Cost of Living: Europe vs. the United States

Europe tends to have a lower cost of living than the US overall, especially for housing, healthcare, and transportation — though Western European capitals and the Nordic countries can match or exceed major US-city costs.

At a glance

Housing: Lower in most regions — except major Western European capitals like Paris, Amsterdam, and Zurich
Healthcare: Significantly lower — universal or low-cost systems across most of the EU
Most affordable regions: Southern & Eastern Europe — Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Greece
Most expensive regions: Switzerland, the Nordics — often above major US-city costs

By category

Housing. Eastern Europe (Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Romania) is generally the most affordable. Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece) is affordable outside the big cities. Western Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland) runs more expensive, particularly in capitals — though even there, cost per square meter is often still below New York or San Francisco.

Healthcare. US healthcare costs remain the highest in the world. Most of Europe offers universal coverage or low-cost private insurance; Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden run higher within Europe but still generally undercut US costs.

Food, transport, and education. Groceries and dining out are typically cheaper across Southern and Eastern Europe. Public transport is more developed and often cheaper than relying on a car, as is common in much of the US. Higher education is free or low-cost in many European countries, including for some international students — a sharp contrast with US tuition levels.

By region, roughly: Switzerland and Norway run expensive; Germany, the Netherlands, and France sit moderate-to-high but with lower healthcare costs; Portugal, Spain, and Italy are relatively affordable with a strong quality of life; the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, and Czechia are the most affordable while still offering solid infrastructure and, in the Baltics and Poland especially, growing tech and startup job markets.

Why work with BIZ TRP

Headline cost-of-living comparisons rarely account for the visa and compliance costs that come with actually relocating — we help you see the full picture.

Real settling-in cost. We help you compare what it actually costs to settle in each country we cover, not just rent and groceries.
Permit and compliance costs. We factor in visa/permit fees and ongoing compliance costs alongside day-to-day living costs.
Country-specific flags. We flag hidden costs specific to your target country, like health-insurance minimums or notary fees.

Common questions

Is healthcare really cheaper in Europe?

Yes, in most cases — many EU countries offer universal coverage funded through taxes, and even private insurance for expats is typically far less expensive than comparable US coverage.

Which European countries are most affordable for Americans?

The Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, and Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Greece, southern Italy) generally offer the lowest cost of living, especially outside the capital cities.

Are Western European cities more expensive than the US?

Some are — Zurich, Geneva, and parts of Norway can exceed major US-city costs, though housing per square meter is often still cheaper than in New York or San Francisco.

Weighing where to relocate?

We'll help you compare the real cost of settling in each country we cover, not just the headline numbers.

Talk to us Email us