If you're planning to move to Europe — or already living there — understanding the real cost of living is one of the most important steps to managing your finances and choosing the right country. In 2025, inflation, housing shortages, and lifestyle changes are affecting countries differently.
This detailed guide breaks down:
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Average monthly expenses in top European countries
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Cheapest cities to live in
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Rent, groceries, transport, insurance & hidden costs
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Budgeting tips for expats and digital nomads
💸 Why Cost of Living Matters More Than Ever
The cost of living is not just about how expensive a place is, but about what you get for your money. For expats, students, remote workers, and retirees, this means being able to:
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Maintain a good lifestyle without burning through savings
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Afford quality healthcare, transport, and food
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Save or invest while living abroad
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Avoid “relocation shock” in overpriced cities
Let’s dive into the actual numbers.
🌍 Average Monthly Living Costs by Country (2025)
Below is an updated average cost breakdown per person, per month, in popular European countries:
| Country | Rent (1br) | Food | Transport | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €500–800 | €200 | €40 | €850–1100 |
| Poland | €350–600 | €180 | €30 | €750–950 |
| Germany | €700–1200 | €250 | €60 | €1200–1600 |
| Spain | €600–900 | €230 | €50 | €950–1300 |
| Romania | €300–500 | €150 | €25 | €700–900 |
| Estonia | €500–750 | €220 | €35 | €850–1100 |
| France | €800–1400 | €300 | €70 | €1400–1800 |
Note: Capital cities are usually 20–30% more expensive than small towns.
🏘️ Cost of Rent & Housing
Rent is your biggest monthly expense. Here’s what affects it:
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City size (Lisbon > Porto > Faro)
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Time of year (summer = more demand)
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Furnished or not
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Shared vs private apartment
💡 Tip: Use platforms like:
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Idealista (Spain, Portugal)
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ImmoScout24 (Germany)
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OLX (Romania, Poland)
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Facebook expat groups (but be careful of scams)
Rent examples:
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Studio in Kraków, Poland: €400
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1-bedroom in Valencia, Spain: €650
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Shared flat in Berlin: €500
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Apartment in Bucharest, Romania: €350
🍞 Food & Groceries
Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour, and Biedronka offer great value.
| Item | Poland | Portugal | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | €0.90 | €1.10 | €1.20 |
| Bread (loaf) | €0.70 | €1.20 | €1.30 |
| Eggs (12) | €1.80 | €2.10 | €2.40 |
| Chicken (kg) | €4.00 | €5.50 | €6.00 |
💡 Cooking at home saves up to 60% vs dining out.
🚉 Public Transportation
Many cities offer monthly transit passes:
| City | Monthly Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest | €25 | Full metro/tram/bus |
| Porto | €30 | Includes metro and train |
| Berlin | €49 | Unlimited in entire city |
| Warsaw | €20 | Very efficient network |
🚲 Consider biking or walking in smaller cities — it’s free and healthier.
🏥 Health Insurance & Medical Costs
In most EU countries, public healthcare is available but may require:
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Residency permit
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Local registration (NIF, PESEL, etc.)
If you're not eligible, go for private expat insurance:
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Cigna Global – from €60/month
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SafetyWing – from €45/month
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Allianz Expat Health – premium options
Routine doctor visit: €20–40
Dental cleaning: €30–60
Emergency room (uninsured): €150+
📱 Other Costs to Consider
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Internet & SIM card: €10–25/month
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Gym membership: €20–40/month
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Streaming (Netflix, Spotify): €10–15
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Visa fees (if applicable): €50–300
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Clothing, entertainment: €50–100
💡 Pro tip: Avoid tourist SIM cards — go for local prepaid or monthly data plans.
🧠 10 Smart Ways to Save Money in Europe
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🏠 Live outside the city center – Rent is 20–40% cheaper
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🍳 Cook at home – Try local markets and budget supermarkets
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🚲 Walk or bike whenever possible
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🛒 Buy in bulk from Lidl, Kaufland, or local markets
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💻 Use budget tools like Revolut, Wise, and Spendee
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🎟️ Look for free events — many cities have festivals, concerts, and museums for free
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📚 Use your student card for discounts
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💼 Freelance part-time for extra income (Upwork, Fiverr)
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🏦 Open a multicurrency bank account to avoid conversion fees
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💳 Avoid ATM withdrawal fees — use your card or digital wallet
🧮 Example Budget: Monthly Expenses in Porto, Portugal (2025)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1br) | €650 |
| Groceries | €200 |
| Transport | €30 |
| Internet/Phone | €25 |
| Health Insurance | €60 |
| Entertainment | €80 |
| Total | €1045 |
✅ Comfortable lifestyle, walkable city, near beaches.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Europe offers something for every budget — but you need to do your research. Don’t just look at rent. Include groceries, healthcare, transportation, and lifestyle costs.
Countries like Portugal, Poland, and Romania continue to offer great value in 2025. If you're a digital nomad, expat, student, or retiree — there's a European destination that fits your wallet and your dreams.
📌 Bookmark WealthMap Europe for ongoing updates, detailed guides, and insider tips on how to live well, spend less, and enjoy Europe in smart, sustainable ways.
🎁 Coming Soon: Free Download – “City-by-City Cost of Living Comparison Sheet (2025)”