12 Beautiful Places in Europe Where You Can Live for Less Than $2,500 a Month

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Are you looking for a new place to relocate to? Or a peaceful and affordable place to retire to? Or maybe a reasonably priced destination for your remote work? Read on, as we have covered you in this article.

We all know that many sought-after destinations in Europe are very expensive. Everyone wants to travel there, but housing is very expensive and difficult to find. Food, transport, and other amenities are also outrageously priced. I am talking about destinations like Paris, London or Amsterdam.

If you want to live comfortably off of $2,500, you must skip these popular destinations. Go for these 12 destinations that will let you live a good quality of life and enjoy fantastic scenery and culture, all while remaining within a budget limit of $2,500.

Annecy, France

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According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Annecy is 25.6% lower than in Paris. An average one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $800, a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs $685, and a three-bedroom apartment costs $1,475.

Despite being one of the most beautiful places in France, Annecy is still reasonably priced. You will love that Annecy is gorgeous and offers opportunities to explore numerous other charming destinations. Lake Annecy and The French Alps are some natural wonders you will have at your disposal.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is also one of the European capitals known to be significantly cheaper than Western European capitals. According to Wise, the average cost of a one-bedroom flat is $535, while a monthly transportation pass costs $31.

The city is famous for its thermal baths, the grand Parliament Building, and the picturesque Danube River, which splits it into Buda and Pest. On one side, Buda is hilly and dotted with historic sites like the Buda Castle and Matthias Church, offering panoramic city views. On the other side, Pest is flatter, with wide boulevards, the iconic Parliament Building, and lively squares. The Danube River’s scenic bridges, including the famous Chain Bridge, add to the city’s charm.

Besides being cheap and scenic by itself, you will love the fact that many budget airlines fly in and out of Budapest. You can, therefore, have an easy time exploring many other destinations throughout Europe if you choose to live in Budapest.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Rich history, vibrant cultural life, lively festivals, ancient ruins, a diverse culinary scene, and stunning Byzantine architecture are some of the things that define Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki. If you want to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture or move to Greece, choosing Thessaloniki over Athens would be a great option, especially if you would like to live comfortably under $2500.

Beyond the affordability, there are more reasons to make Thessaloniki your new home, including the beautiful coastal setting along the Thermaic Gulf, the charming waterfront scenery offering amazing sea views, and the lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is renowned as one of the world’s great wine capitals, famous for its exceptional vineyards and wine production. The city features stunning neoclassical architecture, tens of UNESCO World Heritage sites, a vibrant cultural scene, over 60 wine appellations, and friendlier weather than most of France’s interior. According to Colivys, the average rent for a furnished apartment in Bordeaux is $903, and $812 for unfurnished apartments.

As a Bordeaux resident, you will have great moments exploring the grand 18th-century buildings, charming public squares, and expansive green spaces. Nearby, the rolling vineyards and wineries of the Bordeaux region add to the scenic beauty. And yes, there are a lot of beaches around Bordeaux!

Seville, Spain

Seville offers a mix of picturesque urban landscapes and historic charm, perfect for anyone who appreciates magnificent scenery and rich culture. The city is characterized by its beautiful plazas, orange tree-lined streets, and impressive architecture.

Luckily, as a resident of Seville, you will have a lot to see and experience at a lower cost of living than in Barcelona or Madrid. According to Idealista, the average rent for a flat in Seville ranges from $728 to $978 per month, while monthly transport costs start at $31.

Iconic landmarks such as the Seville Cathedral, the Giralda Tower, and the Alcázar Palace contribute to the city’s scenic beauty.

Colmar, France

Colmar is a great place to consider if you are looking for a beautiful place in France that would not cost an arm and a leg. According to the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Colmar is 5% lower than France’s national average.

This Alsatian city is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, picturesque canals, and its role as the capital of the Alsace wine region. The charming old town, colorful half-timbered houses, and its Christmas markets are some of the things that set this city apart.

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The old town has narrow cobblestone streets, canals, and beautifully preserved medieval buildings with colorful facades. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, making it a picturesque setting for wine lovers and those who enjoy a quaint, rural atmosphere.

Bruges, Belgium

If you are looking for an alternative city to experience Venetian charm, Bruges is a good destination. With its winding canals, picturesque ancient bridges, and stunning gothic architecture, Bruges is genuinely a fairy-tale city. Besides, it is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, which is why the entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through Bruges feels like stepping back in time. Horse-drawn carriages, quaint houses, and scenic waterways create a charming atmosphere.

In addition to being reasonably priced, you will love that Bruges is quieter and easier to navigate than other Belgian cities like Antwerp and Brussels. According to Numbeo, for just $730, you can acquire a one-bedroom flat in Bruges City Center and less outside the center.

Split, Croatia

Split is known for its rich history, stunning coastal scenery, and vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. The city is most famous for Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Split is also a gateway to numerous Adriatic islands and offers a mix of ancient history and modern attractions.

For just $710 per month for a one-bedroom flat in the city center, you can enjoy a stunning coastal setting on the Adriatic Coast, crystal clear waters, picturesque beaches, and great year-round weather.

Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and, most famously, its production of port wine. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a historic city center, and stunning views of the Douro River. Living in Porto offers many sights and experiences, all for $1,030 per month for a one-bedroom flat in the city center. The rent prices are even friendlier for flats outside the city center.

If you would like to explore the Douro Wine Valley thoroughly, Porto is a great place to base yourself.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a great option for anyone looking for a reasonably priced city on the Mediterranean Coast. With its location, you are guaranteed amazing weather and beautiful beaches.

Beyond its stunning coastline, The old town, or Ciutat Vella, is filled with narrow winding streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. In contrast, the City of Arts and Sciences is known for modern, futuristic architecture surrounded by expansive pools and gardens. According to Housing Anywhere, the median salary in Valencia is $1,200, which is enough to cover basic monthly living expenses.

Catania, Sicily

Imagine living in Sicily and paying $1,280 for all your monthly living expenses, rent inclusive. That is a dream any island lover would fall for. Catania, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is known for its magnificent coastal scenery and proximity to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano.

The city features baroque architecture, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere, blending Sicilian traditions with a dynamic urban vibe, making it a welcoming destination for tourists and expats.

The stunning scenery, with its mix of coastal views, historic buildings, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna, is definitely a dream. And, being the largest Mediterranean island, you can only imagine how much exploration you can do in Sicily.

Prague, Czech Republic

Places in Europe to Live for Less Than $2,500 a Month_Prague — © TTstudio / AdobeStock

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is often referred to as “The City of a Hundred Spires” due to its numerous historic churches and towers. With just $1,530, you can comfortably live in Prague and endlessly immerse yourself in some of the world’s most iconic historical monuments.

Some of its key landmarks, like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock, are some of the most sought-after historical monuments in Europe.

Prague offers a picturesque urban landscape with its mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture – it would indeed make an excellent destination for architecture enthusiasts. Crossed by several historic bridges, the Vltava River runs through the city, offering fantastic sightseeing and strolling views.