Are you looking for the cheapest EU countries to live in? Then you have come to the right place.
There are many factors to consider for anyone looking to live abroad, and one of the most important ones is affordability. It’s true that the EU may not be the cheapest place to live, but you might be surprised to see that some EU countries are actually pretty affordable!
If you want to move to a country in the European Union where the cost of living is cheaper than in most EU countries, then this list is for you.
This list features the cheapest EU countries to live in but it’s good to know that most countries have both expensive as well as inexpensive areas. More touristy places or big cities, for example, will be more expensive.
This being said, the cost of living may be a big factor, but it’s also important to research other factors before moving to a new country. Some other important things to consider before moving abroad are visas, health care, culture, religion and the spoken language.
What Are the Cheapest EU Countries to Live In?
Note that the countries mentioned in this list are cheap for European standards. However, they’re still pretty expensive compared to the cheapest Asian destinations, for example.
The cost of living mentioned in this post is based on the average. How much it will cost depends on the region and how you live.
1. Bulgaria
💰 Avg. cost of living: €800/month | 💶 Currency: Lev
Located in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is an interesting country with a rich history, beautiful mountains, nice beaches and friendly locals.
Apart from that, Bulgaria is also a safe country with a lot of diversity and it’s one of the cheapest countries in the European Union.
The cost of living in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, is 54% cheaper than in the U.K., for example. However, if you go to smaller towns or Plovdiv, which is the country’s second-largest city, it will be even lower.
2. Poland
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,100/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Compared to other EU countries, living in Poland is pretty cheap. The price of public transportation and food especially is lower compared to other European countries. It’s good to know that the cost of gas, clothing and electronics is similar to more expensive EU countries, though.
Poland is a very diverse country with beautiful national parks, medieval towns and a rich history. This country is also home to bustling cities like Krakow and Warsaw, the Tatra Mountains with its beautiful lakes (Morskie Oko, for example) and the world’s oldest functioning salt mine – Wieliczka.
On top of all that, Polish people are very hospitable and accommodation costs are low in this country.
3. Romania
💰 Avg. cost of living: €900/month | 💶 Currency: Leu
Romania is one of the cheapest countries to live in the European Union, and it’s also one of my favourite countries in Europe!
With picturesque towns, stunning castles and beautiful forests, this is an underrated country that has so much to offer. If you’re a lover of nature and the outdoors, then you will love Romania! This is a country where you can go city hopping one day and drive the Transfagarasan through the mountains the next.
Compared to other EU countries, the cost of living in Romania is pretty low. On top of that, it’s also a dream destination for digital nomads. After all, Romania is one of the countries with the fastest internet speed in the world!
4. Portugal
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,200/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Portugal is one of the most popular countries among expats and digital nomads. It’s true that because of this, real estate prices have been rising in recent years. This being said, Portugal is still one of the cheapest Western European countries to live in.
It’s good to know that famous cities like Lisbon and Porto tend to be more expensive compared to the rest of Portugal. There are other great places to live in this country, though, so don’t let this put you off!
Portugal has warm and sunny weather most of the year, and it’s also home to bustling cities and beautiful beach destinations.
Some other things that make this country a nice place to live in are the delicious Portuguese dishes, Porto, wine, and welcoming locals!
5. Hungary
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,000/month | 💶 Currency: Forint
Hungary is another safe and affordable European country with a lot of things to see and do.
This country has plenty of natural, cultural and historical places to visit. On top of that its capital, Bucharest, is pretty cheap (by European standards). This is one of the prettiest cities in Europe and one of the cheapest cities to live in in the EU.
Most expats who live in Hungary live in Budapest. If you work online and would rather not live in a city, then the northern shores of Balaton, for example, are another nice (and much cheaper) option.
6. Slovenia
💰 Avg. cost of living: €,1200/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
If you’re looking for a stunningly beautiful and affordable country to live in Europe, then Slovenia may be the country for you.
With its mesmerizing landscapes, breathtaking lakes and majestic waterfalls, this Central European country is the perfect place for lovers of nature. What makes it even better is that Slovenia is known to be a stable country with low crime rates and welcoming locals.
It’s good to know, however, that Slovenia is more expensive than other Eastern European countries. This being said, it’s still cheaper than the U.S. and many other countries in Europe.
7. Croatia
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,200/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Another one of the cheapest European countries to live in is Croatia.
This country is famous for its stunning waterfalls, fascinating historical sites and amazing coastline. It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Mediterranean and it’s easy to understand why, as there are many beautiful places to discover here.
When it comes to living in Croatia, it’s good to know that this is one of the safest countries in Europe. It’s a great country for expats and digital nomads. That is – if you can handle the bureaucracy.
8. Italy
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,400/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Ah, Italy – where do I even start? Living in this country is a dream for many people.
Some of the world’s most famous sights can be found here and let’s admit it: Italian food is some of the best cuisine in the world.
There’s an abundance of things to do in this country too, from hiking in the Dolomites to relaxing by the ocean, exploring ancient ruins or visiting some of Europe’s best museums.
The good news is that living in Italy is pretty affordable by European standards – though it does depend on where you live.
The main cities, like Rome and Milan, for example, are pretty expensive. However, if you don’t mind settling in smaller towns or more rural areas, then it’s perfectly possible to live quite cheaply in Italy! Just make sure you do some research on the best places to live in Italy in advance.
9. Czech Republic
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,400/month | 💶 Currency: Koruna
The Czech Republic is another affordable country in the EU. That is, except for Prague, which is a pretty expensive city as it’s considered one of the best places to live in Europe.
There are, however, plenty of other beautiful places to live in the Czech Republic. So if you’re okay with living in a smaller city or town, like Ostrava or Olomouc, for example, then the Czech Republic might be the perfect country for you.
The Czech Republic has a lot to offer, from beautiful national parks with unspoiled forests to vibrant cities full of palaces and churches. If you’re a history buff or like visiting castles, then this country might also be the ideal relocation country for you!
10. Slovakia
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,300/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Slovakia is somewhat more expensive than its neighbour Hungary (#5 on this list). However, it’s still one of the most affordable countries to live in the EU and Europe.
Compared to countries in Western Europe or the U.S., living costs are low in Slovakia. So by moving here, you will be able to make the most of your earnings.
This beautiful country is famous for its mountains, lake beaches, charming villages and delicious food. Slovakian people are known to be a bit standoffish, though, but once they get to know you, they do tend to open up!
11. Latvia
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,100/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
With its interesting culture and rich history, Latvia is not only a relatively cheap EU country to live in, but it’s also a pretty fascinating one!
This is one of the last countries in Europe to join Christianity, and Paganism is still very much alive here. Apart from Pagan festivities, you will also find beautiful nature, sandy beaches, interesting museums and bustling cities in Latvia.
All in all, if you want to live in Europe without the high cost of living, then Latvia might be the country for you!
12. Lithuania
💰 Avg. cost of living: €1,100/month | 💶 Currency: Euro
Lithuania is another affordable EU country and it’s also one of the cheapest countries in the European Union.
This country is home to vibrant cities, beautiful national parks and sandy beaches. So no matter if you’re a city person or prefer spending time in nature, Lithuania will have something to offer you.
The best thing about Lithuania is that rental prices, food and transportation are on the cheaper side in Europe, and it is possible to live here on a smaller budget.
Map of the Cheapest EU Countries to Live In
Cheapest European Countries to Live That Are Not in the EU
There are some pretty amazing countries to live in in Europe that are not in the European Union as well. You can find these below.
Some of the countries listed below (Albania, Montenegro and Turkey) have applied to join the EU, so they may join one day.
- Albania: This affordable country has it all: beautiful beaches, towering mountains, fascinating culture and friendly locals. It’s an underrated destination with lots of beautiful places to discover.
- Moldova: Moldova is one of Europe’s hidden gems, this country is home to plenty of monasteries, delicious wine, interesting museums and, best of all, living in Moldova is pretty affordable!
- Montenegro: Even though Montenegro is not part of the EU (yet), it does use the Euro. This small country is a paradise for lovers of nature and the outdoors.
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: If you’re a remote worker, then Bosnia & Herzegovina might be an interesting and cheap place to live! This country is known for its natural beauty and historical heritage.
- Serbia: Although Belgrado, Serbia’s capital, is more on the expensive side, this is not the case for the rest of the country. Cities like Novi Sad or Pančevo, for example, are actually pretty affordable.
- Georgia: This is another stunning country that’s also pretty cheap to live in. There are a lot of expats and digital nomads in Georgia too, so it won’t be too hard to meet people here.
- Turkey: Turkey is another country with plenty of expats and digital nomads. From Istanbul to Alanya and Marmaris, this country has an abundance of beautiful places to discover.
Cheapest EU Countries to Live In: Final Thoughts
And voila, these were the cheapest EU countries to live in! I hope that you found exactly what you were looking for in this post and that it gives you a better understanding of which EU countries are most affordable.
After researching a place’s affordability, it’s important to research other important factors as well before moving there. Some of the most important things to consider are the culture, language, health care and visas for the country.
If you’re a digital nomad, it’s good to know that the cheapest and best EU countries for digital nomads are Portugal, Hungary, Croatia, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania. All of these countries have good internet and a digital nomad community.
Have you lived in or do you live in one of these countries? How much did you spend monthly? Let me know in the comments below!
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2 comments
Sorry, but Hungary isn’t cheap to live in. Everything is so expensive. Inflation in the last 2 years is around 40%. They closing a lot of school, swimming pool, restaurant, library, city hall etc. because the electricity and the gas prices is in the air. A lot of things is cheaper even in germany, where the average salary isn’t 700EUR, like in here. Teachers get around 500 EUR./month. Hungary is dying.
Hi Krisztián, thank you for your comment! I have added a disclaimer at the beginning of this post because sadly, inflation has gone up massively in Europe. 🙁