Cheapest European Countries to Live In 2025: Your Go-To Guide
Thinking about moving abroad and curious about the most affordable European countries to settle in?
Relocating to another country can be thrilling yet daunting. Before you decide, it’s worth digging into your options and figuring out how much cash you’ll need for a decent lifestyle—covering rent, bills, and other essentials.
But don’t let the process scare you off. Getting a handle on some key details beforehand can make all the difference.
Here’s a rundown of some of the cheapest European countries to call home:
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Romania
- Poland
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Czechia
- Montenegro
- Latvia
Portugal
Tucked away in Western Europe, Portugal is a budget-friendly gem. Expats say you’ll need about $1,000–1,500 a month for two adults. Lisbon, the capital, draws the most expats, but cities like Porto, Braga, or Castelo Branco are even cheaper. While Portugal’s popularity has nudged prices up, it’s still a steal compared to places like Germany, France, or Switzerland.
Average costs in Portugal:
- Rent: $1,013 in Lisbon; $500–700 elsewhere
- Meals: $10 at a cheap restaurant; $45 for a fancy dinner for two
- Utilities: ~$91.75
- Public transport: $1–5 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $718.72
Plus, Portugal offers national healthcare, free for kids under 18 and adults over 65. It’s also super safe—ranked the third safest country globally in 2020. Check out how to apply for a long-term visa to live there.
Turkey
Turkey takes the crown as Europe’s cheapest country to live in. Food, transport, and housing are dirt cheap. You can get by on buses, minibuses, ferries, or trams, and eating out costs about the same as cooking at home. Two adults can live comfortably on roughly $600 a month.
Average costs in Turkey:
- Rent: $234 in Ankara; $140 outside the capital
- Meals: $3.30 at a budget spot; $15.40 for a nice dinner for two
- Utilities: $22–80
- Public transport: $0.34 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $223
Want to know more? Look into applying for a Turkish visa and residence permit.
Romania
Romania is another wallet-friendly option, with Bucharest being cheaper than many other European capitals. One person can get by on about $700 a month.
Average costs in Romania:
- Rent: $351 in Bucharest; $250 elsewhere
- Meals: $6.95 at a casual restaurant; $30.68 for a nicer meal for two
- Utilities: $70–100
- Public transport: $61 (likely a typo in the source—probably $0.61 per ticket)
- Minimum salary: $471.71
Curious about settling in? Here’s how to apply for a Romanian residence permit.
Poland
Poland stands out as one of Europe’s most affordable countries, blending low costs with a solid quality of life. It’s also a powerhouse in Eastern Europe’s economy. Rent in Krakow, the second-largest city, ranges from $315 to $315–500 for a one-bedroom. Smaller cities like Olsztyn, great for nature lovers and nightlife fans, are even cheaper. Warsaw, the capital, is about 10% pricier than Krakow but still a bargain.
Average costs in Poland:
- Rent: $517.41 in Warsaw; $438.48 outside
- Meals: $6.30 at a budget restaurant; $31 for a nice dinner for two
- Utilities: ~$183.97
- Public transport: $0.85 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $650.37
See how to apply for a Polish temporary residence permit.
Hungary
With over 180,000 expats calling it home, Hungary offers low-cost living and a high quality of life. Budapest is pricier—by 10–30%—but rent rarely tops $600, even for a spacious place. Smaller apartments go for $150–250.
Healthcare is free for residents, including first aid and emergency care for expats.
Average costs in Hungary:
- Rent: $400 in Budapest; $280 elsewhere
- Meals: $6.04 at a cheap spot; $33.85 for a fancier meal for two
- Utilities: ~$123
- Public transport: $0.88 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $501.66
Slovakia
Slovakia’s rich culture and affordable living are drawing expats in droves. Bratislava is a bit more expensive, but the countryside is a steal, making it one of Europe’s cheapest countries.
Average costs in Slovakia:
- Rent: $494 in Bratislava; $397 outside
- Meals: $6 at a casual restaurant; $30 for a decent dinner for two
- Utilities: ~$181.01
- Public transport: $0.90 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $580
Czechia
The Czech Republic, one of the wealthier Slavic-speaking nations, is also budget-friendly. Monthly costs range from $350 to $350–750, depending on location. Outside Prague, prices drop significantly. Food and transport are affordable everywhere, and the job market—especially in Prague—offers plenty of English-speaking gigs.
Average costs in Czechia:
- Rent: $350–800 in Prague; $250 elsewhere
- Meals: $6.87 at a budget restaurant; $33.04 for a nice meal for two
- Utilities: ~$217.56
- Public transport: $1.24 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $672
Learn how to apply for a Czech residence permit.
Montenegro
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Montenegro remains affordable despite its tourism boom. It’s one of the cheapest countries to live in.
Average costs in Montenegro:
- Rent: $500 in Podgorica; $150–200 outside
- Meals: $6 at a cheap restaurant; $27 for a good dinner for two
- Utilities: ~$100
- Public transport: $1 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $331.33
Check out how to apply for a Montenegrin visa.
Latvia
On the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a haven for expats, especially in language and IT jobs where English speakers are in demand. Taxes are low, making it a popular choice. You can get a temporary or long-term residence permit.
Average costs in Latvia:
- Rent: $454 in Riga; $324 elsewhere
- Meals: $9.96 at a casual spot; $49.81 for a nicer meal for two
- Utilities: ~$251
- Public transport: $1.15 per ticket
- Minimum salary: $500
This list should give you a solid starting point for planning your move. Each country has its own vibe and perks—pick one that fits your budget and lifestyle!
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