13 Cheapest Places to Live in Europe (By Cost of Living)

Looking for places to live in Europe on a budget right now? Let’s dive into some incredible cities and towns where you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. I’ve visited 40 countries in Europe and have lived in 3 cities, so I’m excited to share the most livable destinations with you. From the charming streets of Krakow, Poland, to the sunny shores of Portugal, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to live for less.

Imagine sipping coffee in a cozy café in Budapest, Hungary, or strolling through the historic old towns of Riga, Latvia. You could be looking to work remotely for a few months at a time or maybe you want to relocate permanently. We’re taking you on a tour of countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, where you can live comfortably without spending a fortune.

In this article, I’ll guide you through 13 of the cheapest places to live in Europe, each with its own unique appeal. From bustling capitals to serene countryside, these destinations cater to a variety of lifestyles and budgets. So, let’s start this amazing journey through Europe’s most budget-friendly spots!

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Cheapest Places to Live in Europe at a Glance

Ready for an exciting exploration of Europe’s most affordable places to live? Here are the countries that are most livable according to the data. I’ll cover the top cities and towns in depth below!

• Best for Remote Workers: Estonia – Tech-savvy and affordable, with great coworking spaces.
• Most Scenic: Slovenia – Breathtaking landscapes and low living costs.
• Best Coastal Living: Portugal – Affordable seaside towns with a laid-back vibe.
• Top Digital Nomad Hub: Croatia – Stunning beaches and a growing coworking scene.
• Best for Nature Lovers: Slovakia – Surrounded by mountains and natural beauty at a low price.
• Best for Culture & History: Poland – Rich history, affordable cities like Krakow.
• Most Affordable Capital: Romania – Bucharest offers incredible value for city life.

So book your flights to Europe and join me as we uncover these budget-friendly destinations!

1. Romania

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $2,800
• 🌟 Unique Features: Medieval castles 🏰, vibrant nightlife 🍻, and affordable living
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer 🌸 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Digital nomads 💻, history lovers 📜, budget travelers 💰

If you want affordable European living without sacrificing culture or adventure, Romania should be at the top of your list. With a low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, it’s one of the best budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

In Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, you can rent a modern apartment for under €500, while smaller cities like Cluj-Napoca and Brasov offer even lower prices. The country’s café culture is booming, making it a hotspot for remote workers and digital nomads. And when it’s time to explore? You’ll find fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, and the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains at your doorstep.

Food is another win—hearty Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled sausages) are both delicious and budget-friendly. Whether you’re after city life, history, or outdoor adventure, Romania delivers without draining your wallet.

2. Bulgaria

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,400 – $2,600
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning Black Sea coast 🌊, ancient ruins 🏛️, and low taxes
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer ☀️ (beach season)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Expats 🌎, retirees 🌿, remote workers 💼

Bulgaria is a hidden gem when it comes to affordable yet high-quality living in Europe. Whether you want beachfront bliss, mountain escapes, or city life, you’ll find it here—for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

In Sofia, the capital, you can rent an apartment for around €400-€600 per month. Want a coastal escape? The Black Sea towns of Varna and Burgas offer affordable seaside living. And if you love history, Plovdiv’s cobbled streets and ancient ruins will steal your heart.

The cost of daily life is refreshingly low—a full meal at a local restaurant costs around €5-€10, and public transport is just €25 per month. Plus, Bulgaria’s growing expat scene makes it easy to find community. 

Between its rich culture, stunning nature, and low living costs, Bulgaria is the ultimate budget-friendly European escape.

• Read next: 12 Must-See Balkans Attractions & Unique Activities in 2025

3. Hungary

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,200
• 🌟 Unique Features: Thermal baths 🛁, rich history 🏰, and affordable European lifestyle
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & fall 🍁 (mild weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Culture seekers 🎭, young professionals 💼, students 🎓

Dreaming of European elegance without the hefty price tag? Hungary is calling. With affordable rents, cheap public transport, and a vibrant cultural scene, it’s an incredible place to live on a budget while still enjoying a high quality of life.

Budapest, the country’s stunning capital, is packed with historic charm and modern amenities. Here, you can rent a central apartment for €500-€700, while indulging in cozy cafés, lively ruin bars, and relaxing thermal baths for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. The city’s public transport system is efficient and budget-friendly, with a monthly pass costing just €30.

Beyond the capital, Debrecen and Szeged offer even lower living costs, beautiful architecture, and easy access to Hungary’s rolling vineyards and scenic countryside. Whether you’re soaking in the famous Széchenyi Baths, exploring medieval castles, or cruising down the Danube, Hungary lets you live a chic European lifestyle—without breaking the bank.

4. Poland

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,700 – $3,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Historic cities 🏛️, thriving job market 💼, and beautiful countryside 🌲
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer 🌞 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Expats 🌎, entrepreneurs 🚀, students 📚

Poland is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe for affordable living. With low rental prices, cheap public transport, and a dynamic cultural scene, you get big-city perks without the big-city costs.

In Krakow, a beautiful city known for its medieval charm and vibrant nightlife, you can rent an apartment for €400-€600 per month. Warsaw, Poland’s capital, has a booming economy, thriving startup scene, and modern skyline, while cities like Wroclaw, Poznan, and Gdansk offer a mix of historic architecture, waterfront views, and even lower living costs.

Poland’s public transport is efficient and cheap—monthly passes cost around €20-€30, making it easy to explore. And let’s talk food: pierogi, żurek, and kielbasa make every meal affordable and delicious, with a full meal at a local restaurant costing as little as €5-€10.Whether you’re drawn to historic old towns, buzzing city life, or outdoor adventures, Poland lets you live well for less.

5. Latvia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,600 – $2,900
• 🌟 Unique Features: Baltic coastline 🌊, medieval architecture 🏰, and tech-friendly atmosphere
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Summer ☀️ (warmer temperatures)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Tech professionals 💻, nature lovers 🌳, budget-conscious movers 💰

If you want affordable living with a cool, underrated European vibe, Latvia is the place to be. This Baltic gem is packed with historic charm, modern comforts, and a super low cost of living—especially in Riga, the capital.

In Riga, you can rent a central apartment for just €400-€600 per month, while groceries and dining out remain shockingly affordable. A meal at a nice local restaurant costs around €10-€15, and public transport? Just €30 for a monthly pass. The city’s fast internet and growing coworking scene make it a fantastic spot for remote workers and digital nomads.

Beyond the capital, smaller cities like Liepaja and Daugavpils offer even lower rents while keeping you close to Latvia’s stunning forests, beaches, and medieval castles. If you’re looking for budget-friendly European living with a mix of culture and nature, Latvia is a seriously underrated choice.

6. Lithuania

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,700 – $3,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Fast internet 🚀, medieval charm 🏛️, and growing expat community
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Summer ☀️ (best for outdoor activities)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Digital nomads 💻, young professionals 🏢, remote workers 🌍

Lithuania is one of Europe’s best-value destinations, offering a mix of historic charm, modern convenience, and super low costs. The capital, Vilnius, is a lively, walkable city filled with Baroque architecture, trendy cafés, and buzzing nightlife—all at a fraction of Western Europe’s prices.

Rent in Vilnius is incredibly affordable, with city-center apartments going for €350-€500 per month. The country’s low cost of food, entertainment, and public transport (just €30 for a monthly pass!) makes it even easier to live well on a budget.

For nature lovers, Lithuania offers pristine lakes, forests, and historic castles just a short drive from the cities. The Trakai Historical National Park is a must-visit, with its fairy-tale castle and scenic walking trails. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or remote worker, Lithuania lets you enjoy an amazing European lifestyle for less.

7. Slovakia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,100
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning mountains ⛰️, medieval towns 🏰, and strong economy 💼
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & fall 🍂 (mild weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Hikers 🥾, professionals 💼, expats 🌎

Slovakia might be one of Europe’s most overlooked gems, but it’s a dream for budget-conscious travelers and expats. The cost of living is incredibly low, and its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the rest of Europe on the cheap.

In Bratislava, the capital, you can rent a modern apartment for around €500-€700 per month, while smaller cities like Košice and Žilina offer even lower prices. A monthly public transport pass costs just €30, making it easy to get around.

Slovakia’s real magic lies in its nature—from the High Tatras Mountains to its fairy-tale castles and thermal spas. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply soaking in natural hot springs, Slovakia delivers. And with Vienna and Budapest just a short train ride away, you get the best of Europe while keeping your costs low.

8. Croatia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,200 – $4,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Breathtaking coastline 🌊, historic cities 🏛️, and Mediterranean lifestyle 🍷
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer ☀️ (ideal for beach living)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Beach lovers 🏖️, digital nomads 💻, retirees 🌿

Dreaming of Mediterranean living without the crazy price tag? Croatia is your answer. With affordable rents, gorgeous beaches, incredible food, and a relaxed coastal vibe, this country offers a high quality of life at a budget-friendly cost.

In cities like Zagreb and Split, you can rent a comfortable apartment for just €400-€600 per month. The Adriatic coast is dotted with stunning seaside towns, where fresh seafood and local wine won’t break the bank. A nice meal out? Around €10-€15 per person.

Croatia is also becoming a hotspot for digital nomads, with coworking spaces and a laid-back work culture. And when you’re not working? Spend your days island hopping, exploring ancient towns like Dubrovnik, or swimming in crystal-clear waters. Croatia gives you that dreamy European coastal life—without the luxury price tag.

• Read next: Split, Croatia Bucket List: 12 Fun Things To Do & See

9. Portugal

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $4,500
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning coastlines 🌊, warm climate ☀️, and affordable lifestyle
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & fall 🌸 (mild weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Expats 🌎, surfers 🏄, retirees 🏝️

If you’re after laid-back coastal living at an affordable price, Portugal is one of the best places to call home in Europe. With year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and a low cost of living, it’s no surprise that more expats and digital nomads are settling here.

In cities like Porto and Lisbon, you can rent a comfortable apartment for €600-€800 per month, while smaller towns along the Algarve coast offer even cheaper options. A meal at a local tasca (family-run restaurant) costs around €10-€15, and a glass of wine? Just €2-€3.

For remote workers, Portugal’s visa options, thriving coworking spaces, and strong expat community make it even more appealing. When it’s time to unwind, spend your weekends surfing in Nazaré, hiking in Sintra, or road-tripping through the stunning Douro Valley.

Portugal delivers that perfect balance of adventure, affordability, and relaxed coastal charm.

10. Spain

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,800 – $5,200
• 🌟 Unique Features: Vibrant culture 🎭, delicious cuisine 🍷, and sunny weather ☀️
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer 🌞 (best for outdoor activities)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Retirees 🌿, food lovers 🍽️, city dwellers 🏙️

Spain offers an unbeatable mix of culture, sunshine, and affordability, making it one of the best places in Europe for budget-friendly living. Whether you’re drawn to historic cities, Mediterranean beaches, or lively fiestas, Spain has something for everyone—without the hefty price tag.

In cities like Valencia, Seville, and Granada, you can rent a comfortable apartment for €700-€900 per month, significantly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. The cost of dining out is refreshingly low, with a menu del día (three-course lunch) costing just €10-€15. Public transport is also affordable and efficient, with monthly passes averaging €40-€50.

Beyond the cities, Spain’s diverse landscapes offer endless adventures—from hiking in the Pyrenees to sunbathing on the Costa del Sol. With its laid-back lifestyle, world-class food, and warm climate, Spain lets you enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of Western Europe’s costs.

11. Greece

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,400 – $4,500
• 🌟 Unique Features: Ancient history 🏛️, island lifestyle 🏝️, and Mediterranean cuisine 🍇
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & summer ☀️ (best for island hopping)
• 🏆 Perfect For: History lovers 📜, beachgoers 🏖️, remote workers 💻

Ever dreamed of island living without the luxury price tag? Greece is surprisingly affordable, offering a rich history, stunning beaches, and mouthwatering food at a fraction of Western European prices. Whether you love bustling city life or peaceful island vibes, Greece has it all—without draining your wallet.

In Athens and Thessaloniki, you can rent a decent apartment for just €400-€600 per month, while on islands like Crete or Rhodes, costs can be even lower. A meal at a traditional taverna? Around €10-€15, featuring fresh seafood, souvlaki, and Greek salad, often with a breathtaking sea view.

Greece is also catching up with the remote work trend, with coworking spaces popping up in Athens, Santorini, and beyond. And when you’re not working? Explore ancient ruins, hop between islands, or watch the sun melt into the sea from a cliffside café. Greece lets you live the Mediterranean dream—on a budget.

• Read next: 12 Epic Things To Do in Zakynthos at Night

12. Slovenia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,300 – $4,000
• 🌟 Unique Features: Alpine beauty ⛰️, charming cities 🏙️, and excellent quality of life
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Spring & fall 🍁 (ideal weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Nature lovers 🌲, adventure seekers 🚵, digital nomads 💻

Slovenia is one of Europe’s most underrated gems, offering a stunning mix of Alpine beauty, charming towns, and affordable living. Whether you love hiking, skiing, or simply strolling through postcard-perfect streets, Slovenia delivers big on quality of life for a low price.

In Ljubljana, the capital, rent costs around €500-€700 per month, while smaller cities like Maribor or Celje offer even cheaper options. Dining out is budget-friendly, with meals costing €10-€15, and public transport is cheap and reliable.Nature lovers will feel at home here—Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and Slovenia’s Adriatic coastline offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Whether you’re a digital nomad, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful yet affordable place to live, Slovenia is a dream destination that won’t drain your savings.

13. Estonia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $1,800
• 🌟 Unique Features: Medieval charm meets digital innovation 🏰, fast internet 💻, e-Residency for entrepreneurs 🏠, and low cost of living 💰
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September (mild temps, long daylight, vibrant festivals) 
• 🏆 Perfect For: Remote workers 💻, tech founders 🚀, and creatives who want old-world vibes with modern infrastructure 🎨

Estonia is one of Europe’s most underrated and affordable places to live. The capital city, Tallinn, is a fairytale blend of cobblestone streets, gothic towers, and buzzing startup energy. It’s often called Europe’s Silicon Valley thanks to its forward-thinking digital systems and thriving tech scene (Skype was born here).

Rent is incredibly reasonable – especially outside of the city center. In cities like Tallinn and Tartu, you can find a comfortable apartment for around €400-€700 per month. And many cafes and coworking spaces offer blazing-fast Wi-Fi. English is widely spoken, especially among younger locals and in business circles. Nature lovers will love how easy it is to escape to peaceful pine forests, lakes, or the nearby islands like Saaremaa.

Public transportation is reliable and often free for residents in Tallinn. Plus, the country’s e-Residency program makes it easy for digital nomads and entrepreneurs to start and run EU-based businesses remotely. Estonia is quiet, efficient, and surprisingly cool—perfect for those craving simplicity with a side of innovation.