Where is the Cheapest and Best Place to Live in Europe?

The Search for the Perfect Balance: Cheap and Amazing Living in Europe

Well, if you’ve ever wondered where the best and cheapest places to live in Europe are, you’re not alone. I’ve asked myself that exact question before, and trust me, it’s not an easy one to answer. Europe offers a range of countries, each with its own charm, but the cost of living can vary drastically. If you’re looking to live comfortably without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.

The goal is to find a place where you can have a good quality of life, great amenities, and a reasonable cost of living. Honestly, it’s a delicate balance, but there are some hidden gems in Europe that will surprise you.

Eastern Europe: The Underrated Gem

Why Eastern Europe Might Be the Sweet Spot

If you’re really on the hunt for affordable living, Eastern Europe is where you should look. Countries like Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria have become increasingly popular among expats due to their affordable cost of living, modern infrastructure, and rich history.

I remember chatting with a friend who moved to Bucharest (Romania’s capital), and they couldn’t stop talking about how much they were able to do with a smaller budget compared to London. They were living comfortably, eating out regularly, and enjoying all that the city had to offer without spending a fortune. That’s when it clicked for me: Eastern Europe is a real contender for those looking to get more bang for their buck.

Cost of Living in Eastern Europe

In Poland, for example, rent can be as low as 300-400 EUR per month for a nice one-bedroom apartment in a city like Krakow or Wroclaw. It’s not just about the cheap rent though—groceries, transportation, and eating out are incredibly affordable too. Bulgaria, particularly Sofia, offers similar benefits, with rent for a decent apartment averaging around 200-300 EUR. Honestly, I was shocked when I saw how much more you can do with a smaller budget in these countries compared to Western Europe.

Southern Europe: Beautiful and Affordable

Spain and Portugal: Sun, Sea, and Savings

Now, if you’re more inclined toward a warmer climate, Southern Europe might be a better fit for you. Spain and Portugal are famous for their sunny weather, great food, and laid-back lifestyles. The best part? You don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy it.

In Lisbon (Portugal) or Valencia (Spain), you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around 500-700 EUR. Honestly, compared to cities like Paris or London, that’s practically a steal. I actually have a cousin who moved to Valencia last year, and she says that the cost of living there is almost half of what she was paying in London, and she’s living better than ever.

Why Spain and Portugal Might Be Your Best Bet

Both countries offer great food, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. The healthcare system in both Spain and Portugal is excellent, and public transportation is very affordable. Plus, in terms of healthcare and overall quality of life, these countries are among the best for expats on a budget. Not to mention, the laid-back lifestyle can be a huge draw if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

The Balkans: A Quiet Escape

Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania: Great for Nature Lovers

If you prefer living in a quieter place, the Balkans might be your sweet spot. Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania offer a laid-back lifestyle, stunning natural landscapes, and very affordable living.

I spoke with a friend who lived in Belgrade, Serbia, for about a year. He couldn’t stop raving about how affordable everything was—from rent to food and entertainment. In Belgrade, rent can be as low as 250-400 EUR for an apartment in the city center. If you’re into hiking, the landscapes in these countries will blow you away, and the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy them.

Cost of Living in the Balkans

In Albania, it’s even cheaper. You can rent an apartment for as low as 150-250 EUR. If you’re someone who loves nature and a slower pace of life but still wants access to all the necessary amenities, the Balkans might just be the perfect fit. It’s quiet, charming, and oh-so-affordable.

Western Europe: Is It Possible to Live Cheaply?

Can You Find Affordable Living in Western Europe?

Well, this is where things get a bit tricky. Western Europe—places like Germany, France, and the Netherlands—are usually not considered cheap. But hear me out: it is possible to find affordable places if you’re strategic.

Germany offers a fairly high standard of living with decent costs in cities like Leipzig or Dresden, where rent can range from 400-600 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. It’s not the rock-bottom pricing of Eastern or Southern Europe, but it’s still a pretty great deal considering the quality of life and excellent public services. France and the Netherlands are generally more expensive, especially in cities like Paris or Amsterdam, but smaller cities like Lille or Rotterdam can still offer a balance of affordability and quality of life.

Conclusion: The Best and Cheapest Place to Live in Europe

Honestly, the best place to live in Europe really comes down to what you value the most. If affordability is your main priority, Eastern Europe and the Balkans should be at the top of your list. Countries like Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Albania offer incredibly affordable living with a high quality of life, great culture, and friendly people.

If you prefer a warmer climate with a bit more of a laid-back lifestyle, Spain and Portugal are unbeatable. For those who want the comfort of Western Europe without paying sky-high rent, cities like Leipzig and Valencia can offer a good balance.

So, where is the cheapest and best place to live in Europe? Well, it depends on your personal preferences, but there are plenty of amazing options waiting for you across the continent. Happy hunting!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.