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Europe often has a reputation for being expensive, but many countries offer a comfortable lifestyle without draining your wallet. From charming cities steeped in history to quiet towns surrounded by nature, you can enjoy culture, food, and modern amenities while keeping your monthly expenses low. Below are six countries where your money stretches further, letting you live well and explore freely.
1. Portugal
Portugal offers a perfect mix of warm climate, historic charm, and relaxed lifestyle. Lisbon and Porto are popular, but smaller towns like Braga cost much less. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center averages $380–$550 per month, while groceries for a single person cost around $200 monthly. Dining out is affordable, averaging $10–$15 per meal. Public transport is reliable, and healthcare is excellent and accessible. Portugal’s low taxes and visa incentives make it especially attractive for retirees and remote workers.
2. Hungary
Hungary, in Central Europe, combines cultural richness with extremely low living costs. Budapest is vibrant yet affordable, with one-bedroom apartments renting for $320–$480 monthly. Smaller cities like Szeged or Debrecen are even cheaper. A monthly food budget can be around $180, and local transport costs about $35 per month. Hungary is famous for its thermal baths, historic architecture, and lively nightlife. For expats seeking a balance between modern amenities and low cost of living, Hungary offers both charm and practicality without overspending.
3. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is arguably the cheapest country in Europe for long-term living. Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna are popular, with one-bedroom apartment rents ranging $220–$370 per month. Utilities cost around $70–$90 monthly, while groceries for one person are approximately $150. Bulgaria is home to both beaches and mountains, offering a variety of lifestyles. Healthcare is low-cost, with private clinics being slightly more expensive but reliable. Low taxes, affordable entertainment, and welcoming locals make Bulgaria ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a slower, comfortable pace of life.
4. Romania
Romania offers a mix of affordability, modern cities, and natural beauty. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are popular for expats. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in city centers averages $330–$500 per month. Monthly groceries cost about $180, and public transport is $25–$30. Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, castles, and Black Sea coastline provide unique recreational opportunities. Fast internet and a growing tech scene make it attractive for digital nomads. Romania is perfect for those who want both low cost of living and access to cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and urban conveniences.
5. Poland
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Poland is an excellent choice for affordable European living with a high standard of life. Cities like Warsaw and Kraków are lively, but smaller cities such as Wrocław or Lublin are cheaper. One-bedroom apartments rent for $300–$450 per month, while groceries cost around $160 monthly. Public transport is efficient, averaging $30 per month, and healthcare is low-cost and accessible. Poland offers rich history, scenic parks, and a strong sense of community. The combination of modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and low living expenses makes Poland ideal for students, expats, and retirees seeking value for money.
6. Georgia
Though not fully in the EU, Georgia offers a European lifestyle at remarkably low prices. Tbilisi is a hub for expats, with one-bedroom apartments renting for $260–$420 monthly. Monthly groceries cost about $150, and public transport is under $15 per month. Georgia is known for stunning mountain landscapes, warm local hospitality, and a growing digital nomad community. Its affordable cafes, low-cost entertainment, and reliable internet make it ideal for long-term living. Despite being outside mainstream Western Europe, Georgia provides a European-style experience with all the perks of low-cost living and vibrant culture.