Normally, “Europe” and “budget-friendly” don’t belong in the same sentence. Almost every digital nomad dreams of ditching the cubicle for a dreamy life across the pond, but how much does it cost?
Here at Nomad Deals, we ranked every European capital city by monthly cost of living. Included are short-term hotel and Airbnb costs, meal prices, long-term rent, and local daily expenses. Continue scrolling for a closer look at the top options, as well as our guide to saving money while living as a digital nomad in Europe.
Our Methodology
Note that our list contains two different estimates. The “short-term nomad” budget is geared toward remote workers living in short-term Airbnbs and eating out most meals. We constructed the nomad budget based on data combined from AirDNA, Numbeo, and Budget Your Trip (plus our own calculations).
The “long-term local” budget reflects a more modest lifestyle for full-time residents. We based our estimate on the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, as well as cost of living expenses for things like groceries and utilities. Data for the local budget is based on crowdsourced figures from Numbeo.
Capital Cities in Europe Ranked by Cost of Living
The Top Ten Cheapest Cities in Europe for Nomads
Here is a closer look at the least expensive European cities on our list.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Daily meals: $12
Accommodation: $900/month
Claiming the title of the cheapest European capital for digital nomads, Skopje in North Macedonia is a must-consider. This city boasts incredibly affordable rent, utilities, and public transportation, allowing you to stretch your travel budget. Immerse yourself in the city’s Ottoman and Byzantine history, explore the lively Old Bazaar, or take a day trip to nearby Matka Canyon for stunning natural beauty.
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Daily meals: $21
Accommodation: $1,130/month
Nestled amidst mountains, Sarajevo offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and affordability. Following closely behind Skopje, Sarajevo provides digital nomads with a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe. Sarajevo boasts a vibrant cafe culture and a youthful atmosphere, making it a great base for remote work adventures.
Tirana, Albania
Daily meals: $18
Accommodation: $1,100/month
Albania’s capital, Tirana, is a rising star for budget-minded digital nomads. This city offers a unique blend of Ottoman history, Italian influences, and a modern vibe. Thanks to its low cost of living, from delicious local eats to trendy cafes, Tirana allows you to experience Albanian culture without breaking the bank.
Belgrade, Serbia
Daily meals: $20
Accommodation: $1,300/month
Belgrade boasts a low cost of living, with affordable rent, delicious meals, and a lively cafe culture. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, from its imposing fortress to charming cobbled streets. Belgrade offers a vibrant nightlife scene and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great base for exploring Southeast Europe.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Daily meals: $20
Accommodation: $1,460/month
This city boasts a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe, with affordable rent, delicious meals, and a lively cafe culture. Immerse yourself in Sofia’s fascinating history, from its ancient Roman ruins to its Soviet-era architecture. Explore vibrant markets, world-class museums, and the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Podgorica, Montenegro
Daily meals: $30
Accommodation: $1,400
Nestled between mountains and rivers, Podgorica offers a surprising blend of historical charm and modern energy. Explore remnants of Roman rule alongside contemporary museums and vibrant cafes. This off-the-beaten-path city boasts a lower cost of living compared to other European capitals, making it ideal for budget-minded digital nomads.
Zagreb, Croatia
Daily meals: $22
Accommodation: $2,100/month
Croatia’s buzzing capital, Zagreb, is a delightful mix of Austro-Hungarian grandeur and vibrant local culture. Explore the charming Upper Town with its baroque architecture and bustling squares. Zagreb caters to digital nomads with a growing number of co-working spaces and a relaxed cafe culture perfect for remote work.
Riga, Latvia
Daily meals: $30
Accommodation: $1,800/month
Riga, the enchanting capital of Latvia, is a treasure trove of medieval architecture and art nouveau buildings. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the magnificent St. Peter’s Church. Riga offers a thriving digital nomad scene with a good mix of affordable living costs and high-speed internet.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Daily meals: $35
Accommodation: $1,800/month
Steeped in history and brimming with baroque architecture, Vilnius is a captivating city with a youthful energy. Explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and grand buildings, or visit the fascinating Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses. Vilnius is a haven for digital nomads with a growing co-working scene and a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming city.
Warsaw, Poland
Daily meals: $29
Accommodation: $2,100/month
Poland’s vibrant capital is a perfect choice for budget-conscious digital nomads. Despite boasting impressive architecture, trendy cafes, and a thriving co-working scene, Warsaw’s cost of living remains significantly lower compared to other major European cities. Delicious meals, comfortable accommodation, and efficient public transportation allow you to explore the city’s rich history and immerse yourself in the local culture, all without breaking the bank.
Saving Money in Europe as a Digital Nomad
Living the digital nomad dream in Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and savvy strategies, you can explore charming cities, indulge in delicious food, and still have money left to fuel your next adventure. Here’s your ultimate guide to saving money on essentials like food, housing, and transportation:
Housing
For most digital nomads, housing stands out as the biggest monthly expense. Although cheap local rents can be found in Europe, it is difficult to secure these prices if you aren’t staying for at least 6-12 months. [See our digital nomad visa guide for more info on long-term stay requirements.]
Most digital nomads turn to short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb or hotels, but short-term economics are much different. In popular cities, a furnished, monthly Airbnb may cost 2-4x what a local is paying on a long-term lease.
Use these tips and tricks to minimize your housing expenses while nomading in Europe.
Stay in hostels
Although slumming it in hostels isn’t ideal for remote work, many digital nomads use platforms such as Hostelworld to save significant money. These shared spaces often cost much less than the private apartment prices shown on our list.
Embrace house sitting and apartment sharing
Nomad housing sites platforms such as TrustedHousesitters connect you with homeowners who need someone to watch their place. You get free or discounted rent in exchange for house-sitting duties. Consider flat-sharing with other nomads on platforms like Nestpick or Airbnb to reduce housing costs.
Think beyond city centers
Most digital nomads want to be close to the action. Oftentimes, Airbnbs and hotels are concentrated in the best and most touristy parts of the city. However, consider venturing to quieter neighborhoods or even smaller towns just outside the main hubs. You’ll often find significantly cheaper apartments while still having good access to public transportation.
Negotiate discounts
While Airbnb prices are generally set by the host, there’s wiggle room for negotiation, especially during off-peak seasons or for longer stays. Be polite and professional in your initial communication, and casually inquire if they offer any discounts for extended stays or last-minute bookings. If you stay for the long term, consider switching to cash payments in order to eliminate taxes and fees.
Tip
Most short-term apartment rentals offer big discounts for longer stays, typically a month or more. (Our own calculations assume the average 40% price cut for monthly stays.)
Leverage Facebook groups
Many digital nomads swear by local Facebook groups as a way to score apartments at a fraction of Airbnb and hotel prices. However, such groups are often rife with scams. Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, and never send money without a signed lease agreement. If possible, schedule a video call and/or an in-person tour when you arrive.
Food
It goes without saying that food is a huge part of the digital nomad experience. Depending on where you go, it can also be a big part of your budget.
For those (like this author) who don’t turn on the stove in their Airbnb for two months, read on for how to make the most of eating out every day.
Embrace street food
Many European cities boast a vibrant street food scene. From savory crepes in Paris to falafel wraps in Berlin, these delicious and affordable options are a perfect way to experience local flavors on a budget.
Take advantage of specials
In countries such as Spain, going for the menú del día (“menu of the day”) is often more economical than ordering off the regular menu. These set meals traditionally consist of large portions, usually accompanied by an appetizer and drink.
Transportation
Master the art of public transportation
Public transportation in Europe is generally excellent and affordable. Invest in travel cards or multi-day passes for significant savings compared to single tickets. Bikes are also a fantastic budget-friendly way to explore most cities.
Consider slower travel
Skip the expensive high-speed trains and opt for slower regional trains or buses for longer journeys. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and save some cash while connecting with fellow travelers.
Carpooling and ridesharing
Platforms like BlaBlaCar connect drivers with passengers for long-distance trips at a fraction of the train fare. While not always the fastest option, it can be a great way to save money and connect with locals.
Bonus tips
- Free walking tours: Immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture with free walking tours offered in most major European cities.
- Museum passes: Many cities offer museum passes that grant access to multiple attractions for a set price, saving you money compared to individual tickets.
- Take advantage of free days and events: Many museums offer free admission days or evenings. Look for local festivals and events that are free to the public.
Enjoy this post? Then you would love the free weekly Nomad Deals newsletter. Stay up to speed on all of the latest digital nomad news, travel hacks, and money-saving tips.
