If you’ve always wanted to live in Europe but were intimidated by the high cost of living in countries like France, Italy, Germany or even Switzerland, don’t worry because you can still experience Europe even on a low budget.
Of course, they may not be as cheap as the cheaper countries in Asia, but you can easily live comfortably on less than 1000 euros per month.
So, to show you that it’s possible, here are the cheapest countries in Europe to live in that will make you already want to pack your bags and move to this beautiful continent.
The cheapest country to live in Europe
1. Georgia
The Republic of Georgia is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe and has one of the lowest cost of living.
Located on the cusp of two continents, Georgia is first and foremost a country of immense natural beauty.
The Greater Caucasus Mountains in the north and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south offer ample opportunities for summer hiking and winter skiing.
Beyond the alpine landscapes, you’ll find wild deserts and mud volcanoes, wetlands along the Black Sea coast, and lush hills growing hazelnut trees and tea bushels.
As if nature wasn’t enough, Georgia has an incredibly rich and diverse culture, underpinned by a strong legacy of the Orthodox Church.
Hilltop monasteries, cave castles and fortresses embedded in rocky cliffs are all entry points into the country’s history.
Then there is wine! Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries on earth, making wine an essential and inseparable part of the culture.
Living in Georgia offers ample opportunities to explore this diverse state. Mountain lovers will rejoice in the number of relatively unspoiled hiking trails in the Caucasus, while sun seekers can indulge in the magnetic sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast.
In between, countless small towns and villages promise genuine hospitality.
If this sounds like something you’d like to experience on a daily basis, you’ll be glad to know that Georgia is one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe.
Expect to pay around $350-450/month for a furnished apartment in central Tbilisi, plus $50-70/month for utilities. Georgia is perfect for digital nomads, with unlimited 4G rates as low as $1.60 per week.
Eating out in a restaurant in Tbilisi can cost between $10-25, while you should expect to pay around $50 per week for groceries.
Intercity transfers and car rentals are also very affordable, so you’ll be able to take advantage of all these travel opportunities right at your door.
Tbilisi is the first choice for most ex-pats, but the cost of living is even lower in smaller cities like Kutaisi, Telavi and Zugdidi.
By: Emily from Wander-Lush (from
2. Croatia
Croatia is definitely one of the most beautiful, exciting and worth seeing countries and at the same time one of the cheapest in Europe.
Prices in Croatia are still below the European average, but the quality of life is high! This beautiful Balkan country not only has stunning landscapes and countless fantastic beaches but also bustling cities.
Cities like Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split are extraordinary and perfect places to live, with a lot to offer. From nature walks and beach days to sightseeing, there are so many amazing things to do in Croatia !
Another advantage of Croatia being a very cheap country to live in Europe is its people! People in this country are very hospitable and, anyway, always helpful, especially if you get to know them a little bit, they will always care about your well-being.
However, depending on where you live in Croatia, prices will vary. In principle, living in the countryside is usually cheaper, while cities are more expensive.
For tenants, you can expect to pay €150-500 per month. For living expenses such as food, insurance, electricity, etc., an additional 600 Euros.
Local fruit, vegetables, fish and meat are also cheap. You can also buy baked goods from bakeries for cheap. Croatia is also a paradise for coffee lovers! A nice latte in a nice coffee bar costs only €1.50!
All in all, Croatia is not only a perfect travel destination, but also a fabulous cheap European country.
The people are great, the coast and beaches are unique, prices are cheap, and crime is virtually non-existent.
By Jürgen & Martina, Places of Juma
3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers the best base for anyone looking to live comfortably at a reasonable cost.
The country has a well-developed infrastructure, an efficient rail network, and is easily accessible. While most ex-pats stay in the capital, Prague, it’s also easy to stay in other towns, such as Brno, the second, or Olomouc, the sixth.
There are many charming towns to visit and enjoy. If small towns are your thing, you’ll never run out of places to explore.
The Czechs themselves are avid hikers. You can find a dense network of well-maintained hiking trails all over the country.
The mountains are basically arranged in all directions, and there are many activities to do in all seasons. In winter, skiing including cross-country, snowboarding and ski mountaineering is popular.
Expenses are at their highest when living in Prague. Still, if you have a job in the city, the ratio of what you can earn to what you will spend is pretty comfortable. You can eat out every day if you want.
The monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Prague is about 2,16 – 000, 20 CZK (000 – 750, 1 USD), depending on the exact location.
A monthly pass for public transport costs CZK 550 (USD 25). If you eat out every day, you’ll spend around CZK 13,000 ($600) per month on food. Overall, it’s easy to stay under $2,000. Brno is just a little less, all other cities are even much cheaper.
By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery
4. Portugal
Portugal is an incredible country. It offers a great combination of great weather, beautiful nature, interesting history, great food and affordable prices.
It’s also the perfect place for outdoor and nature lovers. Surfing, kayaking, diving, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and many other outdoor activities can be enjoyed here year-round.
The diversity of this small country is truly impressive! Cosmopolitan Lisbon and its bustling city life, sunny and cold Algarve, the university city of Coimbra and the island life of Madeira and the Azores. Anyone can find his/her ideal place to live in Portugal.
English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in the big cities and tourist areas, and even with a very basic knowledge of Portuguese, it is very easy to get around.
The cost of living in Portugal is lower than in many other European countries, including neighboring Spain.
Expect to spend around €900 per person per month, including rent, utilities, grocery shopping, eating out and transportation.
Rental prices largely depend on the area. In the center of Lisbon, it is quite expensive, but it is much cheaper to rent a place in smaller cities like Coimbra, Braga, Cascais or just outside Lisbon.
For a fully furnished studio apartment, you can expect to pay between 400 and 500 euros per month. Plus 60-70 euros for electricity, water and internet package. In rural areas, it is possible to rent a small house for the same price.
A month’s public transport card costs about 30 euros. Using buses and trains for long-distance travel in Portugal is cheaper than driving due to the many toll roads, with a 300km bus journey costing between 15 and 20 euros.
Grocery shopping is all about what you buy. Things like dairy, bread, poultry, local vegetables and fruit are pretty cheap.
You can expect to spend around €200 per person per month on grocery shopping. Meals in local restaurants cost EUR 6-7 per person.
With an average budget of €900, Portugal is indeed one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in.
By: Alya from Stingy Nomads
5. Slovenia
Slovenia is a small country sandwiched between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Known for its jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, there is something for everyone.
From snow-capped Alpine peaks, great rivers for kayaking adventures, beautiful Mediterranean coastlines, green flowing hills and charming old towns, countless castles, to tons of history.
Slovenia was once part of Yugoslavia, and while it’s one of the more expensive (and prosperous) countries in the former Yugoslavia, it’s still a very cheap country compared to most of Europe.
A one-bedroom apartment in the center of one of the major cities will set you back around 450 euros per month plus 100 euros for utilities, or about double that for a three-bedroom apartment.
Groceries for a couple are usually 250 euros per month, and a 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant usually doesn’t exceed 25 euros per person.
Public transport is cheap, about 1,20 euros for a one-way bus ticket, but public transport infrastructure in Slovenia is very poor. The car is the preferred mode of transport and currently costs 1,23 euros for a liter of petrol.
Rental prices can even be reduced by 30% when you venture outside the city, with slightly above-average rates in the capital Ljubljana, coastal cities and the country’s most popular (and most beautiful) spot; Lake Bled.
Having said that, Lake Bled is worth the splurge as it is a stunning sight you will never forget. To find out why, find the best places to stay, and make sure you don’t overpay, check out this Bled accommodation guide .
By Tom & Zi from Craving Adventure
6. Albania
Albania is an often undiscovered and underrated country located between Croatia and Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting a long coastline, Albania has a lot to offer anyone from avid hikers to beachgoers.
The centrally located capital Tirana has a post-communist culture, modernity and gastronomy.
In the north of the country, through the trendy gateway city of Shkoder, you’ll find the Albanian Alps, filled with hiking opportunities and cool rivers.
Here you travel through the beautiful Valbona National Park and stay in the small but charming village of Theth.
In southern Albania, you can enjoy Greek-style beaches without the crazy price tags. Hang out in Sarandë and visit beaches such as Guipe, Delmi and Himara.
The south also has quaint historic towns such as Gjirokaster and Berat, and vineyards dot the dry landscape.
Living in Albania offers you all this and more, with an average monthly living cost of 92,000 leks ($880).
Monthly rent is about 60,000 lek ($580), monthly bus transportation is about 1,600 lek ($16), and monthly grocery store is about 30,000 lek ($290). Depending on your lifestyle, it can cost more or less.
However, not all cities are created equal. The cities that offer the best quality of life at this cost are Tirana and Durres. Tirana offers the comfort and convenience of a big city with a small-town vibe.
And the smaller coastal town of Durrës will offer you a relaxed lifestyle with direct access. Both cities are centrally located, making travel in Albania and neighboring countries easier.
So if you are looking for the cheapest country in Europe to live in while still enjoying the beauty of the beaches and scenery, Albania is the place to be.
Haley from Haley Blackall Travel
7. Türkiye
Turkey is one of the best countries to invest in real estate for European citizenship. Foreigners can easily buy a house or invest in a bank to get residency or citizenship for $2.5 million.
The country has many islands, villages and cities where ex-pats will find some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains and people in the world.
If you love nature, a healthy lifestyle and affordable real estate, Turkey is the place for you. Turks have a simple way of life, they are a patriotic people and they are very hospitable!
The average cost of living in Turkey depends on where you choose to live. Istanbul is one of the most popular and expensive cities for ex-pats, with rent starting from 2,500 Turkish Lira (US$300) per month. Water and electricity are usually included in the rent amount.
The best thing about living in Istanbul is the availability of public transportation. You can easily spend 40 Turkish lira ($5) round trip from the Asia to European side of Istanbul by bus, boat, or train.
Turkish cuisine is healthy, tasty and reasonably priced; from grilled fish and meats, fresh salads, breads to cheeses. Quality food is affordable in Turkey, and you can easily eat out every day without spending more than $200 a month.
Groceries are also very affordable, like $0.70 for a liter of milk, about $1.25 for 10 eggs, and an average of about $5-$12 for a sit-down restaurant meal.
On top of that, Turkish healthcare required to qualify for a Turkish residence permit costs around $50 per month.
With all this beauty and a low cost of living, it’s not hard to see why Turkey is the most beautiful and cheapest country in Europe.
Reporting by Lerato Bambo from Leratob.com
8. Ukraine
When it comes to the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Ukraine is definitely one of the leaders.
While very affordable, the country also has a lot to offer for sightseeing. It’s big, it’s diverse, and there’s a lot to do. Ukraine travel itineraries can last up to 4 weeks of fun and never-boring adventures.
The main attraction in the west of the country is the Carpathian Mountains – the perfect place for green tourism, with many hiking trails and outdoor adventures.
The central part is about exciting cities like Kyiv and cute little towns like Kamyanets-Podilsky.
East of the capital begins the country’s industrial zone, offering lovers of Soviet architecture a wealth of gems. Finally, the south is the gateway to the sea, with its secluded beaches and beautiful nature.
All this variety costs about $35 per day, including food, lodging, and basic transportation. This is the daily rate for valid travel itineraries.
For normal living, the average Ukrainian usually spends between $500 and $850 for rent, transportation, food and entertainment, depending on the city.
For small towns like Kamyanets-Podilsky, Vinnytsia or Ivano-Frankisvks, the minimum monthly budget starts from $500 and covers rent, food, transport and basic expenses.
For a big city like Lviv, the minimum budget starts from $700. For the capital Kyiv, the recommended minimum amount is $850.
In Kyiv in particular, about $300 per month is spent on rent (one-bedroom apartment, furnished, not in the city center), $1 to $25 is usually spent on public transport, and $35 to $150 is spent on food.
A movie ticket costs about $5, as does a taxi ride. Meal at a cafe – about $9, a dinner at a restaurant, including drinks, about $16.
Some of the best places to consider living are Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro and Kharkiv. These five cities are all big cities, offering something for every taste and budget.
By Inessa Rezanova and Natalie Rezanova on the Through a Travel Lens blog
9. Kosovo
Kosovo is located on the Balkan Peninsula between Albania and Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia.
Travelers can easily get there by bus routes from many countries as the bus routes connect directly to most of the countries nearby.
Kosovo is one of the most beautiful and cheapest European countries because of its beautiful desert, free rides to nearby towns, hospitable people and strangers who are always ready to help you.
The country is also a backpacker’s paradise, offering plenty of things to do; from visiting Kosovo’s beautiful mosques, and exploring Kosovo’s markets, to hiking in Kosovo’s mountains. Remember to pack your best water bottle for the hike as it can be a long hike
Apart from being beautiful, the cost of living in Kosovo is very low, with an average minimum of 550 Euros.
Rent is between 100-200 euros, other utilities are between 40-50 euros, and transportation costs around 0.40-0.50 euros per bus trip. For a monthly pass it might cost you 12 euros, 20 euros is enough for groceries for 2 people.
With the cost of living being so low, Kosovo is indeed the cheapest country in Europe.
10. Hungary
Hungary is a vibrant country with all kinds of things to do. It’s full of history, food, and other unique traditions that make it an interesting place to live.
Other than that, it’s a super affordable country by European average prices.
The highlight of Hungary is the capital, Budapest, which will amaze every visitor with its architecture and vibrant lifestyle, spa culture and eccentric nightlife.
Lake Balaton is another place that locals and tourists mainly visit in summer. It’s surrounded by several beach resorts, hiking trails, and charming little villages, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Other things Hungary is famous for are winemaking and spa culture. In fact, the Hungarians have one of the oldest winemaking traditions and their signature wine is Tokaj. There are also several wine regions where visitors can go for a wine tasting.
In terms of cost of living, a studio apartment outside the city center is affordable in Hungary, with a national average of about 320 EUR (115,000 HUF).
A one-way city transport costs about 1€ (350 HUF) and a monthly pass is 26€ (9500 HUF). A taxi for one kilometer will cost about 0.8 EUR (300 HUF), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost about 27 EUR (10,000 HUF).
There are many beautiful cities in the country, but the best city to live in all year round is Budapest because it has so much to do and see.
11. Estonia
Estonia is one of the former Soviet states around the Baltic Sea. Although it is the smallest in size and least populated, the country offers incredible wild natural beauty, medieval cities and Nordic fusion cuisine, making it a great country for art, history and food lovers.
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a compact and modern city, and the Old Town is a historic heritage that combines Hanseatic, medieval and Soviet charm.
Estonia may be a hidden gem, but it’s slowly starting to become an ex-pat destination in Europe for a few reasons.
First, Tallinn is a convenient hub, connecting many nearby cities such as Helsinki, Stockholm and St. Petersburg to the rest of the country.
Second, the country still enjoys a smaller crowd for falling off the mass tourism radar. Finally, Estonia has a rich cultural heritage and national parks with plenty to do throughout the year.
For long-term travelers, consider Estonia as a stopover for a long-term stay. In a decent hotel in Estonia, the average cost of a single bedroom is about 35 EUR, and a double room is 50-75 EUR. For an Airbnb apartment, the cost can be as low as €30 per night.
Tallinn is easy to get around by car, car rental costs around 30-40 EUR per day. The transportation is convenient, and it is less than 1 euro to take the tram.
If you like food, Tallinn is a great place as the food here is of good quality and value for money. Coffee and cake are around 3-5 euros, breakfast bread is usually less than 1 euro.
The average meal for two is around 8-15€, and a fine dining experience is usually 30€, which is less than many other European cities
Kenny from Knycx Journeying reports
12. Greece
Greece is located in the southeastern part of the EU and is the cheapest place to live in the EU.
It’s known for its history, beautiful islands and amazing food, so the country is perfect for those who love history, picturesque towns, beaches and food!
One of the most beautiful places in Greece is the capital Athens. The city has many great attractions such as the Acropolis, which is an ancient citadel in ancient Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is an ancient temple and many great museums.
Santorini is another highlight of the country. It is one of the most famous islands in Greece, known for its beautiful scenery and picturesque towns. This is also where you’ll find the iconic blue dome.
While Greece is generally affordable by European standards, the cost of living depends on where you live in the country.
Popular destinations like Athens, Santorini and Mykonos will be on the high end compared to lesser-known places like Milos and even further afield.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Athens is around 1 EUR per month (including utilities), with groceries averaging 700 EUR per month. Public transport is also cheap and convenient, at €90.1 for a 250-minute drive.
However, if you stay away from popular cities and islands, you can even end up paying 30% less than in the capital.
Dymphe from Dymabroad
Final Thoughts on Cheap Countries in Europe
Friends, you have it! These are some cheap places to live in Europe! Don’t let the fear of high-interest rates scare you away from Europe because you know it’s totally doable if you go to the “right country”.
Where are you moving next? Let me know in the comments below, if you live in a European country that is cheap compared to other Western European countries, still tell me in the comments below and you might inspire other travelers to move there.
