Europe at an affordable price: TOP countries with the lowest living costs

Planning to move to Europe but don't want to pay too much? Prices for food, housing, transportation, and utilities can vary significantly. Find out which European Union countries are the cheapest to live in

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Life in European Union countries can vary dramatically in terms of cost, from budget-friendly Bulgaria to premium Denmark.

According to Eurostat data for 2024, the average price index for the EU is set at 100. Based on this indicator, we can see a significant difference in the affordability of living between member states.

Overall price index

In 2024, Denmark became the most expensive EU country, with prices 43% higher than the EU average. It is followed by Ireland, Luxembourg, and Finland.

On the other hand, Bulgaria is the cheapest country to live in, with prices 40% below the European average. Other inexpensive countries include Romania, Hungary, Poland, and Lithuania.

Price levels by category

Food

The lowest prices are in Romania

The most expensive products are in Luxembourg

This applies to bread, meat, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits. The difference is noticeable even in basic weekly purchases.

Alcohol and tobacco

The cheapest are in Bulgaria (30% below the EU average)

The most expensive are in Ireland, where prices are twice the European average

This is due to high excise duties and strict tax policies.

Clothing and footwear

Cheaper to buy in Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary

Most expensive in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland

Fashion is more expensive in northern countries, both due to demand and logistics costs.

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Appliances and furniture

The most affordable prices are in Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Italy

The highest prices are in Malta and Finland

These categories of goods can be a significant expense when furnishing a home.

Transport

The cheapest places to travel are Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland

The highest prices for transport services are in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

This includes not only public transport but also car maintenance.

Communications

The cheapest mobile and internet services are in Romania and Poland

The most expensive tariffs are in Belgium and Luxembourg

These expenses are often ignored when calculating a budget, but they add up over time.

Restaurants and hotels

Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, and Croatia offer budget-friendly vacations

The most expensive countries are Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, and Austria.

Energy

The lowest electricity, gas, and fuel prices are in Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Malta, and Romania.

The highest energy prices are in Germany, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, and the Netherlands

Top 5 cheapest countries to live in the EU

Among European Union countries, the cheapest place to live is Bulgaria, where the overall price level is 40% lower than the EU average. This applies to virtually all categories of goods and services, from food and transport to technology and housing.

Romania ranks second in terms of affordability, with prices on average 30% lower than in Europe. It is particularly advantageous to buy food and use communication services there.

Hungary ranks third, with prices approximately 25% lower. The country has inexpensive public transport, housing, and energy sources such as electricity, gas, and fuel.

Poland is also on the list of countries with lower costs, with living expenses 20% cheaper than the EU average. The country offers a good balance between price and quality of life, making it attractive to many Ukrainians.

Lithuania rounds out the top five — in this Baltic country, the cost of living is 15% lower than the EU average. Appliances, catering services, and housing are particularly affordable.

The choice of a country for living or long-term stay in the European Union depends not only on the language, climate, and job opportunities, but also on everyday expenses.

If your goal is to optimize your expenses, consider Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Poland.

However, in Scandinavian countries, Luxembourg, or Ireland, you will have to expect significantly higher costs.

💡 Tip: Before moving, it is important not only to compare prices, but also to take into account earnings, taxes, social security, and healthcare costs — after all, it is the balance between income and expenses that determines your standard of living.

If you are planning to obtain citizenship, legalize your stay, or remain abroad for an extended period, it is advisable to consult with qualified immigration lawyers. They will assist you in navigating complex legal requirements, properly preparing documents, and avoiding mistakes that could lead to rejection. Professional support means confidence in the outcome and peace of mind at every stage of the legalization process.

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