12 Cheapest Countries to Live in Europe

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Are you looking for places to live in Europe with low costs of living? Here are the cheapest countries to live in Europe!

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If you’ve always wanted to live in Europe but were scared off due to the high costs of living in countries like France, Italy, Germany, or even Switzerland, worry not as you can still experience Europe even with a low budget.

Of course, they may not be as cheap as the cheap countries in Asia but you can easily live a comfortable life with less than 1000 Euros a month.

So to show you that it’s possible, here are the cheapest countries to live in Europe that will make you want to pack your bags already and move to this beautiful continent.

Cheapest Countries to Live in Europe

1. Georgia

The Republic of Georgia is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe, and indeed one of the most inexpensive countries to live in as well.

Located right at the cusp of two continents, Georgia is first and foremost a country of immense natural beauty.

Two mountain ranges, the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south, provide ample opportunities for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Outside of the alpine landscapes, you can find wild deserts and mud volcanoes, wetlands along the Black Sea Coast, and lush hills where hazelnut trees and tea bushels grow.

As if the nature wasn’t enough, Georgia has an extremely rich and diverse culture underpinned by a strong heritage of Orthodox Christianity.

Mountaintop monasteries, cave citadels, and fortresses embedded in rocky cliffs are all entry points to exploring the nation’s history.

Then there’s the wine! Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries on Earth, making vino an essential and inseparable part of the culture.

Living in Georgia gives one ample opportunities to explore this diverse country. Mountain lovers will rejoice at the number of relatively untouched hiking trails in the Caucasus, while sun-seekers can get their fill on the magnetic sand beaches on the Black Sea Coast.

In between, countless small towns and villages all promise heartfelt hospitality.

If this sounds like something you want to experience on a daily basis, you’ll be pleased to know that Georgia is one of the cheap countries to live in Europe.

Expect to pay around 350-450 USD/month for a furnished apartment in the center of Tbilisi, plus an additional 50-70 USD/month for utilities. Georgia is suitable for digital nomads with unlimited 4G costing as little as 1.60 USD/week.

Eating out in a restaurant in Tbilisi costs anywhere from 10-25 USD, while you should expect to pay around 50 USD/week for groceries.

Intercity transportation and car hire are both very affordable too, so you’ll be able to take advantage of all those travel opportunities at your door.

Tbilisi is the first choice among most expats, but living costs are even lower in smaller cities such as Kutaisi, Telavi, and Zugdidi.

By Emily from Wander-Lush

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2. Croatia

Croatia is definitely one of the most beautiful, exciting, worth seeing, and at the same time one of the cheapest European countries to live in.

Prices in Croatia are still below the European average, but the quality of life is high! This beautiful Balkan country offers not only fascinating landscapes and countless fantastic beaches but also bustling cities.

Cities such as Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Split are phenomenal and perfect places to live with so much to offer. From nature walks, beach days, to sightseeing, there are so many amazing things to do in Croatia!

Another plus why Croatia is a great cheap country to live in Europe is its people! The people in this country are very warm, hospitable, and, come what may, they’re always helpful especially if you get to know them just a little, they’ll always be concerned about your well-being.

However, depending on where you live in Croatia, prices vary. In principle, living in the countryside is usually cheaper while the cities are more expensive.

For tenants, you can expect to pay 150-500 euros per month. For living expenses, such as food, insurance, electricity, etc., another 600 euros.

Regional fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat are really cheap as well. You can also get baked goods from the bakery at a low price. Croatia is also a paradise for coffee lovers! A delicious latte in a nice café bar costs just 1.50 euros!

All in all, Croatia is not only a perfect travel destination but also a fabulous and cheap European country to live in.

The people are wonderful, the coast and beaches are unique, the prices are cheap, and crime is almost non-existent. 

By Jürgen & Martina from Places of Juma

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3. Czech Republic

Czech Republic offers the best base for anyone who wants to live comfortably and at a reasonable cost.

The country has a developed infrastructure, efficient railway network and it’s easy to get around. While most expats stay in Prague, the capital, it’s easy to live in other towns too such as the second largest Brno or e.g. the sixth-largest Olomouc.

There are many charming towns to visit and admire. If you like small towns, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Czechs themselves are avid hikers too. You can find a well-maintained dense network of hiking trails all over the country.

Mountain ranges basically line the borders on all sides and there are plenty of activities to do in all seasons. In winter, skiing including cross-country, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering are popular.

When living in Prague, the costs are the highest. Still, if you have a job in the city, the ratio of what you can earn and what you’d spend is quite comfortable. You can eat out every day if you wish to do so.

The monthly rent in Prague for a 2-room apartment is about 16,000 – 20,000 CZK ($750 – $1,000), depending on the exact location.

The monthly pass for the public transport costs 550 CZK ($25). If eating out every day, you’d spend about 13,000 CZK ($600) on food every month. Overall, it’s easy to stay below the $2,000 mark. Brno is only a little less and all other cities are even way cheaper.

By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

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4. Portugal

Portugal is an incredible country to live in. It offers a great combination of good weather, beautiful nature, interesting history, delicious food, and affordable prices.

It is also a perfect place for outdoor and nature lovers. Surfing, kayaking, diving, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and many other outdoor activities can be enjoyed here all year round.

The diversity of this small country is truly impressive! The cosmopolitan Lisbon with its bustling city life, the sunny and chilled Algarve, the university city of Coimbra, and the island life of Madeira and the Azores. Anyone can find the perfect place for him/her to live in Portugal. 

English is widely spoken in Portugal especially in bigger cities and touristy areas which makes it easy to get around even with very basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.

The cost of living in Portugal is lower than in many other European countries including neighboring Spain.

One can expect to spend around 900 euros per person per month including rent, utility bills, grocery shopping, dining out, and transportation. 

Rental prices are hugely dependent on the area. In the center of Lisbon, it’s quite pricey but to rent a place in smaller cities like Coimbra, Braga, Cascais, or just outside Lisbon is significantly cheaper.

For a fully furnished studio apartment, you can expect to pay between 400 and 500 euros per month. Add 60-70 euros for electricity, water, and the Internet package. In rural areas, it’s possible to rent a small house for the same price. 

One month public transport card costs about 30 euros. Using buses and trains for long-distance travel in Portugal is cheaper than driving a car due to the many toll roads while a 300-kilometer bus ride costs between 15 and 20 euros.

Grocery shopping entirely depends on what you buy. Things like dairy products, bread, poultry, local vegetables, and fruit are quite cheap.

You can expect to spend about 200 euros per person per month on grocery shopping. A meal in a local restaurant is between 6 and 7 euros per person. 

With an average budget of 900 Euros, Portugal is indeed one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe.

By Alya from Stingy Nomads

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5. Slovenia

Slovenia is a tiny country tucked in between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. It is known for its jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery and has something for everyone.

From snow-covered Alpine mountain peaks, big rivers fit for kayaking adventures, a beautiful Mediterranean coastline, green flowing hills with charming old towns on top of them, more castles than you can count, to loads of history.

Slovenia used to be part of Yugoslavia and while it is one of the more expensive (and more prosperous) of the ex-Yugoslavia countries, compared to most of Europe, it is still a very cheap country to live in.

A one-bedroom apartment in the center of one of the major cities will cost you about € 450 a month plus another € 100 for utilities, or a 3-bedroom apartment will cost you roughly double that.

Groceries for a couple can generally be done with € 250 a month, and eating a 3-course meal in a mid-range restaurant often won’t cost you more than € 25 per person.

Public transportation is cheap at about € 1,20 for a one-way bus ticket, but public transport infrastructure in Slovenia is very poor. The car is the preferred method of transport and a liter of petrol currently goes for € 1,23.

Prices for rent can even be 30% lower when you venture outside of the cities and are a bit above average in the capital city, Ljubljana, the coastal cities and the country’s most popular (and most beautiful) attraction; Lake Bled.

That being said, Lake Bled is worth splurging for a bit because it is a stunning sight you’ll never forget. To see why, to find the best places to stay, and to make sure you don’t overpay, have a look at this Bled accommodation guide.

By Tom & Zi from Craving Adventure

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6. Albania

The generally undiscovered and underrated country of Albania sits between Croatia and Greece on the Mediterranean Sea. Featuring a long coastline, Albania has so much to offer for anyone from avid hikers to beachgoers.

The centrally located capital city of Tirana boasts culture, modernity, and food in a post-communist era.

In the north of the country through the hipster gateway city of Shkoder, you will find the Albania Alps, chock full of hiking opportunities, and cool water rivers.

Here, you can travel through the beautiful Valbona National Park and stay in the small yet charming village of Theth.

In southern Albania, you have the benefit of Greek-style beaches without the crazy price tag. Hang out in Saranda and visit beaches like Gjipe, Dhermi, and Himare.

The south also enjoys quaint historical towns like Gjirokaster and Berat, with vineyards spotted throughout the dry landscape. 

Living in Albania offers you all of this and more with an average monthly cost of living at 92,000 Lek ($880 USD) total.

Monthly rent can be around 60,000 Lek ($580 USD), monthly bus transportation around 1,600 Lek ($16 USD), and monthly grocery approximately 30,000 Lek ($290 USD) on the generous side. It is possible to spend more or less depending on your lifestyle.

However, not all cities are created equal. Cities that offer the best quality of life for the cost are Tirana and Durres. Tirana offers the comfort and conveniences of a large city with a small-town vibe.

While the smaller coastal town of Durres will offer you a relaxing lifestyle with direct access. Both cities are centrally located for making traveling around Albania and to neighboring countries easier.

So if you’re looking for the cheapest countries in Europe to live in while still enjoying the beauty of beaches and landscapes, Albania is the place to go.

By Haley from Haley Blackall Travel

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7. Turkey

Turkey is one of the best countries to invest in property for citizenship in Europe. Foreigners can easily buy homes or invest in a bank for residency or citizenship from USD 250 000.

The country has many islands, villages, and cities where expats will find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, mountains, and people.

If you love nature, a healthy lifestyle, and affordable property, Turkey is the perfect home for you. Turks have a simple way of living, they are a patriotic nation of hospitable people!

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 expats with rent ranging from 2500 Turkish Lira (USD 300) per month. Water and Electricity are usually included in the rental amount.

The best thing about living in Istanbul is the availability of public transportation. You can easily spend 40 Turkish Lira (USD 5) on a round trip from the Asian to the European side of Istanbul by bus, boat, or train.

Turkish cuisine is healthy, delicious, and affordable; from grilled fish and meats, fresh salads, bread, to cheese. Quality food is affordable in Turkey and you can easily eat out every day and not spend more than $200 per month.

Groceries are also very affordable with things like 1L of milk costing $0.70, 10 eggs for around $1.25, and a meal in a sit-down restaurant averages around $5 – $12.

On top of this, Turkish Health Care which is required to qualify for a Turkish Residency Permit costs about $50 a month.

With all that beauty and the low cost of living, it’s not hard to see why Turkey is the most beautiful and cheapest country to live in Europe.

By Lerato Bambo from Leratob.com

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8. Ukraine

When it comes to the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Ukraine is definitely among the leaders.

While being very affordable, the country also has lots to offer sightseeing-wise. It is big, diverse, and has plenty of things to do. The travel itinerary for Ukraine can amount to up to 4 weeks of a fun, never-boring adventure.

The main attraction in the western part of the country is the Carpathians — a perfect spot for green tourism, with lots of hiking trails and outdoor adventures.

The central part is about exciting cities like Kyiv and smaller cute towns like Kamyanets-Podilsky.

To the east of the capital starts the industrial part of the country with plenty of gems for fans of Soviet architecture. Finally, the southern part is the gateway to the sea, with secluded beaches and beautiful nature.

And all this diversity comes at a cost of around 35 USD per day, with food, accommodation, and basic transportation included in this price. This is a cost per day for an active travel itinerary.

For regular life, an average Ukrainian usually spends between 500 USD to 850 USD on rental, transportation, food, and recreational activities, depending on the city.

For smaller towns like Kamyanets-Podilsky, Vinnytsia, or Ivano-Frankisvks, the minimum monthly budget starts from 500 USD, with rent, food, transportation, and basic expenses included.

For bigger cities like Lviv, the minimum budget starts from 700 USD. For the capital, Kyiv, the recommended minimum is 850 USD.

In Kyiv, in particular, around 300 USD per month is spent on rent (a 1-bedroom apartment, renovated, not in the downtown), 25 to 35 USD is usually how much public transportation costs and 150 to 180 USD is spent on food.

A ticket to the movies costs around 5 USD, and so does the cab ride. A meal in a cafe — around 9 USD, and a dinner in a restaurant, with a drink included amounts to around 16 USD.

Some of the best places to consider living in are Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. All five are big cities offering something for every taste and budget.

By Inessa Rezanova and Natalie Rezanova from Through a Travel Lens blog

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9. Kosovo

Kosovo is routed in the Balkans and it lies between Albania and Montenegro, Macedonia, and Serbia.

Travelers can reach there easily on a bus route from a number of countries as the bus route is directly connected to most of the nearby countries.

Kosovo is one of the most beautiful and cheapest European countries to live in because of its beautiful deserts, free rides to nearby towns, welcoming people, and strangers ready to help you anytime.

The country is also a backpacker’s paradise offering lots of things to do; from visiting Kosovo’s beautiful mosques, exploring Kosovo’s markets, to hiking in Kosovo’s mountains. Remember to take the best water bottle for hiking as it might be a long hike

Besides the beauty, Kosovo has a low cost of living with an average minimum of 550 euros.

Rent can range between €100-200, other utilities can cost between €40-50 while transportation cost is around €0.40-0.50 per bus trip. For a monthly pass, it can cost you 12 euros and €20 will be enough for groceries for 2.

With that low cost of living, Kosovo is indeed the cheapest European country to live in.

By Paulina from Paulina on the Road

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10. Hungary

Hungary is a vibrant country with diversified things to do. It’s full of history, good food, and other peculiar traditions that make it an interesting place to live in.

In addition to all of that, it’s a super affordable country in terms of average prices in Europe.

Hungary’s highlight is the capital Budapest, which will amaze every visitor with its architecture and vibrant lifestyle, thermal spa culture, and quirky nightlife.

Lake Balaton is another place that is visited by both locals and tourists mostly in the summer months. It is surrounded by several beach resorts, hiking trails, and small charming villages perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Other things that Hungary is famous for are winemaking and thermal spa culture. In fact, Hungarians have one of the oldest wine-making traditions and their signature wine is Tokaj. There are also several wine regions where visitors can go for wine tastings.

And in terms of cost of living, Hungary is affordable with a studio apartment outside the city center costing about 320€ (115 000 HUF) on average throughout the country.

One-way city transportation costs about 1€ (350 HUF) and a monthly pass is 26€ (9500 HUF). A taxi tariff for one km is about 0.8€ (300 HUF) while a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for two costs about 27€ (10 000 HUF).

The country has a number of beautiful cities but the best all-year-round city for living in is Budapest as it offers so much to do and see.

By Erki from Genem Travels

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11. Estonia 

Estonia is one of the former Soviet states around the Baltic Sea. While it is the smallest by size and the least populated, the country offers incredible wild nature, medieval cities, and Nordic fusion cuisines, making it a great country for art, history, and food lovers. 

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a compact and modern city, where the old town is a historic heritage site with a vibrant mix of Hanseatic, Medieval, and Soviet charm.  

Estonia might be a hidden gem but it’s starting to slowly emerge as an expat destination in Europe because of a few reasons.

First, Tallinn is a convenient hub connecting many nearby cities, like Helsinki, Stockholm, and Saint Petersburg to the rest of the country.

Secondly, the country still enjoys less crowds for being out of the mass tourist travel radar. And finally, Estonia has a rich cultural heritage and national parks that have a lot of activities available all year round.   

For long-time travelers, consider Estonia as a pitstop for a longer stay. The average cost for a single bedroom at a decent hotel in Estonia is about €35, and for a double room, €50-75. For an Airbnb apartment, the cost could be as low as €30 per night. 

Tallinn is easy to navigate by car, and the cost of car rental is about €30-40 per day. Transportation is convenient, and a tram ride costs less than €1. 

If you enjoy fine dining, Tallinn is a great place to be because dining here offers good quality and good value. Coffee and cake are about €3-5, and bread for breakfast is usually less than €1.

An average meal for two is about €8-15 and for an upscale fine dining experience, it generally costs €30, which is lower than many other European cities.  

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying  

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12. Greece

Located in the southeastern part of the European Union, Greece is the cheapest place to live in EU.

It is famous for its history, beautiful islands, and its amazing cuisine so the country is perfect for those who love history, picturesque towns, beaches, and good food!

One of the beautiful places to visit in Greece is the capital, Athens. The city has a number of great sights like the Acropolis, which is an old citadel from Ancient Greece, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, which is an ancient temple and so many great museums.

Santorini is another highlight of the country. It is one of the most famous islands in Greece that is known for its beautiful views and picturesque towns. This is also where you find the iconic blue domes.

While Greece is generally affordable on European standards, the cost of living depends on where in the country you live.

Popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos will be on the higher-end compared to lesser-known places like Milos or even further away.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Athens is about €700 (including utilities) per month and groceries can average €250 per month. Public transportation is also cheap and convenient with a 90 minutes ride costing €1.40.

However, if you get away from popular cities and islands, you can even end up paying 30% less than in the capital.

By Dymphe from Dymabroad

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Final Thoughts on the Cheap Countries in Europe to Live

There you have it, friends! Those were some of the cheap places to live in Europe! Don’t let the fear of high rates scare you away from Europe now that you know it’s totally doable if you go to the “right countries”.

Where will you be moving next? Let me know in the comments below and if you’ve lived in a country in Europe that you found cheap compared to other western European countries, still let me know in the comments below and you might inspire other travelers to move there.

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• Most romantic places in Europe
• Most beautiful cities in Europe
• How to visit Europe on a budget
• Famous monuments in Europe
• Best Spring destinations in Europe
• Romantic things to do in Europe

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