12 Most Expensive Cities To Live in Europe Where Your Wallet Will Feel the Burn

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Europe is one of the world’s most fascinating continents. As such, it’s often a dream destination for tourists and expats. Offering rich history, diverse cultures, delicious cuisines, impressive architecture, and breathtaking scenery, there’s not much to dislike. However, living in Europe comes at a cost.

Many cities across Europe have some of the world’s highest living costs. As a result, many expats are put off making the move. To highlight just how expensive Europe can be, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most expensive cities to live in. The destinations on our list are magnificent places to live, but they have a high cost of living.

London, England

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

The first European city on our list is Europe, England’s bustling capital city. London is a wonderful city to explore, best known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. However, living there isn’t cheap. A single person’s average cost of living in the city is over $3,300 monthly.

Luckily, London makes up for it by offering expats many amazing things to see and do. When you’re not exploring the Tower of London, shopping on Oxford Street, or walking along the River Thames, you’ll find yourself tucking into tasty cuisines at Camden Market, looking for the royals at Buckingham Palace, and getting lost in the British Museum.

Zurich, Switzerland

The cost of living in Zurich, the capital of Switzerland, is high ($3,380 monthly), but so is the quality of life. City residents are provided with world-class healthcare, excellent infrastructure, and high salaries. Not to mention, the city is also a beautiful place to live.

The Swiss capital is renowned for its financial district, but tourists and expats love the city most for its lush natural scenery, stunning architecture, and luxury boutique shops. If you move to Zurich, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring Altstadt (Old Town) and strolling along the banks of the Limmat River. Other notable attractions include the Grossmünster church, Lindenhof, and the Swiss National Museum.

Geneva, Switzerland

Another Swiss city on our list is Geneva. This gorgeous city has a reputation for luxury, so you can expect a high cost of living. In fact, according to Expatistan, Geneva has the third-highest cost of living in Europe. A single person who wants to live in the city will spend approximately $3,266 monthly, including rent and utilities.

We love how Geneva offers a combination of big-city life and outdoor adventure. Its location near Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura mountains makes it a haven for outdoor activity. Mont Blanc is sometimes visible from the city. Meanwhile, the city has many fascinating sights, including the Geneva Water Fountain, Palais de Nations, and the Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva.

Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, is one of Europe’s most visited cities. Considering the city is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, that’s hardly a surprise. It’s also not a shock to find the city on our list of the most expensive cities in Europe. A person in Paris will spend over $1,200 monthly without rent and utilities.

With many rentals in the city costing upwards of $2,000 monthly, your monthly cost will reach over $3,000. Luckily, Paris has much to offer regarding things to see and do. Must-see attractions in the city include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

Milan, Italy

Things To Do in Italy Experience Milan’s Fashion Scene — © Frédéric Prochasson / Adobe Stock

Milan is one of the best places to live in Europe if you enjoy the finer things in life. You can expect high-end clothing brands, luxury perfumes, world-class art and architecture, and 5-star cuisine here. This breathtaking Italian city oozes elegance and sophistication at every corner.

Therefore, you can expect a high cost of living ($3,285 monthly). In Milan, expats and travelers spend most of their time wandering the pristine streets, searching for iconic attractions and landmarks. You don’t want to miss Sforzesco Castle, Duomo di Milano, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You probably don’t need reminding to indulge in Aperol Spritz and pizza.

Dublin, Ireland

One of the most surprising additions to our list is Dublin, the capital of Ireland. This lively capital city is best known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique culture, and Guinness. However, many people don’t realize just how expensive Dublin is. The average cost of living in the city is over $2,700 a month.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Although there’s a good argument that the costs are worth it. For starters, you’ll live right near the Guinness Storehouse. Other notable attractions in the city include Kilmainham Gaol, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery of Ireland. However, the city’s biggest draw must be the friendly people, who are renowned for their ‘craic.’

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, is a gorgeous city loved for its vast canal system, colorful narrow houses, artistic heritage, and rich history. Of course, many people also know the city well for De Wallen, otherwise known as the Red Light District, but we’d hope you’d stay away from there.

There are many fascinating attractions to visit in Amsterdam, such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, and the Van Gogh Museum. However, my favorite thing to do in the city is get lost walking along the canal. Regarding living costs, the average cost of living for a single person in Amsterdam is approximately $3,136 monthly.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo would likely be the preferred destination for many more expats if not for the high cost of living. This vibrant capital city offers residents an excellent balance of big-city amenities, attractions, and outdoor adventure. You can explore the vast Oslofjord when you’re not visiting the city’s museums or eating Norwegian food.

I’ve been to Oslo multiple times, and it never gets boring. My top recommendations include the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House, Oslo Street Food, the Royal Palace, and the Fram Museum. Meanwhile, make sure you visit Nakholmen Island in Oslofjorden. Unfortunately, a single person’s monthly living cost in Oslo is approximately $2,900.

Barcelona, Spain

The next expensive European city on our list is Barcelona. This stunning city is best known for its mesmerizing architecture, rich history, delicious cuisine, and world-famous sports team. Compared to some of the cities on our list, it’s more affordable. However, if you decide to move there, you’ll still be set back over $2,300 monthly.

You’ll never tire of exploring some of Europe’s most iconic locations in Barcelona, such as Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia. You’ll also enjoy strolls along the promenade and around the marina. You can also tuck into local cuisine at La Boqueria and swim in the sea at Barceloneta Beach. What’s not to like?

Reykjavik, Iceland

Safest Cities in Europe — © Rudi1976 / Adobe Stock

Reykjavik is the best place to base yourself if you want to explore Iceland’s iconic landscapes. However, you must be willing to pay a lot if you want to make the move. The average cost of living for a single person in the capital of Iceland is over $2,700 monthly.

The high cost of living is worth the experience of living in Iceland. Famed for its volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and geological wonders, Iceland is one of the world’s most spectacular places. From Reykjavik, you can easily access the Iceland Ring Road. This significant road links Iceland’s best attractions, including Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Another Scandinavian city on our list is Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is a colorful city famed for its picturesque scenery, world-class cuisine, vibrant architecture, and historical landmarks. Sadly, though, it’s also often considered one of Europe’s most expensive cities to live in.

However, with a cost of living of approximately $2,400 monthly, including rent and utilities, it’s more affordable than some cities on our list. Arguably, it’s also a more exciting place to live. In Copenhagen, spend your free time visiting the city’s famous sights, tucking into tasty food at the Reffen street food market, and strolling along the waterfront. Don’t miss Nyhavn Waterfront, Kastellet, Rosenborg Castle, and Tivoli Gardens.

Berlin, Germany

Last but certainly not least is Berlin, the capital city of Germany. If you’ve never visited Berlin, you’re seriously missing out. This fascinating city is well known for its art, museums, and rich history. Noteworthy points of interest in the city include Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Berlin Cathedral.

Perhaps the only downside to the German capital is how much it costs to live there. Berlin is the most expensive city in Germany. A single person’s average living cost is almost $3,000 monthly. However, renting a studio apartment in a less popular part of the city could bring your monthly costs down.