Europe is not only home to romantic Paris and bustling London, but also to many inexpensive countries with an excellent quality of life. For students, digital nomads or retirees on a budget, these countries offer an excellent living experience. Below are the 13 cheapest places to live in Europe, with each country detailing its features, rental prices, living expenses, cheapest cities to visit and must-see attractions.
13 Cheapest Places in Europe: General Overview
| Country | Avg Monthly Cost | Most Affordable City | Top Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | €500-700 | Plovdiv | Rila Monastery |
| Romania | €600-850 | Iași | Bran Castle |
| Hungary | €700-950 | Miskolc | Hungarian Parliament Building |
| Poland | €800-1100 | Lublin | Kraków Old Town |
| Serbia | €600-900 | Subotica | Belgrade Fortress |
| North Macedonia | €450-700 | Prilep | Lake Ohrid |
| Albania | €500-750 | Elbasan | Gjirokastër |
| Montenegro | €600-900 | Nikšić | Bay of Kotor |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | €500-750 | Tuzla | Stari Most in Mostar |
| Moldova | €400-650 | Bălți | Cricova Winery |
| Ukraine | $500-800 | Ivano-Frankivsk | Lviv Old Town |
| Georgia | $700-1000 | Zugdidi | Holy Trinity Cathedral |
| Kosovo | €400-650 | Peja | Prizren Fortress |
13 Cheapest Places in Europe
1. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the countries with the lowest cost of living in the European Union, boasting stunning Black Sea beaches, snow-capped mountains, and a rich historical heritage. The wine and yoghurt are of exceptionally high quality, and Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Sofia (the capital): 1-bedroom in the city centre €300-450, suburbs €250-350
- Plovdiv (capital of culture): 1 bedroom €250-400
- Varna (Black Sea coast): apartment with sea view €350-500
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular €5-10/meal, mid-range €15-25/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €20-25, one-way ticket €0.80
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €500-700 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Bulgaria
- Plovdiv – one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a great cultural scene.
- Ruse – a “little Vienna” on the Danube with very low prices.
- Burgas – a resort city on the Black Sea coast with cheap off-season rentals
4. Attractions
- Rila Monastery – the most famous Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria
- Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv – 2000-year-old Roman ruins
- Seven Rila Lakes – stunning alpine lakes with a beautiful view of the sea. Seven Rila Lakes – a stunning alpine lakes hiking trail
2. Romania
Romania is famous for Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta, a well-developed IT industry, and a high prevalence of English. In addition, Romania is a great place to explore, with stunning castles, mountains and churches all within easy reach. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Bucharest (capital): 1 bedroom €400-550
- Cluj-Napoca (university town): €350-500
- Timisoara (cultural capital): €300-450
2. Monthly living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular €6-12/meal, mid-range €15-30/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €15-20, one-way ticket €0.50
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €600-850 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Romania
- Iași – a historic university town with low rentals
- Brașov – close to Dracula Castle, a ski resort
- Suceava – a medieval castle with a forested landscape
4. Attractions
- Bran Castle – the legendary “Dracula’s Castle”
- Transfăgărășan Highway – one of the most beautiful highways in the world
- Sibiu Old Town – Medieval cobblestone streets
3. Hungary
Hungary is one of the cheapest places to holiday in Europe. It is renowned for its thermal baths in Budapest, the Tokaji noble wine, and its rich history and culture, as well as having a well-established healthcare system for retirees.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Budapest (capital): 1 bedroom €450-650
- Debrecen (second largest city): €300-450
- Pecs (university town): €350-500
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular restaurants €8-15/meal, mid-range restaurants €20-40/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €25-30, one-way ticket €1.00
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €700-950 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Hungary
- Miskolc – an industrial city with very low prices
- Szeged – a sunny city with a slow pace of life
- Kecskemét – wine region, cheap rentals
4. Attractions
- Hungarian Parliament, Budapest – Gothic architecture on the banks of the Danube
- Széchenyi Baths – Europe’s largest thermal baths
- Tokaj Wine Region – the world’s most famous noble rot wine region
4. Poland
Poland is one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, offering a unique blend of Central European history and culture alongside modern urban development. It boasts 14 World Heritage Sites and a well-developed IT industry that provides numerous job opportunities. Cities such as Kraków and Warsaw are vibrant, while rural areas retain their traditional flavour.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Warsaw (capital): 1 bedroom in the city centre €500-700, suburbs €400-600
- Kraków (cultural capital): 1-bedroom €400-600
- Wrocław (livable city): €350-550
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular restaurants €5-10/meal, mid-range restaurants €15-25/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €25-30, one-way ticket €1.00
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €800-1100 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Poland
- Lublin – a university town with low prices and historical buildings
- Bydgoszcz – Canal city with a slow pace of life
- Rzeszów – close to the Ukrainian border, cheap rentals of student accommodation in Poland
4. Attractions
- Kraków Old Town – one of the largest medieval squares in Europe
- Auschwitz-Birkenau – WWII historical memorial
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – Underground Salt Churches
5. Serbia
Serbia is the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, boasting a vibrant nightlife in its capital city, Belgrade, and a liberal visa policy that attracts digital nomads. The Danube and Sava rivers converge here, and the surrounding natural scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. Serbia is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Belgrade (capital): 1 bedroom in the city centre €350-550
- Novi Sad (Capital of Culture): €300-450
- Niš: €250-400
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular €4-8/meal, mid-range €10-20/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €15-20, one-way ticket €0.60
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €600-900 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Serbia
- Subotica – Artistic New Town, near the Hungarian border
- Kragujevac – an automobile industry town, with a low cost of living
- Vršac – a wine region, quiet and pleasant to live in
4. Attractions
- Belgrade Fortress – overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers
- Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš) – a curious collection of weathered stone pillars
- Studenica Monastery – Medieval Serbian Religious Art
6. North Macedonia
North Macedonia is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, having one of the lowest prices in Europe. Lake Ohrid is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the capital, Skopje, features a mix of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture.
1. Monthly Rental Prices
- Skopje (capital): 1 bedroom €250-400
- Ohrid (old lakeside town): €200-350
- Bitola: €180-300
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular €3-6/meal, mid-range €8-15/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €10-15, one-way ticket €0.40
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €450-700 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-North Macedonia
- Prilep – a tobacco region with very low prices
- Kumanovo – close to the Serbian border
- Strumica – hot springs and vineyards
4. Attractions
- Lake Ohrid – Europe’s oldest lake
- Old Bazaar, Skopje – Ottoman-era market
- Mavrovo National Park – Skiing & Hiking
7. Albania
Albania has untouched Adriatic beaches and one of the lowest prices in Europe. It has a unique blend of Ottoman, Italian and Communist-era cultures.
1. Monthly Rental Prices
- Tirana (capital): 1 bedroom in the city centre €300-450
- Durrës (seaside town): €250-400
- Perat (old town): €200-350
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: typical restaurants €3-5/meal, mid-range restaurants €8-15/meal.
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €10-15, one-way ticket €0.30
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €500-750 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Albania
- Elbasan – an industrial city with the lowest prices
- Fier – oil industry city, cheapest rent
- Lushnjë – agricultural centre, with a very low cost of living
4. Attractions
- Gjirokastër – Ottoman style “stone city”
- Ksamil Beach – the most beautiful beach in Albania
- Pyramid of Tirana – a former communist icon
8. Montenegro
Montenegro is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting a magnificent Adriatic coastline and Europe’s deepest canyons. The Bay of Kotor is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the cheapest places to holiday in Europe.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Podgorica (capital): 1 bedroom €350-500
- Kotor (old town): €400-600 (higher in high season)
- Herceg Novi (seaside): €300-450
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: regular €5-10/meal, mid-range €15-25/meal
- Public transportation: one-way ticket within the city €1.00
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €600-900 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Montenegro
- Nikšić – an industrial city, with the lowest prices
- Bar – a critical port city
- Pljevlja – Mining city in the North
4. Attractions
- Bay of Kotor – Europe’s southernmost fjord
- Durmitor National Park – Tara River Canyon
- Sveti Stefan – Luxury resort island
9. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina is a crossroads of East and West. Sarajevo was a trigger for World War I, and the old bridge in Mostar is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Sarajevo (capital): 1 bedroom €300-450
- Mostar (old city): €250-400
- Banja Luka (second largest city): €200-350
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: normal restaurants €4-8/meal, medium restaurants €10-18/meal
- Public transportation: monthly ticket €15-20
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €500-750 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Tuzla – Salt Lake City
- Zenica – steel industry centre
- Bihać – a small city on the Una River
4. Attractions
- Stari Most – 16th-century Ottoman stone bridge
- Old Sarajevo (Baščaršija) – East meets West
- Blagaj Tekke – Cliffside Sufi Monastery
10. Moldova
Moldova is renowned for its wine, boasting the world’s largest wine cellar, Cricova. The countryside retains a traditional way of life, and the capital, Chisinau, is lush with green trees.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Chisinau (capital): 1 bedroom €250-400
- Soroka (northern city): €200-350
- Olhay (old town): €180-300
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: normal restaurants €3-6/meal, mid-range restaurants €8-12/meal
- Public transportation: one-way ticket €0.30
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €400-650 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Moldova
- Bălți – 2nd largest city
- Cahul – a southern spa city
- Ungheni – near the Romanian border
4. Attractions
- Cricova Winery – the world’s most extensive underground wine cellar
- Orheiul Vechi – cliff monastery
- Nativity Cathedral – Orthodox landmark
11. Ukraine
Western Ukraine is relatively safe and stable; Lviv retains its Central European character intact, and the Carpathian Mountains are a popular destination for hiking and skiing. Ukraine is one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Lviv (cultural centre of the West): 1 bedroom $300-500
- Chernivtsi (university town): $250-400
- Uzhhorod (small border town): $200-350
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: normal restaurants $3-7/meal, mid-range restaurants $10-15/meal
- Public transportation: monthly pass $5-10
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: $500-800 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Ukraine
- Ivano-Frankivsk – Carpathian Gateway
- Ternopil – the city of the Lake District
- Lutsk – medieval castle town
4. Attractions
- Lviv Old Town – Central European World Heritage Site
- Carpathians – Ski Trekking
- Chernivtsi University – World Heritage Building
12. Georgia
Georgia is renowned for its 8,000-year history of winemaking and traditional Caucasian cuisine. Tbilisi’s sulfur baths are unique, and its visa policy is liberal.
1. Monthly Rental Price
- Tbilisi (capital city): 1 bedroom $350-600
- Batumi (Black Sea resort town): $400-700
- Kutaisi (ancient capital): $250-400
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: $5-$ 10 per meal in normal restaurants, $15-$ 25 per meal in mid-range restaurants.
- Public Transportation: Metro $0.20 each way
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: $700-1000 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Georgia
- Zugdidi – close to Abkhazia
- Gori – Stalin’s hometown
- Akhaltsikhe – Labati Castle
4. Attractions
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tbilisi – the largest church in the Caucasus
- Mount Kazbek – snow-capped mountains and churches
- Sighnaghi – the town of love and wine
13. Kosovo
Europe’s newest country (independent in 2008), with a high percentage of young population, Prizren retains its Ottoman flavour, and is rich in outdoor sports.
1. Monthly Rental Price
Pristina (capital): 1 bedroom €200-350
Prizren (Capital of Culture): €150-300
Gjakovë: €120-250
2. Monthly Living Expenses
- Restaurants: normal restaurants €3-5/meal, mid-range restaurants €8-12/meal
- Public transportation: intercity bus €3-5
- Total monthly expenses for a single person: €400-650 (including rent)
3. Cheapest Cities in Europe-Kosovo
- Pejë – close to gorges and forest parks
- Ferizaj – a transportation hub city
- Mitrovicë – industrial town
4. Attractions
- Prizren Fortress – overlooking the old Ottoman town
- Rugova Canyon – the deepest canyon in the Balkans
- Gračanica Monastery – medieval Serbian art
How to Choose the Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe
1. Choose a country with a low cost of living
If you want to save money, consider countries with affordable prices as your first choice. In Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, and other Eastern European or Balkan countries, the costs of food, accommodation, and transportation are significantly lower than in Western Europe. A decent meal can cost less than € 10, and a night’s stay can cost as little as € 20-30, making them ideal for budget travelers.
2. Look for places with cheap flights
Don’t forget to check which cities offer cheap flights from your starting point. Places like Budapest, Krakow, Sofia, and Porto can often be snagged for a few bucks. If you’re flexible, use Skyscanner’s “Anywhere” feature to see where the cheapest tickets are.
3. Prioritise cities with low accommodation costs
Accommodation accounts for a significant portion of your travel expenses, so be sure to check local accommodation prices when selecting a city. For example, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can stay in a nice hotel for €20, whereas in Paris, you may not even be able to get a bed for that price, the student accommodation in Paris is very expensive If you don’t want to do the planning of finding a hotel, you can look on uhomes.com, a global platform website for international students to rent rooms. You can see the right hotel according to the city.
4. The more convenient the local transportation is, the more money you save.
You can save a significant amount of money on transportation by choosing cities with well-developed transportation systems and where you can walk or use public transit to get around. Cities like **Tbilisi (Georgia) or Lublin (Poland)** don’t need to spend a lot of money on taxis, and you can get around all the sights with one bus pass.
5. Look for free attractions and activities
Want to save money and have plenty of fun? Then, look for cities that offer free attractions and affordable experiences. Many European cities have free museum days, guided tours of the old town, concerts, and even natural attractions such as lakes or mountain trails, such as ‘Lviv (Ukraine)’, which is super for walking around casually and taking pictures.
6. You can also save on food! Look for local snacks or markets
In countries where prices are low, street food and local markets are simply a boon for travellers. Not only are they filling and authentic, they’re also inexpensive. Like Tirana in Albania or Chisinau in Moldova, the food in the market is affordable and fresh, making it a dream to eat for just 5 euros.
7. Try to arrange neighbouring countries to play in tandem
The smart way to travel is to “travel regionally”. For example, play Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro simultaneously. This makes it easy and cost-effective to take buses or trains in tandem, with each leg of the trip being inexpensive and having a low time cost.
Conclusion
From Bulgaria’s rose valleys to Montenegro’s fjords, from Albania’s Côte d’Azur to Ukraine’s medieval towns, these 13 cheapest places in Europe perfectly illustrate the meaning of “Europe on a shoestring” – €30 for a bed and breakfast with a sea view, €5 for a taste of authentic cuisine, and €10 for a visit to a World Heritage Site. World Heritage Sites. They are like hidden gems scattered across the European continent, retaining their original cultural heritage without being overly eroded by commercialisation. With this guide, you can enjoy an in-depth travel experience on a backpacker’s budget and get more value for every euro you spend!
FAQ
What is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?
The cheapest country to visit in Europe typically depends on your travel style, but generally speaking, Albania is considered one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe.
Which European country is best to save money?
If your goal is to save money while travelling or living in Europe, then Bulgaria and Romania are the best countries when it comes to combining a low cost of living, affordable travel infrastructure, and a good quality of life.
What is the cheapest but safest country to visit in Europe?
Portugal is one of the most affordable yet safe countries to visit in Europe. While not always the absolute cheapest by cost-of-living metrics, it strikes one of the best balances between affordability, safety, and overall travel experience.
How to vacation in Europe for cheap?
Vacationing in Europe on a budget is absolutely possible — and enjoyable — with a bit of smart planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to traveling Europe for cheap without sacrificing quality or experience:
1. Choose Affordable Destinations
2. Book Flights Smartly
3. Get Around Cheaply
4. Stay in Budget-Friendly Accommodations
5. Eat Like a Local
6. Enjoy Free & Cheap Activities
What is the most expensive country in Europe
The most expensive country in Europe is Switzerland. This non-EU country is known for its high cost of living, prices and accommodation, which are almost always well above the European average, whether it’s for daily spending, public transportation, or food and entertainment. An average meal can cost upwards of 30 euros, hotels can cost hundreds of euros per night, and train tickets between cities are very expensive.
