If you have the opportunity to work remotely, you can choose to work from any location you desire. Staying at a destination for 3-6 months can provide sufficient time to fully experience the culture and interact with locals or fellow travelers who share similar interests.
The great thing is that you don’t have to spend your savings on this experience, as there are destinations with such low cost of living that you can actually save money by living there.
If you are searching for a European destination that is affordable, there are several incredible places where you can enjoy the charm of the Old Continent without spending too much money.
Below, I have compiled a list of my preferred options in Europe that are friendly for your budget.
Budapest, Hungary
Although I may have a slight bias as I write this article from my apartment in Budapest, Hungary, I believe that Budapest is an excellent option for remote workers in Europe. The city possesses a vibrant digital nomad community, an affordable cost of living, and numerous exceptional coworking spaces.
If you’re searching for anything, you’ll definitely discover something suitable in Budapest. The city is packed with astonishing architecture, lively party zones, and one of Europe’s finest thermal baths.
Hungary is considered to be among the least expensive countries in the European Union, with the possibility of renting an apartment in the city center ranging from EUR 450 to 600 per month.
Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
Portugal presents itself as an excellent destination for digital nomads, providing its own digital nomad visa. This visa permits a two-year stay and only requires a monthly income of €635. To apply, one must provide evidence of European travel insurance, health insurance, and undergo a criminal background check. Portugal is highly recommended for individuals aiming to pause their work or potentially retire early, thanks to its lower income requirement.
If you are someone who loves the ocean, fresh seafood, and nightlife by the waterfront, consider visiting Porto. Porto is highly walkable, picturesque, and has a thriving expat community, making it an ideal choice for those who find living in a larger city intimidating. The weather in Porto is consistently pleasant, the area is safe and secure, and there are a few awesome coworking spaces to explore such as Porto i/o and Typographia Cowork.
If you are looking for a more urban lifestyle, Lisbon could be a suitable choice. The cost of living is slightly higher than in Porto but comes with a range of traditional city amenities. Like Porto, Lisbon is situated along the coast and offers similar benefits such as pleasant weather, cuisine, and nightlife. However, Lisbon provides more opportunities for cultural experiences with its abundance of museums and other attractions. Additionally, there are numerous trendy coworking spaces available, including the stylish café Outsite, Second Home operated by TimeOut Market, and the fascinating Surf Office, which not only offers surfing classes but also various enjoyable activities.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, situated in the northeast of Spain, could be the dream destination for many digital nomads. The city is packed with art, culture, gastronomy, and abundant sunshine, and it also boasts a well-established expat community, making it a popular choice. Unfortunately, the city’s popularity has resulted in increased prices, so you should expect to pay more for expenses such as rent and utilities compared to other locations mentioned on this list. Additionally, Barcelona is a large city, which brings its own set of challenges like pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime.
Despite the perks, such as a strong public transportation system and ample opportunities for networking at numerous coworking spaces, there are a few notable ones worth mentioning: La Vaca Coworking, Makers of Barcelona, and CahootCoworking. Furthermore, Barcelona Coworking Days provides free meetups at various locations, allowing individuals to explore multiple options without any obligation. The Catalonia region is thriving economically and serves as a thriving hub for startups and innovative individuals from across the globe.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Currently, Tbilisi might not be widely known among digital nomads, but its rapid growth in popularity is indicated by its affordable living expenses, advantageous exchange rate, and trendy city center. In fact, Tbilisi is frequently anticipated to become the next significant digital nomad hub.
With its unique blend of European and Asian cultures, Georgia offers a distinctive experience in the Caucasus region, providing a refreshing alternative to Western Europe within close proximity. Whether you crave culinary delights, picturesque natural landscapes, vibrant flea markets, or lively bars, Georgia has it all, ensuring an exciting and fulfilling visit.
With its laid-back vibe, captivating architecture, and a multitude of places to connect with digital nomads and expats, Tbilisi serves as an excellent example of the country’s success as a post-Soviet tale. Whether it be coworking spaces like Impact Hub at Fabrika or LOKAL Tbilisi, or engaging in activities like yoga classes and hiking trips, there are numerous opportunities to meet like-minded individuals in the city.
The government has made significant investments in public transportation in both Tbilisi and the surrounding regions, and it continues to be highly affordable. Despite ongoing border disputes with Russia, Tbilisi is widely regarded as a very safe city, and Georgians are known for their warm and friendly nature. In terms of climate, Tbilisi mostly experiences a Mediterranean climate, but there are also opportunities for skiing and other winter sports during the colder months, making it a great option for all seasons.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia, a Northern European country, introduced the first program for digital nomads in 2014. Since then, the capital city of Tallinn has been at the forefront. The Old Town in Tallinn has an excellent coworking infrastructure with popular places such as Lift99 and Work27. Additionally, the Tehnopol Startup Incubator offers support for individuals who want to develop their own startup.
Estonia’s summers are also mild and its winters are cozy with snow. Despite the cold, there is nothing better than experiencing a beautiful snowy day there. The chances for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature’s offerings are exceptional, particularly along its numerous small islands and inlets.
If you want to start your own business, you can take advantage of the e-Residency program provided by the Estonian government. This program allows individuals to establish a business in the European Union regardless of their location, using a digital identity. Furthermore, Estonia has placed great importance on digitalization and WiFi availability, making it an exceptionally connected and desirable place for remote work.
When considering Estonia’s digital nomad visa, it is important to note that it permits a one-year stay in the country. However, it should be kept in mind that the required monthly income level is significantly higher, at €3,500, compared to other nations. This higher income requirement reflects a generally more expensive cost of living, but if it aligns with your budget, Estonia offers a fantastic quality of life.
Split and Zagreb, Croatia
With its stunning beauty in the Adriatic region, Croatia became one of the initial European countries to introduce a specific visa for digital nomads. This visa enables individuals to reside in Croatia for a year, provided they fulfill the income requirement of €2,370 per month. Additionally, Croatia’s currency, the kuna, boasts a highly advantageous exchange rate with the euro or USD. Although the cost of living has risen in recent times, Croatia continues to offer affordable options.
Split is a fantastic destination for digital nomads due to its rich history, culinary delights, exquisite wines, and pleasant weather throughout the year. Although it may not offer as many coworking spaces as other locations, options like Amosfera Coworking and Saltwater Split are quite popular. Moreover, there is an abundance of cafés that welcome laptop usage, making it easy to find a suitable workspace. Split has a charming, small-town atmosphere rather than a bustling city feel, and during shoulder seasons and off-season, the pace of life is tranquil and relaxed.
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