one of the cheapest European countries to live in. In general, expats have declared that you need at least $1,000-1,500 per month in Portugal for two adults.
Lisbon, being Portugal’s capital, has the biggest number of expats in Portugal however other cities such as Porto, Braga, and Castelo Branco are cheaper. Although it has increasingly been gaining popularity (and therefore an increase in prices), it is still considered cheap compared to other countries in Western Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.)
(in Lisbon) $1,013.02 (outside of Lisbon) $500-700
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $10 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $45
Utilities (on average)
$91.75
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$1-5
Minimum salary
$718.72
See how to apply for a national (long-term) visa to live in Portugal.
Additionally: Portugal has national health coverage and provides free healthcare to children below the age of 18 and adults over 65 years old. Portugal also has one of the lowest crime rates; in 2020, it was ranked as the third safest country in the world.
Turkey
Turkey tops the list of the cheapest countries to live in Europe. Just about everything, from prices of food, public transport to accommodation, is very affordable. You can get around in Turkey by buses, minibuses, ferries, or trams. Food is also quite cheap. For example, eating out is equivalent to cooking at home. Generally, you need at least $600 for two adults per month in Turkey.
Average costs of living in Turkey:
Rent
(in Ankara) $234 (outside of Ankara) $140
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $3.30 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $15.40
Utilities (on average)
$22-80
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$0.34
Minimum salary
$223
See how to apply for a Turkish visa and residence permit.
Romania
Romania is one of the cheapest European countries to live in, and Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, is fairly cheap in comparison with many other capital cities in Europe. In general, the total amount for a month spent in Romania is $700 for one individual.
Rent
(in Bucharest) $351 (outside Bucharest) $250
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6.95 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $30.68
Utilities
$70-100
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$61
Minimum salary
$471.71
See how to apply for a Romanian residence permit.
Poland
Compared to its counterparts, Poland is considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in. It is also one of the most economically developed countries in Eastern Europe. The quality of life in Poland is of comparable standards, plus it is low-cost. Rent in Krakow, which is Poland’s second-largest city, ranges from $315 to $500 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you decide to live in Olsztyn, for example, which is a city in Northern Poland, things will be cheaper. It is the perfect place for those who enjoy nature as well as the vibrant nightlife.
The capital city of Poland, Warsaw, is generally 10% more expensive than Krakow, but it is still affordable.
Rent
(in Warsaw) $517.41 (outside Warsaw) $438.48
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6.30 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $31
Utilities (on average)
$183.97
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$0.85
Minimum salary
$650.37
See how to apply for a Polish temporary residence permit.
Hungary
Hungary is home to more than 180,000 expats who have chosen Hungary as their long-term destination. The reason is Hungary’s low-cost living conditions, as well as its great quality of life. It is no surprise that Hungary is one of the cheapest European countries to live in. Naturally, in Budapest (the capital), the cost of living will be higher; generally by 10% to 30%. Yet rarely does anyone pay more than $600 in rent in Budapest, and the same cannot be said about other capital cities in Europe. Rent for a relatively large apartment costs $396 per month, while $150-250 for smaller apartments.
Healthcare is free for all residents. Hungary also covers first aid assistance and emergency treatment for all expats.
Rent
(in Budapest) $400 (outside Budapest) $280
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6.04 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $33.85
Utilities (on average)
$123
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$0.88
Minimum salary
$501.66
See how to apply for a permanent visa to Hungary.
Slovakia
Expats all around the world are increasingly choosing to call Slovakia their home. Its rich and diverse cultural heritage, affordable living conditions, and so much more have made Slovakia the place to go, as it is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe. While Bratislava can be more expensive, the countryside is quite affordable.
Rent
(in Bratislava) $494 (outside of Bratislava) $397
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6 Meal for two at a relatively inexpensive restaurant $30.00
Utilities (on average)
$181.01
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$0.90
Minimum salary
$580
Check how to apply for a Slovakian residence permit here.
Czechia
The Czech Republic is the second richest Slavic-speaking country. It is, as well, one of the cheapest European countries to live in. Living costs range from $350 to $750 per month, but it all depends on where it is that you are moving to. Prices normally go down when you go out of the capital and move to a smaller city or town. Public transport and food are affordable, no matter where in the country.
The quality of life is excellent, and the job market is very favorable for expats, as Prague and other cities in Czechia offer plenty of English-speaking jobs.
Rent
(In Prague) $350 up to $800 (outside Prague) $250
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6.87 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $33.04
Utilities (on average)
$217.56
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$1.24
Minimum salary
$672
See how to apply for a residence permit for the Czech Republic.
Montenegro
Located in Southeastern Europe, Montenegro is listed as one of the cheapest European countries to live in. Prices remain relatively cheap, even though tourism in Montenegro has been at an all-time high in the past couple of years.
Rent
(in Podgorica) $500 (outside of Podgorica) $150-200
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $6 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $27.00
Utilities (on average)
$100
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$1
Minimum salary
$331.33
See how to apply for a visa to Montenegro.
Latvia
Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea, is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in. Expatriates moving to Latvia usually face no issues when trying to find a job, as there is a shortage in the language and IT sectors. Therefore, knowledge of additional languages and especially English will be of great help, and foreigners commonly fill in these positions.
Taxes, though, are cheap, and that is one of the reasons why Latvia is a common destination for expatriates. The residence permit can either be temporary for a limited time or long-term.
Rent
(in Riga) $454 (outside of Riga) $324
Meals
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $9.96 Meal for two at a relatively expensive restaurant $49.81
Utilities (on average)
$251
Public transport (single public transport ticket)
$1.15
Minimum salary
$500
See how to apply for a visa to Latvia residence permit.
» Here you can check list of 10 Cheapest Countries in the World to Live In.
Montenegro is popularly known as one of the cheapest place to live in Europe that speak English and has a higher percentage of English-speaking population. If you are someone, who is not interested in learning a new language to move to a new EU country, Montenegro is for you.
Montenegro is popularly known as one of the cheapest place to live in Europe that speak English and has a higher percentage of English-speaking population. If you are someone, who is not interested in learning a new language to move to a new EU country, Montenegro is for you.
Possibly the cheapest English-speaking country to live in is South Africa. Not only can you get by without having to go to language school, but most South African cities also have a high standard of living, similar to Western cities, which will make the transition much easier.
Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.
Singapore. Singapore is a country where you can find political stability as well as safety, as there is a low crime rate there. You can also find people from various nationalities already living there. They include people from China, Malaysia, and India.
Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland are some of Europe's top English-speaking countries. English is spoken by 62% of the German population and 61% of the Belgium population. The UK and the Republic of Ireland comprise the European Anglosphere which has over 71 million in population.
It might be surprising, but according to a study that came out in May 2023, Lisbon is the cheapest city break in Europe right now. It's the first time the city has topped the Post Office's list of affordable European cities.
The top three countries for American expats are Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which are all popular for their proximity to the States and lower cost of living.
Austria is located in the heart of Europe and is bordered by eight other countries, making it one of the most difficult places to become a naturalized citizen. The process requires 12 years of continuous residency, including three years of marriage to an Austrian citizen, and passing a language test.
40% opt for the Western hemisphere — Canada, Central and South America. 26% move to Europe. 14% head to East Asia and the Pacific — think Australia and New Zealand as well as China and Japan. 14% head to the Middle East.
Greece and Malta are some of the easiest and best places to retire in Europe, as they have large English-speaking communities. Other European destinations that are also suitable for retirement are Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.
Spain. There are numerous reasons why, for many American expats, Spain tops the list of best countries in Europe to live in. For a start, the country boasts a diverse and rich culture and quality of life, with something to offer everyone.
For most people, $5,000 is enough to travel Europe for a month. If you stick to a budget of $161 per day, including flights, a budget of $5,000 will last you exactly a month. Here's a cost breakdown for a month-long trip to Europe with a budget of $5,000: Flights- $1,000 (average)
On average, housing in Portugal costs around 1,100 EUR (1,200 USD) in rent per month. This number grew considerably from the 800 EUR (880 USD) registered just a year before. Rent prices will vary greatly depending on the part of the country in which you choose to live and the type of housing you seek.
If you want to move to Europe, you'll need a visa. Visas are country-specific, so checking which one is required for your destination is essential. You'll also want to get familiar with the non-permanent travel guidelines for the country you're settling in.
According to the GPI 2021 report, Iceland was ranked the safest country in the world for the 13th consecutive year, followed by New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, and Denmark. The GPI takes into account 23 indicators that are grouped under three domains: ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarization.
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries to immigrate to. It is also one of the easiest because it has a vast landmass and a small population. Canada covers several programs for immigrants to move to attract new residents.
The United States and India have the most total English speakers, with 306 million and 265 million, respectively. These are followed by Pakistan (104 million), the United Kingdom (68 million), and Nigeria (60 million). As of 2022, there were about 373 million native speakers of English.
It's no wonder Expat Insider ranked the country as the 5th best destination for expats in their 2021 study. In this guide, we will share with you the amazing reasons Portugal is the easiest European country to move to for every American.
Spain is one of the easiest European countries to move to as a US citizen. Since you are from an English-speaking country you can easily get a temporary visa via the North American Language and Cultural Assistant program.
Why Airbnb Is A Great Option For Travel Budgeting & Group Trips. Back in November 2020, it was determined that Airbnb rentals in London, specifically, were 59% cheaper than the average hotel room.
Switzerland is generally the most expensive country to visit in Europe. On average, the cost of accommodation, transportation, and food is higher than in other European countries. However, some European capitals, like Paris and London, tend to be as expensive!
5 places to live like a king for less than London rent
MEXICO. Situated between the United States and Central America, this vast country prides itself on its beauty and diverse landscape made up of mountains, coastlines, deserts, and jungles. ...
Almost any country you would want to live in welcomes American retirees, as long as they can prove that they have a certain minimum income from some combination of Social Security, a pension, and investment income.
A strong exchange rate, affordable housing, and free healthcare are just some of the reasons leading so many American citizens to make the move across the pond.
“A lot of the costs of the services that you buy are labor costs. Portugal's poorer. Wages are lower. Therefore the costs of most things that require a lot of labor are cheaper.”
Due to the program's efficient and rapid process, Antigua and Barbuda is considered one of the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment. The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides its holders visa-free travel to over 140 nations worldwide.
The wealth of a country has the big influence in providing safety and best quality of life for immigrants. The best countries when it comes to citizenship are: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Australia along with other countries in Europe.
The Cheapest Golden visa program in Europe is Malta MPRP. Malta offers direct permanent residence in schengen for one time government contribution of 100,000 euro plus fees. Renting a property or buying a real estate is required. Family members can be included.
Here are a few of the careers in which you might have more luck.
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). The classic profession for traveling English speakers is TEFL, which turns your key limitation — only speaking English — into a strength. ...
Yes, US citizens can move to Europe, but how easy it would be depends on which European country you want to live in. Every country has its own immigration rules. You'll need either a work permit (for a job in your target country), or another kind of residence visa.
The analysis showed that the cheapest apartments and houses in Europe are in the capital of Greece, Athens. The average cost per «square meter» in this city is €1,940. Greece, by the way, was the most economically prosperous country in 2022 according to The Economist.
Where is the cheapest place to retire in Europe? Some of the cheapest places to retire in Europe are the best places to retire in Europe on a budget. These include Malta, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Greece.
Bulgaria is one of the safest and cheapest places to live in the world, especially in Europe. Europe can be quite expensive, but everything in Bulgaria is affordable. The capital city is a great place to start, and there are lots of fun things to do in Sofia.
Visas. If you're going to work in Europe for a year, or if you want to stay in one country for the full year, you're going to need a visa. There are a ton of different visas, and each country has different entry criteria. Most countries offer sponsored work visas, familial visas, student visas, or retirement visas.
Ecuador. If you're looking for a country where you can retire outside the US comfortably with $800 per month and experience one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, then Ecuador might be for you. The go-to city for US retirees in Ecuador is Cuenca, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
US citizens can retire in Europe if they meet the eligibility criteria for retirement. Once the criteria are met, you need to apply for a long-stay visa to be allowed to stay in the country of your choice for a long-term period.
Madrid has good leisure activities and a welcoming culture
Madrid comes in just ahead of Lisbon in the rankings for quality of life, and is similarly loved for its sunny climate. The Spanish city is one of the best rated for nightlife and culture and is considered the most welcoming expat destination.
Firstly, the Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Portugal as the fourth-safest country to live in, while Italy is ranked at thirty-two. Of course, this doesn't mean Italy is completely unsafe, but an environment where you don't have to worry about your safety is an added benefit for older people.
The long-stay visa grants you temporary residence in the country.It also allows expats to work, study, retire or live in Spain. The long-stay visa is indefinite and renewable annually. In order to renew this visa, you'll need to spend at least six months per year in Spain.
Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio
Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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