There are a whole host of stunning European countries, and whether you are looking for an electric capital city or a remote countryside villa, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Europe has numerous small cities and towns that offer a simpler way of life, often reducing the overall cost of living. For those considering the expat life, choosing one of these affordable countries to live in, many of which are still within a short flight to other top-notch European destinations, often makes sense.

As you consider our list of options to find the cheapest European countries to live in, keep in mind that quality of life is also a big factor in this decision.

The Cheapest Countries in Europe

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These factors comprise housing expenses (both rent and purchase prices), utility bills (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage), grocery and food costs, healthcare expenses, transportation charges (public transportation as well as the cost of owning and operating a vehicle), and the prices of entertainment and leisure activities.

Additionally, the overall quality of life and economic stability of a country can also play a role in determining affordability.

To evaluate these aspects, economists and researchers often use indices and databases, such as the Numbeo Cost of Living Index. These resources gather data on a broad range of living expenses across different countries and cities, enabling comparisons.

The “cheapest country in Europe to live in” are those where these living expenses – when combined into a cost of living index – are below the European average, enabling individuals and families to sustain a standard of living with a reduced financial burden compared to more expensive countries.

It’s important to consider that “affordable” living expenses may also indicate lower average incomes or a different quality of public services. Therefore, you should take these factors into account when assessing a country’s living costs.

Countries that are often cited as being among the most affordable in Europe include Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Portugal, based on various cost-of-living comparisons. These countries offer affordable housing, lower food and transportation costs, and generally lower prices for goods and services compared to Western European nations.

1. Albania

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Albania, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from beautiful coastlines along the Ionian and Adriatic seas to its rugged mountains and hills. Tirana, the capital, is vibrant and full of life, showcasing a blend of Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture, reflecting its rich history and cultural diversity. Despite its beauty and cultural wealth, Albania is considered one of Europe’s less affluent countries, with an economy primarily based on agriculture, textiles, and energy.

Albania is considered one of the more affordable countries to live in Europe due to a combination of factors. The cost of living in Albania is relatively low compared to Western European countries.

This affordability is reflected in lower prices for housing, food, and services. The country’s economy is still developing, which means that while it offers a lower cost of living, this is also indicative of lower average incomes compared to more affluent European nations.

Additionally, Albania’s real estate market offers competitive prices for both renting and buying properties, making it an attractive option for expatriates and retirees seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing their quality of life. The country’s natural beauty, from its pristine beaches to rugged mountains, adds to its appeal as a place to live affordably while enjoying a high quality of life.

Living costs

The cost of living is quite affordable in Albania for numerous reasons. That includes low overall housing costs but also lower prices associated with food. Transportation costs are a bit higher here, depending on where you live, and the cost of things, such as eating out, tends to be higher. Still, the average family of four will have costs of $1,726 per month without rent. The cost of living is about 48 percent lower than in the US, and the housing market is about 80 percent more affordable than in the US.

Cheapest cities

Albania has much to offer for those seeking the cheapest place to live in Europe. Many of its towns are more modern and extensive but remain competitively more affordable than those in similar cities throughout Europe. Aside from remote towns, these are the cheapest cities in Albania.

Vlore

Vlore is the country’s third largest city by population, with some of the most stunning beaches along the Adriatic and Ionia Seas. It also sits at the Ceraunian Mountain foothills. Though it offers a tourism-focused lifestyle with amenities like Radhime Beach, it is quite affordable overall.

Shkoder

The city of Shkoder is noted for its strong regional culture, especially in the area of the arts. It is also one of the most diverse religious regions of the country. Many people live in apartments in Albania. The Albanian Alps create hiking, camping, and relaxation opportunities for many neighborhoods in Shkoder.

Berat

Berat, sometimes called the City of a Thousand Windows, is an enchanting countryside community that overlooks the Osum River. It has a large castle near the top of the hill, and beautiful, simple homes dot the landscape. Winding cobblestone streets make this a relaxed, historically charming place to live.

Romania

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Romania is the sixth-most populous country in the European Union. Situated in eastern Europe, the country is noted for its beautiful landscape, including the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta. Bordered by Ukraine, Serbia, Moldova, and Bulgaria, the country is recognized for its location on the Black Sea, which offers the opportunity for long summer days spent by the water.

A look around Romania reveals stunning castles, old towns with true character, and a strong, passionate local culture.

That culture is influenced by traditional foods, religious upbringings, and the desire to enjoy life to the fullest. The country is noted for its celebration of spring, called Martisor, and its vibrant folk costumes worn by men and women.

Living costs

As one of Europe’s cheapest countries to live in, Romania’s cost of living is quite low. Monthly costs, without rent, for a family of four are typically less than $1,913. The cost of living in Romania is 47 percent lower than in the US. In addition, rental costs are 79 percent lower than in the US.

Cheapest cities

As one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in, most of Romania is quite affordable. Considering the quality of life and the cost of living, the following are some of the most affordable cities in the country:

Bucharest

The capital city has a large presence of foreigners that makes Bucharest a versatile city to live in, with numerous amenities like parks and museums. It is one of the most affordable European cities because of its low rental costs, but it still maintains a good quality of life. Many people live in apartment blocks just off the main streets, keeping them within walking distance of shops and cafes.

Timisoara

As one of the more modern cities in the country, Timisoara is an ideal place to live for those who want a good internet connection and modern amenities like cafes and small shops but are still looking for a quiet, slow-paced life. Thanks to the rail service, planning trips throughout Europe from Timisoara is also easy.

Cluj-Napoca

Noted for its universities, Cluj-Napoca is affordable, with a more youthful full-of-energy lifestyle. The city is larger, and foreigners comprise a large portion of the demographic. Though a bit more expensive than some of the more remote cities in Romania, this is one of the most modern locations for expats to live in.

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3. Poland

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For those seeking a culturally important country with a modern lifestyle, consider Poland. Located in central Europe, it is home to over 37.7 million people, making it the fifth largest in the European Union.

It sits on the Baltic Sea and near the Carpathian and Tatra Mountains, creating a beautiful natural landscape to explore. Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Germany, and the Czech Republic surround Poland.

Poland has beautiful, historic cities with numerous castles throughout it. Many know of Poland for its strong religious affiliations with the Roman Catholic Church, but it is more diverse than ever.

The country is also home to the largest number of ancient old-growth forests. Sitting on the Baltic Sea, numerous recreational opportunities exist, including beaches and dense forests to explore.

Living costs

The estimated cost of living in Poland for a family of four is about $1,967 without rent. Overall, the cost of living is about 46 percent more affordable than in the US, with rent in Poland about 65 percent more affordable.

Cheapest cities

For those exploring the cheapest European countries, several cities in Poland are noted for their overall quality of life and low cost of living.

Krakow

Perhaps the most well-known, thanks to its history that dates to the 7th Century, Krakow is a beautiful old city

noted for its moderate lifestyle and simple way of life. The city is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. It’s near the Tatra Mountains, which provide hiking and biking opportunities.

Szczecin

The community of Szczecin is a simple community with an industrial past. It has basic amenities, including parks and shops, but tends to be a working community. This community is a strong contender for those looking for a simple way of life, with quiet cafés, beautiful artisan works, and fast internet.

Warsaw

Though it’s the capital city of Poland and the largest city in the country, Warsaw is very affordable. It’s also home to the country’s largest economic and cultural elements, from museums to the urban lifestyle. It’s also become one of the fastest-growing major cities in the region.

4. Bulgaria

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Bulgaria is located in the southeastern portion of Europe and is a Balkan country with a rich history, bordering Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania, Turkey, and Greece.

It also sits on the Black Sea. This country has a strong individual culture where people are passionate about family and community. It’s also quite welcoming to expats.

Bulgaria offers many modern amenities that expats desire. It also offers exceptional local amenities, including a moderate climate, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.

It is quite welcoming to foreigners and tourists, with a strong economy and numerous employment opportunities in the service and industrial sectors.

Living costs

As one of the cheapest European cities to live in, life here is simpler. A family of four can expect monthly costs of around $2,020 without rent. The cost of living in Bulgaria is, on average, 43 percent lower than that of the US, and rent is, on average, 78 percent more affordable than in the US. Competitive food and rental costs help to keep the overall cost of living lower here.

Cheapest cities

The following are the most affordable cities to live in within Bulgaria while also considering the quality of life and amenities.

Shumen

Home to about 95,000 people, it is one of the largest cities in the country. It’s home to the Madara Horsman, a national landmark, as well as numerous historic churches and buildings. This is also where the Shumen Plateau Nature Park exists, a nature reserve ideal for hiking.

Pernik

The town of Pernik is also quite affordable and home to around 70,000 people. It has long served as an important mining town, which is why it is one of the largest cities in the West after Sofia. The stunning Pernik Fortress sits on the hilltop overlooking the city. A moderate economy and slow lifestyle make this an affordable place to live.

Gabrovo

A smaller city of about 60,000 people, Gabrovo is one of the least expensive cities around the world. Located in central northern Bulgaria, it is located in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, creating stunning recreational activities throughout the year. Numerous historic churches and museums exist here, and there is a craft market that dates back to the 19th century.

5. Czech Republic (Czechia)

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The Czech Republic is a beautiful, affordable region. When choosing the cheapest European country, this particular country offers a strong religious founding, an arts culture, and a fairly stable economy. It is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria and maintains a temperate continental climate.

The country has a range of cities, many with an urban feel and others quite remote. It has medieval castles throughout its landscape, numerous national parks for hiking and camping, and many small towns noted for their food, hospitality, and architecturally charming locations.

This country is also well-known for its vibrant lifestyle.

Living costs

The cost of living is not quite the cheapest country to live in, but in Europe, it is considered one of the cheapest countries. Plus, the country offers a high quality of life. A family of four can expect to spend $2,433 per month to live here without rental costs figured in.

On average, it is about 30 percent more affordable than in the US, with rent being about 57 percent lower than in the US, making it one of the cheapest countries in Europe.

Cheapest cities

The Czech Republic is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, though costs can vary based on the city. Some of the most affordable cities with significant populations include the following.

Most

The town of Most in the Labem region is home to around 63,000 people. The Mostecke Jezero, a lake here, is quite beautiful and offers fishing and boating options for residents. Castles and large homes from centuries ago dot the landscape. It is a city that dates to the 10th century, though much of it has been modernized.

Chomutov

A smaller city, Chomutov, is quite affordable because of its more remote location. Yet, that makes it one of the most attractive areas because it’s much more natural. It has a well-preserved city center and is home to the Kamencove Jezero, a lake ideal for fishing. It is also home to a zoo, numerous museums, and a walkable community lifestyle with small shops.

Liberec

The city of Liberec is larger, with over 103,000 people, but it is also quite stunning as it sits in the basin of numerous mountains. It’s home to the Liberec Zoo and several museums. The city also boasts modern amenities, including a community pool, parks, and playgrounds.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Cheapest Country in Europe

What European country has the lowest cost of living?

There are many affordable countries to live in Europe, such as Albania, Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. Other European countries to consider are Portugal, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, and Greece.

Which European country has the lowest prices?

Cheap countries in Europe include Albania, Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. The cost of living in a cheap country will, however, depend on your lifestyle and spending habits.