The European Union offers freedom of movement, world-class healthcare, and a high quality of life — but costs vary dramatically between member states. From affordable Eastern Europe to premium Western capitals, here are the best EU countries for expats ranked by monthly budget.

Countries

from €600

Cheapest

from €3,000

Most expensive

Total 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 2 cities

🇲🇩

Moldova

Europe's hidden gem — ultra-affordable living, a brand-new digital nomad visa, and a warm wine-country culture

from €700 120 Mbps Growing — good in IT circles, limited elsewhere 2 cities

🇺🇦

Ukraine

Europe's most affordable frontier — a resilient tech hub with a thriving creative scene, incredibly low cost of living, and a nation rebuilding with extraordinary determination

from $800–$1,500 100 Mbps Good in IT/tech sectors; basic in daily life 2 cities

🇧🇦

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Europe's hidden gem — stunning scenery, Ottoman charm, and one of the continent's lowest costs of living

from €800 40 Mbps Widely spoken among younger generation 2 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

🇲🇪

Montenegro

Europe's best-kept secret — official digital nomad visa, 9–15% income tax, Adriatic coastline, and a comfortable life from €900/month

from €900 100 Mbps Widely spoken by younger generation; good in tourist areas 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

🇷🇴

Romania

EU membership, 10% flat income tax, and a 1% micro-enterprise revenue tax — Transylvania, the Carpathians, and a thriving tech scene from €1,000/month

from €1,000 500 Mbps Excellent among under-40s in Bucharest and Cluj; good in tech sector 2 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 3 cities

🇲🇹

Malta

English-speaking EU island at the heart of the Mediterranean — non-dom tax haven, full Schengen access, WHO top-5 healthcare

From €1,200/mo 200 Mbps Official language — spoken by ~88% of population 2 cities

🇱🇻

Latvia

Art Nouveau capital, Baltic affordability, and a pioneering digital nomad visa with a 15% flat tax

from €1,200 120 Mbps Widely spoken in Riga among under-40s 2 cities

🇸🇰

Slovakia

Central Europe's hidden gem — EU access, stunning nature, and living costs half of Vienna just 60 km away.

€1,200–€1,800/mo 95 Mbps Moderate — better among younger generation in Bratislava 2 cities

🇬🇷

Greece

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

from €1,400 85 Mbps Widely spoken in cities and tourist areas 3 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 3 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 3 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) 3 cities

🇱🇹

Lithuania

Baltic fintech hub — Revolut, Vinted, and Europe's most competitive startup visa

from €1,500 200 Mbps Widely spoken in tech sector and major cities 2 cities

🇪🇸

Spain

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

from €1,600 230 Mbps Moderate — higher in cities & tourist areas 3 cities

🇪🇪

Estonia

Europe's most digital nation — e-Residency, a flat 22% tax, and a world-class nomad visa

from €1,600 200 Mbps Widely spoken, especially in cities 2 cities

Showing top 20 of 33 countries

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Best EU Countries for Expats