Europe Affordability Index (2025) Ranking City Costs

Whether you’re an expat looking to relocate or a digital nomad taking a short-term trip, this guide has you covered.

We ranked over 40 major European cities by affordability, including monthly Airbnb prices, long-term rent, and other cost of living expenses. If you scroll past the summary chart, you will also find brief descriptions of each city covering internet speed, safety, weather, and more.

For select cities, click the link to our full cost of living guidebooks.

	City	Country	Airbnb (monthly)	Rent (1-bdrm)	Cost of Living (excl. rent)
	Skopje	N. Macedonia	$800	$350	$600
	Podgorica	Montenegro	$900	$580	$630
	Sarajevo	Bosnia	$1,200	$340	$620
	Sofia	Bulgaria	$1,100	$560	$670
	Tirana	Albania	$1,200	$590	$700
	Budapest	Hungary	$1,300	$630	$730
	Belgrade	Serbia	$1,400	$830	$700
	Riga	Latvia	$1,400	$530	$920
	Bucharest	Romania	$2,000	$600	$680
	Vilnius	Lithuania	$1,600	$790	$830
	Zagreb	Croatia	$1,800	$720	$830
	Bratislava	Slovakia	$1,800	$760	$880
	Krakow	Poland	$2,000	$830	$760
	Tallinn	Estonia	$2,000	$740	$950
	Warsaw	Poland	$2,000	$1,060	$810
	Valencia	Spain	$2,100	$1,140	$730
	Athens	Greece	$2,400	$630	$890
	Ljubljana	Slovenia	$2,200	$930	$890
	Porto	Portugal	$2,700	$1,110	$720
	Marseille	France	$2,600	$810	$1,000
	Valletta	Malta	$2,400	$1,080	$1,000
	Prague	Czech Rep.	$2,800	$1,100	$860
	Helsinki	Finland	$2,600	$1,100	$1,050
	Lisbon	Portugal	$2,700	$1,500	$800
	Brussels	Belgium	$2,800	$1,190	$1,080
	Stuttgart	Germany	$3,000	$1,190	$1,090
	Madrid	Spain	$3,300	$1,450	$830
	Oslo	Norway	$2,600	$1,430	$1,210
	Berlin	Germany	$3,100	$1,270	$1,080
	Rome	Italy	$3,800	$1,180	$940
	Glasgow	U.K.	$3,400	$1,330	$1,080
	Vienna	Austria	$3,800	$1,090	$1,110
	Stockholm	Sweden	$3,400	$1,530	$1,090
	Barcelona	Spain	$4,100	$1,360	$880
	Milan	Italy	$3,900	$1,490	$1,060
	Munich	Germany	$3,800	$1,530	$1,150
	Copenhagen	Denmark	$3,700	$1,680	$1,240
	Dublin	Ireland	$3,600	$2,120	$1,190
	Paris	France	$4,600	$1,380	$1,190
	Amsterdam	Netherlands	$4,400	$2,170	$1,110
	Reykjavik	Iceland	$4,400	$1,970	$1,310
	Bern	Switzerland	$4,400	$1,370	$1,650
	London	U.K.	$4,300	$2,800	$1,380

Skopje, North Macedonia

• 🏠Airbnb: $800/month.
• 💰Rent: $350/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable, with many coworking spaces and cafes.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, though petty theft can occur in tourist areas.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are hot and dry (up to 95°F/35°C), while winters (December–February) are chilly (down to 25°F/-4°C) with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather.

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.

Podgorica, Montenegro

• 🏠Airbnb: $900/month.
• 💰Rent: $580/month.
• 💻Internet: Good in urban areas, but weaker in rural locations.
• 🚓Safety: Safe, with a laid-back atmosphere.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–September) are hot (up to 100°F/38°C), while winters (December–February) are mild (down to 35°F/2°C), with occasional rain.

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.

Sarajevo, Bosnia

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,200/month.
• 💰Rent: $340/month.
• 💻Internet: Reliable and improving, with a growing number of coworking spaces.
• 🚓Safety: Safe, but be mindful of traffic and occasional political demonstrations.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are warm (up to 85°F/29°C), while winters (December–February) can be cold and snowy (down to 20°F/-7°C). Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures.

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.

Sofia, Bulgaria

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,100/month.
• 💰Rent: $560/month.
• 💻Internet: Excellent, ranking among the fastest in Europe.
• 🚓Safety: Safe, though some areas feel run-down.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are hot (up to 90°F/32°C), while winters (December–February) are snowy and cold (down to 15°F/-9°C). Spring and autumn are mild and ideal for outdoor activities.

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.

Tirana, Albania

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,200/month.
• 💰Rent: $590/month.
• 💻Internet: High-speed internet is common, but occasional power outages can occur.
• 🚓Safety: Very safe, though be cautious of traffic and pickpocketing in busy areas.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–September) are hot (up to 95°F/35°C), while winters (December–February) are mild and wet (down to 30°F/-1°C).

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.

Budapest, Hungary

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,300/month.
• 💰Rent: $630/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable, with an abundance of coworking spaces.
• 🚓Safety: Very safe, but watch for tourist-targeted scams.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are warm (70–90°F / 21–32°C), while winters (December–February) are cold (25–40°F / -4–4°C). Spring and autumn provide mild, comfortable weather.

Budapest offers a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a thriving startup scene. With its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and efficient public transportation, Budapest is an ideal base for digital nomads.

Belgrade, Serbia

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $830/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable, with an abundance of coworking spaces.
• 🚓Safety: Very safe, but watch for tourist-targeted scams.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are warm (70–90°F / 21–32°C), while winters (December–February) are cold (25–40°F / -4–4°C). Spring and autumn are mild and great for exploring the city.

Belgrade is a dynamic and affordable destination for digital nomads. With its rich history, diverse culture, and lively nightlife, Belgrade offers a unique blend of old and new.

Riga, Latvia

• 🏠Airbnb: $1,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $530/month.
• 💻Internet: High-speed internet, widely available in cafes and coworking spaces.
• 🚓Safety: Safe, but beware of pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas.
• 🌤️Weather: Winters (December–February) are cold (20–35°F / -7–2°C), while summers (June–August) are mild (55–75°F / 13–24°C). Spring and autumn are cool but pleasant.

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.

Bucharest, Romania

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,000/month.
• 💰Rent: $600/month.
• 💻Internet: One of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, excellent for remote work.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, but stay cautious of scams and pickpocketing in crowded areas.
• 🌤️Weather: Summers (June–August) are hot (75–95°F / 24–35°C), while winters (December–February) are cold (25–40°F / -4–4°C). Spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures.

A hidden gem for digital nomads, Bucharest offers a low cost of living, fast internet, and a growing startup scene. The city’s historic center, Old Town, is a popular tourist destination, and its modern districts offer plenty of opportunities for work and play.

Zagreb, Croatia

• 🏠 Airbnb: $1,800/month.
• 💰 Rent: $720/month.
• 💻 Internet: Reliable with good speeds; coworking hubs like BIZkoshnica and Hub385 are popular among nomads.
• 🚓 Safety: Very safe overall, though watch for pickpockets in tram stations and tourist areas.
• 🌤️ Weather: Summers are warm (up to 88°F/31°C), while winters can be chilly (around 32°F/0°C) with snow. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.

Croatia’s capital offers a perfect blend of Central European charm and Mediterranean ease. Zagreb is walkable, dotted with leafy parks and Austro-Hungarian architecture, and offers a laid-back vibe that’s great for focused remote work.

Bratislava, Slovakia

• 🏠 Airbnb: $1,800/month.
• 💰 Rent: $760/month.
• 💻 Internet: High-speed internet is the norm; plenty of cafes and coworking spots like Campus and Impact Hub.
• 🚓 Safety: Generally very safe; low crime rates and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
• 🌤️ Weather: Summers are hot and sunny (up to 86°F/30°C); winters are cold (around 28°F/-2°C) with snowfall. Spring and fall are ideal for exploring the city.

Located just an hour from Vienna, Bratislava gives digital nomads a quiet base with quick access to other European hubs. Its compact city center, riverside paths, and historic sites make for an enjoyable and convenient lifestyle.

Krakow, Poland

• 🏠 Airbnb: $2,000/month
• 💰 Rent: $830/month
• 💻 Internet: Fast and reliable; coworking spaces like Cluster and Yolk are popular with expats.
• 🚓 Safety: Safe and welcoming, especially in the central districts.
• 🌤️ Weather: Summers can hit 84°F/29°C and are generally sunny. Winters are cold (often below 28°F/-2°C) with snow. Transitional seasons are cool and colorful.

Krakow blends medieval charm with a modern, tech-savvy energy. With low costs, strong infrastructure, and a vibrant nightlife scene, it’s one of Eastern Europe’s most livable cities for remote workers.

Tallinn, Estonia

• 🏠 Airbnb: $2,000/month.
• 💰 Rent: $740/month.
• 💻 Internet: Among the best in Europe; Estonia is known for its digital-first government and tech scene.
• 🚓 Safety: Very safe, with a low crime rate and friendly locals.
• 🌤️ Weather: Cool summers (around 70°F/21°C); winters are long and cold (down to 19°F/-7°C). Expect snow and short daylight hours in winter.

Estonia is a digital nomad’s dream thanks to its e-residency program and forward-thinking infrastructure. Tallinn offers a fairytale Old Town, modern amenities, and easy access to Nordic and Baltic countries.

Warsaw, Poland

• 🏠 Airbnb: $2,000/month
• 💰 Rent: $1,060/month
• 💻 Internet: High-speed and widely available; coworking chains like WeWork and Mindspace have a strong presence.
• 🚓 Safety: Generally safe, especially in business districts and expat areas.
• 🌤️ Weather: Summers reach up to 86°F/30°C; winters are cold (25°F/-4°C) with snow. Spring and fall bring brisk air and beautiful foliage.

Warsaw is Poland’s economic engine, offering more career opportunities and big-city energy than Krakow. While pricier, it’s ideal for nomads who want a metropolitan lifestyle with modern conveniences and great transport links.

Valencia, Spain

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,100/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,140/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Valencia is a dynamic destination for digital nomads and expats, offering a blend of cultural heritage and modern living. The city’s affordability, vibrant neighborhoods, and access to coworking spaces make it a welcoming base for remote workers looking for both productivity and lifestyle quality.

Athens, Greece

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $630/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Athens merges ancient grandeur with modern flair, offering a cost-effective and sunshine-rich base for digital nomads. Coworking hubs, welcoming locals, and the nearby islands make it a lifestyle-centric work location.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,200/month.
• 💰Rent: $930/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Ljubljana is compact, green, and progressive — a hidden gem for remote workers who crave tranquility without sacrificing quality of life. Its vibrant cafe culture and nearby nature offer a healthy balance of focus and freedom.

Porto, Portugal

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,700/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,110/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Porto offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Porto provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Marseille, France

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,600/month.
• 💰Rent: $810/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Marseille offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Marseille provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Valletta, Malta

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,080/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Valletta offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Valletta provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Prague, Czech Rep.

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,800/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,100/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Prague offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Prague provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Helsinki, Finland

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,600/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,100/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Helsinki offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Helsinki provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Lisbon, Portugal

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,700/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,500/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Lisbon offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Lisbon provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Brussels, Belgium

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,800/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,190/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Brussels offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Brussels provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Stuttgart, Germany

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,000/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,190/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Stuttgart offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Stuttgart provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Madrid, Spain

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,300/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,450/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Madrid offers a unique environment for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between lifestyle and affordability. With a growing remote work infrastructure, access to coworking spaces, and a lively social scene, it’s easy to stay productive and connected. Whether you’re drawn to cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, or networking with fellow nomads, Madrid provides a welcoming and stimulating environment to live and work abroad.

Oslo, Norway

• 🏠Airbnb: $2,600/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,430/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Oslo offers a thriving environment for digital nomads and expats seeking both comfort and cultural depth. With a strong infrastructure for remote work, access to diverse coworking hubs, and rich cultural and culinary scenes, it’s a fantastic city to set up a base. Enjoy walkable neighborhoods, efficient transit, and opportunities to network in one of Europe’s key urban centers.

Berlin, Germany

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,100/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,270/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Berlin attracts digital creatives from around the world with its avant-garde vibe, progressive culture, and affordability relative to other major cities. Coworking spaces abound, and English is widely spoken. The city combines art, history, nightlife, and a tech-driven ecosystem, making it ideal for remote workers.

Rome, Italy

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,800/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,180/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Rome’s ancient allure meets modern convenience, providing digital nomads with a dynamic setting rich in history, food, and beauty. It offers great weather, bustling markets, and countless historical landmarks to explore between work sessions. Coworking spaces and solid public transportation make it both inspiring and functional.

Glasgow, U.K.

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,330/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Glasgow boasts a lively arts scene, strong community spirit, and an expanding tech and innovation sector. For remote workers, the cost of living is lower than London’s, while still offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The friendly vibe and abundance of coffee shops and work-friendly cafes make it a comfortable base.

Vienna, Austria

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,800/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,090/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, with exceptional public services, culture, and safety. For digital nomads, it offers a tranquil environment with a rich intellectual tradition and access to excellent transport across Europe. The café culture makes for ideal working conditions and socializing.

Stockholm, Sweden

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,530/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Stockholm offers a thriving environment for digital nomads and expats seeking both comfort and cultural depth. With a strong infrastructure for remote work, access to diverse coworking hubs, and rich cultural and culinary scenes, it’s a fantastic city to set up a base. Enjoy walkable neighborhoods, efficient transit, and opportunities to network in one of Europe’s key urban centers.

Barcelona, Spain

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,100/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,360/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Barcelona offers a dynamic mix of beach lifestyle and vibrant urban culture. With an active startup scene, plenty of coworking spaces, and relatively low costs, it’s long been a hotspot for remote workers. Its creative energy, Mediterranean charm, and endless food and nightlife options make it a top-tier destination.

➡️Read the full Barcelona cost of living guide.

Milan, Italy

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,900/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,490/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Milan combines Italy’s fashion capital allure with a growing tech ecosystem, making it ideal for digital professionals. It offers efficient transport, elegant cafes for work, and high-speed internet, all alongside world-class dining, art, and weekend getaways to the Alps or lakes.

Munich, Germany

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,800/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,530/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Munich is a clean, orderly, and prosperous city that appeals to expats who value quality of life. It has excellent healthcare, green spaces, and easy access to mountains and nature. Digital nomads benefit from efficient infrastructure, safety, and cultural offerings ranging from Oktoberfest to museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,700/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,680/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Copenhagen is sleek, modern, and highly livable, with great cycling infrastructure and sustainability at its core. Remote workers can enjoy cozy cafes, a flat hierarchy work culture, and proximity to Nordic nature. The city’s balance of professionalism and warmth appeals to solo expats and families alike.

Dublin, Ireland

• 🏠Airbnb: $3,600/month.
• 💰Rent: $2,120/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Dublin is a European tech hub with major international companies and a young, international population. Its startup and coworking scene is robust, and English-speaking expats have an easy time settling in. Though rents are high, the culture, nightlife, and proximity to nature offer great value.

Paris, France

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,600/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,380/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Paris blends elegance and efficiency, offering freelancers and nomads access to a sophisticated cultural life. The city boasts countless coworking spots, libraries, and parks for working and relaxing. With a central location in Europe, it’s ideal for travel and for those who appreciate art, cuisine, and urban charm.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $2,170/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Amsterdam’s liberal spirit, English fluency, and thriving digital economy make it a haven for remote workers. It’s compact, bike-friendly, and offers a lively international scene. Excellent infrastructure, canalside charm, and proximity to other European hubs round out its appeal.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,970/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Reykjavik’s otherworldly landscapes and peaceful pace are ideal for creatives and those craving isolation. While pricey, it offers safe, clean living with reliable infrastructure and a welcoming local culture. Unique coworking spaces and the city’s compactness add to its remote work friendliness.

Bern, Switzerland

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,400/month.
• 💰Rent: $1,370/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

Bern is quiet and orderly, perfect for remote workers seeking calm and efficiency. Its blend of medieval charm and modern amenities supports a high quality of life. With fast internet, excellent public services, and central access to the Alps and Europe, it’s an underrated nomad destination.

London, U.K.

• 🏠Airbnb: $4,300/month.
• 💰Rent: $2,800/month.
• 💻Internet: Fast and reliable in most urban areas.
• 🚓Safety: Generally safe, especially in central districts.
• 🌤️Weather: Warm summers (up to 85°F/29°C), cold winters (down to 30°F/−1°C).

London is a global city with a massive expat and remote work community. It boasts a vast array of coworking spaces, cafes, and business services. Despite high costs, its access to culture, international networking, and diverse neighborhoods make it an exciting and rewarding place to live and work.

Guide to Moving Abroad

Moving to a city or country with a lower cost of living is a logistically complicated journey. Whether you’re a short-term digital nomad or permanent expat, you should be aware of topics such as visas, taxes, insurance, and communication abroad.

Digital nomad visas

Travelers that hold strong passports enjoy many benefits, including visa-free travel to many European countries. Oftentimes, short-term nomads can stay 3-6 months per year while on a tourist visa.

_{💡FYI: Even on a tourist visa, proof of onward departure is required to enter many countries}.

Nomads typically utilize short-term apartment sites like Airbnb, but as our data shows, property owners typically charge 2 to 4 times the local market rate for short-term rentals.

In order to realize the full benefits of reduced cost of living, nomads and expats usually must commit to a 6-12 month lease. Digital nomad visas allow foreigners to stay for significantly longer periods, often 1 to 2 years or more.

Applying for a Schengen visa will also allow you to move freely within most EU countries for a 90-day period.

Passports and residency

If you plan to settle down in Europe for the long-term, then eventually need to acquire citizenship or permanent residency in your country of choice. In addition to digital nomad and tourism visas, foreigners can apply for various work, cultural, and investor visas. Residency programs in Spain and Portugal are particularly popular among nomads and expats.

Citizenship by investment and citizenship by descent are two ways to quickly acquire a second passport in Europe. (Note that no EU member state offers passports for sale as of 2025.)

Due to the paperwork and bureaucracy involved in these programs, many expats turn to relocation agencies to help navigate the process.

Taxes

Local tax rates are another major financial factor for nomads and expats.

Most countries consider you a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year residing there. While many countries don’t tax income earned remotely, others require foreigners to contribute.

This gets even more complicated for U.S. residents, who are required to file income tax returns regardless of where they reside in the world. For American taxpayers, obtaining tax software for expats or hiring a professional expat tax service is a wise idea.

Insurance

Many digital nomad visas require that applicants provide proof of travel health insurance. (It’s probably a good idea to get covered for medical emergencies, anyway.)

Banking

Sending and receiving money overseas is another hidden source of fees for travelers. Make sure you get a debit card with ATM fee rebates before you go abroad.

Cell phone and internet

Staying connected while overseas is another factor to consider. Long-term, signing up for a local cell phone plan is the most cost-effective option. For short-term visits or initial arrival, getting a prepaid travel eSIM will help you avoid roaming charges.

If you’re planning to work remotely while abroad, consider getting a VPN for remote workers.

_{💡Tip: Wondering how to get your mail back home? Learn more about virtual mailboxes.}

Methodology

Because digital nomads cluster in high-end neighborhoods, we based our estimate on the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. Airbnb price data is taken from AirDNA and our own pricing formula, while rent and expense figures are sourced from Numbeo.

Get the Free Nomad Deals eBook

This free guide is packed with insider secrets, smart strategies, and real-world tips to help digital nomads and travelers save money on flights, accommodations, taxes, and more— so you can explore longer while spending less!

✔️ Getting reimbursed for ATM fees overseas.
✔️ How to eliminate your U.S. income tax burden.
✔️ Negotiating a lower Airbnb price.
✔️ Digital nomad grants and freebies.
✔️ And 11 more practical, ready-to-use travel hacks!

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