Cost of Living in Europe 2026 — Complete, Data-Driven Guide
Last updated: 2026. All figures are indicative ranges that vary by city, season and lifestyle. Always verify locally before committing.
Executive Summary
In 2026, the biggest driver of costs across Europe remains rent, followed by energy/utilities and food. Western & Nordic capitals are the most expensive; Southern and Eastern secondary cities tend to be more affordable. Typical single-adult totals (all-in) range from €900–€1,300 in cheaper areas to €1,800–€2,400+ in premium capitals. Couples often benefit from economies of scale on rent and internet.
How to Use This Guide
- Budget = shared housing, cook at home, public transport.
- Mid-range = 1-bed apartment, mix of eating in/out, monthly transit pass.
- Premium = central locations, frequent dining out, private services.
- Ranges are monthly unless noted. Seasonality (especially heating) matters.
Housing (Rent & Deposits)
Rent is often 35–60% of monthly spend. Prices depend on location, size, build year, and whether the unit is furnished.
Indicative monthly rent for 1-bed, city-centre (2026)
| Region | Range (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe (FR, DE, NL, IE) | 1,000–1,800 | Suburbs 10–30% cheaper. |
| Southern Europe (ES, IT, PT, GR) | 650–1,100 | Seasonal peaks in tourist zones. |
| Eastern Europe (PL, CZ, HU, RO) | 400–750 | Major capitals higher end. |
| Nordics (NO, SE, DK, FI) | 1,200–2,000 | High quality; strict tenant rules. |
Deposits & Contracts
- Deposits typically 1–3 months rent; agency fees may apply.
- Warm vs. cold rent: warm may include heating & building charges.
- Furnished costs more but saves upfront furniture spend.
Rent-Saving Tips
- Live 15–30 minutes by metro/train from centre.
- Flat-share to cut housing costs by 30–50%.
- Ask for energy rating (EPC); better insulation lowers winter bills.
Utilities & Energy
Includes electricity, heating, water, refuse. Expect strong seasonality in cold climates.
- Budget 1-bed: €90–€140 (efficient buildings / mild climates)
- Mid-range: €140–€220
- Cold/older in winter: €220–€320+
Energy Benchmarks
- Electricity: €0.25–€0.40 per kWh (household tariff, indicative).
- District heating common in parts of North/East; gas varies by city.
Cutting Bills
- Seal drafts, use LED bulbs, smart thermostats, off-peak tariffs.
- Check insulation, windows, boiler efficiency before signing.
Food & Groceries
- Groceries (pp/month): €220–€380 (home cooking most days).
- Eating out: budget meal €12–€18; mid-range dinner for two €50–€80.
- Eastern Europe cheaper on staples; Nordics pricier overall.
Save on Food
- Use discount chains (Lidl, Aldi, Dia, Netto) for staples.
- Plan weekly menus & batch cook to reduce waste and energy use.
Transport
- Monthly public-transport pass: €45–€95 (city/zone).
- Fuel: €1.70–€2.10 per litre (indicative).
Intercity
- Book early for rail discounts; consider rail cards.
- Budget airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) can be cheapest for long distances.
Car Ownership
- Include insurance, parking, maintenance; some cities have low-emission zones.
Bike & E-bike
- Dedicated lanes in many cities; rentals & sharing schemes widely available.
Healthcare & Insurance
- Systems range from tax-funded public to mixed models.
- Insurance (adult/month): €40–€120 depending on country & coverage.
- EU citizens: EHIC helpful for temporary stays; not a full substitute.
- Non-EU residents typically need comprehensive plans upon registration.
- Dental & optical often extra or out-of-pocket.
Communications
- Mobile SIM-only: €8–€25/month (data varies).
- Home Internet (100–300 Mbps): €25–€45/month.
- Bundles (mobile+internet+TV) save 10–20%; check fibre availability.
Family & Education Costs
- Childcare/nursery: €250–€900/month (subsidies vary by city).
- Public schooling largely free; private/international schools vary widely.
- Activities (sports, music): €20–€80/month per child.
Taxes & Take-Home Pay (High Level)
- Europe uses progressive taxation; gross ≠ net.
- Social contributions fund healthcare & pensions; benefits differ.
- Always compare cities using net income after tax.
Country Snapshots (Single Adult, Monthly Totals)
| Country | Range (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1,200–1,700 | Berlin/Munich higher than smaller cities. |
| France | 1,300–1,800 | Paris premium; Lyon/Lille/Nantes better value. |
| Netherlands | 1,400–1,900 | Amsterdam premium; Rotterdam/Eindhoven cheaper. |
| Spain | 900–1,300 | Valencia/Seville good value vs. Madrid/Barcelona. |
| Italy | 1,000–1,400 | North pricier; Milan/Bologna high. |
| Portugal | 950–1,350 | Lisbon/Porto higher; smaller towns cheaper off-season. |
| Poland | 700–1,100 | Warsaw/Kraków high end; others cheaper. |
| Czechia | 850–1,250 | Prague premium; Brno/Ostrava cheaper. |
| Sweden | 1,400–1,900 | Stockholm highest; robust public services. |
| Denmark | 1,500–2,000 | Copenhagen rents high; cycling reduces costs. |
| Norway | 1,700–2,200 | High wages & high costs; energy-efficient homes help. |
| Greece | 850–1,250 | Islands seasonal; Athens/Thessaloniki moderate. |
Cheapest vs. Priciest Cities (Indicative)
Often Cheaper (Good Value)
Valencia, Porto, Thessaloniki, Wrocław, Brno, Zaragoza, Bari.
Often Pricier
Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Zurich (non-EU).
Example Monthly Budgets (Indicative)
A) Budget Student / Young Professional (Southern/Eastern city)
- Room in shared flat: €300–€500
- Utilities share: €60–€90
- Groceries: €180–€260
- Eating out/coffee: €60–€120
- Transport pass: €30–€60
- Mobile + internet share: €20–€35
- Misc.: €40–€90
- Total: ~€690–€1,055
B) Mid-Range Single (Western capital/suburb)
- 1-bed suburban: €950–€1,300
- Utilities: €140–€220
- Groceries: €250–€350
- Eating out: €120–€220
- Transport: €55–€95
- Mobile + internet: €35–€70
- Misc.: €120–€220
- Total: ~€1,670–€2,475
C) Couple (mid-size Western city)
- 1-bed: €1,100–€1,500
- Utilities: €160–€240
- Groceries: €350–€500
- Eating out: €180–€280
- Transport (2 passes): €100–€180
- Mobile + internet: €60–€95
- Misc.: €160–€260
- Total: ~€2,110–€3,055
D) Family of 3 (Western city)
- 2-bed: €1,500–€2,200
- Utilities: €200–€320
- Groceries: €450–€650
- Eating out: €200–€350
- Transport (2 adults + 1 child): €140–€240
- Mobile + internet: €70–€110
- Childcare: €300–€900
- Misc.: €200–€350
- Total: ~€3,060–€5,120
Money-Saving Playbook (Actionable)
Housing
- Choose secondary cities or suburbs with fast transit;
- Flat-share;
- Request EPC/energy labels.
Utilities & Energy
- LED bulbs, draft sealing, smart thermostats;
- Time-of-use tariffs.
Food
- Discount chains; weekly menu planning; batch cooking.
Transport
- Monthly passes; cycle for short trips; book intercity early.
Comms & Lifestyle
- SIM-only plans; bundle internet; use free parks & museum days.
FAQs
How much should a single person budget monthly in Europe?
From about €900 in cheaper regions to €2,000+ in premium capitals. Rent dominates.
Are energy bills still high in 2026?
They remain a concern in many countries, especially in winter. Expect €0.25–€0.40/kWh electricity; insulation and off-peak tariffs help.
Is healthcare expensive?
With insurance, typical monthly costs are €40–€120 per adult. Public systems reduce out-of-pocket costs; private plans can shorten waits.
Most affordable countries?
Cities across Portugal, Spain (outside prime hubs), Greece, Poland, Czechia and parts of Romania/Hungary offer lower totals.
Quick ways to cut 10–20%?
Live slightly outside the centre, flat-share, cook more, switch energy/telecom providers, and buy intercity tickets in advance.
How to Keep This Page Fresh
- Update rent & energy ranges every 1–2 months.
- Add a “What changed this month” note at the top.
- Expand sections users ask about most (via comments or analytics).
- Link to deep-dives (e.g., “Cheapest Cities 2026”, “Energy Bills Explained”).
Important Notes & Disclaimer
Figures are broad 2026-oriented ranges. Markets move with inflation, policy and energy prices. Verify local rents, utilities and transport; read contract terms carefully before signing.