Top 5 Affordable Places to Live in Europe for Brits

The rising cost of living in the UK has pushed many people to rethink where and how they want to live. Rent, energy bills, food shopping, even a simple meal out can feel noticeably more expensive than it did a few years ago, and for some, that has made the idea of moving abroad feel more practical than ever.

Relocating to Europe does not have to mean chasing a luxury lifestyle or giving everything up. In many parts of the continent, everyday life is simply cheaper, especially if you are open to living outside major capital cities or tourist hotspots. Smaller towns and regional areas often offer lower housing costs, slower-paced living, and a better balance between income and expenses.

For Brits who want to stretch their budget further without sacrificing quality of life, Europe still offers plenty of realistic options. To help you explore what is possible, we have put together a guide to some of the most affordable places to live in Europe for British movers, focusing on countries where lower costs, lifestyle appeal, and long-term living all come together.

Cost of Living Comparison for Affordable European Countries (Monthly Estimates)

Country	Typical Rent (1-bed, outside major cities)	Monthly Living Costs (Single Person)	Utilities	Eating Out	Notes
Slovakia	€450–€650	€750–€950	€120–€160	€8–€12	Best value outside Bratislava
Poland	€400–€600	€700–€900	€120–€150	€7–€10	Excellent value in regional cities
Inland Spain	€400–€650	€850–€1,050	€130–€180	€10–€15	Cheaper away from tourist areas
Turkey	€300–€500	€650–€850	€90–€130	€5–€8	Very strong value, currency helps
Albania	€350–€550	€700–€900	€100–€140	€6–€10	Coastal living still affordable
Inland Portugal	€450–€700	€900–€1,100	€130–€180	€10–€14	Inland regions offer best value
Bulgaria	€300–€500	€650–€850	€100–€140	€6–€9	One of the cheapest in Europe

You can also get a broader sense of living costs across Europe by using cost of living comparison tools like Numbeo: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/.

If you are comparing locations and starting to think about the logistics of a move, our guide to the top 10 FAQs for European removals covers common questions around shipping, paperwork, and planning timescales.

Living in Slovakia on a Budget

The most expensive place to live in Slovakia is Bratislava. However, once you move away from the capital and look towards more regional areas, the cost of living drops noticeably, particularly when it comes to rent and everyday expenses.

There are still parts of regional Slovakia that sit at the higher end of the scale. Poprad and Spišská Sobota are examples, largely due to their proximity to popular tourist areas. That said, smaller towns and cities such as Banská Štiavnica, Žilina, and Liptovský Mikuláš offer much better value for money. These areas combine lower housing costs with access to local amenities, green space, and a strong connection to nature.

Slovakia is particularly appealing for those who enjoy the outdoors, with many regional towns sitting close to the High Tatras, a popular area for hiking, skiing, and year-round outdoor activities. This adds lifestyle appeal without the premium price tag seen in more tourist-heavy European destinations.

One practical consideration when living in Slovakia is transport. In regional areas, owning a car is often essential, so it is important to factor in the cost of purchasing and maintaining a vehicle if you want to make the most of daily life and explore the surrounding countryside.

Affordable Living in Poland

If you want to enjoy the beauty and character that Poland has to offer without the higher price tag that comes with its largest cities, it is worth looking towards some of the country’s smaller regional centres. Places such as Olsztyn and Białystok are good examples, offering a strong sense of local culture alongside a much more affordable cost of living.

Some of these locations are also popular with families, particularly those looking for space, green areas, and lower day-to-day costs. We explore this in more detail in our guide to the best countries to live in Europe for families.

Rent in these smaller cities is significantly lower than in major hubs like Warsaw, allowing you to get far more for your budget. Larger apartments, central locations, and lower monthly outgoings are all more achievable outside the capital, particularly if you are planning a long-term move.

Beyond housing, other aspects of life in Poland are well suited to those keeping a close eye on costs. Many cities are built around parks, lakes, and historic old towns, with public spaces and cultural events that are either low-cost or completely free. Areas such as the Masurian Lake District near Olsztyn add to the appeal, offering outdoor activities and scenic surroundings without the inflated prices often found in Europe’s more tourist-driven destinations.

Inland Spain on a Budget

You might not immediately think that Spain belongs on a list of affordable places to live, but it can be surprisingly budget-friendly depending on where you choose to settle. While well-known coastal areas and major cities come with higher price tags, much of the country still offers good value for everyday living.

The key to living in Spain on a budget is avoiding areas that attract high levels of tourism. Smaller inland towns, away from the busy coastlines, tend to have lower rents, cheaper dining, and a more local way of life. Regions such as Extremadura and parts of Castilla-La Mancha are often overlooked but offer historic towns, open landscapes, and significantly lower living costs. Cities like Córdoba and Cáceres combine culture and architecture with a slower, more affordable pace of life.

Another important thing to bear in mind when living in Spain is that your lifestyle choices make a big difference. Spain can be as expensive or as affordable as you allow it to be. Being clear about what feels like a necessity and what is more of a treat, whether that is eating out regularly or living close to tourist areas, helps keep monthly costs under control while still enjoying everything the country has to offer.

Living in Turkey Long Term

Recognised as one of the most affordable countries in Europe, Turkey offers far more than just low living costs. For many people, it represents a chance to build a genuinely enjoyable lifestyle in a new country rather than simply relocating somewhere cheaper. Turkey is known for its natural beauty, varied landscapes, and warm hospitality, with local communities often welcoming those who choose to settle there long-term.

Beyond affordability, quality of life plays a big part in Turkey’s appeal. Daily routines tend to be more relaxed, with a strong emphasis on social time, family, and enjoying food and surroundings. Cities such as Istanbul offer a vibrant mix of history and modern living, while smaller coastal towns and inland areas provide a calmer pace without sacrificing amenities. Places like Cappadocia and the Aegean coast highlight just how diverse everyday life in Turkey can be.

Whether people are born and raised in Turkey or arrive later in life, there is a shared focus on making the most of each day. This outlook, combined with relatively low living costs and a rich cultural backdrop, makes Turkey an attractive option for Brits looking for affordability without giving up on lifestyle.

Living in Bulgaria on a Budget

Bulgaria is often overlooked, but it remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe for Brits looking to relocate. Once you move outside the capital, Sofia, living costs drop noticeably, making it far easier to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without putting pressure on your finances.

Cities such as Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Burgas offer a strong balance of affordability, history, and modern amenities. Rent is low compared to much of Western Europe, while everyday expenses like groceries, public transport, and eating out remain budget-friendly. Plovdiv, in particular, is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, adding cultural depth without higher living costs.

Another advantage of life in Bulgaria is the amount of space you can afford. Larger apartments and family-sized homes are common, even in central locations, and heating and utility costs are generally manageable when planned for properly, especially outside the coldest winter months.

Bulgaria also suits those who value variety in their surroundings. Mountain ranges such as the Balkan Mountains sit within reach of rural countryside and Black Sea coastline, allowing for an active lifestyle without the premium prices seen in many other European countries. For Brits prioritising value for money alongside quality of life, Bulgaria is a strong and practical choice.

Affordable Life in Albania

One final country to consider is Albania, and the good news is that affordability is not limited to just one or two areas. In most parts of the country, it is still possible to live comfortably without high housing or everyday costs, making it an appealing option for those looking to keep monthly spending under control.

The overall feel of life in Albania is often compared to places like Greece or Italy, particularly along the coast, but the cost of achieving that lifestyle is noticeably lower. Eating out, renting a home, and day-to-day living all remain affordable, especially when compared with more established Mediterranean destinations.

Alongside its affordability, Albania stands out for its natural scenery. The beaches along the Albanian Riviera, including spots such as Ksamil, are known for clear waters and unspoilt surroundings, while inland areas offer mountains, lakes, and historic towns like Berat. This mix of coastline and countryside makes Albania a genuine all-rounder for Brits looking for value, lifestyle, and variety in one place.

Inland Portugal Away from the Coast

Portugal continues to attract British movers, but affordability really comes into play once you look beyond Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve coastline. Inland Portugal offers a noticeably different pace of life, with lower property prices, cheaper rent, and everyday costs that are far easier to manage on a modest budget.

Regions such as Castelo Branco, Guarda, and parts of the Alentejo are particularly appealing for those who value space, community, and access to nature. Housing costs in these areas are significantly lower than along the coast, and it is still possible to rent a comfortable home without the pressure of short-term holiday lets pushing prices higher.

Daily expenses such as food, utilities, and eating out also remain reasonable, especially if you shop locally and embrace the slower lifestyle that inland Portugal is known for. Many towns are surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages, with places like Serra da Estrela National Park offering year-round outdoor appeal without the crowds found in coastal hotspots.

While public transport is available in many areas, owning a car often makes day-to-day life easier in rural regions, particularly when accessing healthcare services, nearby towns, and local markets. For Brits who like the idea of Portugal’s climate and culture but want a more affordable long-term base, inland regions offer a practical and genuinely rewarding alternative.

Affordable Places to Live in Europe for Brits: Final Thoughts

Moving to Europe does not have to mean stretching your finances or compromising on lifestyle. As this guide shows, there are still plenty of affordable places to live in Europe for Brits, particularly if you are open to smaller towns, inland regions, and countries that sit outside the usual expat hotspots. In many cases, a lower cost of living goes hand in hand with a slower pace of life, stronger local communities, and more space for everyday living.

Of course, affordability is only one part of the decision, and moving to Europe does come with its own challenges. We break these down in our article on the challenges of moving to Europe, helping you prepare for the realities as well as the benefits.

The right choice will depend on what matters most to you, whether that is access to nature, warm weather, cultural experiences, or simply making your money go further each month. Taking time to research locations, understand residency requirements, and plan the practical side of the move can make a significant difference to how smoothly everything comes together.

As rules can change, it’s a good idea to review the latest guidance for UK nationals living in Europe on the UK Government website before committing to a move.

When it comes to the move itself, working with an experienced international removals company can help remove much of the stress. At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we support UK residents moving across Europe and beyond, offering tailored advice and a reliable service designed to help you settle into your new home with confidence.