Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 27 2025
If you're considering a move to Europe, a general recommendation is to have at least $5,000 saved up if you're single and around $15,000 if you're relocating with a family. This amount should comfortably cover your initial expenses as you settle in for the first three months. However, costs can vary based on the country and city you choose.
Europe is home to diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. However, it also comes with varying costs of living. These can range from relatively affordable in countries like Portugal and Poland to quite expensive in countries like Switzerland or Norway. Various factors, including housing prices, food costs, transportation expenses, and healthcare services, influence the cost of living.
Planning Your Moving Expenses
When preparing to move to Europe, it's crucial to consider the financial implications. The moving cost will vary depending on your current location and the European country you are relocating to. You'll need to factor in expenses such as shipping or transporting your belongings, visa application fees if applicable, and travel costs like airfare for yourself and any family members making a move with you. Another significant expense that often gets overlooked is housing. Before your relocation, you may need temporary accommodation until permanent housing is secured.
Once a permanent residence is found, upfront costs such as a security deposit and the first month’s rent must also be accounted for. Don't forget about smaller yet essential expenses either - things like setting up utilities in your new home, including internet and electricity services, come with setup fees usually required upon installation. Also, consider potential language barrier issues; translation services might become necessary during the initial settling down process.
Estimating Daily Living Expenses in European Cities
The expense of daily living in European cities can vary greatly depending on the location. For instance, Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark are known for their high cost of living, with expenses like groceries, dining out, and public transport significantly higher than the EU average. On the other hand, Eastern European countries like Bulgaria or Romania have a much lower cost of living but may offer a different quality of life. Public transportation is generally excellent across Europe and fairly affordable too. However, costs differ from city to city.
A monthly pass for public transport could cost around €80 in Paris or Berlin, while it’s only about €20 in Lisbon or Prague. Similarly, eating out varies widely; a meal at an inexpensive restaurant might set you back €15-€20 in Western Europe but only half that amount in Eastern Europe. Groceries form another major component of daily expenses, which again fluctuates based on your location within Europe.
Considering the Cost of Accommodation in Europe
One of the significant expenses you'll encounter when living in Europe is accommodation. The charges can vary greatly depending on the city and country you choose to reside in and your personal preferences for comfort and convenience. For instance, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of London or Paris can be quite expensive, while finding similar accommodation in cities like Lisbon or Budapest could be much more affordable.
The type of housing also plays a crucial role in determining costs. Whether you opt for furnished or unfurnished apartments, shared houses, student dormitories, or private residences will significantly impact your budget. Another factor that might affect your accommodation expense is the duration of your stay. Short-term rentals are often pricier than long-term leases due to higher turnover rates and cleaning fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should plan for $8,000–$20,000 per person when moving to Europe. This covers airfare, visa fees, housing deposits, and international moving costs based on shipment size and destination. Most movers also budget 3–6 months of living expenses upfront. Western Europe generally requires higher savings due to stricter rental deposits and higher monthly costs.
The largest upfront expenses include flights, visa or residence permits, rental deposits, and shipping household goods. Many European landlords require 2–3 months’ rent upfront, paid before move-in. Temporary housing, basic furnishings, insurance registration, and local administrative fees can add several thousand dollars during your first month abroad.
The average cost of living in Europe per month ranges from $1,500–$3,500 per person, depending on country and city. Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes make up most expenses. Reviewing the average cost of moving to Europe helps align monthly budgets with realistic relocation and settlement expectations.
Yes. Many European visas require proof of funds, often $10,000–$15,000 per adult, before approval. Student, work, and digital nomad visas each have different thresholds. Some countries also require prepaid housing or insurance, increasing upfront cash needs before finalizing moving overseas shipping costs.
Yes. Many European visas require proof of funds, often $10,000–$15,000 per adult, before approval. Student, work, and digital nomad visas all have different thresholds. Some countries also require prepaid housing or insurance, increasing upfront cash needs before relocation planning is finalized.
In most cases, it is cheaper to sell large furniture and ship only essentials. Full household moves significantly increase moving overseas shipping costs, while partial loads or shared containers reduce expenses. Many movers begin with furnished rentals and replace items gradually after settling.
A safe buffer is 20–30 percent above your estimated budget, usually $3,000–$6,000 extra. This covers delayed residency approvals, temporary housing extensions, job start delays, or unexpected administrative fees. European banking setup can take weeks, making accessible cash reserves essential early on.
: Yes. Germany, France, and the Netherlands typically require higher deposits and insurance costs, while Portugal, Spain, and parts of Eastern Europe are more affordable. Comparing country-specific housing rules, taxes, and relocation norms helps avoid underestimating total costs when choosing a destination.
