Sam SmithEurope is often seen as expensive, especially in Western capitals like London, Paris, or Oslo. Yet affordability varies widely across the continent, with Eastern and Southern Europe offering far better value for housing, food, and everyday expenses. This list highlights 50 cities with populations over 50,000 where residents and digital nomads can enjoy a reasonable quality of life without breaking the bank. From vibrant capitals to historic university towns, these destinations combine culture, accessibility, and affordability.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities To Live In Europe
1. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is the cheapest capital city in the EU, offering ultra‑low rents, affordable dining, and inexpensive public transport. Despite rising popularity among digital nomads, costs remain far below Western Europe. The city blends historic architecture with modern amenities, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. While wages are low, remote workers benefit greatly. Sofia’s affordability, combined with EU membership and good connectivity, makes it one of Europe’s best value destinations for long‑term living.
2. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second‑largest city, is known for its Roman amphitheatre and vibrant cultural scene. As the European Capital of Culture in 2019, it has grown in popularity but remains highly affordable. Housing and food costs are low, and the city offers a relaxed lifestyle compared to Sofia. With a mix of history, art, and youthful energy, Plovdiv appeals to students, expats, and digital nomads seeking budget‑friendly living in a charming, walkable environment with strong community spirit.
3. Varna, Bulgaria
Varna, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastal city, combines seaside living with affordability. Housing and food costs are low, and the city offers beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions. It’s popular with both locals and expats seeking a relaxed lifestyle. While wages are modest, remote workers benefit from the low cost of living. Varna’s affordability, combined with its coastal charm and EU membership, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking budget‑friendly seaside living in Eastern Europe.
4. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, offers one of the lowest costs of living among major European cities. Housing, dining, and transport are inexpensive, though wages remain low. The city blends grand architecture with modern development, and its nightlife and cultural scene are vibrant. Bucharest is increasingly popular with digital nomads due to affordable coworking spaces and strong internet. Despite traffic congestion, its affordability and EU membership make Bucharest a practical choice for budget‑conscious residents and remote workers.
5. Cluj‑Napoca, Romania
Cluj‑Napoca is Romania’s tech hub and university city, offering affordability alongside a growing startup scene. Housing and food costs are higher than in Bucharest but still low compared to Western Europe. The city has a youthful vibe, cultural festivals, and strong internet infrastructure. While wages are modest, remote workers benefit from the low costs and vibrant community. Cluj’s affordability, combined with its innovation ecosystem, makes it appealing for students, expats, and digital nomads seeking value.
6. Timisoara, Romania
Timisoara, located in western Romania, is known for its cultural diversity and historic architecture. Housing and everyday costs are low, making it attractive for families and expats. The city has a growing cultural scene and was designated European Capital of Culture for 2023. Internet and transport are affordable, and wages remain modest. Timisoara’s affordability, combined with its cultural vibrancy and EU membership, makes it a practical choice for budget‑conscious residents seeking a lively, historic environment.
7. Iasi, Romania
Iasi, in northeastern Romania, is a university city with a youthful atmosphere and very low living costs. Housing and food are inexpensive, and the city offers cultural institutions, historic landmarks, and strong community ties. Internet and transport are affordable, making it appealing for students and digital nomads. While wages are low, remote workers benefit from the affordability. Iasi’s combination of history, education, and budget‑friendly living makes it a strong option for long‑term residents.
8. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw, Poland’s capital, is the most expensive city in this section but remains affordable compared to Western Europe. Housing and food costs are higher than in smaller Polish cities, yet still reasonable. Warsaw offers modern infrastructure, cultural institutions, and strong transport links. It’s popular with expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant economy and EU membership. While wages are modest, Warsaw’s affordability relative to its size makes it appealing for those seeking urban living.
9. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is Poland’s cultural capital, known for its historic old town and vibrant student population. Housing and food costs are affordable outside the tourist centre, and everyday expenses remain lower than in Western Europe. The city offers strong internet, cultural events, and a youthful atmosphere. While wages are modest, remote workers benefit from the affordability. Krakow’s combination of history, culture, and budget‑friendly living makes it appealing for students, expats, and digital nomads seeking value.
10. Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw is a picturesque Polish city with affordable housing and living costs. Known for its colourful architecture and lively cultural scene, it offers lower expenses than Warsaw. The city has a strong student population, vibrant nightlife, and good internet infrastructure. While wages are modest, remote workers benefit from the affordability. Wroclaw’s combination of charm, culture, and budget‑friendly living makes it appealing for families, students, and digital nomads seeking value in Central Europe.
Table: Top 50 Cheapest Cities to Live in Europe
| # | City | Country | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sofia | Bulgaria | Eastern Europe |
| 2 | Plovdiv | Bulgaria | Eastern Europe |
| 3 | Varna | Bulgaria | Eastern Europe |
| 4 | Bucharest | Romania | Eastern Europe |
| 5 | Cluj-Napoca | Romania | Eastern Europe |
| 6 | Timisoara | Romania | Eastern Europe |
| 7 | Iasi | Romania | Eastern Europe |
| 8 | Warsaw | Poland | Eastern Europe |
| 9 | Krakow | Poland | Eastern Europe |
| 10 | Wroclaw | Poland | Eastern Europe |
| 11 | Gdansk | Poland | Eastern Europe |
| 12 | Budapest | Hungary | Eastern Europe |
| 13 | Debrecen | Hungary | Eastern Europe |
| 14 | Zagreb | Croatia | Eastern Europe |
| 15 | Split | Croatia | Southern Europe |
| 16 | Riga | Latvia | Eastern Europe |
| 17 | Vilnius | Lithuania | Eastern Europe |
| 18 | Tallinn | Estonia | Eastern Europe |
| 19 | Belgrade | Serbia | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 20 | Novi Sad | Serbia | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 21 | Nis | Serbia | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 22 | Skopje | North Macedonia | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 23 | Sarajevo | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 24 | Banja Luka | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 25 | Tirana | Albania | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 26 | Pristina | Kosovo | Eastern Europe (Non-EU) |
| 27 | Lisbon | Portugal | Southern Europe |
| 28 | Porto | Portugal | Southern Europe |
| 29 | Braga | Portugal | Southern Europe |
| 30 | Coimbra | Portugal | Southern Europe |
| 31 | Valencia | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 32 | Granada | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 33 | Seville | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 34 | Alicante | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 35 | Malaga | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 36 | Cadiz | Spain | Southern Europe |
| 37 | Palermo | Italy | Southern Europe |
| 38 | Catania | Italy | Southern Europe |
| 39 | Bari | Italy | Southern Europe |
| 40 | Naples | Italy | Southern Europe |
| 41 | Thessaloniki | Greece | Southern Europe |
| 42 | Patras | Greece | Southern Europe |
| 43 | Larissa | Greece | Southern Europe |
| 44 | Brno | Czech Republic | Central Europe |
| 45 | Bratislava | Slovakia | Central Europe |
| 46 | Kosice | Slovakia | Central Europe |
| 47 | Ljubljana | Slovenia | Central Europe |
| 48 | Lviv | Ukraine | Eastern Europe |
| 49 | Istanbul | Turkey | Transcontinental |
| 50 | Ankara | Turkey | Transcontinental |
Closing
While “cheap” is always relative, these 50 cities show where your money stretches furthest in Europe. Each comes with trade‑offs—lower wages, remoteness, or seasonal tourism—but they also provide opportunities for homeownership, budget‑friendly living, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, or someone seeking a slower pace of life, this list is a starting point for deeper research. Always validate current costs, explore local job markets, and spend time in a city before committing.