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The 10 Cheapest European Cities to Relocate to in 2023
Article updated in June 2023
Whether you are European or not, Europe is the perfect destination to relocate to or within in 2023. With some of the most exciting and cheapest European cities, there are plenty of options for you to choose from for your next work destination.
One of the most fascinating and intriguing things about Europe is how much the cities vary from place to place, there is literally somewhere for everyone.
Whether you are looking for somewhere with beautiful beaches, a hiking destination, or a busy, metropolitan city, we have gathered the best cities for you to relocate to this year. The 5 cities we have chosen will be particularly appealing to those of you who like to live life on a budget...
To help you plan where to relocate to next, we will reveal the cheapest European cities for 2023...
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Warsaw, Poland
- Bucharest, Romania
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Riga, Latvia
- Athens, Greece
- Budapest, Hungary
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the cheapest European cities to live in and is the perfect spot for those of you who are looking for a cheap yet charming place to relocate to. Prague is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe and this has encouraged many tourists to relocate here over the past few years.
The cost of living is considerably low compared to other European cities and the work/life balance is considered especially appealing to expats from all around the world.
Extra tip: It may take you some time to get used to using CZK rather than Euros or other currencies, so in order to convert your money properly and avoid overspending, use this currency converter tool.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Prague
2. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is a beautiful Bulgarian city filled with friendly locals, cheap wine, beer, food and beautiful mountains. Unlike Prague, Sofia remains considerably untouched by expats, making it a more appealing destination for those of you who want to embrace the Bulgarian lifestyle without being surrounded by millions of internationals.
In terms of safety, taxation and cost of living, Sofia is rated highly for all three. What’s more, you will never be stuck for things to do in Sofia; with the option to Ski on the Vitosha Mountain nearby, access to the national history museum, luxury shopping and more.
Extra tip: Relocating to a country with little language knowledge is hard enough, but Bulgaria even has its very own alphabet! We recommend doing your best to familiarise yourself with this alphabet and to learn the basics of the language to help you settle in.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Sofia
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a vibrant, colourful city that boasts beautiful beaches, rivers, and, not to mention, the best climate in Europe! There are so many reasons to move to Lisbon and not to mention the low-cost, high quality of life.
As you can imagine, there is a large ex-pat presence already living in Lisbon, but as the job opportunities continue to grow, so do the need for other European professionals. For those of you who are looking to buy a house, this is especially cheap in Libson compared to other countries, enabling you to enter the property market sooner than you may have imagined.
Extra tip: When moving to Portugal, the locals appreciate it if you speak at least the basics of the Portuguese language. Before you move to Portugal, try to learn the language basics to ensure that you settle in as fast as you can, showing respect to the Portuguese citizens.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Lisbon
4. Warsaw, Poland.
A city that is home to unique European Art, fascinating history and the cheapest selection of bars, restaurants and more. In Warsaw, you can live a considerably luxurious life for less, with the freedom to dine out for fancy meals, drinks, and more.
One of the best things about Warsaw is that it is somewhat “underrated" by other expats. For those of you who are willing to relocate now, you have the advantage of moving to the “Capital of Culture” without being surrounded by too many expats and tourists.
Extra tip: Just like Prague, it may take some time to get used to the currency. To avoid wasting any money, we advise you to do some research on the currency and learn how to compare prices before spending!
Relocation resources:
5. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a city surrounded by acres of outstanding natural beauty; from long windy roads to enchanting castles, you will never feel disappointed with the beauty of Bucharest. With such a low cost of living, a growing economy and an emerging tech industry, Bucharest is becoming the place to be for you digital nomads, as job opportunities continue to grow at a considerable rate.
You can live an extremely comfortable life, working for some of the worlds leading multicultural firms, Bucharest is becoming an ideal location for many European expats.
Extra tip: History is important to the people of Romania. Thus, out of respect, we recommend that you do some research about the history of the cities before visiting any touristy places. Romanians appreciate this kind of knowledge and it will help you to become familiarised with your new home.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Bucharest
6. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is an underrated destination with access to the sea, excellent air quality, and friendly administration. Some say it is more difficult to find a job in Tallinn than in other European capitals, but if you seek help at Europe Language Jobs, that shouldn't be a problem!
Language speakers are sought-after in this growing international hub, and the fact that it is not a mainstream destination among expats just yet makes it a cosy and peaceful place to settle. Estonian employers enjoy a worldwide reputation for being friendly, and obtaining all the documents necessary to work in Tallinn is relatively easy.
There is also a piece of good news for all digital nomads: Tallinn is a great destination for freelancers, with unrestricted access to online services offered by the government and quick Internet connections. Estonia is also among the countries offering digital nomad visas for incoming expats.
Relocation resources:
7. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava offers all the commodities of a capital city while maintaining a cosy, small-town feel. Many relocate to this destination nestled in the very heart of Europe to escape the noise of big cities. The compact nature of Slovakia makes it the perfect spot for road trips, both to the numerous charming places within the country and other European destinations located close by.
Just like Sophia or Tallinn, Bratislava isn't bursting at the seams with expats just yet. This guarantees low prices and a peaceful life - unlike in many other trendy destinations popularised by trendsetters. To each their own, but if you prefer the practice of slow life over the hustle and bustle of a big city, then Bratislava is just the place for you.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Bratislava
8. Riga, Latvia
Riga is the largest city among all Baltic states - yet it doesn't have a feel of an intimidating metropoly. More than 52% of Latvia's terrain is made up of woodlands. Latvian people feel a deep connection to nature, so the destination is perfect for everyone wishing to retreat from a concrete jungle to somewhere more green.
Despite being one of Euroe's smallest capitals, Riga leaves space for plenty of innovation. Living there, you can experience the perfect balance between tradition and modernism, between big and small. The proximity to green spaces wherever you go will positively impact your wellbeing - not to mention your mood!
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Riga
9. Athens, Greece
We are pretty sure we don't have to wax poetics about the magic of living in Greece. The creators of the Mamma Mia! movie did it for us.
While the first connotation for many while thinking of this Mediterranean country are summer jobs, that's not all Greece is good for! Language speakers are in a huge demand to become part of international companies opening their headquarters in the capital. Recruitment processes last all year round and are trageting speakers of any language you can imagine.
Greeks are relaxed but hard-working people, so while working in Athens, you can expect to both enjoy the slow-living lifestyle and have your professional efforts acknowledged. The cost of living in Greece remains relatively low, even in the country's beautiful capital, making Athens one of the cheapest European cities to relocate to in 2023.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Athens
10. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a European capital soaked through with history. The hearty Hungarian food, leisury strolls along the Danube River, and the numerous historic sites scattered all around the city attract many an expat to make the Hungarian metropoly their new home.
Did you know that Budapest is the proud owner of the official UNESCO Heritage Site Status? It is also called the "Paris of Central Europe" for its artisan climate and the river winding across its streets.
Hungary, as most of the Central European countries, offers a low cost of living. Its capital is a popular destination among digital nomads who like to work remotely and pair a high salary with the inexpensive life in Budapest.
Relocation resources:
The Ultimate Expat Guide to Budapest
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 cheapest European cities to relocate to in 2023. There are lots of other cities around Europe to consider moving to, check out Wherecani.live's cheapest countries guide as well. And be sure to check out the amazing opportunities we have on our job board, including some with relocation packages!
Are there any other cities where you have lived that you would recommend to other expats in terms of low cost, high quality of life and more? Let us know in the comments below...
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