12 beautiful cities in Europe where you can live on $1500 a month
'26.06.2024'
ForumDaily New York
Dreaming of living in Europe but worried about the cost of living? Or perhaps you're looking for a new place to move but can't find a budget option? WorldWildSchooling talks about 12 beautiful European cities where you can live well and inexpensively.
Although Europe Famous for its rich history, diverse cultures and stunning scenery, it often has a reputation for being prohibitively expensive. However, there are wonderful cities in Europe where you can enjoy high quality life without spending a lot of money.
Groningen, Netherlands
Located in the north of the Netherlands, Groningen has a charming historic center, vibrant culture and an average cost of living of around $1413 including rent. For moderate consumers, an average of $163 is enough for a month's worth of groceries.
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Groningen is a university city with a young, lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. This is a cycling paradise with dedicated paths throughout the city and countryside. You will find canals and architecture reminiscent of Amsterdam. Think of it as a little Amsterdam, but on a budget.
The Groningen Museum is a major attraction, housing works of art, history and culture in a striking modern building. Other highlights include climbing the 260 steps of the Martini Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Europe when it was built in 1469, and walking through Norderplantson, Groningen's largest park.
Coimbra, Portugal
Portugal is a budget country, and Coimbra is one of the most affordable localities. This charming town is home to a historic university founded in 1290.
The estimated monthly cost for one person is about $1331. A set lunch in a good establishment will cost you only $9.
The old town's hilly cobbled streets, parks, and Roman and medieval monuments offer plenty of free entertainment. In addition, the city has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and short, rainy winters. This is the ideal place for those who want to experience a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere without spending a lot of money.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia's charming capital offers picturesque architecture, vibrant cuisine and stunning natural scenery at a fraction of the cost. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this city averages about $780, and groceries for two people cost about $325.
Old Tbilisi has winding cobbled streets, houses with balconies and historic churches.
If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Tbilisi National Park and Mtatsminda Park offer forest trails just a short drive from the capital's center.
No trip or stay in Tbilisi would be complete without sampling delicious Georgian cuisine, including khinkali and khachapuri cheese bread.
Gdansk, Poland
Gdansk is a port city on the Polish Baltic coast with a long history as a trading center. Its charming Old Town with colorful buildings and cobbled streets attracts millions of tourists. Additionally, this city has many museums that offer deep insight into its past. Be sure to visit the European Solidarity Center, which talks about the Solidarity movement, which played a decisive role in the fall of communism in Central Europe.
The cost of living in Gdansk is quite affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of the city averages about $655 per month. Healthcare is also quite affordable: specialists charge from $37 to $63 for an appointment.
Zagreb, Croatia
Living in Zagreb, you can enjoy stunning nature, history, culture and delicious food - all at affordable prices. Conditions here allow you to live comfortably for less than $1500 per month. According to Nomad List, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $744 per month.
On top of that, Zagreb has fantastic food at low prices. Lunch at a good restaurant costs about $1,51. The Dolac Market offers fresh produce, meats and cheeses - you can pack a picnic for less than $5.
Zagreb's Upper Town, with its boutiques, cafes and Austro-Hungarian architecture, is ideal for an evening stroll. While exploring the city, stop by popular attractions such as the Stone Gate and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. You will also be impressed by the strange Museum of Broken Relationships, which houses items documenting broken relationships.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. You will be surrounded by stunning architecture such as Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and St. Stephen's Basilica. A visit to this city would not be complete without experiencing its café culture, strolling along the Danube promenade or taking a dip in one of the city's famous thermal pools.
Additionally, Budapest offers an affordable lifestyle for expats and digital nomads.
The average cost of living here is about $1124. Rental prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe.
Braga, Portugal
Braga offers the best of Portuguese life without the high costs of larger cities such as Lisbon. The architecture of Braga, the historical capital of Portugal's Catholicism, is dominated by religious buildings such as the Cathedral of Se de Braga. The city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to its religious roots, the city has a young and energetic atmosphere thanks to its large student population. Rental prices here are affordable, especially compared to other European cities. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for about $500-$680 per month. The city is well connected by train and bus, making it easy to explore Portugal and Spain.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
As Bulgaria's second largest city, Plovdiv has a vibrant culture, stunning historical architecture and a charming old town - all for little money.
Research from Inter HECS Ltd shows that renting a modern apartment in the city costs between $326 and $381, depending on location and size. For about $7 you can have a delicious meal and drinks at one of the local restaurants. Public transport, including buses, trams and taxis, is also affordable.
In the charming Old Town you'll find traces of Plovdiv's long history, dating back over 6000 years, in places such as a well-preserved Roman theatre, stadium and fortress.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius offers a charming holiday at an affordable price. The modern capital of Lithuania has a well-preserved Old Town.
Average monthly living expenses here range from $544 to $1304, depending on the type of accommodation and location in the city.
Vilnius has an incredible cultural life. Every summer the city hosts festivals of alternative music, films, theater and more. Cafes, bars and nightclubs along the banks of the Neris River keep things lively until late at night. In addition, Vilnius is home to the largest baroque temple in Eastern Europe - the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, inside which there are about 2000 stucco figures.
Brno, Czech Republic
Brno offers an enviable quality of life and cultural experience at an affordable price.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately $636, and the average cost of living is about $1158. In addition, Brno has a well-developed infrastructure, efficient public transport and affordable healthcare.
Brno is a UNESCO City of Music, with many opportunities to enjoy classical music, opera and jazz. Nature lovers will love the city's location on the edge of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Behind it, in the beautiful countryside, there are many walking and cycling routes.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a port city on the southeastern coast of Spain, where the Turia River flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It is famous for its City of Arts and Sciences, a modern science complex with futuristic architecture and an aquarium. Valencia has a charming historic center with a Gothic cathedral and a central market selling fresh produce and delicacies.
Apart from its architecture and history, Valencia is a great destination for its great Mediterranean climate and stunning beaches. Among the famous promenades are the beaches of El Cabanyal, La Malvarrosa and Patacona.
The cost of living in Valencia is lower than most major cities in Western Europe, including Barcelona. Rent for a one-room apartment in the city ranges from $600 to $870 per month. Additionally, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about $30.
Riga, Latvia
With friendly locals, a charming cityscape and an affordable cost of living, Riga has everything you need for the perfect European holiday on a budget. It's a charming city with stunning Art Nouveau architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town and a rich culinary scene.
Riga is attractive due to its low cost of living, and in 2019 it was recognized as the most affordable city for students. The average rent for a one-room apartment in the center of Riga is about $500 per month. A basic lunch with a drink in a cheap cafe costs about $12. Transport is affordable too, with most trips on Riga's extensive bus, tram and trolleybus network costing less than $1,50.