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

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Live in Europe for less than $500 per month? We know it sounds like the biggest hoax, but it is possible. We do not claim it would be a smooth ride, but you can do it with careful planning and strict budgeting. To be frank with you, you will likely be roughing it. But if for whatever reason you are doing it, your sacrifices will be worth it, as your dollars will stretch unbelievably further in these European destinations.

The real question is where and how you do it. If you are looking for European destinations to let you live on the least possible funds, we have you covered. We do not just show you where but also how to do it. If this becomes a frugal living class, kindly bear with us, as that is what it takes to live off of $500 per month in Europe.

Now, enough of the banter. Here are 12 beautiful destinations for which a $500 monthly budget can make sense.

Pula, Croatia

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First on our list is Pula, a town located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula. The city is known for its Roman architecture, including one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, Pula Arena, which still hosts concerts and events. If you are looking for a cheap destination with historical charm and natural beauty, Pula will make a great new home.

Talking of natural beauty, Pula has some beautiful beaches like Verudela, Valkane, and Ambrela. These beaches are not only stunning but also free. For more free activities, you can explore Kamenjak Peninsula, a nature reserve with stunning cliffs and secluded beaches, or wander through the old town as you marvel at the historic architecture.

Other points of interest include the Temple of Augustus, an ancient Roman temple in the main square, and Pula Fortress (Kastel), which offers panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Imagine having all these sites to explore while living off of $500. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside Pula’s center costs around $400. Now, you have two options: cost share with your partner or another bargain hunter, or choose a studio apartment that costs way less. Whatever option suits you best, if you plan carefully and live frugally, you could pull off the $500 per month per person in Pula.

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Top Places in Greece for Digital Nomads, Heraklion, Crete — © Sina Ettmer / Adobe Stock

Imagine living on one of Greece’s most beautiful islands for just $500 monthly. It is a dream you could achieve living in Heraklion, the capital of Crete island. Numbeo suggests that a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs as little as $380. Cost-sharing your apartment with your partner, another digital nomad, or a budget traveler can have you live off $500 per month per person. However, if cost sharing is not an option, you could go for a studio outside the city center for as low as $200.

Beyond strict budgeting, Heraklion is one of those destinations that lets you enjoy the ultimate Mediterranean charm. For your historic exploration, you can swing by the Palace of Knossos or wander around the old town exploring the beautiful Venetian architecture.

Consider going for free activities to enhance your chances of sticking to the $500 limit. There are several public beaches near Heraklion. When the beach mood kicks, you can head to Ammoudara, Karteros, and Agia Pelagia.

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is another destination where you can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle without breaking the bank. When we say that, we actually mean it, as a one-bedroom apartment just outside Palermo costs an average of $420. Bring in a flatmate, and you will enjoy $500 per person monthly.

It is not just affordable housing in Palermo. Dining and groceries, too, can be cheap if you plan well. To cut food costs, shop at local markets like Ballarò and Vucciria for fresh produce and local products. You could also use public transport, cycle, or walk around the city. Luckily, Palermo is well-connected with public transport and is super pedestrian-friendly.

Now, don’t let your life be about budgeting and budgeting when Palermo has so much to offer. Palermo Cathedral is one of the spots you can explore free of charge. You can also hang out on nearby beaches like Mondello Beach and Addaura.

Constanta, Romania

Constanta is a fantastic destination for those seeking an affordable seaside lifestyle rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its combination of ancient ruins, lively markets, and beautiful beaches, it’s a place where you can enjoy the best of the Black Sea coast on a budget.

Luckily, Constanta offers plenty of free and low-cost activities. You can relax or get active on beaches like Mamaia, Constanța Beach, and Modern Beach. Other points of interest in the town include The Casino, an iconic Art Nouveau building overlooking the Black Sea; Ovid Square, the historic square that is the heart of this city; and The Great Mahmudiye Mosque, an architectural marvel that offers panoramic views of the city from its minaret.

Data crowdsourced by Numbeo reveals that a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs around $400. Cost-share this with someone else, and you are assured of living on $500 monthly per person.

Vlore, Albania

Vlore is a vibrant coastal city renowned as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Its location offers picturesque sea views and beautiful beaches waiting to be explored.

If you are not exploring the town on foot, you can stroll along the Lungomare Promenade or go hiking at the nearby Llogara National Park.

According to Numbeo, one-bedroom apartments outside Vlore Center cost an average of $325. If you choose to flatshare your apartment to cut costs or get a studio apartment, you will have sufficient funds for other expenses. It is truly an ideal base to explore the Albanian Riviera without breaking the bank.

Sofia, Bulgaria

We know you think that to live on a budget of $500 in Europe, you must be in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. While the tiny villages can offer you affordable lifestyles, there is also a chance in big cities like Sofia. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is tucked on the foothills of the Vitosha Mountains, offering numerous outdoor expedition opportunities. The city boasts numerous parks, museums, and landmarks, making it a fascinating place to explore and live.

Some noteworthy highlights include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, the National Palace of Culture, Boyana Church, and Vitosha Mountain, which offers outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

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Numbeo suggests that a one-bedroom apartment outside Sofia city center averages $410. Live in the apartment with your partner or another budget seeker, and you will enjoy an urban lifestyle with a rich cultural heritage for less than $500 per month. There are quite a number of food banks in Sofia; check them out if you’d like to save more on dining.

Riga, Latvia

If you are more of a big city person, another destination to consider is Riga, the capital of Latvia. Riga, the biggest city in the Baltic states, offers a unique mix of lively markets, green spaces, and historic buildings. When not busy, wander through Riga Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historic buildings to explore.

According to Numbeo, the cost of one-bedroom apartments outside Riga’s center averages $360. You can barely get anything close to this in many cities across Europe. You can cut costs by cost-sharing your apartment, cooking at home, or exploring free activities and spots in the city. Regarding free activities in Riga, do not miss out on its beautiful parks like Bastejkalna Park, Kronvalda Park, and Mežaparks, or explore the Riga Cathedral.

Pristina, Kosovo

Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is a city full of contrasts, combining a rich historical heritage with a youthful, modern vibe. With so many things to like, take full advantage of this city’s rich cafe culture and vibrant nightlife. Some points of interest in this city include the Newborn Monument, which symbolizes Kosovo’s independence, and Germia Park, which has hiking trails, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. In the evening, you can head to Mother Teresa Square, Pristina’s main square, which is perfect for photography, relaxing, or enjoying the warmth of the sunset.

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According to Numbeo, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside the center of Pristina averages $250. With this, you can pay your utilities and have enough food as long as you cook at home.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is located in a valley and surrounded by mountains, offering tourists and residents easy access to nature exploration opportunities. Beyond nature, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is renowned for its lively old town, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.

Living on $500 a month in Sarajevo is feasible with careful budgeting and a modest lifestyle. A one-bedroom apartment outside the center of Sarajevo costs an average of $250, leaving you with enough for other expenses.

Some unmissable attractions in the city include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a 16th-century mosque recognized as one of the most beautiful in the city, and Vrelo Bosne, a picturesque park that offers quick nature escapes within the city.

Pecs, Hungary

Hungary is known to be a cheap country even by European standards. While Budapest is affordable, you want to skip it and head to Pecs, which offers more money-saving opportunities. Pecs is a university city, and according to the University of Pecs, you need a minimum of $430 per month to pay rent, buy proper food, and afford an occasional evening out. Their data shows monthly accommodation costs start at as low as $175.

Aside from careful budgeting and frugal living, Pecs is a city with a lot of historic architecture to explore. The city’s landmark buildings blend Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian influences. Some noteworthy highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Early Christian Necropolis, the beautiful Pécs Cathedral, and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, a stunning coastal town located on the Gulf of Kotor, is another destination you may want to consider if you want to live on a very slim budget. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, breathtaking bay views, and beautiful mountains surrounding it. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively squares, making it a captivating place to live and explore.

If you are not exploring its rich historic architecture, you can visit its beautiful beaches, such as Dobrota and Perast.

Nobody would resist living in such a charming destination for as low as $500. A one-bedroom in Kotor city center goes for around $515. Venture out a little, and this could drop to $400. If you share your apartment with another person, you can modestly live off $500 per month per person.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Charming mountain town on a budget, anyone? If this is your vibe, consider Bansko, which is tucked on the foot of the Pirin Mountains. If you thought all ski destinations were expensive, Bansko will prove you wrong. Besides being a top ski destination in winter, Bansko offers many other opportunities, such as hiking in the Pirin National Park.

In summer, you can explore the town’s traditional Bulgarian architecture or its historic sites, such as the Holy Trinity Church, Velyan House Museum, and the Neofit Rilski House Museum; or just sit back and take in the fresh mountain air as you enjoy its scenery.

Also, Bansko is small enough to get around on foot, saving you on transportation costs. A one-bedroom apartment in the town costs around $350 monthly. Cost-share it with another mountain life enthusiast, or opt for a studio to save more. In case you are wondering why this small town suddenly became a digital nomad hotspot, it is because of how unbelievably affordable it is and the numerous mountain adventures it offers.