Our guide on the best places to live in Europe at any budget if you are planning to move in.
Europe is incredibly diverse, offering something for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious city lifestyle, a peaceful countryside retreat, or a lively cultural hub, there are plenty of fantastic places to live across the continent.
From budget-friendly destinations to upscale urban areas, here’s a guide to the 12 best places to live in Europe that cater to a range of budgets.
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Best Places To Live In Europe
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Why Live Here:
Lisbon offers an exceptional quality of life with stunning weather, a rich cultural scene, and affordable living, especially compared to other European capitals. It’s perfect for remote workers, expats, and retirees.
Budget:
Rent: $1,000–$1,500 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $2,000–$3,000 per month.
Best For: Digital nomads, retirees, and those seeking a coastal lifestyle with urban amenities.
Why It’s Great: The city’s mix of modern infrastructure and historic charm, along with great food and access to nearby beaches, makes Lisbon a top choice for expats.
2. Berlin, Germany
Why Live Here:
Berlin is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its affordable cost of living (relative to other Western European capitals), exciting cultural scene, and growing tech industry.
Budget:
Rent: $1,200–$2,000 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $2,500–$3,500 per month.
Best For: Young professionals, tech workers, and artists.
Why It’s Great: Berlin is a creative hub with an alternative vibe, boasting a mix of history, art, and modern living.
Public transportation is efficient, and the city is full of green spaces.
3, Prague, Czech Republic
Why Live Here:
Prague offers a fairytale-like cityscape with its historic architecture, affordable cost of living, and well-connected transportation system. It’s also one of Europe’s safest capitals.
Budget:
Rent: $800–$1,400 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,800–$2,500 per month.
Best For: Digital nomads, retirees, and young professionals.
Why It’s Great: With its combination of affordability, history, and modern conveniences, Prague is perfect for expats looking for a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality.
4. Vienna, Austria
Why Live Here:
Vienna is known for its high standard of living, clean streets, and rich cultural heritage. The city consistently ranks as one of the most livable in the world.
Budget:
Rent: $1,200–$2,000 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $2,500–$3,500 per month.
Best For: Families, retirees, and culture lovers.
Why It’s Great: Vienna offers world-class healthcare, excellent public transportation, and a wealth of cultural experiences, from classical music to grand museums.
5. Kraków, Poland
Why Live Here:
Kraków is one of Europe’s best budget-friendly cities, with a low cost of living, a growing expat community, and a strong cultural heritage. It’s also a safe and walkable city.
Budget:
Rent: $600–$900 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,500–$2,000 per month.
Best For: Digital nomads, students, and budget-conscious expats.
Why It’s Great: With affordable living costs and access to modern amenities, Kraków is a great base for exploring Eastern Europe while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Why Live Here:
Barcelona offers the perfect mix of beach life, rich history, and cosmopolitan culture. The city is known for its architecture, art scene, and Mediterranean climate.
Budget:
Rent: $1,200–$2,000 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $2,500–$3,500 per month.
Best For: Beach lovers, digital nomads, and those seeking a vibrant city life.
Why It’s Great: Barcelona is ideal for those who want an exciting city life with easy access to the beach. The city has a robust expat community and plenty of international businesses.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Why Live Here:
Ljubljana is one of Europe’s greenest and most charming cities, perfect for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature, with easy access to Slovenia’s stunning lakes and mountains.
Budget:
Rent: $700–$1,200 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,800–$2,500 per month.
Best For: Nature lovers, families, and eco-conscious expats.
Why It’s Great: Ljubljana offers a relaxed lifestyle in a clean, green city, with excellent access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and lake trips.
8. Thessaloniki, Greece
Why Live Here:
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and offers a vibrant lifestyle with a strong Mediterranean vibe, affordable living costs, and a rich history.
Budget:
Rent: $500–$900 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,500–$2,000 per month.
Best For: Beach lovers, digital nomads, and retirees.
Why It’s Great: Thessaloniki is affordable, sunny, and filled with ancient history. You’ll find a fantastic food scene, great nightlife, and a welcoming local community.
9. Tallinn, Estonia
Why Live Here:
Tallinn is known for its digital-forward infrastructure, making it a perfect destination for tech workers and digital nomads. The city also boasts a well-preserved medieval old town and a thriving startup scene.
Budget:
Rent: $700–$1,200 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,800–$2,500 per month.
Best For: Digital nomads, tech professionals, and those looking for a modern lifestyle.
Why It’s Great: Estonia’s e-residency program makes it easy for remote workers to set up businesses, while Tallinn offers a mix of modernity and medieval charm.
10. Belgrade, Serbia
Why Live Here:
Belgrade is one of the most affordable European capitals, known for its vibrant nightlife, low cost of living, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a city on the rise, especially for digital nomads and young professionals.
Budget:
Rent: $500–$900 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $1,500–$2,000 per month.
Best For: Young professionals, digital nomads, and those seeking affordability.
Why It’s Great: With its rich cultural history and buzzing social scene, Belgrade offers a lively environment at a very low cost.
11. Zurich, Switzerland
Why Live Here:
While Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it also offers a world-class standard of living, excellent healthcare, and career opportunities, particularly in finance and tech.
Budget:
Rent: $2,000–$3,500 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $4,000–$5,500 per month.
Best For: High-income professionals, finance and tech workers.
Why It’s Great: Zurich is ideal for those who prioritize career opportunities, safety, and quality of life. The city’s stunning lakeside setting and access to the Alps are added bonuses.
12. Paris, France
Why Live Here:
Paris, the “City of Light,” remains one of the world’s most desirable cities to live in, offering a rich history, art, culture, and gastronomy, despite its higher living costs.
Budget:
Rent: $1,800–$3,000 per month for a central apartment.
Living Expenses: $3,500–$5,000 per month.
Best For: Art lovers, professionals, and those who want a luxurious, cultural city life.
Why It’s Great: Paris is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, perfect for those who enjoy art, culture, fashion, and fine dining. Despite being expensive, it offers an unmatched lifestyle.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.