Key Highlights
- Latest Facts & News (2025)
- Why Choose the Cheapest Countries in Europe?
- Top Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe 2025
- Top Cheapest Country to Live in Europe 2025
- Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe for International Students in 2025
- Latest Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel Across Europe to the Cheapest Countries in Europe
- Types of Visas for Cheapest Countries in Europe 2025
- Conclusion
European travel no longer requires significant financial expenditure. Explore the cheapest countries in Europe for all purposes here! Several international destinations make their travel costs, living expenses, and educational prices affordable for visitors. Exploring beautiful scenic areas and rich cultural sites can be done throughout Europe without high financial costs. Cheapest countries in Europe, such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Albania, enable residents to enjoy premium living at affordable expenses. Every budget type can find suitable options throughout Europe regardless of whether they are travellers, students, or ex-pats. Devote proper attention to planning to access premium European destinations at affordable prices.
Latest Facts & News (2025)
Here are some of the latest facts and news about the cheapest countries in Europe:
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Poland: One of the cheapest countries in Europe. The essential cost of living in Poland is 400 euros per month, including all expenses for rent, food, and transportation. The two major cities, Warsaw and Kraków, maintain their affordability against Western European expenses.
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Bulgaria: A top pick for people looking for the cheapest countries in Europe. People can spend their money below €30 each day for food, transportation, and touring activities. The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria is an excellent destination for an affordable summer holiday, while Sofia offers inexpensive lodging choices to visitors.
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Budapest in Hungary is one of the cheapest countries in Europe and has established itself as a leading destination for affordable tourism among travellers. Affordable Thermal bath attractions, historical sites, and night markets provide substantial value for money. Budgeting €30-40 constitutes an entire day devoted to sightseeing and meals at the destination.
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Estonia: This part of the cheapest countries in Europe is a growing hub for international students. Students can attend this university for €2,000 each year without straining their finances compared to Western school costs. Residents of this country benefit from digital nomad-friendliness through fast internet access and remote work visa systems.
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Albania: This addition to the cheapest countries in Europe is known as "Europe’s Maldives” for its stunning, low-cost beaches. Coastal towns like Saranda and Ksamil offer Mediterranean beauty at half the price of Italy or Greece. Locals can afford monthly rent of only €200 in the Albanian cities that are not main tourist destinations.
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Croatia's adoption of the Euro has not led to significant price increases in the country. Tourist destinations may be costly, but Zagreb and other country urban areas maintain reasonable living costs. Regular transportation, together with supermarket goods, remain inexpensive.
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Romania: A paradise for digital nomads. Remote workers can find the ideal opportunity to work from home because of the fast internet speeds and inexpensive living expenses and meals. People can afford to live comfortably in residential areas of Croatia by spending between €500 and €700 per month.
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Greece presents a perfect mix of cultural richness and low living expenses. People who reside in Thessaloniki and other Greek cities can sustain their expenses below €600 monthly. Digital nomads can appreciate archaeological sites, island tours, and tasty meals without going beyond their budget.
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Lisbon in Portugal has quickly become a cost-effective tourist choice for visitors. Expats with families and visitors can find excellent value in this location because they can access affordable public transit and dining options while maintaining economical housing at locations beyond the city's central area.
Also Read: Germany Visa Tracking Guide: Experts Updates & Tips
Why Choose the Cheapest Countries in Europe?
Here are some reasons to choose the cheapest countries in Europe:
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You can attain financial comfort by spending less money on general costs. The expenses for rent, food, and public transportation cost less in Spain than in Western European countries. The combination of top-quality life experiences and reduced prices makes the destination attractive.
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Rich Culture: Explore centuries-old history, stunning architecture, and diverse traditions. Most historical locations listed as UNESCO sites and museums alongside castles can be visited without wasting money.
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Quality of Life provides access to inexpensive healthcare, efficient public transport, and a stress-free way of life. Cities provide budget-friendly access to parks, inexpensive dining areas, and social meeting places.
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Student-Friendly: Study in top universities with low tuition fees and scholarship options. Education accessibility is becoming possible through many nations that provide tuition fees ranging from €1,500 to €5,000 per year.
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Digital nomads and retirees find it easy to obtain residency in these destinations. Remote workers can use special nomad visas from various countries to perform their jobs without facing high tax obligations.
Top Cheapest Countries to Travel in Europe 2025
Explore the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe with affordable stays, inexpensive food, and low-cost attractions.
1. Bulgaria – A Budget Traveler's Paradise
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The budget for daily costs amounts to €25-30, which covers daily food needs, transport services, and attractions.
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A trip to Bulgaria includes enjoying Black Sea beaches and historic Sofia and Rila Monastery sightseeing tours.
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Hostels offer accommodations starting at €10 per night and budget hotels starting at €20 every night.
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Visitors can obtain ample meals through either restaurant dining or street food purchases that range from €5 to €7.
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The metro system and transit buses operate with €0.80 ticket rates, letting you discover the city quickly.
2. Hungary – Affordable Luxury in Budapest
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The €30 to €40 daily budget lets you access historical attractions while relaxing and exploring the nightlife scene.
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Tourists should not miss seeing the Danube Riverony foot, visiting Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and admiring Fisherman’s Bastion.
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You can enjoy quality cuisine in Budapest by having lángos (fried flatbread) for between €2-3 or choosing a complete meal option for €5-8.
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A city pass providing unlimited use of metro buses and trams costs €15 for a week.
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Enjoy free pastimes by walking through Heroes' Square, followed by Gellért Hill hikes and night sightings of the Parliament Building.
4. Romania – Medieval Charm on a Budget
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A day’s worth of costs amounts to €20-25, making it a cheap destination in Europe.
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The destination provides two main attractions: exploring Transylvania's historical castles and mountain trekking in the Carpathians and Bucharest's Old Town discovery.
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Budget accommodations in Romania start at €15 per night for hostels and guesthouses, while budget hotels are available for €25 per night.
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Customers can enjoy traditional sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) for prices ranging between €5 to €7, together with beers that start at €1 up to €2.
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Transportation in this setting is economical since trains between cities charge between €5-10, and local buses operate for under €1 per journey.
Tourists visiting these cheapest countries to travel in Europe experience impressive activities at rates much lower than Western Europe’s typical rates.
Top Cheapest Country to Live in Europe 2025
These are some of the cheapest country to live in Europe and are ideal for expats, digital nomads, and long-term stays with low costs and an excellent quality of life.
Also Read: Blue Card Germany: Expert Guide for Skilled Professionals
1. Poland – Low Costs with High Quality of Life
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One-bedroom apartments in smaller cities cost €300 per month, while significant cities have rents between €500 to €600.
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Search for Utilities: Residents pay approximately €100monthlyh for complete power usage, including electric bills, heating, and water services.
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Monthly public transportation costs €25, while the entire trip is accessible for €12 per month.
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Eating out remains affordable since local restaurant meals are available for 5-8 euros.
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The Polish job market strength and solid security measures combined with access to quality healthcare define the lifestyle in this country.
2. Estonia – Innovation Meets Affordability
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Rent pricing outside Tallinn stands at €400 per month, except the capital city rates range between €600-800.
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The country welcomes remote workers through special visas that allow them to stay legally.
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Internet connectivity operates at the top European level and meets all requirements for online tasks.
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A location in Tallinn typically requires a monthly budget of €700 that covers housing expenses, groceries, and transportation costs.
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Quality of Life: A clean, safe country with modern infrastructure and an intense tech scene.
3. Albania – Coastal Living on a Budget
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The monthly rent costs €200 in provincial areas while Tirana rents start at €300 and reach up to €400.
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Food: Traditional meals like Byrek (savoury pie) or grilled lamb cost €3-5.
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Beaches: Enjoy stunning Mediterranean coastlines at a fraction of Italy’s prices.
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Public transportation through local buses has fares set at €0.50, allowing convenient local mobility.
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Cost of Living: Monthly expenses under €600, even in major cities.
These locations present an affordable lifestyle that suits budget-minded expats who relocate abroad to the cheapest country to live in Europe.
Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe for International Students in 2025
Great options for the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students with low tuition fees and budget-friendly living costs:
1. Poland – Affordable Education Hub
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University education expenses at European universities range from €2,000 to €4,000 annually based on study programs and institutional choices.
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Top universities: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, Warsaw University of Technology.
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International students can benefit from scholarships from government sources and university funding programs.
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The monthly expenses for living include €400–700 to cover housing expenses along with food and transportation costs.
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Multiple educational institutions throughout the country deliver their business, IT, and engineering programs through English instruction.
2. Hungary – Low Tuition Fees with High Standards
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Tuition fees: €2,000–5,000/year, with medical and engineering courses on the higher end.
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The most beneficial areas of study at Hertie Business School in Berlin include medicine, engineering, business, and humanities.
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The monthly expenses for living in Holland include rent, food, and transportation, amounting to approximately €500–700.
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Top universities: Eötvös Loránd University, University of Szeged, Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
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University students can access reduced commuting costs, gallery admissions, and recreational activities.
3. Greece – Affordable Education with Rich History
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Studies at this university cost between €1,500 and €3,000 per year, making the school affordable for European education providers.
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The cost of living in these universities amounts to €500 per month for essential needs, housing, food, and personal expenses.
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Popular universities: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
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All students get access to no-cost entries at museums, specially-priced public transit, and reduced dining prices.
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Students will enjoy studying in this location because it offers an incredible blend of historical values, sunny weather, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students with excellent standards exist in these nations, specifically targeting students on a budget.
Also, read: Visa Cost for Germany from India: Latest Visa Cost Guide
Latest Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel Across Europe to the Cheapest Countries in Europe
Utilizing these budget-friendly suggestions helps travellers in the cheapest countries in Europe lower expenses during their trips.
1. Use Budget Airlines in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
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Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet offer cheap flights across Europe.
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To obtain the best available prices, buy tickets ahead of time.
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You should stick to travelling with only a carry-on to avoid additional fees.
2. Travel by Bus or Train in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
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Consumers can access inexpensive intercountry bus service through FlixBus.
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Eurail passes offer visitors infinite travel possibilities throughout their territory at no cost.
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Using night transportation services reduces the need for extra accommodation expenses.
3. Book Accommodation Early in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
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Early booking of hostels, along with Airbnb accommodations, leads to reduced costs.
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Look into getting local accommodation through Couchsurfing, which provides a free lodging experience.
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Choose affordable guesthouses over standard hotels.
4. Use City Passes in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
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Tourist passes from various cities include free public transport and price reductions on numerous attractions.
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Examples: Paris Pass, Berlin Welcome Card, Lisbon Card.
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The passes allow visitors to museums and tourist sites without cost.
5. Eat Like a Local in the Cheapest Countries in Europe
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Cheap and flavorful meals can be found at local markets and street food vendors.
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Supermarkets offer affordable, ready-to-eat meals.
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Investigating their daily specials is the best way to reduce restaurant food costs.
Implementing these strategies will let you enjoy the cheapest countries in Europe with budget-friendly costs despite having extraordinary travel experiences.
Types of Visas for Cheapest Countries in Europe 2025
Here are the types of visas you can use to go to the cheapest countries in Europe:
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
Countries Covered |
Schengen Tourist Visa |
Travel |
Up to 90 days |
27 Schengen countries |
Student Visa |
Study |
Length of program |
EU countries |
Digital Nomad Visa |
Remote work |
6 months - 2 years |
Estonia, Portugal, Greece, etc. |
Work Visa |
Employment |
As per contract |
Country-specific |
Residency Visa |
Long-term stay |
1+ years |
Country-specific |
Conclusion
The cheapest countries in Europe present affordable possibilities to tourists, international students, and expatriates. The cheapest countries in Europe, like Poland, Bulgaria, and Albania, offer affordable lifestyles that attract cost-saving residents. Some other cheapest countries in Europe, such as Hungary, Greece, and Estonia, have exceptional education opportunities for students at exceptionally affordable tuition costs.
The cheapest countries in Europe present multiple inexpensive choices to anybody who wants to visit famous cities, study in prestigious universities, or establish a new life. You can efficiently experience high-quality cultural activities and available rentals at reduced rates and affordable transportation despite staying within a budget in these cheapest countries in Europe. Contact TerraTern today to fulfil your dream of working, travelling, or studying in these European countries!