Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Europe for English Speakers

Living in Europe doesn’t have to mean settling in expensive cities like London, Paris, or Berlin. There are plenty of lesser-known destinations that offer the same European charm, great quality of life, and modern amenities—without the high cost of living.

Cheapest Places to Live in Europe for English Speakers

Here’s a closer look at some of the cheapest places to live in Europe for English speakers that offer great quality of life, accessible visa options, and a lower cost of living.

1. Poland

Poland is known for its safety, efficient public transport, and rich cultural history. Public healthcare is available, though many expats prefer private services for quicker access.

You can live in cities like Kraków or Warsaw for €400–€600 per month, covering rent, utilities, and basic expenses. Groceries and transportation are affordable for both locals and expats.

Poland offers both Schengen C-Type visas (for stays up to 90 days) and National D-Type visas for longer stays such as work, study, or residence. Applicants must provide a valid passport, completed visa application form, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, and proof of financial means (at least €16/day). Visa fees range between €60 and €138, and processing takes 14–28 days. If you plan to work, a work permit is required and costs between €11–€44 depending on the duration.

2. Bulgaria

Bulgaria features a mix of mountains and coastline, offering diverse scenery and a relaxed pace of life. Healthcare can be basic, so expats often rely on private clinics for better service.

Daily expenses in cities like Sofia or Plovdiv are around €30, with total monthly costs easily kept under €500. Rent, groceries, and public services are very affordable.

As a new Schengen Zone member (2025), Bulgaria now allows entry with a Schengen visa for short stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, a D-Type visa is required. You’ll need a passport, application form, photos, travel insurance with €30,000 coverage, proof of accommodation, and financial means (€50/day). Visa fees are €60–€90, with processing taking 20–30 days. Employment or study visas also require supporting documentation related to the job or academic institution.

3. Estonia

Estonia is highly digitalized and offers clean, organized cities. Public transport is reliable, and healthcare is efficient, especially in urban areas.

Living in cities like Tartu or Pärnu is affordable, with monthly expenses averaging €1,000. Rent, utilities, and food are cost-effective outside of Tallinn.

Estonia provides Schengen C-Type visas for short stays (up to 90 days) and D-Type visas for long-term residence, work, or study. Required documents include a valid passport, completed application, recent passport photos, proof of financial means (€70/day), accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance covering €30,000. Visa fees are around €80, with processing times of 15–30 days. If you intend to work or study, additional paperwork is required from your employer or school.

4. Hungary

Hungary features beautiful architecture, a continental climate, and strong cultural traditions. While public healthcare is available, private clinics offer faster and higher-quality care.

Living in Budapest costs about €500–€700 per month, which includes rent, food, and transportation. Prices are even lower in smaller towns.

Hungary issues Schengen C-Type visas for short stays (up to 90 days) and D-Type national visas for longer-term residence. Applicants must submit a valid passport, completed visa form, recent photographs, proof of financial resources (€50/day), travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), and accommodation details. Visa fees range from €60–€80, with processing times of 15–30 days. Work or study visa applicants must also provide job contracts or enrollment letters.

5. Albania

Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with rent in small towns starting from €200/month. Monthly living expenses are very low, making it a top-budget destination.

The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate and a growing expat community. Healthcare is limited in rural areas, but private services in cities like Tirana are reliable.

Albania offers C-Type (short-term) and long-term visas for work, study, or residence. You’ll need a passport, visa application, photos, accommodation proof, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), and financial means of at least €50/day. Visa fees are approximately €60, and processing times range from 15–30 days. Long-term stays require additional documents like job offers or school enrollment confirmations.

6. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers a good quality of life with modern amenities and scenic towns. Healthcare is solid, though delays are common in public hospitals—private options are faster.

Outside of Prague, cities like Brno and Olomouc are very affordable, with living costs between €300–€500/month. Groceries, rent, and public transport are cost-effective.

For short visits, the Czech Republic offers a Schengen C-Type visa. Long-term stays require a D-Type visa, with documentation including passport, completed application, photos, proof of accommodation, financial proof (€70/day), and travel insurance. Visa fees are about €80, and processing can take 15–30 days. Employment or education-related stays need further verification documents.

7. Portugal

Portugal is known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and scenic coastline. Healthcare is excellent, and English is commonly spoken in tourist-heavy areas.

Living outside of Lisbon in small towns or rural areas significantly lowers monthly expenses. It’s possible to live comfortably on a modest income with shared housing.

Portugal offers C-Type Schengen visas for short visits and D-Type national visas for long-term stays. You’ll need a passport, application form, recent photos, accommodation proof, financial means (€70/day), and travel insurance (€30,000 coverage). Visa fees range from €80–€100, and processing takes 15–30 days. Work, study, or retirement visas require related documentation (e.g., contracts or pension statements).

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8. Cyprus

Cyprus combines sunshine, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. English is widely spoken, and healthcare is decent, especially in private hospitals.

Outside of busy tourist hubs, monthly expenses can range from €1,000–€1,200, covering rent and daily living. Prices are lower in less-developed inland towns.

Cyprus offers both C-Type (short-stay) and D-Type (long-stay) visas. Required documents include a passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay, visa form, photos, accommodation proof, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), and financial proof of €50–€70/day. Visa fees are around €80, and processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Work or study visas require contracts or admission letters.

9. Spain

Spain offers sun, food, and a relaxed culture. Healthcare is accessible, and many English-speaking professionals are available in urban centers.

Cities like Valencia or Granada offer a great lifestyle at around €600/month, including housing and basic costs. Life is more affordable compared to Madrid or Barcelona.

Spain issues C-Type (short-term) and D-Type (long-term) visas for various purposes. You’ll need a passport, completed form, recent photos, accommodation proof, travel health insurance (€30,000), and proof of finances (~€70/day). Visa fees are around €80, with processing times from 2–4 weeks. Long-term stays may also need work permits or academic enrollment confirmation.

10. Montenegro

Montenegro is incredibly affordable, with rent as low as €400/month in smaller towns. Monthly expenses remain low across the board.

This scenic Balkan country offers mountains, beaches, and a tranquil lifestyle. Expats enjoy the slower pace and growing digital nomad scene.

Montenegro provides short-stay C-Type and long-stay D-Type visas. Requirements include a passport, application form, passport-sized photos, accommodation proof, travel insurance (€30,000), and financial evidence (~€50/day). Visa fees are around €80, with processing times from 2–4 weeks. Long-term stays for work or study need additional supporting documents.

These destinations are some of the best and most affordable places to live in Europe for English speakers. Each country on this list has its own unique charm and lifestyle benefits, so the right choice will ultimately depend on your personal goals. Some may prioritize access to nature and slower living, while others might seek vibrant urban centers or strong digital infrastructure. Thankfully, all of these places strike a great balance between cost and quality of life.

Take the time to explore what matters most to you—climate, community, healthcare, work opportunities—and you’ll find a destination that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.