Lots of European countries are pricey, but it is possible to find budget friendly places as well. That's why I'm here to tell you about some of the cheapest places to live in Europe.
7min
Have you ever thought of packing up your things and moving to a whole new country? It's a great idea to get out of your comfort zone and do so, but understandably it can be stressful, and very pricey.
A lot of people may dream of living in Europe (or at least moving to another part of Europe) but believe they can't afford to. Luckily, there are options of cheapest places to live in Europe, and perfect for your big move.
Let's take a look at some countries to live in Europe that are:
Say the words 'moving to Europe' and most people will start to fantasize about eating croissants on a tiny balcony in Paris or admiring the view from a high-rise apartment in London.
Sure, these places are amazing and have so much going for them, but believe me when I say they'll set you back at least a few thousand euros a month (and that won't be including extremities).
Europe is a fantastic place to live, with so much diversity and culture across the different countries. You can get from one place to another in just a few hours by plane, train, bus, or boat and experience a completely different world in such little time.
From different foods, languages, scenery, and people in each place, there's definitely something for everyone. However, unless you're made of money, a lot of places in Europe can be quite pricey.
Like I said before about Paris and London, they're great, but what fun is it when you don't have enough money at the end of the month to buy groceries?
That's why I'm here to tell you about the 6 cheapest places to live in Europe.
In this article, I’m going to share some tips on how to volunteer abroad with Worldpackers so you can have a taste of the place before moving for real.
You might also like: The 10 cheapest cities to live in the world
I don't think it's any big secret now that Poland is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. An Expatistan article says that the 'cost of living in Poland is cheaper than 69% of countries in the World (51 out of 74)' which is a pretty big deal!
The second-largest, and one of the oldest cities in Poland, Kraków, is a very popular destination for tourists. With its rich history and beautiful buildings, it's easy to see why. Luckily, despite being so popular, it still remains a very cheap place to live.
Poland is one of the places in Europe where you can live at a particularly low cost, but with a very high quality of life, so you don't have to compromise on the nicer things in life. It's totally a win-win situation.
The average cost of living in Poland per month is: around €1,100
Recommended places to live in Poland:
You can visit Poland as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
Much like a lot of Europe, Romania is beautifully intricate with its building designs, but on a large scale. It has one of the lowest costs of living, making it an ideal location for those eager to move country for the first time.
Its friendly people, beautiful language and love for tradition make this country one of great interest and culture.
If you're a fan of turning off your phone, getting up in the hills and living life the more traditional way, then Romania is perfect for you. It's an old-style country to live in, and one certainly worth the visit.
The average cost of living in Romania per month is: around € 800
Recommended places to live in Romania:
You can visit Romania as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
If you have read my other blog on the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe, you will know that Portugal falls under that list, and the same goes for its living costs.
It's almost hard to believe with such a popular tourist destination that it could remain so cheap. According to the website Expatistan, Portugal is the cheapest country to live in Western Europe. This means it is not as cheap as other countries, but if you prefer Western Europe then it is an ideal location for you!
The average cost of living in Portugal per month is: around €1,400
Recommended places to live in Portugal:
You might also like: Quitting my job to learn Portuguese as a volunteer in Portugal
You can visit Portugal as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
The same goes for Hungary as it does for Portugal - a very popular destination for weekends away or short trips, but still very very cheap. I volunteered in Budapest, and despite it being a very busy bustling city, it felt so homely and safe - I even said at the time I could see myself living there. I would say that if you're from the UK, it won't take you long to adapt to the lifestyle.
Hungary is just a wonderful country in general - the people are very friendly and down to earth, the hills are gorgeous and every building looks like a piece of art. Hungarian people are pretty hardworking, but they also know how to have a good time. It's the perfect place for a good work-life balance.
The average cost of living in Hungary per month is: around €1000
Recommended places to live in Hungary:
Read more articles about travel on a budget: The 17 cheapest islands to visit worldwide plus tips to save money
You can visit Hungary as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
It may be a small country and look quite luxurious, but Montenegro is much cheaper to live in than you would think. It has an incredibly low tax rate, making it very appealing for those looking to live a luxurious coastal lifestyle, without the price tag to go with it.
It is ideal for those looking for a warm sunny place, with gorgeous views and a quieter lifestyle. Like any other place, it will get busier during the summer seasons, but it is not so overwhelming like other places. The further you stay from the towns, the more tranquil life will be.
The average cost of living in Montenegro per month is: around €900
Recommended places to live in Montenegro:
You can visit Montenegro as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
Don't miss out this article about the best things to do in Montenegro.
Last, but certainly not least, we have what is currently known as one of the cheapest countries in the world! A typical family holiday destination, Turkey boasts one of the most popular places for British people to migrate to. Its sizzling sands will have you running into the inviting sea for a dip to cool down, making every day feel like a holiday.
Turkey is an ideal location to move to as its quality of life is high, with great attention to its healthcare system. As mentioned before, many Brits decide to move here later in life as the house prices are significantly cheaper but just as good.
The average cost of living in Turkey per month is: around €500 (wow!)
Recommended places to live in Turkey:
You can visit Turkey as Worldpackers volunteer and help in some positions:
Don't all these countries sound so inviting to move to? I'm certainly tempted! Now I've only covered 6 countries, but I can assure you there are plenty more cheap countries to live in Europe.
Think Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and many more. The ones I have listed aren't all necessarily the cheapest places to live in Europe, however there's a good contrast between them. It's good to have variety!
The best way to figure out where you want to move to is to volunteer for a bit first, to find your bearings and get to know the city. My recommendation is to volunteer in a few different cities, and then narrow down what your favourite one is.
So go on! What are you waiting for?
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Emre
Jan 12, 2022
Hello
Rey
Feb 18, 2022
Hello
Mac
Jan 06, 2023
I'm sorry, but this list does not correspond to reality. Average wage in Poland is less than €1500. Now deduct €1,100 for cost of living and try to save something and have some fun for remaining 400. Don't forget to save some money for a car or holiday abroad.