Europe offers incredible diversity for expats — from Portugal's Atlantic coast to Georgia's Caucasus mountains. Unlike our EU-only list, this ranking includes all European countries (EU and non-EU) ranked by monthly budget. Whether you want Schengen freedom or lower costs outside the EU, here's every option.

Countries

23 Dec 2025

Cheapest

from DKK 22,000

Most expensive

Total cities

🇮🇹

Italy

Stunning beauty, world-class food, rich history, and a growing digital nomad scene with the Flat Tax regime

23 Dec 2025 200 Mbps Moderate in cities, low outside urban areas 7 cities

🇳🇱

Netherlands

Europe's most international nation — exceptional English, world-class cycling infrastructure, 30% tax ruling for skilled expats, and a gateway to the continent

~€148–165/mo 202 Mbps Excellent — ranked #1 globally, spoken by 93%+ 4 cities

🇧🇬

Bulgaria

The EU's lowest taxes — 10% flat income and corporate tax, euro adopted in 2026, Schengen member, and home to Europe's cheapest digital nomad hub in Bansko

from €600 300 Mbps Very good among under-40s in Sofia; good in tourist areas and tech sector 3 cities

🇦🇱

Albania

The Balkans' rising star — official digital nomad visa, 0–13% income tax, Albanian Riviera beaches, and all-in living from $900/month

from $900 100 Mbps Good among under-35s and in tourist areas; improving rapidly 2 cities

🇭🇺

Hungary

Europe's best-value capital city — flat 15% tax, thriving digital nomad scene, and a cultural powerhouse on the Danube

from €1,000 100 Mbps Widely spoken in Budapest; limited outside 3 cities

🇷🇸

Serbia

The Balkans' digital nomad capital — 10% flat income tax, Europe's cheapest capital, free public transit, and a buzzing café culture from €1,000/month

from €1,000 300 Mbps Very good among under-40s in Belgrade; excellent in tech/nomad circles 2 cities

🇹🇷

Turkey

Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia — world-class food, 42 JCI hospitals, a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, and your dollar goes remarkably far

from $1,200 50 Mbps Basic to moderate 4 cities

🇭🇷

Croatia

EU's Adriatic gem — digital nomad visa, Mediterranean lifestyle, and eurozone living at half the Western European price

from €1,200 100 Mbps Widely spoken in cities and tourist areas 4 cities

🇮🇪

Ireland

English-speaking EU hub with world-class tech salaries, Atlantic coastal charm, and a clear path to an EU passport

2% band +€1,318 100 Mbps Native language 3 cities

🇬🇷

Greece

Ancient history, island paradise, and a surprisingly affordable Mediterranean life

from €1,400 93 Mbps Widely spoken in cities and tourist areas 4 cities

🇨🇿

Czech Republic

Medieval beauty, world's best beer, EU access — at a fraction of Western European prices.

from €1,400 106 Mbps Moderate — good in Prague, limited elsewhere 4 cities

🇵🇱

Poland

EU access, booming tech scene, rich history — at Central European prices that won't break the bank.

from €1,400 500 Mbps Moderate — good among younger generation in cities 4 cities

🇵🇹

Portugal

Europe's most beloved expat destination — sunshine, safety, and an accessible path to residency

from €1,500 205 Mbps Widely spoken (ranked #6 globally) 6 cities

🇪🇸

Spain

Sun-soaked, affordable, and welcoming — Europe's most liveable expat destination with an unbeatable quality of life

from €1,600 248 Mbps Moderate — higher in cities & tourist areas 7 cities

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

English-speaking, world-class cities, free NHS healthcare, and a global career hub with a clear path to citizenship

from £1,600 80 Mbps Native language 6 cities

🇫🇷

France

The art of living — world-class healthcare, culture, cuisine, and one of Europe's most structured residency paths

from €2,000 225 Mbps Moderate — better in cities and among under-40s 7 cities

🇱🇺

Luxembourg

Europe's wealthiest micro-state — a multilingual financial powerhouse where nearly half the population is foreign-born, salaries are the EU's highest, and three countries are a 30-minute drive away

€3,400–€3,500 net 150 Mbps Widely spoken in business and financial sector; common in daily life 2 cities

🇨🇭

Switzerland

The world's wealthiest, safest, and most orderly nation — exceptional salaries, pristine alpine landscapes, and a quality of life that justifies every Swiss franc

from CHF 5,000 220 Mbps Widely spoken in cities and business 2 cities

🇩🇰

Denmark

The world's happiest country — hygge culture, flat hierarchies, universal healthcare, and a world-class quality of life that consistently tops every global ranking

from DKK 22,000 200 Mbps Excellent — near-universal in cities 2 cities

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Best Countries in Europe for Expats