Are you an expat trying to relocate? If you’re looking for cheap countries to move to in Europe, I’ve got you covered! I visited most of Europe and even though each country is beautiful, some of them are way more affordable than others.
Below you’ll find a list of the cheapest countries for expats in Europe. I’ve included information about prices, best cities to move to, monthly budget and more. Let’s get to it!
1. Moldova (700 Euro/ month)
Known for its delicious wines, Moldova is one the best places in Europe for expats on a budget. This small country located between Romania and Ukraine is one of the hidden gems in Europe.
Why Moldova? If you’re looking for a simple and authentic lifestyle, Moldova is the place to be! With endless green fields, welcoming people and rural villages, Moldova is truly one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Even though the infrastructure is not very developed and the expat community is relatively small, Moldova can be the perfect choice for families on a tight budget.
Renting a place is very cheap. To give you an idea, rent prices are almost 80% lower than in the United States. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of big cities costs around 250 Euros. Smaller cities are a lot cheaper.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 7 Euros while a meal at a fancy restaurant will set you back 15 Euros. When it comes to groceries, a loaf of bread costs 0.4 Euro, 1 litre of milk costs 1 Euro and a small beer costs 1 Euro.
Moldova is a small country, with few big cities. These are some of the best places for expats in Moldova:
- Chisinau – this is Moldova’s capital city. Here you’ll find the most opportunities, good public transport and the only international school in the country.
- Balti – a quiet city with a rich cultural life. It’s the second largest city in Moldova.
2. Turkey (750 Euro/ month)
The country that spans on two continents is actually a heaven for those looking to relocate. Located between Europe and Asia and gathering an overwhelming wealth of cultural and natural heritage, Turkey is a modern country that is extremely tolerant to expats.
Why Turkey? It is quite surprisingly among the most affordable countries to live in Europe, with excellent prices for accommodation, rent, food and other services. While it might take a while to get accustomed to the local culture, Turkey is a very welcoming country.
When it comes to prices, it all depends on the destination. Some places like Istanbul or Ankara have pretty high prices when it comes to paying rent. However, there are plenty of charming little towns on the coast or in the mountains that have very affordable prices.
To rent a one-bedroom apartment in the countryside or the outskirts of cities, it costs around 150-250 Euros per month, while an apartment in the city center usually costs 250-350 Euros per month. A three-bedroom apartment can range from 300 to 600 Euros, depending on its location.
A loaf of fresh bread costs under 0.50 Euros, one liter of milk is about 0.80 Euros, while a bottle of mid-range domestic wine is around 5 Euros.
There are many beautiful places to live in Turkey. Some of the most unique choices are:
- Antalya – a beautiful resort city with an incredible old town
- Alanya – with its growing expat community and leisurely vibe
- Side – with its coastal location and many activities
3. Serbia (750 Euro/ month)
For digital nomads and not only, Serbia is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe and why not, in the entire world. However, you have to keep in mind a few things before deciding to move to Serbia.
Why Serbia? Serbia is one of the less-developed countries in the Balkan region and Europe as a whole. The standards of living are low, the infrastructure is not the best, but the country itself is beautiful.
If you’re planning to work as a digital nomad, for a company based in another country, living in Serbia might be a good idea. Finding jobs in local companies will be very hard.
Renting a place in Serbia is very cheap. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at 200 Euros, while a two-bedroom apartment costs about 300 Euros per month. A meal at a local restaurant will set you back 6 Euros, a loaf of bread costs 0.5 Euro and one litre of milk costs 0,8 Euro.
Even though the community of digital nomads and expats in Serbia is not very big, there are a few places that are perfect for those who want to move to this country:
- Belgrade – the economic centre of Serbia, with a population of over 1 milion.
- Novi Sad – beautiful city, with a lot of history, sitting on the banks of Danube River.
4. Albania (750 Euro/ month)
Among the cheapest places to live in Europe, Albania is certainly at the top, with some of the lowest prices and expenses on the continent. This makes it the perfect choice for people who are on a really tight budget.
Albania is located in southeastern Europe, along the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. Albania was a communist country for many years and during that time, it was closed to the world. In the past decades, Albania became democratic and the country evolved quickly.
Why Albania? Despite having a modern infrastructure, there are still many advantages to becoming an expat in Albania. Everything in Albania in very cheap by western standards, beginning with rent prices and usual commodities.
The monthly price for a one bedroom apartment varies between 150 and 250 Euros in the outskirts and the countryside, while in the center of major cities expect to pay 250-350 Euros. For three-bedroom apartments, prices are between 300 and 500 Euros.
Hotels and restaurants are also cheap in Albania, especially in the countryside and outside the tourist season. For a meal in a decent restaurant, expect to pay anywhere from 5 to 10 Euros. A loaf of fresh bread costs around 0.50 Euros, one liter of milk costs about 1 Euro and a mid-range bottle of wine is around 5 Euros.
Among the best places to live in Albania as an expat, I recommend:
- Durres – with its summer nightlife and modern services
- Saranda – a beautiful seaside resort
- Korca – for its traditional beer and festivals.
5. Bulgaria (800 Euro/ month)
Certainly, one of the cheapest European countries to live in and definitely the cheapest that is included in the European Union, Bulgaria is an incredible destination, with many natural wonders.
Why Bulgaria? Everything in Bulgaria is cheaper than the rest of the EU, including prices for hotels and restaurants. Some of the reasons why you should move to Bulgaria are the friendly people, authentic culture and beautiful nature. One of the downsides might be that not many people know English or other foreign languages.
Also, the roads are pretty bad in the entire country. Getting from point A to point B might prove difficult if you have your own personal car.
Rent prices are low in most of Bulgaria, ranging from 150-200 Euros for a one bedroom, to 200-300 Euros for a two-bedroom apartment. If you want to live in the center of Sofia or other major cities, you should add at least 100 Euros to the sums mentioned above.
Restaurants and fast-foods are plentiful in Bulgaria, with excellent meals that usually do not exceed 10 Euros. The cost of essential produce and items is also very low. A loaf of fresh bread costs under 1 Euro, one liter of milk just over 1 Euro, while a bottle of beer is usually between 1 and 2 Euros.
Some of the best places for expats choosing to live in Bulgaria include:
- Varna – for those who prefer the seaside
- Bansko – mountain resort for mountain lovers
- Veliko Tarnovo – for those looking for a lively location with lots of things to do
6. Georgia (800 Euro/ month)
Sitting at the top of the cheapest European countries to live in, Georgia is also one of the most underrated destinations in the world. Unknown to many people, this small country in the far east of the continent has a lot to offer, including some of the cheapest prices in the world.
Why Georgia? Caught between Europe and Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia features a surprising natural and cultural heritage. It is a developing country, with a rising economy and many improvements made over the last decades.
Also, it is a great country to live in, with a positive attitude towards foreigners. The good news is that most of the people speak English.
The cost of renting a one-bedroom studio can range from 150 to 200 Euros outside city centers and from 300 to 350 Euros for apartments located in the center of major cities. For a two-bedroom apartment, expats looking to move to Georgia should expect to pay between 400 and 500 Euros, depending on its location.
A meal in a decent restaurant usually costs between 5 and 10 Euros, while other services like Internet are equally cheap. The price for a loaf of bread is about 0.40 Euros, one liter of milk costs about 1.20 Euros, while a bottle of the famous Georgian wine is about 5 Euros.
Among the best places for expats to live in Georgia, I would recommend:
- Tbilisi – a colorful town, known as a great destination for digital nomads
- Batumi – located at the Black Sea, this is an important tourist attraction in the country
- Kutaisi – for its impressive cultural heritage.
7. Montenegro (800 Euro/ month)
Montenegro is Europe’s rising star. Each year, more and more tourists choose this destination for its beautiful nature, spectacular scenery and cheap prices.
Why Montenegro? Located between Croatia and Albania, this is the perfect place for those looking to reconnect with nature. In Montenegro you can have a quiet life, close to rivers, valleys and mountains. The roads in Montenegro are good, but not many people speak English. Outside of important tourist attractions, you’ll have a hard time finding someone to speak English.
Finding a place to rent in Montenegro won’t be difficult and prices are accessible. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at 250 Euros, depending on the area. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment will set you back at least 450 Euros.
Montenegro is one of the best places to live in Europe for digital nomads. Groceries are very affordable. For example, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs 6 Euros while a loaf of bread costs 0.6 Euro.
Some of the best places in the country for expats are:
- Budva – located at the sea, Budva is a great place for expats. It has many shops, beautiful sites to explore and great restaurants
- Kotor – a bit touristy during summer, Kotor is a quiet city outside of the tourist season. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Europe!
- Podgorica – most companies have their headquarters in Podgorica. It’s a great place to find job oportunities.
8. Bosnia & Herzegovina (800 Euro/ month)
Same as the other countries which formed Yugoslavia, Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe. It’s landscape is diverse, there are lots of tourist attractions to explore and here you can find some of the best beaches in Europe.
Why Bosnia? Even though finding a job in a local company without knowing Bosnian, Serbian or Croatian can be difficult, moving to Bosnia is a good idea for digital nomads working for international companies. Bosnia offers incredible outdoor activities (hiking, rafting, camping), beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches. This country has it all!
Renting an apartment in Bosnia & Herzegovina will set you back at least 200 Euros, depending on the location. For example, a one-bedroom flat in an inexpensive area costs 200 – 250 Euros while a three-bedroom apartment in Sarajevo costs around 400 Euros.
Food is also cheap in Bosnia. A loaf of bread costs 0.6 Euro and one litre of milk costs 0.9 Euro. Going to the restaurant is incredibly affordable too. Going out for lunch (drinks included) in a fancy area will set you back 14 Euros while a McDonalds meal costs 6 Euros.
If you’re a digital nomad looking for the cheapest countries in Europe, Bosnia is definitely a good choice. Here are the best cities for expats:
- Sarajevo – Being the capital city, Sarajevo is the most developed city in Bosnia. Here you’ll find the most job oportunities in the entire country.
- Mostar – A beautiful historic city, perfect for families and people who want to enjoy a simple and quiet life.
9. Czechia (850 Euro/ month)
Among the cheapest countries for expats in Europe, Czechia is more affordable than many other countries in Europe. One of my favorite cities in the country are Karlovy Vary and Kutna Hora.
Why Czechia? It has high standards of life, a developed economy and modern public services. Also, the Czech people are very friendly towards foreigners. Czechia is located in Central Europe and since its separation from Czechoslovakia in 1993, it has become one of the best places to live in the world.
It also has some of the most beautiful places to choose as a home, with quaint historical towns surrounded by rolling green hills.
The cost of housing is moderate in Czechia. A one bedroom apartment costs about 400 Euros in the outskirts and small towns, and 550-650 Euros in the center of bigger towns or even higher in Prague. A two-bedroom apartment can go anywhere from 500 to 800 Euros and even more in the center of main cities.
A three-course meal in a decent restaurant costs around 25 Euros, while a loaf of bread is 1 Euro and a liter of milk is 0.80 Euros. Keep in mind that Czechia has some of the best beer in the world and it’s quite cheap, starting at under 1 Euro.
Apart from Prague that might be a little too expensive compared to the rest of the country, I would recommend the following towns to expats looking to relocate in Europe:
- Brno – beautiful historical town with incredible architecture.
- Ostrava – a quiet city, but with plenty of things to do and discover.
- Plzen – it has an authentic atmosphere and plenty of cultural treasures to discover.
10. Romania (900 Euro/ month)
Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is one of the cheapest places for expats in Europe. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated places in Europe, a hidden gem with lots of places to discover, beautiful cities and lovely people.
Why Romania? Among the cheapest countries to live in Europe, Romania is one of the most developed ones. It has good roads, good public services, it’s a safe country and the standards of living are pretty high, especially in big cities. Another good reason to move to Romania is its high internet speed and affordable internet subscriptions.
Romania has a diverse landscape, with both mountains and beautiful beach resorts. Also, here you’ll find incredible castles and a lot of untouched nature. Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle is among the most impressive castles in Europe!
The cost of living in Romania is low, compared to countries like Austria, Germany or France. For a one-bedroom apartment expect to pay around 200 – 250 Euros in big cities (in Bucharest prices might be a bit higher). For a two-bedroom apartment, prices start at 350 Euros.
A meal in a decent restaurant doesn’t cost more than 10 Euros while a three-course meal in a fancy restaurant costs around 20 Euros. A loaf of bread costs 1 Euro, while one litre of milk costs a little over 1 Euro. All in all, you can live a decent life with a budget of 900 Euros per month.
If you’re planning to move to Romania, here are some of the best cities to live in:
- Bucharest – lots of opportunities and jobs. Bucharest is a big city and here you’ll find everything you need.
- Oradea – known for its impressive city centre packed with Art Nouveau buildings, Oradea is a quiet city.
- Brasov – located in the centre of the country, Brasov is a historical city with a youthful atmosphere.
11. Slovakia (900 Euro/ month)
Among the most affordable places to live in Europe, Slovakia is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative to the western part of the continent. A landlocked country in central Europe, Slovakia offers many advantages.
Why Slovakia? It is a developed country with excellent public services, and it’s one of the safest destinations in the world. With its mostly mountainous landscape and a lot of beautiful places to see and things to do, it’s also a fascinating place to discover.
Prices are moderate in Slovakia. Renting an apartment with one room costs around 400 Euros outside of city centers and 500 Euros inside city centers. A three-bedroom family apartment usually costs between 600 and 800 Euros per month.
A three-course meal in a decent restaurant costs around 10-15 Euros per person, while Internet is around 20 Euros per month. One should expect to pay just under 1 Euro for a fresh bread, 0.75 Euro for one liter of milk and between 0.80 and 1.20 Euros for a beer.
There are many places that are perfect for expats in Slovakia, some of the most interesting ones are:
- Bratislava – with its multicultural atmosphere
- Kosice – with its beautiful town center
- Banska Bystrica – located in the mountainous center of the country
12. Poland (900 Euro/ month)
Definitely among the most affordable places to live in Europe, Poland is much cheaper than Western and Central Europe, while it might be a little more expansive than countries like Bulgaria, Albania or Turkey.
Why Poland? While geographically located in central Europe, it has more of an eastern vibe as an ex-Communist country. Poland is a beautiful country, with a rising economy and modern public services. It is one of the biggest countries in Europe with many big cities and beautiful villages alike.
Renting an apartment is affordable. For a 1-bedroom apartment, expect to pay 300-500 Euros per month, depending on its location, while for a two-bedroom apartment prices range from 600 to 800 Euros, depending on location.
Eating out is also fairly cheap in Poland. A restaurant meal costs between 5 and 15 Euros. Groceries are also affordable. A loaf of bread costs under 1 Euro, 1 liter of milk costs about 0,70 Euros and 12 eggs cost 12 Euros.
If you’d like to find a job a Poland, I recommend moving to one of the following cities:
- Warsaw – it has higher wages and more opportunities
- Gdansk – it has a peaceful vibe and it’s less crowded than Warsaw
- Katowice – for those looking for cheaper options
13. Slovenia (1100 Euro/ month)
One of the most affordable countries to live in Europe, Slovenia is certainly cheaper than most of Western and Central Europe. Located in the heart of the continent between Hungary, Austria, Italy and Croatia, it offers everything you need for a peaceful or exciting life.
Slovenia has magnificent mountains, splendid castles, astonishing caves, a small but charming seaside, as well as other incredible hidden gems. It’s a popular country among backpackers and digital nomads. You’ve probably already heard about the incredible city called Bled, right?
Why Slovenia? The cost of life is certainly higher than the other ex-Yugoslav countries, but still lower than the most developed countries in Europe. Some of the advantages of living in Slovenia include the high standard of life, the incredible nature, its cultural life and the modern public services.
Rent prices of Slovenia are moderate and range from 300 to 400 Euros for a one bedroom and from 400 to 600 Euros for two-bedroom apartments in most destinations and the outskirts of major cities. In the center of Ljubljana and several other big cities, prices are a bit higher (you should add 150-250 Euros per month to the prices above).
Meals in restaurants vary between 10 Euros for a decent lunch to 20-25 Euros (in fancy restaurants). A loaf of bread costs just over 1 Euro, a liter of milk is about 1 Euro, while the price of a beer is about 1-2 Euros.
If you’re thinking about moving to Slovenia, I recommend choosing one of the following locations:
- Ljubljana – a green and lively city
- Maribor – the second largest city in Slovenia, with a fascinating history
- Piran – a beautiful resort city, for those who love living by the sea
14. Hungary (1000 Euro/ month)
Located in the center of the continent, Hungary is one of the cheapest countries for expats in Europe. While more expensive than other examples on this list, except maybe for Slovenia, Hungary is still a lot more affordable than most countries of Western Europe.
Why Hungary? There are plenty of advantages when choosing Hungary, including its high standards of life and increased safety. While the capital city Budapest, which is one of the most beautiful in the world, might be quite expensive, there are plenty of other choices for expats.
The cost of housing is moderate in Hungary. A one bedroom apartment costs about 250-350 Euros in the outskirts and small towns, and 400-500 Euros in the center of Budapest. A two-bedroom apartment can go anywhere from 400 to 600 Euros and even more in the center of Budapest.
A simple meal in a fast-food is about 5 Euros, while a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is about 15-20 Euros. The price of a fresh loaf of bread or one liter of milk is around 0.75 Euros, while the price for a beer is between 1 and 2 Euros.
If you’re looking for the cheapest cities in Hungary to live, I’ve got a few suggestions for you:
- Szeged – with its youthful and lively atmosphere
- Keszthely – that offers a lot of outdoor opportunities
Final thoughts
If you want to live in Europe on a budget, you’ve got plenty of options. From big countries with lots of opportunities, to smaller countries where you can live a quiet life, these are the top 10 cheapest countries in Europe for expats.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
Pin it for later!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!