Here’s the Living Wage a Single Person Needs To Live Comfortably in Europe
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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More than 3.9 million Americans live abroad. Europe is becoming an economically viable option for single people who want to experience vibrant cultures, temperate climates, and distinct lifestyles while maximizing their money.
Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany are among the most popular countries in Western Europe. Romania and Slovakia top the list of affordable Eastern European countries.
Here’s how much you need to make as a single person to live in abroad comfortably.
Portugal
You can live comfortably at €1,500 monthly in Lisbon and even less in smaller cities. Affordable one-bedroom rentals range from €400 in small cities and remote towns to €861 outside Lisbon’s city center. Excluding rent, your monthly costs are about €661.
Spain
You can comfortably live in Spain for about €2,000 a month, depending on your lifestyle and where you want to live. Valencia and Malaga are among the most popular cities for American ex-pats, said James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed. One-bedroom flats rent from €450 to €800 a month. Utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, and water cost between €85 to €225 per month.
Italy
Italy is a fashionable option, especially for retirees, because housing and health insurance costs are significantly lower than in the U.S. You can live in Italy comfortably for about €1,600 a month, especially if you choose a small city or town. Expect to pay from €321 to €400 a month for a one-bedroom in less populated areas. Leave room in your budget for electricity because prices have been in flux for the past few years.
France
You’ll need about €3,200 a month as a single person to live a comfortable life in France. Expect to pay more in Paris, Nice, and Lyon – cities with higher living costs. Rental costs vary widely in France, and apartments are known to be expensive. A one-bedroom apartment can set you back €1,750 a month. Basic utilities like water, heating, electricity, and garbage cost around €162 a month. Reduce your expenses by moving further from the city center or the suburbs.
Germany
Living in Germany can cost you about €1,500 a month, depending on your location and needs. Travel in Germany is considered fairly affordable, and food and drink are about the same as other western European cities. Rent could be your highest expense at €770 or more for a one-bedroom flat, depending on the city. You’ll pay about €220 for internet, mobile and TV.
Romania
You can live comfortably in Romania for €1,100 a month. The cost of living in Romania is lower than that of about 85% of countries in the world. Renting a one-bedroom apartment starts at €220 near the city center to €161 outside the downtown area. The total median cost for basic utilities, including the internet, is about €302, but it can be less expensive depending on where you live and how much you consume.
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Slovakia
Slovakia is considered a hidden jewel of Eastern Europe because of its fascinating history and stunning landscapes. Expect to earn €1,400 a month to live comfortably in Slovakia. The monthly cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Slovakia ranges from €479 to €587, depending on your proximity to the city center. Basic utilities, including a cell phone plan and internet service, will cost €273 monthly.
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