Europe on a Budget: Best Cities to Live Well Without Breaking the Bank
Dreaming of life in Europe but worried your budget won’t cut it? Good news: not every great European city comes with London or Paris price tags.
Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, student, or just looking to stretch your money further, these are the best cities in Europe for affordable living without sacrificing lifestyle.
What We Looked For
To find the best budget-friendly cities, we focused on places that offer:
- Affordable rent and groceries
- Good digital infrastructure
- Safety and healthcare
- Reliable visas or easy stays for non-EU citizens
- Quality of life indicators (walkability, weather, expat scene)
Top Budget-Friendly Cities in Europe (2025)
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
- Avg. Rent (1BR): $450
- Avg. Net Salary (remote-friendly): ~$2,000
- Visa-free for 365 days for 90+ nationalities
- 1% tax regime for small freelancers
Why it works: Fast internet, low cost of living, strong digital nomad scene, and a creative energy that’s hard to beat.
2. Valencia, Spain
- Avg. Rent (1BR): $800
- Sunshine: 300+ days/year
- High walkability, beach lifestyle, and public healthcare access
- Cost of living ~25% lower than Madrid or Barcelona
Why it works: It’s Spain’s best-kept secret—Mediterranean weather, slower pace, and less strain on your wallet.
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
- Avg. Rent (1BR): $500
- EU member with low income tax (~10%)
- Thriving startup and tech scene
- Easy digital nomad base
Why it works: For an EU country, Bulgaria offers excellent value. Young creatives and developers are catching on fast.
4. Bucharest, Romania
- Avg. Rent (1BR): $550
- Strong English penetration and international community
- Gigabit internet for <$10/month
- Fast-developing food and nightlife scene
Why it works: Often overlooked, Romania offers fantastic value for those looking to base themselves in Eastern Europe.
5. Kraków, Poland
- Avg. Rent (1BR): ~$650
- Strong safety score, healthcare, and EU access
- Popular for students and tech professionals
- Historic charm with modern amenities
Why it works: It’s the ideal blend of culture and affordability, especially compared to Warsaw or Berlin.
6. Porto, Portugal
- Avg. Rent (1BR): ~$950
- Slightly cheaper than Lisbon but with similar benefits
- Eligible for Portugal’s digital nomad visa
- Beautiful coast, great food, and strong expat community
Why it works: A little more expensive than others on this list—but a great balance between lifestyle and value.
Honorable Mentions
- Lviv, Ukraine (low cost, but affected by regional instability)
- Athens, Greece (affordable if you avoid tourist zones)
- Tallinn, Estonia (digital-forward, a bit pricier but low tax)
Tips for Living Cheaply in Europe
- Stay outside city centers – Rent drops significantly in the next neighborhood over.
- Use long-term visa programs – Like Georgia’s visa-free stays or Portugal’s remote worker routes.
- Choose territorial tax countries – Like Bulgaria or Georgia, where foreign income isn't taxed.
- Join expat or remote work groups – For housing deals, co-living, and free events.
Final Word
You don’t need a six-figure salary to live a rich life in Europe.
Cities like Tbilisi, Sofia, and Valencia prove that you can enjoy beach walks, café culture, safety, and stability on a budget—and still have money left over to save or travel.
Use our comparison tool now to find out which affordable European city matches your salary and lifestyle.