The 5 cheapest cities in Europe in 2025
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, one of Europe's most romantic cities, is a perfect fit for a budget trip. Set on the banks of the Danube, it is famous for its thermal baths and for delicious dishes such as goulash, langos and halaszle.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens is a true open-air museum. The capital of both ancient and modern Greece, it is full of old temples, statues and monuments. Athens is ideal for anyone who wants to discover a great deal for relatively little money.
3. Porto, Portugal
Porto is a coastal city in Portugal that is often compared to Lisbon. Yet Porto is less touristy and more laid-back. It is one of the cheapest places to live in Western Europe, which makes it appealing to both travellers and relocators.
2. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a town that looks as though it stepped out of a fairy tale. Just a couple of hours from Prague, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture, picturesque views and low prices.
1. Krakow, Poland
Krakow, Poland's second-largest city, is known for its medieval atmosphere. It blends the charm of an old town with modern conveniences for visitors, and it is the most affordable place to travel and live in Europe.
Paraguay: one of the best value citizenships by investment
A strategically located land of opportunity that is open to the world. Citizenship of Paraguay by investment gives foreigners and their families a unique chance to obtain permanent residency for an investment from 70,000 US dollars, then a passport no earlier than three years of living in the country as a permanent resident, and enjoy all its benefits: visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Singapore; eligibility for the US E-2 visa; tax optimisation (a 10% rate); and the chance to live in a country with a high quality of life and a pleasant climate.
Murblz specialists can help you with any relocation matter.
How to move to these cities: residence options
| Country and city | For remote work | For passive income or investment |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary, Budapest | white card: from €3,000 a month gross, ~$3,400 | guest investor: from €250,000 in a property fund, ~$280,100 |
| Greece, Athens | nomad visa: from €3,500 a month net, ~$4,000 | golden visa: €250,000 to €800,000 depending on property and area |
| Portugal, Porto | nomad visa: from €3,680 a month, ~$4,200 | passive income residence: from €920 a month, ~$1,100 |
| Czechia, Český Krumlov | remote work visa for nationals of a limited list of countries | entrepreneur residence via local registration |
| Poland, Kraków | no separate nomad visa | employment, your own company or study |
Dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up. Thresholds are for 2026: in Portugal they are tied to the €920 monthly minimum wage.
Taxes in these countries
| Country | Income tax | Relief for newcomers |
|---|---|---|
| Hungary | 15% | 9% corporate tax |
| Greece | 9-44% | 50% off tax on salary and business income for 7 years |
| Portugal | 13-48% | 20% for specialists and researchers for 10 years |
| Czechia | 15% and 23% | flat-rate tax for entrepreneurs |
| Poland | 12% and 32% | optional 19% flat rate for business |
Cheap living does not always mean low taxes: with remote work income the annual result can differ several times over. We calculate both before the move.
We will work out your taxes after the move
The chat will ask about your income and countries and tell you where and how much you will pay.
More affordable European cities
| City | Feature | More |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia, Bulgaria | 10% tax, euro from 1 January 2026, full Schengen member since 2025 | Bulgaria residence |
| Bucharest, Romania | 10% salary tax, full Schengen member since 2025 | Romania nomad visa |
| Belgrade, Serbia | 10% salary tax, visa-free entry for Russian nationals up to 30 days | Serbia residence |
| Podgorica and Bar, Montenegro | 9-15% tax, the sea and the euro as currency | Montenegro residence |
Serbia and Montenegro are outside the EU and Schengen, so residence there gives no right to live in EU countries, but it is easier to obtain.
What to consider when choosing a city
- Rent grows faster than other prices. In Budapest, Porto and Athens it has outpaced wages in recent years, so budget from current listings rather than last year's reviews.
- Currency. Hungary, Czechia and Poland have their own currencies; Greece, Portugal and, from 2026, Bulgaria use the euro.
- Language and paperwork. Small towns like Český Krumlov have fewer services in English, and you still go to the regional centre for residence.
- Healthcare. The visa requires private insurance; public healthcare comes after registering in the local system.
- Schengen. All five countries on the list are in Schengen, so residence in any of them lets you travel the zone for up to 90 days in any 180.
What we do
We choose the city and country for your income, family and taxes, arrange a nomad visa, residence or investor status, help with renting, registration and insurance, and calculate taxes before the move. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.
FAQ
What is the cheapest city in Europe?
Where is the cheapest place to live in Western Europe?
Is Budapest cheap to visit?
Where to travel in Europe on a small budget?
Which cheap European city is best for relocating?
What income do I need to move to Porto on a nomad visa?
Can a remote worker move to Budapest?
Which cheap European city if I need Schengen?
Where in Europe are taxes lowest for newcomers?
Do I need the language to get residence in these countries?
Can I get residence by buying a flat?
Which affordable European city would you live in?
We compare housing and costs in Budapest, Athens, Porto and Krakow and find a residence basis in the country you choose. The catalogue lists every city with search.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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