1ST / LYON
While Lyon did not make it into other categories in our top 10 cities in Europe, it does manage to stand out in the cost of living section. Not only does it do so by making it into the top 10, but also by taking first place ahead of other places such as Lisbon and Madrid, which are in second and third place respectively.
2ND / LISBON
Second only to Lyon, Lisbon is one of the highest rated cities in Europe when it comes to the cost of living. Those who have visited or live in this Portuguese city know that it is a much more affordable place to live than cities such as Rome, Rotterdam or Vienna, which are lower down the list in our survey results.
3RD / MADRID
Prices in Madrid are on a par with other major European capitals, but are more affordable than in most other cities. The cost of living is adjusted so that all citizens have the opportunity to enjoy a full and comfortable life. In addition, the city has a multitude of neighbourhoods of varying cost levels, all of which are within easy reach of the city centre. This allows everyone to choose how and where to live in Madrid.
4TH / PRAGUE
Living in Prague is not cheap, but at the same time, salaries are very high. This helps to offset prices and the cost of living with a job in the region is very reasonable. So much so that Prague was ranked fourth in the survey in terms of cost of living after Lyon, Lisbon and Madrid. This is a very balanced income-expense perception, which is reflected in the surveys carried out.
5TH / BARCELONA
Another good mark for Barcelona is the cost of living, coming fifth in the top ranking based on the opinions of more than 25000 people. Although Madrid is still above it, in third place, Barcelona manages to outperform other high calibre cities such as The Hague, Vienna, Rome and Rotterdam.
6TH / THE HAGUE
Living satisfactorily in The Hague is not as expensive as elsewhere in Europe. In fact, the city breaks into the category ranking and comes in at a solid sixth place, just behind Barcelona. The standard minimum wage in The Hague is a good living wage and it is always possible to optimise expenses in a number of ways, such as avoiding the more expensive shops or supermarkets in the city.
7TH / VIENNA
Prices in Vienna are considered highly improvable, although they are not the most expensive in Europe. According to respondents, there are some areas where savings can be made by living in the city, such as shopping or avoiding certain restaurants or venues. However, this is far from the highest quality of life.
8TH / ROME
Once again, Rome slips into the rankings. It comes eighth in terms of the cost of living in the city. Respondents felt that the costs of essential elements of life, such as renting a house, are not as expensive as in other European cities. The cost of the shopping basket and food in general are also relatively affordable.
9TH / ROTTERDAM
Prices in Rotterdam remain in line with other cities in the Netherlands, but are slightly more affordable than those in Amsterdam. This places the city in ninth position in a top ranking in which the top positions are held by Lyon, Lisbon and Madrid.
10TH / AMSTERDAM
The cost of living in Amsterdam is high, but not as high as many other places in Europe. It is ranked tenth in our survey of thousands of people. The costs of living in Amsterdam are high in most cases. This is the case, for example, with the rent for housing.