Europe is famous for its extensive history, vibrant cultures, and impressive architectural wonders. For those leading a digital nomadic lifestyle, the continent provides a delightful blend of traditional allure and contemporary amenities, making it an enticing destination. However, residing in Europe can be quite costly, especially in the countries located in the Western and Northern Europeans regions.
For digital nomads who want to live in Europe at the lowest costs, there are numerous affordable options to explore, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe.
Here are the most budget-friendly countries ranked from cheapest to most expensive to consider if you’re a digital nomad seeking to experience Europe:
1. Portugal
Portugal is becoming a popular spot for digital nomads, and the Portuguese government now offers a special visa for this growing group.
The Digital Nomad visa lets digital nomads live and work remotely in Portugal for up to a year, as long as they prove they make at least 580 euros a month. It’s the perfect place for a yearly dose of sunshine!
Digital Nomads Taxation in Portugal is 0%
What’s the real cost of living in Portugal?
Well, let’s break it down. On average, for a household of two adults without kids, you’d spend roughly:
- €400 on housing;
- €150 on household utilities;
- €300 on food;
- €40 each on public transportation;
- maybe €40 each per month on dining out;
- the occasional doctor’s visit and medicine, let’s average it at €10 a month for someone who’s healthy.
- That’s a total of €1030 a month. Plus, let’s think about the yearly cost of clothes, which might be around €300 per person (or €25 a month).
So, that’s about €1000 – €1400 a month on average per adult.
2. Croatia
Croatia, with its stunning Adriatic coastline and historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, is steadily gaining traction among digital nomads. The Croatian government recognized this trend and introduced a specific “Digital Nomad Visa” in 2021. This visa allows digital nomads to reside and work in Croatia for up to a year without needing to be employed locally.
Digital Nomads Taxation in Croatia is 0%
What’s the real cost of living in Croatia?
For a typical household of two adults without children in Croatia, the average monthly expenses might be broken down as:
- €1,000 on housing;
- €250 on household utilities (including internet);
- €500 on food;
- €150 each on public transportation;
- Around €150 each per month on dining out;
- The occasional doctor’s visit and medicine might average at €50 a month for someone in good health.
- Clothing, one might spend about €340 per person annually (or roughly €28 a month).
So, that’s about €1300 – €1700 a month on average per adult.
3. Estonia
Estonia has garnered attention as a tech-forward nation, making it a popular hub for digital nomads, startups, and tech enthusiasts. The country was one of the first in the world to introduce an official Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in Estonia for up to a year. This visa program has certainly amplified Estonia’s reputation as a hotspot for digital professionals.
Digital Nomads Taxation in Estonia is 0%
What’s the real cost of living in Estonia?
For a typical household of two adults without children in Estonia, here’s a ballpark estimate of monthly expenses:
- €800 on housing;
- €150 on household utilities (including internet);
- €300 on food;
- €30 each on public transportation (Tallinn residents can enjoy free public transportation);
- Approximately €40 each for dining out a few times a month;
- The occasional doctor’s visit and medicines might average €30 a month for someone in good health.
- Clothing, one might spend around €300 per person annually (or about €25 a month).
So, that’s about €1350 – €1750 a month on average per adult.
4. Cyprus
Cyprus is an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads, especially given its beautiful beaches and Mediterranean climate. While the Cypriot government doesn’t have a specific “Digital Nomad” visa, they have been welcoming to expats and have visa options suitable for remote workers.
Digital Nomads Taxation in Cyprus is 0%
What’s the real cost of living in Cyprus?
For a typical household consisting of two adults without children, here’s what you might expect to spend on average:
- €700 on housing (this can vary widely depending on the location and the size of the property);
- €200 on household utilities (including internet);
- €350 on food;
- €50 each on public transportation;
- around €50 each for dining out a few times a month;
- the occasional doctor’s visit and medicine might average €20 a month for someone in good health.
- Clothing, you might spend approximately €400 per person annually (or around €33 a month).
So, that’s about €1400 – €1800 a month on average per adult.
