Moving to Europe sounds like something out of a movie. Cobblestone streets, buttery croissants, easy weekend trips to new countries. But what’s it really like to live there day-to-day?
I’ve spent years exploring cities across the continent—not as a tourist, but as someone imagining life there. Some places felt like home instantly. Others? Not so much. This list isn’t just about pretty skylines. It’s about where you can actually live well—financially, socially, and emotionally.
Whether you’re after culture, community, career opportunities, or just killer views, here are the 15 best places to live in Europe to live your best life.
1. Lisbon, Portugal – Sunny Vibes & Affordable Living
Lisbon is a city that hugs you back. It’s got charm, yes—but it’s also practical. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a cost of living much lower than Western European standards, Lisbon hits the sweet spot for quality of life.
- Why you’ll love it: Ocean views, friendly locals, rich history, and custard tarts (seriously).
- Downsides: Hills everywhere. And while it’s affordable now, prices are creeping up fast.
- Ideal for: Remote workers, creatives, and anyone craving sunshine with a side of soulful music.
2. Valencia, Spain – The Balanced Mediterranean Lifestyle
If you want Spain without the chaos of Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia is your place. It’s walkable, relaxed, and has an incredible mix of beaches and green spaces.
- Why you’ll love it: Low rent, paella straight from its birthplace, and a slower pace of life that’s still well connected.
- Downsides: Spanish bureaucracy can be frustrating, and English isn’t widely spoken outside tourist spots.
- Ideal for: Families, retirees, and digital nomads wanting good weather and better value.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark – Hygge and High Standards
This Scandinavian gem isn’t cheap, but it is clean, safe, and stunning. Copenhagen consistently ranks high in global quality of life surveys for good reason.
- Why you’ll love it: Bike culture, progressive values, top-notch public services, and that magical hygge coziness.
- Downsides: High taxes, cold winters, and some cultural reserve you’ll need time to get used to.
- Ideal for: Professionals, sustainability-minded folks, and those who value work-life balance.
4. Berlin, Germany – Creative Energy Meets Urban Grit
Berlin is a city of reinvention. It’s where artists, tech start-ups, and history buffs collide in one big, chaotic blend. Despite being Germany’s capital, it’s surprisingly affordable compared to other major cities in Western Europe.
- Why you’ll love it: An open-minded vibe, diverse neighborhoods, world-class public transport, and endless creative spaces.
- Downsides: Bureaucracy is a beast. Winters are long and gray. And finding an apartment can be brutal.
- Ideal for: Young professionals, students, and anyone who thrives on culture, history, and experimentation.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia – Small City, Big Quality of Life
Ljubljana is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It’s compact, green, and easy to fall in love with. The cost of living is reasonable, and the mountains, lakes, and Adriatic Sea are all within reach.
- Why you’ll love it: Clean air, strong public services, and a friendly, safe environment.
- Downsides: Limited job market (especially if you don’t speak Slovenian), and slower-paced nightlife.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, peace seekers, and those wanting a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Laid-Back Living with Global Appeal
Amsterdam is as charming as it looks in postcards—but it also functions incredibly well as a city. It’s safe, efficient, and very international. You’ll hear more English here than Dutch in many neighborhoods.
- Why you’ll love it: Biking culture, gorgeous canals, vibrant expat scene, and progressive attitudes.
- Downsides: High housing costs, rainy weather, and limited living space.
- Ideal for: Multilingual professionals, liberal thinkers, and anyone who loves art, freedom, and fresh air.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland – History, Charm, and Green Hills
Edinburgh feels like a fairytale you can actually live in. It’s got cobbled streets, medieval castles, and rolling hills right on your doorstep. Plus, it’s a cultural hub thanks to festivals like the famous Edinburgh Fringe.
- Why you’ll love it: Easy access to nature, excellent universities, and a strong literary and artistic scene.
- Downsides: The weather is… moody. Expect clouds, drizzle, and strong winds more often than not.
- Ideal for: Writers, students, and anyone who loves a cozy pub and ancient architecture.
8. Tallinn, Estonia – Digital Nomad Dreamland
Tallinn might surprise you. It blends medieval charm with cutting-edge digital infrastructure. Estonia was one of the first countries to offer e-residency, and its capital is one of the most forward-thinking cities in Europe.
- Why you’ll love it: Fast internet, digital-first governance, and a growing startup culture.
- Downsides: Cold winters and a reserved local culture that can take time to warm up to.
- Ideal for: Tech workers, remote professionals, and minimalist lifestyle seekers.
9. Florence, Italy – The Soul of the Renaissance
Florence offers more than just art and history—it offers a slower, more poetic way of life. You’ll trade modern convenience for the joy of handmade pasta, wine by the river, and strolls through centuries-old streets.
- Why you’ll love it: Stunning architecture, world-class museums, and Tuscan cuisine on your doorstep.
- Downsides: Tourists can overwhelm the city center, and job opportunities are limited unless you speak Italian.
- Ideal for: Art lovers, romantics, and those chasing la dolce vita.
.10. Vienna, Austria – Elegance with Everyday Ease
Vienna feels like it was designed for people to live well. Grand architecture? Check. Incredible public transport? Check. Clean, safe streets and plenty of green parks? Absolutely. It’s no wonder Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities.
- Why you’ll love it: Classical charm, a rich music scene, low crime rates, and top-notch healthcare.
- Downsides: Can feel formal or rigid compared to livelier southern cities. Housing is competitive, too.
- Ideal for: Families, professionals, and lovers of order and culture.
11. Budapest, Hungary – Affordable Beauty with a Buzz
Budapest has that rare combination of low cost and high quality. You can live well here on a modest budget, all while enjoying a lively nightlife, stunning river views, and a thermal bath culture that’s built into everyday life.
- Why you’ll love it: Affordable rent, rich history, stunning architecture, and a growing digital nomad scene.
- Downsides: Hungarian bureaucracy can be tricky, and there’s a noticeable gap between locals and expats in some areas.
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers, entrepreneurs, and students.
12. Bruges, Belgium – A Fairytale Town with Modern Perks
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a postcard, Bruges is it. Its medieval center is well preserved and impossibly charming. But it’s also a functioning city with great healthcare, walkability, and access to other European capitals.
- Why you’ll love it: Chocolate, canals, and cobblestone streets that feel straight out of a fantasy novel.
- Downsides: Can feel touristy in peak season and lacks the bustle of a big city.
- Ideal for: Couples, retirees, and anyone who values peace and beauty.
13. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Coastal Living with Ancient Roots
Dubrovnik isn’t just for Game of Thrones fans—it’s genuinely one of Europe’s most stunning places to live. Perched on the Adriatic coast, this walled city combines beach life, medieval charm, and affordable Mediterranean living.
- Why you’ll love it: Crystal-clear waters, relaxed pace, and a climate that makes you want to stay outside all day.
- Downsides: Gets very crowded with tourists, especially in summer. And finding long-term rentals can be a challenge.
- Ideal for: Sunseekers, freelancers, and anyone craving a slower coastal lifestyle.
14. Prague, Czech Republic – Old-World Beauty, New-World Comfort
Prague hits the sweet spot between historical charm and practical living. With gothic churches, Baroque palaces, and a famously affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder more expats are calling it home.
- Why you’ll love it: Efficient public transport, great beer, walkable neighborhoods, and strong safety ratings.
- Downsides: Locals can be reserved, and the language barrier is real if you plan to stay long-term.
- Ideal for: Students, creatives, and budget-conscious professionals.
15. Bordeaux, France – Wine Country Meets Urban Sophistication
Bordeaux is everything people love about France—elegant boulevards, top-tier cuisine, and a rich sense of culture—but without the overwhelm of Paris. It’s a growing tech hub and offers a balanced lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
- Why you’ll love it: Excellent wine, mild climate, nearby beaches, and easy access to the rest of Europe.
- Downsides: French bureaucracy and high taxes can be frustrating, and English isn’t as widely spoken as in Paris.
- Ideal for: Gourmets, families, and people who want a touch of luxury without big-city stress.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best place to live in Europe. Some people need sunshine and sea. Others want bike paths and punctual trains. The good news? Europe has it all.
Start with what you value most—cost of living, culture, career, or community—and then narrow it down. Hopefully, this list gives you a starting point to dream a little bigger and maybe even book that one-way ticket.
Living your best life doesn’t always mean doing something wild. Sometimes, it’s just choosing a place that fits you.
