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
Czech Republic
Montenegro
Latvia
1. 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.)
Average costs of living in Portugal:
Rent
(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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Czech Republic
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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