Expat Guide: 10 Best Places To Live In Europe

Europe is perhaps the most diverse continent on the planet, with varying climates, cultures, languages, and quality of life.

So, if you are dreaming of moving to Europe, it’s time to do some research to figure out the best place to live in Europe.

Perhaps you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand with a pleasant all-year-round climate.

Or maybe you’re after a rich culture and historical buildings to explore.

Alternatively, living in Europe for you might mean being in a lively city with vibrant nightlife, super-fast WiFi, and high-quality coffee.

Astonishingly, there are over 800 cities in the European Union, so it’s no surprise if you’re wondering, “where to live in Europe?”

As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out.

We’ll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe.

📍 Lisbon, Portugal

Thanks to the visa options and tax benefits, Portugal is easily one of the best places to live in Europe.

While digital nomad communities are growing in various Portuguese cities and towns, Lisbon undoubtedly has the strongest nomad vibe, and for a good reason.

As the capital city is in the south, it never gets too cold here, and Lisbon sees an average of 300 days of sunshine.

It’s a vast city, but living costs are much more affordable than in other European capitals, like Paris, Madrid, and London.

It’s also very safe, has excellent nightlife, and many people speak English in Lisbon.

If you work remotely, you’ll never have to worry about any shoddy internet in Lisbon.

You’ll find high-speed WiFi all over the city, and there are tons of coworking cafes and quirky coffee shops around.

If you’re wondering where to live in Europe, the chances are that you’ve heard about Lisbon because it’s one of the best places to live in Europe for young adults, expat families, and digital nomads.

So many people love to live in Portugal!

You can learn about Lisbon’s history and its charming neighborhoods on a guided walking tour.

Learn more about the best cities to live in Portugal.

📍 Berlin, Germany

Berlin has so much to offer nomads and expats. This cosmopolitan city is welcoming, culture-rich, and very affordable compared to other parts of Europe.

That said, Berlin is – without a doubt – one of the best European cities to live in.

Berlin has a lot of influence from international artists and creators, giving it an artsy vibe. In addition, the city is famous for its incredible nightlife, festivals, and events.

Germany is one of the best countries to live in Europe as most Germans learn English from an early age and speak excellent English by the time they are adults.

Moreover, opportunities are plentiful here for job-seeking expats and those looking to start a business. 

The city is not just tolerant of newcomers but highly welcoming. Plus, it’s a highly safe city that you won’t feel uneasy walking around.

The alternative and open-minded atmosphere, combined with all the above, makes Berlin one of the best cities to live in Europe, offering a high quality of life for expats and nomads.

See all the major sights in Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island by joining a guided tour.

Learn more about the best cities to live in Germany.

📍 Las Palmas, Canary Islands

Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is one of the best places to live in Europe.

In fact, remote workers from Northern Europe, the USA, and elsewhere flock to the Canary Islands for the gorgeous climate of all-year-round warmth and sunshine.

Although Gran Canaria is part of Spain, geographically, it’s closer to Africa than Europe, making it one of the best places to live in Europe for sun-worshippers. 

Las Palmas is the capital city of Gran Canaria and the hub of activity. It blends island life with modern-day living, resulting in trendy coworking spaces and hipster cafes overlooking the beach.

Visit some of the sunniest places in Gran Canaria on this guided tour of the island’s southern region.

Moreover, renting an apartment is more affordable than in bigger Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid. 

Aside from being a hub for remote workers, Gran Canaria is also a popular tourist destination, so most locals speak decent English.

Many expats in Europe head here in the summer to swoop up the seasonal jobs available.

The only downside is that Las Palmas is cloudier and windier than the sunny Southern towns.

📍 Budapest, Hungary

Many of the best cities to live in Europe are in Central and Eastern Europe, mainly due to the vast price difference compared to the western part of the continent.

For example, Budapest has been a favorite among digital nomads for years.

While this Hungarian city isn’t as cheap as it once was, it’s still very affordable, thanks to the inexpensive food and transport.

Many of the younger generations in Budapest speak English, so there isn’t much of a language barrier. Moreover, it’s now easy to find high-speed WiFi and work-friendly cafes.

Budapest has a young, lively vibe where locals, expats, and tourists all come together to party at night. Budapest is heaven for party animals, from ruin pubs to rooftop bars to happening clubs.

The city is beautiful, too, and its stunning architecture is undoubtedly a highlight of Budapest. Join a guided tour to explore the most beautiful buildings.

You’ll also find many gorgeous green spaces and medicinal thermal springs for when you want to unwind.

Learn about the best places to stay in Budapest.

📍 Dublin, Ireland

Now, let’s talk about Dublin, another great European city to live in, which is perfect for young adults. The Irish are famous for their fun-loving attitude, or “good crack,” as they call it.

The term “all work and no play” doesn’t exist in Dublin, as even after the busiest workday, you can unwind in one of the cozy and welcoming Irish pubs. 

While expats and digital nomads living in Dublin may enjoy the drinking culture, there is undoubtedly much more to offer.

Ireland boasts sensational landscapes with lush green hills, breathtaking cliffs, and stunning mountain ranges.

Plus, there are over 30,000 historic castles throughout the country, all of which hold a fascinating history. Learn more by joining a walking tour in Dublin.

The young, energetic population of the capital city attracts expats and remote workers from near and far, looking for a fun but productive place.

There are plenty of work-friendly cafes here, which are a better option than the expensive coworking spaces. Dublin’s major drawback is its high cost of living.

Living in Ireland is not cheap by any means, but it is a more affordable (and friendlier) alternative to London. 

📍 Brighton, UK

London is undoubtedly the first choice for many expats looking to move to the UK because of its worldwide fame.

That said, Brighton is one of the best places to live in Europe.

However, the UK has many beautiful cities that offer a better quality of life and lower cost of living.

So, while London boasts many excellent work opportunities, it’s not the ideal city if you’re looking to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Brighton is a small coastal city in the south, sometimes called “London by the sea” as it gets so crowded in the summer.

However, despite the influx of tourists from July to August, Brighton is the best place to move to in Europe if you’re looking for a welcoming and creative environment. 

The city is full of free thinkers, start-ups, artists, creators, and international students.

What’s more, as one of the most LGBT-friendly places worldwide, everyone is welcome.

While the beach is not much to shout about, the seaside location gives Brighton a relaxed vibe and many gorgeous nature spots nearby.

Unfortunately, the city isn’t much cheaper than London, but the quality of life is undoubtedly better.

Learn more about Brighton by joining a self-guided tour.

📍 Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a charming and quirky city and an accessible and inclusive place to live in Europe.

The city is wealthy, clean, and safe, and expats living here always comment on how everything works well, making life pleasant and stress-free. 

The city is full of cozy coffee shops to work from, and the number of coworking spaces is multiplying.

Learn more about Stockholm by joining a walking tour.

Plus, one of the best things about Sweden is the work culture.

So if you get a job in Stockholm, you’ll get a generous amount of holiday, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the summer. 

Because of Sweden’s geographic location, Stockholm, like the rest of the country, sees dark and cold days for half the year and long, sunny days for the other half.

As a result, it’s almost like the city stays in hibernation during the winter. Then, when the sunshine finally emerges in summer, it comes alive.

So, while there’s no denying that summer in Stockholm is terrific, some expats find the long winters to be lonely and depressing.

📍 Barcelona, Spain

The Spanish seaside city of Barcelona boasts a relaxed beach lifestyle and vibrant nightlife along with top culture and cuisine.

It’s one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, so the beaches here are more lively than peaceful.

However, if you don’t mind the crowds, Barcelona is a super fun place and easily one of the best cities to live in Europe. 

While the beaches and nightlife attract many digital nomads, Barcelona is a cultural hub full of unique architecture, tasty cuisine, and historical buildings.

Another highlight is the city’s splendid weather; the summers are hot, and the winters are milder than the northern cities like Madrid. 

Barcelona has a vast international community of students, expats, and remote workers.

As a result, the ambiance is very welcoming, and it’s potentially the best city to live in Europe when it comes to ease of making friends.

However, these benefits come at a price, and Barcelona is not the cheapest European city. Compared to London, Paris, and Milan, it’s not too bad.

Learn more about the best cities to live in Spain.

📍 Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is another fabulous central European city worth considering if you plan to move to Europe and don’t mind cooler temperatures.

Prague is full of history, culture, and beauty, and you’ll find a great digital nomad community here.

The Old Town looks like a scene from a fairytale with cobbled streets and medieval architecture.

However, Prague also has a modern side and many unique things to do (beer spa, anyone?)

The city is well developed and very easy to get around, either on foot or by metro (one of the best in Europe). 

Make sure to join a walking tour to learn more about Prague’s history.

Of course, Prague boasts a fantastic night scene, with an impressive array of traditional pubs, quirky bars, and the largest nightclub in central Europe, Karlovy Lázně.

The city also has some of the best coworking spaces, making for a productive environment. 

Compared to the USA and some other major European cities, the cost of living in Prague is reasonable.

However, if you’re looking for a super cheap place to live in Europe, there are better options. 

📍 Krakow, Poland

If you’re looking for an Eastern European destination bursting with culture and activity, you’ll love Krakow in Poland.

While some expats may dismiss Poland for its cold climate, Krakow is a beautiful and affordable place to live and work.

As the city dates back to the 7th century, it is full of historic architecture steeped in history.  Join a walking tour to learn more about Krakow.

Aside from its fascinating past, Krakow is the central economic hub of Poland and has a thriving IT scene as several of the largest software companies have their HQ here.

As a result, many expats in this industry head to Krakow seeking work with one of the top players in the game.

But you don’t have to be a computer engineer to enjoy life in Krakow as both the food and nightlife culture make this Polish city a fun place to live.

The cost of living in Krakow is meager, so Poland is undoubtedly a good choice to keep your expenditure down or build your savings.

In fact, Poland is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe.

However, if all-year-round warmth is your top priority, you might prefer to stay in Krakow for the summer months only.

During the winter, temperatures can drop to -10 °C, and snow and frost are not uncommon.

Read our guide to learn more about the best places to live in Poland.

How To Decide Where To Live In Europe As An Expat

Choosing where to live in Europe as an expat can be a tough decision.

There are many different factors to consider, from the cost of living to the quality of life.

And then there’s the question of which country is right for you.

If you’re struggling to make a decision, here are a few things to consider that might help you out.

1. Consider Your Budget

One of the most important things to consider when choosing where to live in Europe is your budget.

How much can you afford to spend on rent? What about other living expenses, such as food, transportation, or coworking?

You’ll need to make sure that you have a realistic budget before you start looking for places to live.

Otherwise, you might end up in a country that’s simply too expensive for you.

2. Consider The Weather

Another important consideration is the weather.

Do you want to live in a country with warm weather all year round? Or do you prefer cooler temperatures?

Some expats find that they prefer to live in countries with cooler weather. This is because the heat can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to it.

That said, if you love winter sports, you might want to make sure to live close to the mountains.

3. Consider The Culture

When you’re deciding where to live in Europe, you’ll also want to consider the culture of the country.

Do you want to live in a country with a rich history? Or do you prefer a more modern lifestyle?

Some expats find that they prefer countries with a more relaxed lifestyle. Others, however, prefer the fast pace of a big city.

It’s important to think about what kind of lifestyle you want before you make a decision.

4. Consider The Language

If you’re planning on living in Europe, chances are you’ll want to learn a new language. But which language should you learn?

There are a few things to consider when making this decision. For one, what other languages do you already know?

If you know multiple languages, you might want to consider a country where you can use your existing skills.

Another thing to consider is that in some digital nomad hotspots in Europe, you’ll find many English-speaking expats.

So, if you’re not interested in learning a new language, you might want to consider one of these countries.

5. Take A Look At The Visa/Residency Situation

If you’re moving to Europe from another continent, you’ll need to make sure that you have the proper visa.

Not all countries in Europe have the same visa requirements, so it’s important to do your research before you make any decisions.

You should also look into the residency situation in each country.

Some countries make it easier for expats to obtain residency than others.

💡 Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Live In Europe

While these European cities are popular with many expats and digital nomads, finding the best place in Europe to live is a personal decision.

So, if you have your heart set on a particular country or city, we recommend visiting as a tourist first.

While somewhere may sound fantastic on paper, you cannot truly get a feel for a city until you step foot into it.

But remember, moving to Europe should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one!

Visiting Europe soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Travel clothes for Europe in spring
• Hiking in the Alps
• Backpacking Spain