13 Cheapest Places To Live in Europe (2023)

Europe is usually known for its luxurious lifestyle and high price tags, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to enjoy all the continent has to offer.

In fact, there are plenty of affordable European cities where you can have a great time without breaking the bank – and some of them rank as the best places to live in Europe!

What if you could live in Europe, in one of the best cities in the world, and still have money left over at the end of the month?

Here are some of the cheapest places in Europe that are perfect for the more budget-minded digital nomads.

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What Are The Cheapest Places in Europe to Live?

From Belgrade and Budapest to Tallinn and Tbilisi, here are the cheapest places to live in Europe.

1. Krakow, Poland

Poland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and its medieval city of Krakow is no exception.

This city has everything you could want in a European destination – stunning architecture, a rich history, and one of the continent’s best nightlife scenes.

Although it’s become more popular in recent years, Krakow is still relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities.

You can find plenty of affordable (but still very nice) apartments and meals will only set you back around $10 per day.

Plus, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy, including walking tours of the Old Town and visiting Wawel Castle.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

If you’re looking for an incredibly affordable European city with a fairytale vibe, look no further than Tallinn!

This medieval city is straight out of a storybook, and it’s one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

Rent is relatively low, and you can get by on a modest budget. transportation costs are also very reasonable, and there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in the city.

Since Tallinn is such a small city, most attractions are within walking distance from each other. And many of the best things to see and do – like exploring Toompea Hill or wandering through the old town – are completely free!

Of course, your exact cost of living will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits, but overall, Tallinn is a very affordable place to live.

3. Riga, Latvia

Like Estonia, Latvia is another Baltic country with medieval towns that pack a punch without busting your budget. And its capital city of Riga is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

You can find rooms in hotels and hostels starting at just $15 per night, making it easy to stick to your budget.

Since Latvia uses the Euro as its currency (unlike Estonia and Lithuania), you don’t have to worry about exchanging money when you arrive.

When it comes to food, there are plenty of affordable options available ranging from street food to sit-down restaurants. And many attractions – including exploring Riga’s Old Town – are free to enjoy!

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon may be Portugal’s capital city, but it’s also one of the most affordable capitals in Europe to live in.

While the cost of living in Lisbon is higher than in other parts of Portugal, it is still quite low when compared to other European capitals.

Rent prices are particularly reasonable (outside of the main tourist areas), and basic necessities such as food and transportation are relatively inexpensive.

When it comes to local food, there are plenty of affordable options available ranging from street food to sit-down restaurants.

Lisbon also has a wide range of affordable leisure activities, from strolling through its scenic parks to exploring its many museums and galleries.

Just remember that Lisbon is spread out across seven hills, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes when exploring this beautiful city!

Check out our Portugal Digital Nomad Guide

5. Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re looking for an affordable European city with a rich history and culture, look no further than Prague.

The Czech capital is filled with beautiful architecture, amazing food, and friendly locals.

The cost of living in Prague is very reasonable when compared to other central European cities. For example, you can easily find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for under $700 per month.

And if you’re looking for a bargain meal, head to one of Prague’s many beer gardens – you can get a delicious traditional Czech meal for less than $10!

Check out our Prague Digital Nomad Guide

6. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is often overlooked as a destination for budget-minded travelers. But the Romanian capital is actually a great place to live on a tight budget!

Bucharest has a rich history and culture, and it’s filled with charming streets and beautiful parks. And thanks to a growing economy, the cost of living in Bucharest has decreased significantly in recent years.

You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for under $600 per month.

And if you want to save even more money, consider living in one of Bucharest’s many outer districts – apartments in these areas start at around $400 per month.

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and it truly has something for everyone.

It’s a great place to live if you enjoy being outdoors, as there are plenty of parks and green spaces.

The city center is also very pedestrian-friendly. And, if you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven in Ljubljana – there are countless restaurants and cafes serving up delicious Slovenian cuisine.

Best of all, Ljubljana is very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers.

8. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and it’s quickly becoming a popular travel destination. But it’s not just tourists who are flocking to Tbilisi – it’s also a great place to live!

The cost of living is very reasonable, and there are plenty of things to do in the city.

Tbilisi is also a great base for exploring the rest of Georgia – from the stunning mountains to the Black Sea coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful country.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or just want to experience something new, Tbilisi should definitely be on your radar.

9. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a magnificent city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. It’s the largest city in Turkey and is filled with historical landmarks, great food, and friendly locals.

Istanbul is also a very budget-friendly city; compared to other major European cities, it is relatively affordable to live in.

The cost of living is low and there are many ways to save money, such as using public transportation instead of taking taxis.

Istanbul is also a great city for food lovers; countless restaurants and cafes are serving delicious Turkish cuisine. And if you’re looking for nightlife, Istanbul has plenty to offer, from hip bars to traditional Turkish pubs.

Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or just a great place to live, Istanbul is definitely worth considering.

10. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro is a hidden gem of a city that offers an incredible quality of life at an affordable price.

Nestled in a dramatic bay surrounded by towering mountains, Kotor has a fairytale quality that is impossible to resist.

The city is rich in history and culture, and the people are warm and welcoming.

Best of all, Kotor is extraordinarily budget-friendly, with many apartments and restaurants offering prices that are unbeatable by most European standards.

11. Belgrade, Serbia

If you’re looking for an affordable city to move to in Europe, Belgrade is a great option. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

This vibrant city offers a wide range of activities to suit all interests. For history buffs, there are several museums and galleries to explore, as well as a number of architectural landmarks.

If you’re more interested in the outdoors, why not take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or go for a bike ride along the river?

The city is also well-connected, with frequent flights to other European destinations.

As an added bonus, Belgrade is home to some of the best nightlife in the world.

12. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is often hailed as one of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.

From its stunning architecture to its rich culture, there’s plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.

Accommodation is reasonably priced, and there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants serving up delicious Hungarian cuisine. Transportation is also very affordable, making it easy to get around the city.

Best of all, Budapest is home to world-class museums and galleries, many of which offer free or discounted admission.

Check out our Budapest Digital Nomad Guide

13. Split, Croatia

Split, Croatia is a hugely popular tourist destination for good reason – it’s picturesque, historic, and relatively affordable compared to other European cities.

The city is split (pun intended) into two parts – the Old Town and the more modern suburbs. The Old Town is home to the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, a Unesco World Heritage site that was once the residence of a Roman Emperor.

Today, the palace is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleyways lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. And while the prices in Split are not as cheap as they once were, it is still possible to find affordable accommodation and meals if you are on a budget.

So whether you are looking for culture, history, or simply a beautiful place to relax, Split should definitely be on your radar!

The Most Liveable Cities in Europe

Best Budget Places to Live in Europe

There’s no need to spend a fortune to enjoy all that Europe has to offer – there are plenty of affordable cities where you can have a great time on a budget!

Just as a recap, here are the cheapest cities in Europe to live:

From Poland and Estonia to Latvia and Portugal, these European destinations offer everything you could want without busting your bank account.

Do you have any to add to the list? Let us know below.

4 Comments

Peter says:

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Hi, We are a semi retired couple, thinking about permanent retirement. Combined pensions come to approximately £2,000 per month. We were wondering if this would be sufficient to exist upon somewhere in Europe?
When I say exist, of course we would like to enjoy life, socialising a couple of times per week, going out for meals and drinks for example. We would be renting, perhaps a one bedroom apartment, and would have around £60,000 in savings. We would be very grateful if you could give any advice on this please. Kind regards, Peter Brackenridge.

1. Christina says:
  
  at
  
  Hi Peter,
  
  In Valencia, Spain rental apartments are quite cheap… So is going out for meals and drinks. You will not need to spend much on heating because the winter is not so cold… If you live in a small place near the city but on the metro line it is even cheaper.
  
  People are friendly and life is relaxing. There are a lot of free things to do and it is easy to meet people.
  
Rui says:

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Lisbon is so wrong lol. Not cheap if you work there.

Travel39 says:

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No, Belgrade has sky rocketed in cost of living, some of the highest increases in food prices in Europe and rent is always going up. It is no longer cheap, especially when considering value for money spent. Coupled with the pollution, some of the worst in the world, it just isn’t worth it.