Compare the real cost of living between 25 major European cities. See how far your salary goes in a different city.
Comparing the cost of living between European cities is essential when considering a job offer abroad, planning a relocation, or simply deciding where your money will stretch the furthest. A city with higher salaries does not always mean a better standard of living once you factor in the local cost of rent, groceries, transport, and everyday expenses.
This tool compares the monthly costs across seven key categories for 25 major European cities. All values are expressed in euros using fixed exchange rates for non-eurozone countries, making direct comparisons straightforward.
A salary of EUR 5,000 per month sounds generous, but its real value depends entirely on where you live. In Zurich or London, that salary covers the basics with little room for savings. In Lisbon, Warsaw, or Bucharest, the same income affords a considerably more comfortable lifestyle. Purchasing power -- what your money can actually buy -- is the metric that matters.
When evaluating a job offer in a different city, always calculate your expected monthly expenses and compare them against your net salary. Our comparison tool does this calculation for you: enter your current salary, and see what the equivalent purchasing power would be in your target city.
Across Europe, housing costs are by far the largest line item in any household budget. A one-bedroom apartment in central Zurich or Geneva can exceed EUR 2,000 per month, while a similar flat in Bucharest or Warsaw costs around EUR 500-650. This single category often accounts for 40-60% of the total cost-of-living difference between two cities.
Beyond the city centre, rents typically drop by 20-40%. If you are flexible about your commute, living outside the centre is one of the most effective ways to reduce monthly expenses in an expensive city.