15 Cheapest European Cities for Remote Workers

Remote work has opened up a world of possibilities—but some cities make it way easier to stretch your budget and enjoy the ride. These European gems offer fast Wi-Fi, cozy cafés, walkable neighborhoods, and rent that won’t eat half your income. From vibrant capitals to laid-back creative hubs, each place offers a unique mix of affordability and charm. Whether you want mountains, coastlines, or cobbled alleys, there’s a spot here for you. Here are 15 of the best budget-friendly cities in Europe for digital nomads and remote workers.

1. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi has become a favorite among remote workers thanks to its incredibly low cost of living and creative energy. You can get a nice apartment for under $300/month, eat out for $5 or less, and enjoy strong Wi-Fi almost everywhere. The city has a colorful blend of old and new, with Soviet buildings next to hipster cafés and wine bars. Georgia also offers a remote worker visa that makes long stays easy. On weekends, you can hike in the Caucasus Mountains or soak in a sulfur bath. It’s warm, weird, and wildly affordable.

2. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia combines European charm with Balkan affordability. Rent is low, public transportation is cheap, and coworking spaces are popping up all over the city. It’s compact and surrounded by nature, with Vitosha Mountain close enough for after-work hikes. You’ll find a mix of students, freelancers, and friendly locals who speak good English. The café scene is strong, and Wi-Fi is reliable across the board. For a chill base with easy access to the rest of Europe, Sofia is a top pick.

3. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest flies under the radar, but it’s quietly one of the best remote work cities in Europe. The internet is blazing fast, the coworking spaces are modern, and prices are low across the board. Rent in the city center can be found for under $400/month, and you’ll eat like royalty for pocket change. The city is full of hidden courtyards, historic buildings, and an energetic nightlife scene. Romania also has a digital nomad visa that makes staying long-term a breeze. It’s gritty, vibrant, and full of surprises.

4. Kraków, Poland

Kraków is a beautiful blend of medieval charm and modern convenience. The Old Town is picture-perfect, while coworking spaces and cafés make it easy to get things done. Rent and food costs are lower than most of Western Europe, and the internet is fast and stable. The city has a youthful vibe thanks to its large student population, and there’s always something happening. Whether you’re working from a courtyard café or exploring a castle on the weekend, Kraków delivers. It’s safe, social, and incredibly livable.

5. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade has a gritty charm and an unexpected creative pulse. Rent is cheap, food is hearty, and you’ll find more laptops than tourists in its many riverside cafés. The internet is solid, and there’s a growing network of coworking spaces across the city. Locals are warm and speak good English, making it easy to integrate. The nightlife is legendary, and the city feels alive no matter the hour. For those who like their remote work base with a bit of edge, Belgrade is the move.

6. Porto, Portugal

Porto gives you a lot of what makes Lisbon great—but for less. It’s scenic, slower-paced, and far more affordable when it comes to rent and food. Coworking spots are easy to find, and the wine and café culture is strong. You’ll be minutes from beaches and surrounded by colorful, historic architecture. The vibe is friendly and artistic, without the intensity of a big capital. If you want chill coastal energy with all the essentials, Porto is perfect.

7. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn feels like a medieval fairytale on the surface, but under the hood, it’s one of Europe’s most digital-savvy cities. Estonia offers e-residency, streamlined digital services, and rock-solid internet. The Old Town is UNESCO-protected, but just beyond it, you’ll find sleek coworking spaces and modern cafés. It’s compact, clean, and surrounded by green spaces and coastline. The cost of living is higher than Eastern Europe but still very manageable. For digital nomads who like structure and innovation, Tallinn hits the mark.

8. Pula, Croatia

Pula is one of the best-kept secrets for remote workers. The city blends stunning Austro-Hungarian architecture with Roman remains and a café culture that rivals Vienna’s—for a fraction of the cost. Rent can be as low as $400/month, and the lifestyle is cozy and community-driven. The coffee, the pastries, the beach bars—it’s all delightfully analog in the best way. Wi-Fi is fast, and there’s a growing freelancer scene. Pula is a peaceful and inspiring place to work.

9. Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is compact, clean, and full of personality. The city is easy to navigate, and most younger locals speak fluent English. You’ll find affordable apartments, good public transit, and a solid coworking scene. The Old Town has a relaxed pace, while tech startups are giving the city new life. There’s always a festival, art exhibit, or music event happening. For digital nomads who want charm and simplicity without sacrificing comfort, Vilnius delivers.

10. Valencia, Spain

Valencia brings together beach access, vibrant culture, and great weather at a lower price than Madrid or Barcelona. The city has a growing digital nomad scene, with coworking hubs and laptop-friendly cafés on every corner. Rent is reasonable, and the public bike system makes it easy to zip around. You can start your day with a beach walk, work from a shady plaza, and grab tapas in the evening. The pace is relaxed, but the energy is creative. It’s Spain without the stress.

11. Brno, Czech Republic

Brno may not be as famous as Prague, but it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. It’s cheaper, calmer, and home to a surprising number of tech startups. The vibe is student-driven, thanks to its universities, and that means great energy and budget-friendly prices. You’ll find solid coworking options, fast internet, and plenty of nature close by. Brno has just enough going on to keep you busy—but not overwhelmed. It’s perfect for focus, with a side of fun.

12. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is soulful, historic, and unbelievably cheap. The scars of war are still visible, but so is the city’s spirit and hospitality. Coworking spaces are emerging, and cafés with strong coffee and fast Wi-Fi are everywhere. You’ll find stunning mountain views, old Ottoman streets, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down. Rent is extremely low, and the food is comforting and affordable. Sarajevo is for those who want depth, culture, and affordability all in one.

13. Riga, Latvia

Riga combines Baltic beauty with a modern infrastructure. The city center is full of Art Nouveau buildings, cozy cafés, and a growing startup scene. Internet speeds are top-tier, and coworking spots are easy to find. Living costs are modest, especially if you avoid the tourist-heavy Old Town. Public transit is solid, and English is widely spoken. Riga is a strong all-rounder with charm, functionality, and calm.

14. Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki feels like the laid-back, bohemian cousin of Athens. The weather is great, the food is incredible, and the rent is noticeably lower than in the capital. It’s a student city, which keeps things energetic and affordable. There are coworking spots, beach access, and tons of cheap eats. On weekends, you can escape to nearby islands or hike around Mount Olympus. For sun, history, and chill on a budget, Thessaloniki delivers big.

15. Podgorica, Montenegro

Podgorica is one of Europe’s most overlooked capitals—but for remote workers, it’s a quiet win. The cost of living is among the lowest on the continent, and the pace of life is slow and simple. It’s not flashy, but you’re close to both Adriatic beaches and the rugged mountains of the north. Coworking spaces exist, and Wi-Fi is decent. If you’re looking for a peaceful base with nature on all sides, Podgorica does the job. Sometimes plain and affordable is exactly what you need.