These 12 Beautiful European Destinations Won't Break the Bank

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Have you always wanted to live in Europe but are concerned about how much it costs? Fear not; we’re here to help. Generally, Europe is quite expensive, with living costs continuing to rise in many countries. However, while the likes of Paris and London are costly, other places tick all the boxes and offer an affordable cost of living.

To show you the possibilities, we’ve put together a list of 12 beautiful European places where you can live for less than $1,000 monthly. We’ve selected these destinations based on having a wide range of things to do, good value for money, and overall beauty.

Murska Sobota, Slovenia

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We’ll start this list with a relatively unheard-of destination called Murska Sobota. Murska Sobota is a lovely town in Northeastern Slovenia, which is loved for its vibrant architecture, lush countryside, and friendly community. Living Cost reports that one person can live comfortably in the city for just over $900.

This includes approximately $400 for rent and utilities and $500 for food, drink, transport, and entertainment. In Murska Sobota, you can expect a slower way of life filled with countryside hikes, good food, and peaceful strolls through the town. Points of interest in Murska Sobota include Pavilion EXPANO, Murska Sobota Cathedral, Murska Sobota Castle, and Galerija Murska Sobota.

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the largest city, capital, and commercial center of Romania. It’s also one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities, making it a great place to live if you’re on a tight budget. It costs, on average, $961 a month for a single person to live in the city. That’s more than half of the average cost of living in Paris.

This capital city is jam-packed with fascinating buildings, lush parks, and iconic attractions. Dubbed “Little Paris,” Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch brilliantly demonstrates the city’s French influence. Other noteworthy landmarks in the city include the Old Town, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Palace of the Parliament. Don’t miss the Stavropoleos Monastery and Cismigiu Park, either.

Varna, Bulgaria

Varna could be perfect if you want to live by the sea but still have access to all the perks of a big city lifestyle. Varna is a picturesque port city and seaside resort in Bulgaria that offers travelers a gorgeous stretch of golden-sand coastline, a laid-back lifestyle, and many things to see and do.

A single person can live in the city for approximately $900 a month, including rent, utilities, food, and entertainment. In Varna, you’ll spend most of your time exploring the local sights, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying the entertainment in the city center. Popular attractions include the Varna Zoo, the Sea Garden, the Archaeological Museum Varna, and Rappongi Beach.

Toruń, Poland

Places in Europe for Less Than $1,000 a Month Toruń, Poland — © Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

Unfortunately, Warsaw and Krakow exceed our budget of $1,000 a month. Luckily, though, Toruń has much to offer, too. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking European city provides an exciting mix of Polish charm, culture, and beauty. With fewer than 200,000 residents, you can also expect a more laid-back lifestyle.

Better yet, the city is affordable. On average, a single person living in Toruń pays $908 monthly, including rent, utilities, entertainment, and groceries. Furthermore, Numbeo reports that Varna has a low crime rate, scoring 23.44 out of 100. Iconic attractions in the city include the Leaning Tower in Toruń, the Teutonic Castle Ruins, and the Old Town Hall.

Alanya, Turkey

Like Poland, the most popular cities in Turkey cost more than $1,000 monthly to live in. Luckily, hidden gems like Alanya allow travelers on a budget to enjoy the country comfortably. Alanya is a beautiful resort town on the Turkish Riviera, otherwise known as Turkey’s central Mediterranean coast.

This picturesque destination features wide golden-sand beaches, historic landmarks, and authentic Turkish restaurants. Kleopatra Beach is the best beach in the city. It offers a long stretch of soft sand, turquoise waters, and easy access to local amenities. Meanwhile, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower are two landmarks you don’t want to miss. The average cost of living for expats in Alanya is $911 monthly.

Marmaris, Turkey

Another budget-friendly Turkish Riviera resort that offers plenty of sun, sand, and sea is Marmaris, a gorgeous town with much to offer. When you’re not walking along the charming seafront promenade or soaking up the sun on Marmaris Public Beach, head out on a sailing trip, learn how to dive, or party the nights away on Bar Street.

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Alternatively, keen hikers can venture into Marmaris National Park to explore the best hiking trails and escape the intense heat. From a financial standpoint, Marmaris is one of Europe’s most affordable places to live. Despite everything it offers, it only costs approximately $785 monthly to live in the town—that includes rent and utilities.

Brest, Belarus

The next budget-friendly destination on our list is Brest in southwest Belarus. Brest is a fascinating city with a rich history, beautiful buildings, and unique landmarks. Admittedly, it’s not the most beautiful city in Europe, but its impressive sights, affordable cost of living, and relaxed atmosphere make it an attractive proposition.

You’ll likely spend most of your time in Brest wandering the streets, searching for the most unique attractions. Points of interest you don’t want to miss include the 19th-century Brest Hero Fortress with its impressive yet bizarre statue and beautiful bullet-riddled gate, the open-air Railway Museum, and the Berestye Archaeological Museum. Remarkably, living in Brest only costs approximately $400 a month.

Ventspils, Latvia

Riga might be the most popular travel destination in Latvia, but that doesn’t mean other places don’t have plenty to offer. Take Ventspils, for example. Located on the Baltic Sea and Venta River in northwest Latvia, Ventspils is a gorgeous port city featuring a beautiful Old Town with 17th-century architecture, a 13th-century castle, a long and wide white sand beach, and a water park.

As such, you’ll never be short of things to see and do in the city. Ventspils is also much more affordable than Riga. One person’s living cost is approximately $890 in Ventspils and $1,133 in Riga per month. What are you waiting for? Get those flip-flops and sunglasses packed and book your flights.

Klaipėda, Lithuania

Places in Europe for Less Than $1,000 a Month Klaipėda, Lithuania — © Marek_mosinski / Adobe Stock

Klaipėda, Lithuania, might just be our favorite destination on this list. This beautiful port city sits on the Danė River, where it meets the Baltic Sea. As a result, it has stunning scenery and access to some lovely beaches. The city is filled with quaint wooden-framed buildings dating back to the 18th century, adding to its appeal.

Generally, Klaipėda is just a charming place to explore. Your days will be filled with pleasant strolls through town, scenic walks along the coast, and exciting attractions that will keep you busy. Notable attractions include the neoclassical Klaipėda Drama Theater, Theater Square, the Taravos Anikė, and the Lithuanian Sea Museum. Including rent, utilities, groceries, and activities, you should be able to live in Klaipėda for approximately $981.

Vlorë, Albania

Places in Europe for Less Than $1,000 a Month Vlorë, Albania — © Armandometa1967 / Shutterstock

To give you an idea of how affordable Vlorë is, rent prices in the coastal city are almost 90% lower than in London. You can easily find somewhere in the city to live for $200 to $300 monthly. You’ll spend much less than $1,000 a month with the rest of your expenses included.

Vlorë is a beautiful seaside city known for its picture-perfect beaches, verdant hills, and stunning Albanian architecture. When you’re not sunbathing, swimming in the turquoise sea at Plazhi i Ri Beach, or walking along the seafront promenade, admire the local buildings and hike in the nearby Ceraunian Mountains.

Sarandë, Albania

Another Albanian seaside resort city on the Albanian Riviera that offers an affordable cost of living is Sarandë. One person can live in the city for as little as $756 monthly. This gives you enough wiggle room to look for a nicer apartment or spend more on activities.

Sitting in a horseshoe-shaped bay between the Ionian Sea and miles of lush hills dotted with olive groves, this scenic resort is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, swim in the sea, and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Places you don’t want to miss in the city include Saranda Embankment, Saranda Beach, the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle, and the Monastery of the Forty Saint Martyrs.

Chișinău, Moldova

Places in Europe for Less Than $1,000 a Month Chișinău, Moldova — © Visualpower / Adobe Stock

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is the final place on our list. This city is a fantastic place to live if you love city life but want to live somewhere affordable. It costs expats an average of just $945 a month to live in the city. Like most European capital cities, Chișinău has many things to see and do, so you’ll easily keep yourself entertained.

Amid the tall blocks of Soviet-style architecture, you’ll discover exciting landmarks, authentic restaurants, and vibrant squares. The most famous landmarks include the Nativity Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch, and the Stephen the Great Monument. Other noteworthy attractions in the city include Cathedral Park, Eternity Memorial Complex, and the National Museum Of Ethnography and Natural History.