Published on : 14 May 20193 min reading time

You can’t avoid spending on certain things in life. Like for example food or pay for your accommodation. But you can escape and pay less. For this matter, we looked for the cheapest cities in Europe where you could live.

Budapest, Hungary

More than 40,000 expatriates now consider Budapest their home. They were attracted by the relatively low cost of living, the growing opportunities for expatriates and a wide offer of things to do when one is not working.

And there’s also this catchy song about life in Budapest.

Hungary has also kept its own currency, which has remained weak in recent years. If, like George Ezra, you want a house in Budapest with a hidden treasure chest, you will have to pay 1000 euros per square meter. You can also rent a three-room apartment for just over 500 euros.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has enough history, culture and art to compete with Europe’s biggest cities and you can enjoy much more attractive prices.

The Czech Republic is part of the European Union (and now likes to be called Czechia), but it has kept its own currency which remains weak compared to the others.

Stay away from tourist catches and you can save a lot in Prague. For a lunch and a drink, it will cost you 5 euros and about 1 euro 50 for a pint of beer (and you will find very good bars). A large studio will cost you around 400 euros a month.

Lisbon, Portuga

In Lisbon, you do not feel like in a capital. It’s a lot cheaper than most cities in Western Europe, but it’s also a quiet place, the crime rate is very low and the campaign is amazing and accessible very quickly.

Except for imported goods, prices are almost lower for everything when compared to its neighbor, Spain. Rents, for example, are around 25% cheaper than in Madrid.

You can also eat for less, as long as you avoid tourist areas. You will find local and noisy cafes, serving traditional dishes like salt cod. A cup of coffee will cost you on average only 1 euro 30.

Istanbul, Turkey

Two continents for the price of one in Istanbul. Half of the city is in Europe so we can put it in the list.

Imported goods are expensive, including alcohol. But housing, food and services like the medical field are very accessible. Many expatriates can even afford to have home help at home.

If you want to do good business, leave out the shops and go for a walk around the bustling markets of the city and the small streets.