Cheapest European Cities

Created byuser avatar@Billionhands

67 votes

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Ranking based on votes from the community

  1. 1

    Porto, Portugal

    12 votes
    • Cheaper than Lisbon

      (+3)

    More affordable than Lisbon, Porto offers accommodations from €18/night and meals for €9-12. The tram costs less than €3, and many attractions, such as the Dom Luís I Bridge, are free.

  2. 2

    Bucharest

    9 votes
    • Most affordable European capital city to live in

      (+4)

    Bucharest, the capital of Romania, stands out in this ranking for its vibrant nightlife and rich architectural history, blending Belle Époque styles with the communist era. The city offers a dynamic and affordable urban experience, drawing visitors with its energy and contrasts.

  3. 3

    Sofia, Bulgaria

    8 votes
    • 55.5% less expensive than New York (excluding rent)

      (+4)

    Sofia is one of the most affordable capitals in the EU, with accommodation starting at €25/night and cheap meals (€6-10). Public transport costs less than €1 each way, and many attractions, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, are free.

  4. 4

    Krakow, Poland

    8 votes
    • Vodka is cheap

      (+4)

    Krakow offers hostels from €12/night and hearty meals for €7-10. It's a walkable city, which reduces transportation costs (€1.50/trip).

  5. 5

    Budapest, Hungary

    8 votes
    • Easily accessible from all over Europe

      (+4)

    Budapest combines stunning architecture with low prices: hostels from €14/night, meals for €8-10, and public transportation for €1.50. The thermal baths are accessible (from €15).

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  7. 6

    Belgrade, Serbia

    6 votes
    • 53.8% less expensive than New York (excluding rent)

      (+3)

    Belgrade is an underrated gem with hostels from €12/night, meals for €6-10, and public transportation for €1. Its nightlife is vibrant and affordable.

  8. 7

    Tirana, Albania

    5 votes
    • 51.3% less expensive than New York (excluding rent)

      (+4)

    Tirana is an emerging destination with accommodations from €20/night, meals for €5-8, and transportation for €0.80. Its Mediterranean atmosphere is ideal for budget travelers.

  9. 8

    Riga, Latvia

    5 votes
    • 46.3% less expensive than New York (excluding rent)

      (+2)

    Riga, the cheapest city according to the Post Office City Costs Barometer 2025, offers accommodation from €25/night, meals for €8-12, and transportation for €1.50.

  10. 9

    Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    4 votes
    • 58.4% less expensive than New York (excluding rent)

      (+1)

    Sarajevo combines Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history with low prices: accommodation from €14/night, meals for €5-8, and transportation for €1.

  11. 10

    Madrid

    2 votes

    Madrid is one of the ten cheapest cities to live in Europe, according to recent surveys. It offers a combination of history, culture, and modernity at a relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals.

  12. 11

    Granada

    0 votes
    • Unmistakable Arabian aroma

      (+1)

    Granada is a Spanish city often mentioned as a place with affordable options, including housing listings starting at €19,900 and inexpensive places to eat. Its historical and cultural heritage, such as the Alhambra, can also frequently be enjoyed at budget-friendly prices.

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This ranking evolves with every vote, every new city added, and every traveler who shares it. Do you know of a European gem that deserves to be on the list? Add it and vote! Together, we'll make this guide the ultimate resource for budget travelers.