Want to move abroad? These European countries are cheapest for expats

People move abroad to shift to a safer place, to be closer to family, to start a new job, or simply to explore a new country. The list isn’t limited to these four reasons only, but they used to be the dominant prompts a couple of years back.

These days, however, the cost of living crisis has made ‘a cheaper way of life’ the number one reason for a move. Some Europeans have started shifting south, cutting heating bills by fleeing to warmer climes. And in several countries, expats salaried by overseas companies find themselves with increased spending power.

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Nonetheless, the cost of living is not the only consideration, undoubtedly. Safety and other quality-of-life considerations also yield substantial power.

Here are four countries in Europe that strike the balance.

1. Montenegro

Prices in the capital, Podgorica

Cheap meal: €6.40

Pint of beer: €2

One-bed flat in city centre monthly rent: €372

Numbeo has granted the country a cost of living index of 38.9. For comparison, Europe’s most expensive destination, Switzerland, has a rating of 114.2.

The search engine has chosen New York City as its baseline. These indices represent a percentage of the country’s cost compared to NYC. For instance, prices in Montenegro are 38.9% of prices in NYC.

• Portugal

Prices in the capital, Lisbon

Cheap meal: €12

Pint of beer: €2.50

One-bed flat in city centre monthly rent: €1,207

Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular digital nomad destinations. Numbeo has granted it a rating of 45.3. Remote workers are allowed to live and work in the country for up to 12 months, provided they earn at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage – equivalent to €2,800 per month.

• Croatia

Prices in the capital, Zagreb

Cheap meal: €9.80

Pint of beer: €2.40

One-bed flat in city centre monthly rent: €560.25

The Balkan country, with a cost of living index of 46.7, is slightly more expensive than Portugal, but is, nevertheless, a low-cost option for expats.

• Lithuania

Prices in the capital, Vilnius

Cheap meal: €10

Pint of beer: €4

One-bed flat in city centre monthly rent: €720.83

Lithuania has also started gaining growing attention from digital nomads. It has been rated 48.8 by Numbeo. Would-be expats from Japan, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, the US, and the UK can apply for a fast-tracked visa which can usually be obtained in two months.