12 Beautiful Places in Europe Where You Can Live for Less Than $1,500
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Dreaming of living in Europe but worried about the cost? Or maybe you are looking for a new place to relocate to but cannot seem to find a budget-friendly option? You’re not alone.
While Europe is renowned for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, it often carries the reputation of being prohibitively expensive. However, there are hidden gems across the continent where you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Imagine waking up to breathtaking scenery, enjoying fantastic cuisine, and immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures—all for less than $1,500 a month. That is what we are here for—to help you find your dream European destination within your $1,500 budget.
Read on for 12 affordable, beautiful European places where you can live comfortably off $1,500.
Groningen, Netherlands
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Nestled in the northern Netherlands, Groningen has a charming historic center, vibrant culture, and an average cost of living of around $1,413, including rent. For moderate consumers, an average of $163 is enough for a month’s worth of groceries.
Groningen is a university city with a young, lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. It’s also a cycling paradise with bike paths throughout the city and surrounding countryside. You will also find canals and architecture reminiscent of Amsterdam in Groningen—think of it as a little Amsterdam but on a budget.
The Groningen Museum is a top attraction, housing art, history, and cultural artifacts in a striking modern building. Other highlights include climbing the 260 steps of the Martini Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Europe at the time of its construction in 1469, and strolling through Noorderplantsoen, Groningen’s largest park.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Coimbra, Portugal
Portugal is a budget-friendly country for expats, and the city of Coimbra is one of the most affordable. This charming city is home to the historic University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, giving it a lively, cultured vibe. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are about $1,331. Your money will also go far here—a combo meal in a nice food joint may set you back only $9.
The hilly, cobblestoned streets of the old town, the riverfront parks, and the Roman and medieval monuments provide lots of free entertainment and exercise. Moreover, this city enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and short, rainy winters. It is a perfect destination for anyone wanting the laid-back Mediterranean vibe without breaking the bank.
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Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s charming capital city of Tbilisi offers picturesque architecture, a vibrant food scene, and stunning natural scenery at a fraction of the cost of many other European cities. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this city averages around $780, while groceries for two cost about $325.
Old Tbilisi has winding cobblestone streets, balcony-lined houses, and historic churches like Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral. When you need an escape from the city, Tbilisi National Park and Mtatsminda Park offer wooded trails just a short trip from downtown.
No trip or stay in Tbilisi is complete without sampling the delicious Georgian cuisine, including khinkali dumplings and khachapuri cheese bread.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is a port city on Poland’s Baltic coast with a long history as a trading hub. Its charming Old Town, with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, lures millions of tourists. Besides, this city has numerous museums that offer deep insights into its past. The European Solidarity Centre is a must-visit, chronicling the rise of the Solidarity movement, which played a crucial role in the fall of communism in Central Europe.
The cost of living in Gdansk is quite affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city’s outskirts averages around $655 monthly. Healthcare is also inexpensive, with specialists charging $37 to $63 for an appointment.
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Zagreb, Croatia
Living in Zagreb, you’ll experience stunning nature, history, culture, and delicious food, all at budget-friendly costs. This city allows you to live comfortably for less than $1,500 a month. According to Nomad List, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $744 per month.
That aside, Zagreb has fantastic food at low prices. A meal at a nice restaurant costs around $1.51. The Dolac Market offers fresh produce, meats, and cheeses—you can make a picnic lunch for under $5.
Zagreb’s Upper Town, featuring boutiques, cafes, and Austro-Hungarian architecture, is perfect for evening strolls. While exploring the city, stop by popular attractions such as Stone Gate and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. You will also love the Museum of Broken Relationships, a queer museum that hosts objects that document broken relationships.
Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, boasting a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. During your stay, you’ll be surrounded by stunning architecture like Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. A visit to this city is incomplete without experiencing its cafe culture, strolling along the Danube riverfront, or soaking in one of the city’s famous thermal baths.
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That aside, Budapest offers affordable living for expats and digital nomads. The average cost of living in this city is about $1,124. Rent prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe, and your money will go further when dining out or shopping.
Read also: Must-Visit European Capitals
Braga, Portugal
Braga offers the best of Portuguese life without the high costs of living in bigger cities like Lisbon. As the historical capital of Catholicism in Portugal, Braga’s cityscape is dominated by religious buildings, like the Se de Braga cathedral. As you stroll the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll spot its spires and towers peeking out.
Beyond its religious roots, Braga has a youthful, energetic vibe thanks to its large student population. Rent prices here are affordable, especially compared to other European cities. You could rent a one-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $680 per month. The city is also well-connected by rail and bus, making exploring more of Portugal and Spain easy.
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria
As the second-largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv has a vibrant culture, stunning historical architecture, and a charming old town – all at a fraction of the cost of living elsewhere in Europe.
Research by Inter HECS Ltd shows that the rent for a modern apartment in this city costs around $326 to $381, depending on its location and size. Also, for around $7, you can enjoy a good meal with drinks in one of the city’s restaurants. Transportation around the city, including buses, trams, and taxis, is also affordable.
In the charming Old Town, you’ll find traces of Plovdiv’s long history, which spans over 6,000 years, in sites like the well-preserved Roman theater, stadium, and fortress.
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Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius offers a charming escape at an affordable price. Aside from being the capital city of Lithuania, it has a well-preserved Old Town that UNESCO named a World Heritage Site, recognizing its diverse architecture, cobblestone streets, and medieval castles.
The average monthly living expenses range between $544 to $1,304, depending on your accommodation type and location in the city.
Vilnius has an incredible cultural scene, too. Each summer, the city hosts festivals featuring alternative music, films, theater, and more. Cafes, bars, and nightclubs along the banks of the Neris River keep things lively late into the night. Additionally, Vilnius has the largest baroque church in Eastern Europe, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, with nearly 2,000 stucco figures inside.
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Brno, Czech Republic
Brno offers an enviable quality of life and cultural experiences at a budget-friendly price. Brno deserves a spot at the top of your list if you’re looking for an affordable base to explore central Europe.
A 430-square-foot one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $636, while the average cost of living is around $1,158. Moreover, Brno has a well-developed infrastructure, efficient public transit, and universal healthcare.
Brno is also a UNESCO City of Music, with many opportunities to enjoy classical music, opera, and jazz. Nature lovers will enjoy the city’s location on the edge of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. There are many hiking and cycling trails outside the city in the beautiful countryside.
Read also: European Cities With Stunning Architecture
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a port city on Spain’s south-eastern coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its City of Arts and Sciences, a state-of-the-art science complex with futuristic architecture and an aquarium. Valencia also has a charming historic center, with a Gothic cathedral and a central market hall selling fresh produce and delicacies.
Besides architecture and history, Valencia is an excellent destination for its great Mediterranean weather and stunning beaches. Its famous beaches include El Cabanyal Beach, La Malvarrosa Beach, and Patacona Beach.
Valencia’s cost of living is lower than that of most major cities in Western Europe, including Barcelona. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city ranges between $600 and $870 per month. That aside, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $30.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
Riga, Latvia
Friendly locals, an enchanting cityscape, and an affordable cost of living—Riga has all the ingredients for a perfect European getaway on a budget. It is a charming city with stunning Art Nouveau architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage old town, and a rich culinary scene.
Riga has a low cost of living and was ranked as the most affordable city for students in 2019. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Riga’s downtown area averages around $500 monthly. A basic meal with a drink at a cheap eatery is about $12. Transportation is also affordable, with most rides on Riga’s extensive bus, tram, and trolleybus network costing less than $1.50.
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