Top 15 Cheapest European Cities To Live In

What are the cheapest European cities to live in? Find out in this article.

Europe has one of the highest living standards in the world. For many people, it takes a fortune to afford to vacation or stay in its cities. Fortunately, however, some cities have a budget-friendly offering.

Some of them include the infamous inexpensive European cities to live in.

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Table of Contents

Top 15 Cheapest European Cities To Live In, Including Off-beaten Options

Tallinn, Estonia

Person with backpack overlooking a wintery Helsinki coastline

Although widely publicized as an inexpensive city, many tourists or visitors find Tallinn and Estonia quite expensive. But relative to many other European cities, such as Paris, it is significantly more budget-friendly.

Regardless, it’s one of the best places in Europe to live in, especially with its diverse historical attractions. The impressive churches with towering spires and beautiful museums with priceless collections are among the must-see attractions.

Plan your trip with my top post about Estonia :

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has been a steadfast city of the Christian forces during the attempted invasions of Asian invaders such as the Mongols and Ottomans. Because of the valiant defense of the locals, Europe was saved from possible religious annihilation.

Today, it is a shining example of medieval art and architecture, including spirituality. Among the attractions here are Castle Hill, History Museum and Library, and the National Gallery. There are also numerous churches and pilgrimage sites for religious visitors, specifically Catholics. Despite the city’s popularity, it remains one of the cheapest European cities to live in.

Plan your trip with my top post about Budapest, Hungary:

Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina

Snowy, sunlit road winding through a winter landscape. Tips for saving money on winter travel. — The Panoramic view of Sarajevo City

Numerous religious wars in its history have plagued Sarajevo. But the country is now relatively peaceful thanks to decades of peace efforts from the government and the religious sector. It’s also becoming a tourism destination, especially for those who choose laid-back countries.

To make the most of the local life experience, check out the Old Bazaar and explore the city’s numerous churches and mosques. Visitors can learn and reflect on how the two communities co-existed peacefully despite social unrest.

Plan your trip with my top post about Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina :

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland and one of the most historically important cities in Europe. It has been a witness to the ruthless persecutions and invasions that the country underwent in its history.

But it has also been a witness to the deep Catholic devotion of the Poles, with more than 90% adhering to the faith. With that, it hosts some of the most impressive cathedrals in the world, including other pilgrimage sites.

Take a stroll around the city, and one will find many museums and cafes, including plazas that show the blend of the past and modernity.

One of the must-see attractions is the Warsaw Rising Museum. Another is the Vistula River which has beaches for relaxation or sunbathing. Warsaw is one of the cheapest places to live in the EU.

Plan your trip with my top post about Warsaw, Poland :

What are my favorite travel must-haves?

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!

Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.

Vilnius, Lithuania

The Post Office’s annual City Costs Barometer has named Vilnius the best value city for a mini-break. Thus, it’s a wise choice for those planning to live in the city or have a short vacation there. In addition to budget-friendly costs of products and services, Vilnius has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

The local authorities confidently share that there are no dangerous places in Vilnius that tourists must avoid. It’s also an underrated option so that visitors can enjoy fewer traffic jams on the road, alleys, and paths within the city. Sure. That’s a big deal positive for those who opt for the underrated options.

Plan your trip with my top post about Lithuania:

Sofia, Bulgaria

Despite external forces that invaded Bulgaria, the local population preserved much of their culture and history. For one, they remain predominantly Christian, as evidenced by the numerous churches throughout the country.

In its capital city of Sofia, the towering spires of cathedrals are notable sights, while stunning museums and public plazas abound. A can’t-miss destination is Sofia’s Art Gallery. Today, Sofia is one of the least expensive European cities.

Plan your trip with my top post about Sofia, Bulgaria:

Top 9 Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bratislava, Slovakia

Palm trees on a sandy beach under a cloudy sky

Bratislava in Slovakia has been among the growing city destinations in Europe, owing to the numerous man-made and natural attractions. Visitors will surely love to see the Transport Museum and the Slovakian National Museum for free every first Sunday of the month.

They can also head out to Bratislava’s beach to view free film screenings or relish the river’s rustic settings and serene view. One can hop on a train from the city to other popular cheap cities such as Vienna.

Plan your trip with my top post about Bratislava, Slovakia:

Zagreb, Croatia

Winter scene in Estonia: bare branches with red berries. — Panoramic City Of Zagreb Croatia / Image by strgars from Pixabay

Croatia is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe. Thus, it also offers one of the cheapest rates for those who wish to live in the country’s cities, including Zagreb.

A must-see attraction is the Museum of Broken Relationships which carries an unusual combination of tragic and hilarious vibe. Tourists can also try fresh fruits at the neighboring Dolac Market. Take advantage of the sea of red umbrellas. One can take a train from the city to reach Budapest in Hungary.

Plan your trip with my top post about Zagreb, Croatia:

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city’s economic and cultural center. For centuries, it played a role in the global European territorial expansion, especially in Latin America and Asia.

Today, it remains a globally-important city with different interests in media, commerce, arts, fashion, finance, education, international trade, and tourism. It’s one of the country’s two cities listed as a global city.

Still, it’s one of the cheapest cities to live in, in Europe. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it hosts numerous landmarks and structures dating back centuries ago. These are gems for historical aficionados. Catholic pilgrims would love coming here due to its numerous Cathedrals and churches.

Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!

I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!

Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.

Plan your trip with my top post about Lisbon, Portugal:

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a paradise for art lovers or creative artists. For those inclined, check out Garajul Ciclap, known for its amazing graffiti. Then there’s the huge Palace of the Parliament with a registration fee.

But if you’re not planning to enter, you can take an equally breathtaking view from the outside. Tourists can take a train from Bucharest to Sofia in Bulgaria for almost 10 hours. Like many other typical cities in eastern Europe, Bucharest is the ultimate destination for budget-friendly seekers.

Plan your trip with my top post about Bucharest, Romania:

Barcelona, Spain

This may surprise many, but Barcelona is a cheaper city to live in in Europe compared to other mainstream cities. It offers some of the most exciting attractions and is considered one of the most livable cities in Spain. Nestled in Spain’s northeast region next to the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona lies close to the borders of France and Andorra.

Barcelona also clinched the coveted title “best beach city in the world” from National Geographic. Albeit increasingly cosmopolitan and quirky, Barcelona managed to preserve its Gothic roots, with many of its prominent churches carrying the said architectural style. A can’t-miss attraction here is the imposing Sagrada Familia Catholic church which, up to this day, remains incomplete.

The local management, however, pledged to complete the church by 2030. The church itself defines Barcelona tourism, attracting Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Who would not fall in love with its intricate details and majestic facades?

Plan your trip with my top post about Barcelona, Spain:

Novi Sad, Serbia

Novi Sad is Serbia’s second major city after its capital city, Belgrade. Compared to the said capital, Novi Sad is relatively cheaper, and foreigners who wish to spend months or years in the city can enjoy less expensive costs of goods and services. Within the city, they can enjoy the views of lush forests and bask in the historical roots with impressive churches and museums.

Plan your trip with my top post about Novi Sad, Serbia:

Top 10 BEST Places to Visit in Serbia

Budva, Montenegro

Although Budva can be pricey for many tourists, it balances the tourism rate spectrum. That is because many of its recognized attractions come with little to zero entrance or registration fees. Thus, it’s a gem for those who want to visit as many churches as possible, museums, and other attractions.

Plan your trip with my top post about Montenegro:

Top 10 Places to Visit in Montenegro

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the most famous cities in Europe, attracting some of the largest tourist arrivals on the continent. Thus, it surprises many when they learn that it’s one of the least expensive European cities to live in.

Walking around will give the tourists an idea of just how rich the city is in terms of culture and history. Almost everyone can catch sight of towering cathedrals, museums, palaces, and lush forest parks.

There are also many coffee shops and public spaces for social interactions or gatherings. The medieval buildings and structures are also added attractions.

Plan your trip with my top post about Prague, Czech Republic:

Top 6 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?

Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!

The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.

I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.

Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.

Get a FREE quote from SafetyWing

Riga, Latvia

Though Latvia is emerging as a prominent tourist destination, it remains one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Its capital, Riga, offers different attractions, ranging from majestic churches to ornate museums with priceless collections.

Budget tourists will certainly appreciate the city’s excellent value for money, which applies to other common expenses such as accommodation, attractions, and food. Since Riga is a relatively small and peaceful city, tourists can take a quick or gentle stroll around.

Plan your trip with my top post about Riga, Latvia:

Top 10 BEST Places to Visit in Latvia