A job offer with a good-sounding salary can still leave you struggling if you haven't checked what things actually cost in your target city. Here's a realistic starting-point comparison.
Rent: The Biggest Variable
A one-bedroom apartment in a city center can cost roughly two to three times more in Amsterdam, Paris, or Stockholm than in Warsaw, Lisbon, or smaller German cities. Capital cities and major tech hubs are consistently the most expensive; regional cities in the same country are often 30–50% cheaper for similar quality housing.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Scandinavian countries and Switzerland tend to have the highest grocery and dining costs in Europe, while Southern and Eastern European countries (Spain, Poland, Portugal) are noticeably cheaper for day-to-day living, even in their capital cities.
Healthcare Costs
Most EU countries require either public health insurance contributions (often deducted from your salary) or private insurance before your visa is approved. Budget for this as a fixed monthly cost from day one, not an optional expense — it's usually mandatory.
Budgeting Your First Three Months
- Set aside enough for a rental deposit plus first month's rent — often required upfront, sometimes 2–3 months combined.
- Account for the gap between arriving and your first paycheck, which can be 4–6 weeks in some countries.
- Keep a buffer for unexpected costs tied to registration, translations, or medical checks required for your residence permit.