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Digital Nomads Can Live In These 4 Exciting European Cities On Less Than 2K Dollars A Month

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With its absence of borders, high levels of safety and development, and unparalleled cultural offer, Europe is still the go-to destination for digital nomads, though the latest surge in prices, particularly in the Eurozone, might have discouraged some from moving across the pond.

Haussman Style Buildings In Old Town Bucharest, Capital City Of Romania, Eastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula

While it's true European countries are getting increasingly expensive, including those that have historically been perceived as ‘affordable' options, there are still some exciting alternatives left if you're a remote worker on a budget dreaming of a country-hopping adventure in the Old World.

Basing yourself in any of these four cities, you can live comfortably on less than 2 thousand dollars a month, and with their vast cultural offer, odds are you'll never get bored:

Bucharest, Romania

The Paris of the East

Average monthly expenses: US$1,945

Average internet speed: 38Mbps

Quality of life: Good

Safety: Good

Liked by 84% of NomadList members

Disliked by 16% of NomadList members

Cobbled Strada Postei In Bucharest Old Town, Romania, Eastern Europe

The beating heart and largest urban conurbation in the Eastern European nation of Romania, Bucharest is nicknamed ‘Paris of the East', though both capitals exist on polar opposites, at least in terms of affordability.

According to NomadList, Bucharest is very affordable, with remote workers based in the city, who are members of the increasingly-popular platform, reporting monthly expenses of US$1,945. This sum might hardly be enough to cover rent/utility bills alone in central New York.

In Bucharest, it is not rare to find well-equipped long-term AirBnB rentals on the market for less than US$700 a month, nor cheap places to eat – lavishly at that – on less than twenty dollars.

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The Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall Pictured In Spring, Bucharest, Romania, Eastern Europe

Nomads have also reported a higher quality of life upon moving here, highlighting the city's overall greenery and walkability, the abundance of co-working spots, and the internet speed (38Mbps on average).

As for the Paris comparison, it is mostly attributed to a handful of Haussman-style buildings centered in the cobbled Old Town, so don't expect Brutalist-ridden Bucharest to carry the same weight of architectural tradition; yet this does not mean it has a shortage of monuments or attractions.

Some of the most iconic landmarks include the huge concrete mass that is the Romanian Parliament, the heaviest building in the world weighing 4.10 million tons, the Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest's own Paris-style triumphal arc, and the Neoclassical ‘Athenaeum' concert hall.

Romanian Parliament In Bucharest, Romania, Eastern Europe

Antalya, Turkiye

The Eastern Mediterranean Queen

Average monthly expenses: US$1,518

Average internet speed: 7Mbps

Quality of life: OK

Safety: Good

Liked by 86% of NomadList members

Disliked by 14% of NomadList members

Mermeli Beach In Antalya, A Small Beach Beneath The Cliffs Of Kaleici Old Town, Turkiye, East Mediterranean Coast

Though it is technically located in Western Asia, the Turkish coastal city of Antalya is generally considered a European hub due to its historical links with the neighboring continent and the locals' more liberal approach to both religion and life.

The rising star of Turkiye's Tourism Reinassance, Antalya is an ancient queen best known for its rich Greco-Roman heritage and trendy resort zone.

Back in ancient times, it was one of the most important trading ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, and though you are unlikely to spot Greek traders unloading heavy cargo before Antalya's fortified seafront in this day and age, strolling its Kaleiçi (Old Town) will certainly feel like traveling back in time.

Hadrian's Gate, A Roman Era Gate In Kaleici Old Town, Antalya, Eastern Mediterranean Part Of Turkey

A maze of romantic cobbled streets, spanned by arching, flowery vines, that either lead to a traditional restaurant housed in a centuries-old Ottoman mansion, or much older Byzantine churches (turned mosque), the Kaleiçi is sure to steal your heart.

For a taste of Antalya's vibrant modern life, nomads often head to Konyaalti, a development zone with a modern promenade lining the Mediterranean, full of bars, cafes, and leisure centers. It is where the city's most frequented beach, Konyaalti Plaji, is located.

In the affordability chart, Antalya scores even higher than Bucharest. NomadList members have agreed that US$1,518 is enough for a salary to live reasonably well in the city, though the internet speed appears to be lower at 7Mbps on average.

Aerial view of antalya turkey

The safety parameters were ‘good' as well, and the temperature is ‘perfect', with highs of 95 Fahrenheit in summer, lows of 59 in the off-season, and sunny days year-round.

Zagreb, Croatia

The Forgotten Habsburg Gem

Average monthly expenses: US$1,489

Average internet speed: 11Mbps

Quality of life: Good

Safety: Great

Liked by 100% of NomadList members

Disliked by 0% of NomadList members

Zagreb Cathedral And Zagreb Lower Town Seen From A Viewpoint On The Upper Town, Capital City Of Croatia In Central Europe

Croatia is one of the busiest summer destinations in Europe, though strangely enough, its capital ranks among some of the least-visited cities. As it is not on the coast and often portrayed in the media as a ‘financial center', it is often skipped by sun-seekers.

While we could write an entire article on the under-appreciation of Zagreb as a cultural hotspot, we will focus instead on its soaring popularity among digital nomads and slow travelers.

It is brimming with life in this respect, having re-surged from the COVID pandemic a European magnet for remote workers, who are drawn to its numerous work-friendly cafes, lush municipal parks, medieval landmarks, riotous nightlife, and eccentric museums – ever heard of a certain Museum of Broken Relationships?

buildings in europe

No, it doesn't have access to Croatia's crystal-clear Adriatic, unlike the far more popular sunny getaways of Zadar, Split, or Dubrovnik, but it doesn't need the ocean to be a great home base in Europe.

This Central European, formerly-Habsburg jewel is awaiting discovery, and there seems to be unanimity among those who have visited, either for a short or long period, with 100% of NomadList members having a positive impression.

They are particularly pleased with the affordability of Zagreb, as earning US$1,489 a month may be enough to cover necessary expenses, the ‘fast' internet speed (11Mbps), and the lack of crime.

Upper Town Zagreb Called Gornij Grad, Zagreb, Capital City Of Croatia, Central Europe

On the downside, it can feel too hot in summer, when temperatures soar above 100 degrees, or too cold in winter, when snow is usually expected, and the LGBTQ+ friendliness indicator is ‘bad'.

Skopje, North Macedonia

The Quirky One

Average monthly expenses: US$1,322

Average internet speed: 9Mbps

Quality of life: OK

Safety: Good

Liked by 71% of NomadList members

Disliked by 29% of NomadList members

View Of The Kale Fortress In Skopje From Across The River Vardar, North Macedonia, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

The least-expensive entry on this list, Skopje is the quirky capital of North Macedonia, a country that's changed name more times than we can count in the last two decades.

As one of our writers and collaborators has described herself in this article, it is simply ‘ideal' for digital nomads, ticking all of the boxes on the nomad checklist:

  • It is not crowded, like, at all
  • Prices are shockingly cheap
  • The nomad scene is booming
  • Safety levels are ok
  • It is well-connected to other European cities
  • Mass tourism is yet to ruin it

In fact, Skopje is still one of the least-visited capitals in Europe, and we honestly cannot fathom why.

bridge with statues in skopje north macedonia

Its medieval historic center is incredibly picturesque, with Ottoman-style bazaars and cobbled paths that lead up to an imposing hilltop fortress. Across the Vardar River, the main public square, aptly-named Macedonia Square, houses a monumental statue of Alexander the Great.

It's been dubbed the ‘Balkan Times Square' due to the digital screens and large billboards that surround it, and it certainly lives up to its title (though the surrounding buildings may look somewhat more dilapidated or in need of renovation).

All in all, Skopje is perhaps the most underdeveloped city to feature here.

It is one of several Balkan countries that remain outside the European Union, and poverty rates in North Macedonia are higher than in more well-off European states.

Statue Of Alexander The Great In A Central Square In Skopje, North Macedonia, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

That's not to say it lacks charm or that it should be ignored.

If anything, it means there is a lot of unexplored potential and room to grow; unlike in other over-crowded capitals where young entrepreneurs are leaving in droves due to the prohibitive cost of living.

In Skopje, the quality of life is just ‘ok,' but it excels in affordability (US$1,322 per month), temperate weather, and a high perception of safety.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


Whatev

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Hmmm so want to visit all of those places now, but those internet speeds are not adequate for many digital nomads, unless you can buy cheap additional bandwidth.

John

Monday 7th of August 2023

@Whatev, Romania, Croatia and Turkey all have starlink available, which is enough for the digital nomad, YT vlogger, etc

Josh

Monday 31st of July 2023

Macedonia is un visited and underdeveloped because it was a war zone. I was there 20 years ago in the ARMY trying to keep the Serbians and Macedonians from killing each other. It's hard to bounce back from things like that when you don't have a booming economy.

Don

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

Hmm when did Turkiye become part of Europe. Someone needs to learn geography.

karin

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

@Don, yes, inly a small part of Turkey (Ustambul) is Europe. The Bosperus is the border line.

John B

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

@Will, Hmmmmm vomit inducing comments like yours have devalued the term racist to utterly worthless. Your chronically woke agenda will haunt you sooner than you think, thankfully.

Will

Monday 24th of July 2023

@Don, hmmm, feeling a bit racist today? Yes it's part of Europe whether you like it or not. It's partly in west Asia and partly in southeast Europe.