The Happiness Function

When you think of the great European cities, Prague, Paris, Vienna, and Munich might be among the names that come to mind. But, as phenomenal as the European cities with the highest appeal are, they may be better vacation spots than homes if you’re looking to live on $2,500 per month or less.

We have uncovered 15 culturally vibrant, modern, and reasonably priced European cities that you could call home (if only for a month) on an average salary.

1. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is doable if you’re not right in the city center, suggests one person. Madrid is known for its beautiful boulevards, perfectly manicured parks, and European art.

2. Split, Croatia

Thanks in large part to the Croatian city Dubrovnik’s appearance in Game of Thrones, tourists have discovered the natural beauty of this nation with a substantial coastline on the Adriatic Sea. There are several cities in Croatia where you can live a modern life while mingling amongst history and natural beauty, and Split is one.

Split is the second-largest Croatian city, and its position on the Adriatic means you can access outdoor activities and the benefits of a large city on the cheap.

3. Crete, Greece

You know all those Instagram pictures of coworkers or childhood friends in Mykonos or another glamorous island in the Mediterranean Sea? What if I told you that you could live on one of those islands, Crete, for less than you pay to live in a landlocked American city? Would you believe it?

You better believe it. Crete offers eye-popping beauty, trademark Greek architecture, and stunningly affordable prices for everything that matters.

4. Naples, Italy

Many tourists likely assume that living in Italy is expensive, and it is expensive in some cities (like Milan). However, there are several cities where a single person’s monthly cost of living is $2,500 or even well below. Naples is one of those cities.

5. Sarlat, France

The Dordogne region of France has been a popular spot for British ex-pats for quite some time. The medieval architecture and renowned cuisine offerings alone draw transplants from around the world. The shockingly affordable cost of living is just the cherry on top.

6. Seville, Spain

Another place hailed as a great place to live for under $2,500/month. The key is to find a place outside of the center of the city. Seville is famous for it’s architecture, tasty tapas, and bullfighting.

7. Evora, Portugal

Portugal offers world-class natural beauty and vibrant culture. Evora also offers historical sites and architecture, some dating back to Roman times. However, Evora’s status as a university town means a constant buzz and lively social scene that many Americans who move to Europe are seeking.

8. Valencia, Spain

Along with “great weather on the coast,” one transplant who fell in love with Valencia, Spain, notes living costs less than $2,500 per month.

Another Valencian transplant noted that it’s not the city for those who value their peace and quiet. Between the Fallas celebration and the general hustle and bustle that Spanish cities are known for, Valencia is oozing with life (and noise).

9. Bratislava, Slovakia

The largest city in Slovakia, Bratislava, has an estimated population of more than 660,000. For example, many comparable cities in the United States (Boston and Portland) cost an arm and a leg to live in. You might spend your $2,500 on rent alone in Boston.

Bratislava offers breathtaking architecture, a socially liberal culture, plenty of fodder for social animals, and a reasonable cost of living.

10. Vilnius, Lithuania

Many locales in Europe will cost as much as a top-tier American city, so I hope you didn’t expect to find Paris on this list. Instead, you get Vilnius, Lithuania, the capital of this Eastern European nation.

The architecture in Old Town will give you that old-timey European feel. At the same time, the modernity of Vilnius will help you stave off homesickness.

11. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a city that, if you were an adult in the 1990s, might stick out like a sore thumb on this list of potential living destinations. While its involvement in the Yugoslav Wars has given Serbia a reputation for danger, Belgrade is a thoroughly modern city (and a budget-friendly one).

With a popping nightlife scene and the modern amenities you’d expect from a 21st-century city, Belgrade has become a reasonable option for many seeking a lower cost of living.

12. Bucharest, Romania

While Bucharest has a troubled past, there aren’t many countries in the former Soviet Bloc that can claim otherwise. You’ll get the hustle and bustle of a big city in Bucharest without the high cost of living in an American city.

Do your homework on Romanian cuisine, as it could be a deal breaker for some. The affordability of living in Bucharest, as well as the mystique of living in a vibrant Eastern European metropolis, has been attractive to many ex-pats.

13. Tirana, Albania

One European says you can live very well in Tirana, Albania. “Tirana is still incredibly cheap and relatively undiscovered by the tourist hordes. So, there is plenty to do and see. It has a vibrant cafe culture, great food options, and cheap lodgings. The city has a safe and mellow vibe. You’d live very well on $2500/month.”

14. Lisbon, Portugal

If you’ve been dreaming of living in Portugal for $2,500 or less, one European says, “Lisbon, Porto, anywhere in Portugal, really.”

This charming coastal town makes the list with its stunning architecture, rich colonial history, and pleasant year-round weather. And the locals are friendly.

15. Munich, Germany

One person shares, “Almost every city in Germany. Most college students live on less than 1000€ a month in the university cities.” The city is cherished for its cultural heritage but is also known to have lots of jobs.

If you’ve been thinking of living abroad in Europe, these are some of the top cities to live for $2,500 a month or less. These are great cities for American expats to live.

Have fun jet-setting around the world.

15 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Will Paralyze You With Awe

With up to 1,157 World Heritage Sites across the globe and counting, we sure are spoiled for choice. But which cultural marvels are worth the trouble? What natural wonders stand out most? Read on for a breakdown of 15 of the world’s most incredible UNESCO sites.

15 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Will Paralyze You With Awe

10 Ugliest Cities in Europe According to the Europeans Who Live There

I’ll preface this article by saying that everyone’s priorities are different when choosing a place to live or visit. Inquisitive about the world, someone asked a popular online travel forum for examples of the “ugliest cities” in each reader’s European country. If you’re curious yourself, here are the top-voted answers based on personal opinions from travelers and locals.

10 Ugliest Cities in Europe According to the Europeans Who Live There

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

Wanderlust may take you all over the world, but some countries are too dangerous to visit, and knowing which are best avoided in 2023 could keep you safe.

Let’s take a closer look at a list of the most dangerous countries in the world based on data from the World Population Review.

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

15 Epic Travel Experiences Around the World People Swear By, Have You Been?

The world has no shortage of epic experiences. Every country is ripe with adventure if you have an idea of your interests and are willing to look. For those wondering where to start the search, here are 15 travel experiences people in one online community swear by.

15 Epic Travel Experiences Around the World People Swear By, Have You Been?

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene.

With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

Where indicated, images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.