The cheapest cities in Europe for ex-pats 2023
The cheapest cities in Europe for Expats 2023
You must spend on certain things in life, such as food or paying for your accommodation. But you can escape and pay less.
We have therefore researched the cheapest cities in Europe where you could expatriate.
We looked at the cost of everyday consumer products and all the factors to consider for the quality of life according to the cost of it because some of the best things in life are still free – like living in a friendly community or having access to a sandy beach.
Europe, where you can get the most for your money.
The cheapest cities in Europe for Expats 2022
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a rising star but still surprisingly accessible for one of Europe’s biggest capitals.
The city also welcomes ex-pats and offers exciting nightlife and a great cultural scene. You will need to pay 3 euros for a bottle of beer.
Housing remains more expensive than in the past, but rents are still around 40% lower than in Paris. You will pay about 550 euros for a large studio.
Barcelona, Spain
The cost of living in Spain has gone down in recent years. Barcelona is about 20% cheaper than the capital, Madrid, and many ex-pats prefer its unique atmosphere and sandy beaches.
One Londoner even discovered living in Barcelona and flying to the UK daily for work would be cheaper. The weather must also have influenced his decision.
The best suburb for an expatriate with a small budget is Nou Barris. The district is very cosmopolitan and welcomes many students. It is possible to find a two-room apartment for 400 euros per month.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a modern city experiencing rapid development. It sees the emergence of many start-ups and has an old town that will make your friends on Instagram envious. The cost of living there constantly increases, but living there is still very interesting.
A month’s rent starts at 350 euros for a studio, while a midday meal accompanied by a drink will be charged around 8 euros.
If you live in London or Paris, you’ll likely want to sit down before you hear the following.
The cost of a public transport subscription is exactly 0 euros in Tallinn. You heard it suitable – nada, nothing, rien. Trams and buses are free for all residents.
Warsaw, Poland.
Many people, including many ex-pats, are returning now that the economy is growing there. The cost of living is still low, even in Warsaw’s capital, where most people settle.
The food is affordable and especially if you buy local products. Look to Polish sausages, ham, cheese, and dark rye bread. The Pierogis (ravioli) cost nothing and are also delicious.
For accommodation, the most accessible of the districts is Praga, even if it will surely not last. Many artists and young professionals have moved to this district. It will no doubt become trendy very quickly.
Riga, Latvia
When low-cost flights arrived in Riga, British revelers discovered that life there was very accessible. Fortunately, sitting next to another ex-pat is no longer uncommon when you move there.
Latvia may be a small country, but Riga is a dynamic city with many cultures. The price of a seat at the National Opera starts at 7 euros. You can even dine for two and receive a change of 20 euros.
Riga is often compared to Tallinn, further north, but prices are lower, especially regarding housing. You can get a three-room apartment in the center of Riga for less than 700 euros.
Athens, Greece
Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe and one of the most impressive, although it is currently going through a difficult period. This has lowered the cost of living significantly over the past few years.
It’s more complicated to find a job there as an ex-pat, but many still enjoy a high quality of life – especially retirees, students, or international freelancers.
The cost of rent was particularly affected. Prices are now around 80% lower than in London. Renting a studio for less than 300 euros in the city center is possible.
Istanbul, Turkey
Two continents for the price of one in Istanbul. Half of the city is in Europe, so that we can put it on the list.
Imported goods are expensive especially alcohol. But housing, food, and services such as the medical field are very accessible. Many ex-pats can even afford to have a housekeeper at home.
If you’re looking for a bargain, skip the boutiques and head to the city’s bustling markets and side streets.
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Lisbon, Portugal
In Lisbon, it feels like something other than in the capital. It’s much cheaper than most Western European cities, but it’s also quiet, the crime rate is meager, and the countryside is fantastic and accessible very quickly.
Except for imported goods, prices are almost lower for everything – even compared to its neighbor, Spain. Rents, for example, are around 25% cheaper than in Madrid.
You can also eat for less, as long as you avoid the tourist areas. You will find local and noisy cafes serving traditional dishes like salt cod. A cup of coffee will cost you, on average, only 1 euro 30
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is home to enough history, culture, and art to rival Europe’s biggest cities, and you can enjoy it at far more attractive prices.
The Czech Republic is part of the European Union (and now likes to call itself the Czech Republic), but it has kept its currency which remains weak compared to the others.
Stay away from tourist traps; you can save a lot in Prague. For lunch and a drink, it will cost you 5 euros and around 1 euro 50 for a pint of beer (and you will find delicious bars there ). A large studio will cost you around 400 euros per month.
Budapest, Hungary
Over 40,000 ex-pats now call Budapest home. They were attracted by the relatively low cost of living, growing ex-pat opportunities, and a wide range of things to do when not working.
And there’s also this catchy song about life in Budapest.
Hungary also kept its currency, which has remained weak in recent years. I like George Ezra; if you want a house in Budapest with a hidden treasure chest, you must pay 1000 euros per square meter. You can also rent a three-room apartment for just over 500 euros.
Krakow, Poland
Average daily budget: €24.03
Ideas for a budget in Krakow
“Plac Nowy,” Krakow’s market square, is the ideal place for antiquing, but it is also full of cafes and bars with a bohemian atmosphere and very affordable prices. Every month, from May to September, the Krakow Festival ( Krakowskie Noce ) offers a free concert.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Average daily budget: €31.40
Ideas for a budget in Bratislava
The Slovak National Museum and the Transport Museum can be visited on the 1st Sunday of each month. During the summer you can watch cinema screenings on the beach in Bratislava for free. Only the drinks are chargeable!
Popular and affordable cities from Bratislava
Take a regional train from Bratislava Central Station, Bratislava hlavná stanica, to reach Vienna’s central station, Wien HBF (reservation optional). You will arrive in Vienna in 1 hour and 5 minutes maximum.
The cheapest cities in Europe for Expats 2023
Zagreb, Croatia
Average daily budget: €31.07
Ideas for small budgets in Zagreb
Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, an actual tragicomic experience. Then, head to the nearby Dolac market to stock up on fresh fruit under red umbrellas as far as the eye can see.
Popular and affordable cities from Zagreb
By taking a direct train, you can travel to Split, in southern Croatia, or Budapest, Hungary. Each of these journeys will take you approximately 6 hours.
The cheapest cities in Europe for ex-pats 2023
Belgrade, Serbia
Average daily budget: €24.60
Ideas for a small budget in Belgrade
You can enter for free in Belgrade and wander around the 18th-century fortress. You will also love the entertainment and concerts on Skadarlija, a Belgrade bohemian district street.
Popular and affordable cities from Belgrade
In less than 8 hours, you can reach Budapest (Hungary) by taking a direct train or Zagreb (Croatia) by taking a night train.
Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
Average daily budget: €26.79
Ideas for small budgets in Sarajevo
You should take a trip to the Old Bazaar ( Baščaršija ). The magnificent churches and mosques of the city are free to enter. However, plan your visits outside of prayer times.
The cheapest cities in Europe for ex-pats 2023
Popular and affordable cities from Sarajevo
You can reach Mostar by train from Sarajevo in less than 3 hours. The journey to Zagreb (Croatia) takes 9.5 hours.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Average daily budget: €22.35
Ideas for small budgets in Sofia
Entrance to the National Gallery of Fine Arts in Sofia is free. Witness the changing of the guard in front of the presidential palace. A little thirsty? Mineral water from the hot springs of Bania Bachi is freely available!
Other Very Affordable Cities from Sofia
A train connects Sofia to Bucharest (Romania) every day for 9.5 hours. A direct train will allow you to reach the Bulgarian coastal town of Bourgas in 8 hours, perfect for small budgets.
The cheapest cities in Europe for ex-pats 2023
Bucharest, Romania
Average daily budget: €24.03
Ideas for small budgets in Bucharest
Garajul Ciclop’s incredible graffiti will delight art lovers and photographers alike. The entrance to the monumental Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is paying, but it is just as impressive from the outside.
Popular and affordable cities from Bucharest
Brașov is 2.5 hours away by train. A train from Bucharest will allow you to reach Sofia (Bulgaria) in 9.5 hours.
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The cheapest cities in Europe for ex-pats 2023
