TL;DR — Europe offers the widest cost of living range of any continent — from Switzerland ($5,500+/month) to Georgia ($900/month). Within the EU, the gap between Western Europe (Germany, France) and Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania) is a factor of 2 to 3. This guide covers 12 European countries ranked by value for expats, using World Bank GNI data and Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index.
Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD (2024); Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2024.
European Countries Ranked by Cost of Living (2024)
| Country | CoL Index | Rent Index | GNI/capita PPP | Expat Value Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 101.5 | 51.2 | $90,360 | 1.12 |
| Norway | 96.8 | 36.2 | $82,650 | 1.17 |
| Denmark | 88.4 | 32.1 | $68,110 | 1.30 |
| Germany | 68.7 | 24.6 | $76,180 | 0.90 |
| France | 65.2 | 26.8 | $54,490 | 1.20 |
| Spain | 51.6 | 23.2 | $57,670 | 0.89 |
| Portugal | 48.8 | 25.2 | $50,730 | 0.96 |
| Poland | 47.3 | 18.4 | $49,540 | 0.96 |
| Czech Republic | 46.8 | 19.8 | $48,230 | 0.97 |
| Romania | 38.2 | 14.6 | $36,940 | 1.03 |
| Bulgaria | 33.1 | 11.2 | $29,870 | 1.11 |
| Georgia | 31.4 | 12.8 | $19,060 | 1.65 |
Sources: World Bank GNI 2024; Numbeo CoL Index 2024 (NYC = 100).
🏠 Housing by Country
| Country | 1-bed centre/month | 1-bed outside centre |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland (Zurich) | ~$2,800–3,800 | ~$1,800–2,500 |
| Norway (Oslo) | ~$2,000–2,800 | ~$1,400–1,900 |
| Germany (Berlin) | ~$1,400–1,900 | ~$900–1,200 |
| France (Paris) | ~$1,600–2,200 | ~$1,100–1,600 |
| Spain (Madrid) | ~$1,200–1,700 | ~$850–1,150 |
| Portugal (Lisbon) | ~$1,300–1,900 | ~$900–1,300 |
| Poland (Warsaw) | ~$850–1,200 | ~$600–850 |
| Czech Republic (Prague) | ~$900–1,300 | ~$650–950 |
| Romania (Bucharest) | ~$600–900 | ~$400–650 |
| Bulgaria (Sofia) | ~$500–750 | ~$350–550 |
| Georgia (Tbilisi) | ~$400–700 | ~$250–450 |
📊 Key Insight
The most striking value gap in Europe is between Georgia (Expat Value Score 1.65) and Western Europe (0.89–1.20). Georgia offers Tbilisi — a modern, English-friendly capital — at roughly 45% of the cost of Lisbon. For EU citizens who don’t need EU residency, Georgia is the most underrated destination on this list. Within the EU, Poland and Romania offer the best value — modern cities, EU legal framework, and costs 40–60% below Western Europe.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest country to live in Europe in 2025?
Georgia (non-EU) has the lowest Cost of Living Index in this selection (31.4). Within the EU, Bulgaria (33.1) and Romania (38.2) are the cheapest. All three offer modern urban environments at a fraction of Western European costs. Source: Numbeo 2024.
Which European country offers the best quality of life for expats?
Portugal consistently ranks highest for expat quality of life within affordable Western Europe — combining good weather, English accessibility, EU legal status and a Cost of Living Index of 48.8. Within Eastern Europe, Poland (Warsaw, Kraków) offers the best urban infrastructure at low cost.
Is Eastern Europe cheaper than Southern Europe?
Generally yes. Poland (CoL Index 47.3), Czech Republic (46.8) and Romania (38.2) are all cheaper than Portugal (48.8) or Spain (51.6). The exception is accommodation: Lisbon rents have risen sharply and now rival Warsaw in many areas.
Which European countries have the best tax regimes for expats?
Georgia (1% Small Business tax, territorial system), Portugal (IFICI regime, 20% flat rate), and Malta (remittance-based taxation) are consistently cited. See our Tax Rates by Country guide for full detail.
Can I live in Europe on $2,000/month?
Yes — comfortably in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and parts of Portugal (outside Lisbon) and Spain (outside Barcelona/Madrid). In Western Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland), $2,000/month is tight even in smaller cities.
Explore Further
Featured Countries
- Cost of Living in Germany
- Cost of Living in Spain
- Cost of Living in Portugal
- Cost of Living in Poland
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Comparisons
Rankings & Hubs
Last updated: 2025 | Sources: World Bank Open Data 2024; Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2024. General information only.