Traveling and living in Europe can be a dream, but the high cost of living in certain regions may make it challenging for many. However, there are several countries in Europe where the cost of living is surprisingly affordable while offering rich cultures, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming communities. If you’re looking to relocate, travel long-term, or simply enjoy Europe without breaking the bank, here are the top countries with the lowest living costs.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is often cited as one of the cheapest countries in Europe, making it popular among budget travelers, digital nomads, and retirees alike. This Balkan nation offers a blend of rich history, a vibrant cultural scene, and scenic landscapes, all at very affordable rates.
- Cost of Living: Monthly costs for a single person in Sofia, the capital, can range from €600-€800, including rent in a modest apartment. Smaller towns, like Plovdiv or Varna, are even cheaper.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Sofia can cost around €300 per month, while in smaller cities, prices drop to €200 or less.
- Food and Dining: A meal in a local restaurant costs between €5-€10. Fresh produce at local markets is incredibly affordable, helping residents save on groceries.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities are low, typically around €50-€70 monthly. Public transport is very cheap, with monthly passes costing about €25.
For more on living in Bulgaria, check out this comprehensive guide on moving to Bulgaria.
Romania
Romania combines affordability with stunning Carpathian mountain landscapes, rich folklore, and medieval architecture. Cities like Bucharest, Brasov, and Cluj-Napoca are filled with opportunities and amenities at much lower costs than in Western Europe.
- Cost of Living: In Bucharest, a single person can live comfortably on €700-€900 a month, while smaller cities are even cheaper.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bucharest can cost between €300-€400. In cities like Timisoara or Sibiu, rent averages around €200.
- Food and Dining: Meals at local restaurants are typically €5-€8. Romania has a great farm-to-table culture, so fresh, locally sourced produce is affordable and widely available.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities average around €60-€80 per month, and public transport is highly affordable, with monthly passes costing around €15.
For an insider look, this Romanian expat guide offers practical advice.
Albania
Albania has become increasingly popular with travelers and expats thanks to its pristine beaches, stunning mountains, and low cost of living. This country is also known for its friendly locals and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Cost of Living: A single person in Tirana can live comfortably on €500-€700 monthly. Smaller towns, especially coastal ones like Saranda, offer even lower costs.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Tirana costs around €200-€300, while coastal towns can be as low as €150-€250 per month.
- Food and Dining: A meal at a local restaurant costs about €5-€7. Albania is known for its delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with local markets offering fresh produce at low prices.
- Utilities and Transport: Monthly utilities cost around €30-€50, and public transport is also budget-friendly, with passes costing around €10.
Learn more about living in Albania as a foreigner and why it’s gaining popularity.
Serbia
Serbia is not only affordable but also offers a unique cultural experience and dynamic lifestyle, especially in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. The country is increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordability and improving infrastructure.
- Cost of Living: A single person in Belgrade can expect to spend around €600-€800 monthly, including rent. Outside the capital, costs are even lower.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Belgrade averages €250-€350, while smaller cities may have rents as low as €150-€200.
- Food and Dining: Eating out is very affordable, with meals costing around €5-€7. Serbian cuisine is hearty and satisfying, with many affordable local markets offering fresh ingredients.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities cost around €50-€70 per month, and public transportation is affordable, with monthly passes available for €20.
For insights, this guide on moving to Serbia covers everything you need to know.
Ukraine
Despite recent challenges, Ukraine remains one of Europe’s cheapest places to live. Cities like Lviv and Odessa offer a blend of history, culture, and affordable living.
- Cost of Living: A single person in Kyiv can live comfortably on €500-€700 per month. Smaller cities like Lviv or Kharkiv are even cheaper.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Kyiv costs around €200-€300, while in smaller cities, it can be as low as €150.
- Food and Dining: Meals at local restaurants cost around €5-€8, and local markets offer a wide range of fresh, affordable produce.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities cost about €30-€50 monthly, and public transport is one of the cheapest in Europe, with monthly passes costing around €10.
For more information, check out this Ukraine living guide.
Georgia
Though technically part of the Caucasus, Georgia’s proximity to Eastern Europe and its economic ties make it an appealing option for those looking to live affordably in the region. Known for its wine, hospitality, and mountains, Georgia has a welcoming expat community and relaxed visa policies.
- Cost of Living: In Tbilisi, a single person can live comfortably on €500-€700 per month.
- Accommodation: Rent in Tbilisi is around €200-€300 for a one-bedroom apartment. In smaller cities, prices can drop to €150 or less.
- Food and Dining: Eating out costs between €4-€6 per meal, and local markets are full of affordable, fresh ingredients.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities average around €30-€50 per month, and transportation is affordable, with monthly passes for €10-€15.
For a deep dive into Georgia’s lifestyle and costs, check out this expat guide to Georgia.
Montenegro
Montenegro’s beautiful Adriatic coastline, mountainous landscapes, and low cost of living have made it a hidden gem in Europe. With affordable real estate and a welcoming environment, it’s becoming a popular choice for expats.
- Cost of Living: A single person can live in cities like Podgorica for around €600-€800 per month.
- Accommodation: Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs about €200-€300 in Podgorica, with smaller towns being even cheaper.
- Food and Dining: A meal in a local restaurant costs between €5-€7. Montenegro has a strong local food culture, with fresh produce and local markets making grocery shopping very affordable.
- Utilities and Transport: Utilities are usually around €40-€60 per month. Public transport is budget-friendly, with monthly passes costing around €15.
Check out this guide on living in Montenegro.
These countries offer some of the lowest costs of living in Europe, perfect for anyone looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing lifestyle. Each country comes with unique cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and friendly communities, making them ideal for a variety of lifestyles—from digital nomads and retirees to budget travelers. When deciding where to relocate, consider these nations for a blend of affordability, quality of life, and adventure.