Where in Europe can you live comfortably and inexpensively? Top cities

  • December 23, 2024
Where in Europe can you live comfortably and inexpensively? Top cities

Life in Europe is often associated with high costs. But this stereotype is not always true, because many European cities offer Affordable housing, budget transportation, inexpensive products and services that allow people of different income levels to live comfortably. The level of expenses, of course, depends on the location: capital cities, tourist resorts and large cities will always have higher prices, while in smaller towns and rural areas the costs can be much lower. So where in Europe can you find the best combination of affordability and quality of life?

Europe's top affordable cities

According to the latest Eurostat data, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are countries where housing, food and transportation costs are significantly lower than most Western European countries. Of course, prices within each country vary with location. So if you are looking for budget-friendly yet comfortable places to stay in Europe, here is a list of the best options that combine economy and convenience:

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city that combines urbanism, low prices, and a rich and interesting cultural heritage. The Romanian capital is rapidly developing. It has become a popular destination for digital nomads and those who want to enjoy life in Europe at a reasonable price.

The main advantages are:

  1. Apartment rental costs. Renting a studio apartment in the center of Bucharest costs 500-700 € monthly, depending on the condition of the room and its location. Prices in the neighborhoods can be even more affordable - from 400 €.
  2. Public transportation (buses, streetcars and metro) is available. Reasonably inexpensive prices help you save money on your daily commute.
  3. Career prospects. Thanks to rapid economic growth, Bucharest is becoming increasingly attractive for entrepreneurs. Plus, Romania offers one of the easiest digital visas for freelancers in Europe. This makes Bucharest an attractive destination for those who work remotely.
  4. Historical and cultural heritage. Architectural diversity and a rich cultural context make Bucharest a great choice for those seeking a European lifestyle without spending too much. The city offers many options for interesting and affordable leisure activities.

Krakow, Poland

A city with thousands of years of history, fascinating architectural heritage and moderate living costs beckons students, young professionals and those seeking to find an affordable yet comfortable life in Europe.

Key advantages:

  1. Low housing costs. Rent housing in the central districts of Krakow can be for 700 - 1200 € per month, which depends on the area and conditions. On the outskirts of the city prices start from 680 €. So the city is attractive for people with a limited budget.
  2. Affordable transportation. A large number of bus and streetcar routes in Krakow make it easy to get around the city at a relatively low cost.
  3. Career opportunities. Krakow's prestigious universities attract students from all over the world. In addition, the city's higher education institutions cooperate with businesses, facilitating successful employment for graduates. Krakow is a growing IT hub of Poland. International corporations and startups are actively developing here. Therefore, every year the progressive city creates more and more job opportunities in technology, marketing and other industries.
  4. Culture and social life. Unique medieval architecture, museums, theaters, concerts, festivals and nightlife - the cultural capital of Poland offers a rich choice of leisure activities.

Riga, Latvia

Despite rising prices in recent years, the capital of Latvia still continues to be a budget choice for those in search of moderate costs combined with a high quality of life. Incredible architecture, unique traditions and modern European culture attract people here from all over the world.

Main advantages:

  1. Rental accommodation. A one-room apartment costs here 450-900 € monthly and depends on the neighborhood. In hostels and hotels prices start from 25 € per night, which makes the city affordable for everyone.
  2. Dining. Street food and inexpensive restaurants offer dinners for 10-15 €, satisfying the needs of both gourmets and budget travelers.
  3. Career Opportunities. Riga is the center of economic life in Latvia, and generates more than half of the country's GDP. Developed sphere of finance, logistics and IT attract young specialists and entrepreneurs here. In addition, Latvia provides an opportunity for foreigners to obtain a digital nomad visa, which increases interest in the country as a whole.
  4. Culture and leisure. The Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Medieval “gingerbread” houses, exquisite churches and cathedrals create the atmosphere of a real fairy tale. Festivals, theatrical performances, vibrant nightlife, numerous cafes and restaurants give an incredible experience to residents and travelers.
  5. Safety and affordable medicine. Riga is a city with a fairly high safety index, providing a comfortable environment for locals and tourists. The city also has an affordable state-funded medical system.
  6. Convenient location. The capital city has excellent connections to other Baltic and European countries, which is very convenient for travel planning. In addition, the city offers a comfortable infrastructure for living and working.

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Tallinn, Estonia

A compact and progressive city that combines modern technology with a medieval atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a comfortable life without spending a lot of money. Tallinn continues to be one of the most attractive cities to live in Europe.

The main advantages:

  1. Balanced costs. Tallinn keeps the cost of living affordable compared to many other European capitals. Rent here ranges from 400 to 1000 € monthly and depends on the city district and type of housing. Food prices also do not exceed the average European level. In addition, public transportation is absolutely free for locals.
  2. Digital infrastructure. The city is a real center of digital technologies. In general, Estonia is a leader in digitalization, and this can be felt in every aspect of life in its capital. Tallinn is one of the best cities for developing a career in IT, thanks to its numerous startups, international companies and many technology hubs.
  3. Unique atmosphere. Tallinn charms with its medieval architecture and unique flavor. Its old town is part of the UNESCO world heritage list. At the same time, modern infrastructure makes the capital very convenient for business and life.
  4. Ease of transportation. Tallinn is a compact city. Its main attractions are concentrated close by, which makes getting around on foot or by bicycle convenient and comfortable for both residents and tourists.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech capital not only fascinates with its architecture and cultural heritage, but also offers many opportunities for life and career. The successful combination of affordable prices and developed infrastructure makes the city ideal for those looking for a balance between career opportunities and a comfortable everyday life in Europe's cultural capital.

Key benefits:

  1. Affordable housing. Rents range from 700 to 1200 € and depend on the size and location of the property. This makes Prague an affordable option among European capitals.
  2. Savings on food. The cost of food here is much lower than in neighboring capitals such as Bratislava or Berlin. And in numerous cafes and restaurants you can eat for 12-15 €, which is also an affordable option for most.
  3. Excellent infrastructure. Prague has a well-developed infrastructure with accessible public transportation. The metro, bus and streetcar system is convenient and inexpensive, making getting around the city easy and efficient.
  4. Richness of cultural heritage. Prague is the main tourist center of Central Europe. Its architecture and cultural attractions are fascinating and create a unique atmosphere. The capital's modern cultural recreation will not leave art fans indifferent either - alternative scenes, music clubs, art-house cinemas, galleries and exhibitions open up a multitude of leisure options.
  5. Professional opportunities. Prague is an important economic and business center with many international companies and convenient conditions for working remotely, which attracts IT specialists and professionals from other industries.
  6. Location. Prague is convenient for traveling around Europe due to its central location. Excellent transport connections to other European countries make this city attractive among travelers.
  7. Social conditions and safety. The Czech capital is one of the safest European cities. Annual improvements in the level of social benefits, environmental conditions, access to education and health care create favorable conditions for a high quality of life.

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Lisbon, Portugal

Europe's warmest capital with a unique cultural heritage, incredible natural beauty and modern infrastructure retains its status as one of the most attractive cities to live in, despite a certain rise in the cost of living in recent years.

Key advantages:

  1. Nature and climate. Lisbon's mild Mediterranean climate and stunning nature make it an ideal destination for those looking for a comfortable life in a city that is never too cold or too hot. 
  2. Cultural Heritage. The historic neighborhoods, narrow streets, colorful buildings and famous landmarks of the proud imperial city create a unique atmosphere.
  3. Affordability and comfort. Renting in Lisbon is more expensive than in other Portuguese cities, but still more affordable than in major European capitals. So a one-room apartment in Lisbon costs about 700 € monthly. Daily food costs here are about 20 €, a monthly public transportation pass-50 €. The cost of utilities is on average 150 € per month.
  4. Infrastructure and tourist attraction. Lisbon is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, providing a comfortable life and recreation. A convenient transportation network, beaches, parks, architectural diversity, incredible cuisine, cultural events and a busy nightlife attract both tourists and potential residents.
  5. Digital Opportunities. Thanks to technological advancements, the city attracts digital nomads. Visas are available here for those who work online, as well as tax breaks for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Lisbon is a hub for startups and co-working spaces and therefore a great place to develop professional opportunities.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is often chosen as an alternative to many European capitals. The cost of living here is pleasantly surprising, from moderate housing prices to affordable transportation services and the ability to enjoy Turkish cuisine, incredible nature and entertainment without spending a lot of money.

Key benefits:

  1. Affordable housing. Renting an apartment in the suburbs starts from 300 euros.
  2. Climate. Mild winters and long summers allow you to save on heating and enjoy comfort at any time of the year.
  3. Food quality. Markets in Istanbul offer access to always fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood, which provides quality and inexpensive food.
  4. Convenient transportation. A well-developed public transportation network and affordable fares allow you to move around the city comfortably and relatively inexpensively.
  5. Digital innovations. Thanks to the new digital visa, Istanbul has become even more attractive for those who work remotely.
  6. Medicine. Medical services in Turkey meet high European standards. There are both public and private hospitals, which allows you to choose the best option of services in terms of comfort and price.

Choosing a city to live in is always an individual process, depending on your priorities. And Europe offers a huge number of opportunities. Of course, the cost of living here varies by region and lifestyle and can vary greatly. The presented cities are not the cheapest cities in the EU, but in 2024-2025 they are the ones that perfectly combine price, comfort, development prospects and high European standards.

Read also: Top countries where Ukrainian refugees from Poland move to


Elena Chernenko

Elena Chernenko

Elena is a recognized expert in the bus transportation industry. With a deep understanding of the industry and a wealth of experience, Elena has earned a reputation for reliability working with both large carriers and private companies. Her expertise includes route planning, safety analysis and efficiency of transportation solutions.

In her blog, Elena offers professional advice, reviews current market trends and shares her experience to help readers better understand the world of bus transportation.

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