Several factors make living affordably in certain European countries a reality. In Montenegro, Romania, and Portugal, lower living costs, reduced housing expenses, and government incentives create budget-friendly conditions. Hungary’s capital, Budapest, offers an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.
Malta, although small, provides tax benefits and competitive living costs. These cities offer the charm of European culture and history at a fraction of the cost compared to more expensive Western European counterparts.
Portugal
LivingCost.org reports that the average cost of living in Portugal is $1,073, which is 52% less than in the United States. Nymbeo adds that rent is also half as inexpensive.
Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
Foreign nationals who work remotely and earn more than €3,040 per month are eligible for a Portugal digital nomad visa. Non-EU and non-EEA citizens who are at least eighteen years old can apply for this visa.
Malta
Although the average cost of living in Malta is slightly higher than in other nations—$1,340 on average—it is still 39% lower than in the United States, and rents are 42.8% lower on average in Malta than in the U.S.
Digital Nomad Visa in Malta
In 2021, Malta introduced a digital nomad visa program that has opened up exciting opportunities for remote workers. This visa provides the flexibility to work for any employer registered outside of Malta while residing in this picturesque Mediterranean country.
Hungary
With an average cost of $860, the cost of living in Hungary is 61% lower than in the United States. Rents are 78% lower than in the U.S.
Digital Nomad Visa in Hungary
Hungary offers the White Card, often referred to as the digital nomad visa. You can work in Hungary for any international employer registered outside Hungary if you have the this type of visa.
Montenegro
In terms of cost of living expenses, Montenegro is 65% cheaper with an average monthly expense of $775 compared to the $2,213 in the United States. According to LivingCost.org, Montenegro ranks 113th on the list of the most expensive countries in the world, while the United States ranks 5th. In addition, Numbeo reports that rental costs in Montenegro are 67% cheaper than in the United States.
Digital Nomad Visa in Montenegro
Montenegro offers two welcome options to digital nomads: the digital nomad permit and the D visa. The Digital Nomad Permit is tailored for those seeking an extended stay. It grants an initial stay of two years, which can be extended for another two years, for a total stay of four years.
Romania
At $713, the average cost of living in Romania is 68% lower than in the United States. According to LivingCost.org, the country ranks 125th on the list of the most expensive countries in the world. Rents are a whopping 78.6% lower than in the United States.
Digital Nomad Visa in Romania
Romania has introduced its digital nomad visa, joining the ranks of countries that are embracing this trend. The visa took a while to develop and was officially unveiled on December 21, 2021. The Romanian visa for digital nomads works similarly to visas available in other European countries.