Best cities in Europe to live on $2,000 a month
Every city here in Europe fits a full single-person budget — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and extras — under $2,000/month, ranked by overall quality of life so cheap doesn't mean grim.
Methodology: Only cities with an all-in monthly cost under $2,000 qualify; ranked by average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate).
1. Aix-en-Provence, France
$1,930/mo · QoL 86/100 · Safety 84/100
$1,930/mo all-in leaves $70/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 86/100 average quality of life.
2. Heraklion, Greece
$1,260/mo · QoL 85/100 · Safety 90/100
$1,260/mo all-in leaves $740/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 85/100 average quality of life.
3. Faro, Portugal
$1,490/mo · QoL 85/100 · Safety 84/100
$1,490/mo all-in leaves $510/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 85/100 average quality of life.
4. Pula, Croatia
$1,240/mo · QoL 85/100 · Safety 90/100
$1,240/mo all-in leaves $760/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 85/100 average quality of life.
5. Valletta, Malta
$1,840/mo · QoL 85/100 · Safety 88/100
$1,840/mo all-in leaves $160/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 85/100 average quality of life.
6. Limassol, Cyprus
$1,620/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 88/100
$1,620/mo all-in leaves $380/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
7. Nicosia, Cyprus
$1,670/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 84/100
$1,670/mo all-in leaves $330/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
8. Pécs, Hungary
$1,005/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 88/100
$1,005/mo all-in leaves $995/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
9. Valencia, Spain
$1,580/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 82/100
$1,580/mo all-in leaves $420/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
10. Vienna, Austria
$1,990/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 94/100
$1,990/mo all-in leaves $10/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
11. Malaga, Spain
$1,590/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 84/100
$1,590/mo all-in leaves $410/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
12. Maribor, Slovenia
$1,130/mo · QoL 84/100 · Safety 92/100
$1,130/mo all-in leaves $870/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 84/100 average quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
Best cities in Europe to live on $2,000 a month — which city is #1?
Aix-en-Provence, France tops this list. $1,930/mo all-in leaves $70/mo of headroom on a $2,000 budget, with 86/100 average quality of life. Heraklion and Faro round out the top three.
How is this ranking calculated?
Only cities with an all-in monthly cost under $2,000 qualify; ranked by average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate). 88 catalog cities in Europe qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.
How much does it cost to live in the top city in Europe?
Aix-en-Provence runs about $1,930/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Aix-en-Provence city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.