AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE IN EUROPE FOR REMOTE WORKERS

 AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE IN EUROPE- EZENWA LILIAN OLUCHI

INTRODUCTION

A lot of people aspire towards better economic empowerment, specifically in their experiences and in their earnings. For instance, a lot of Nigerian youths and adults alike aspire for greener pastures in the diaspora. With the influx of immigrants in other regions like Europe and North America and the introduction of less stifling immigration laws as seen in the creation of the Lisbon Treaty created in Europe for example, people are more open to considering immigrating to regions with higher potential. A lot of Nigerians have come up with the phrase “Ja pa”. Japa is simply a Yoruba (an ethnic group in Nigeria) term that means “to run away”.  With the increased uncertainty attributed to a volatile economy, insecurity, and great income inequality; exploring opportunities abroad has become the status quo, especially for the average Nigerian.

The Japa phenomenon has become so profound that it is often used as a yardstick by people in choosing their respective partners, especially for those who have plans of leaving the country. The phrase “Japa compatibility” has grown increasingly popular as a ripple effect of a great immigration crisis in Nigeria.

Immigration to other countries is not just particular to Nigerians alone. As statistics in Europe for instance prove that countries that benefited immensely from the issuance of first residence permits include Ukraine, Morocco, India e.t.c

In this article, we will be exploring reasons why you should move to Europe as a remote worker and other perks associated with living in Europe. 

TOP REASONS TO MOVE TO EUROPE AS A REMOTE WORKER.

All thanks to technological evolutions which have made working remotely more feasible. Remote work has come to stay and has only become more popularized during the Covid 19 pandemic. Digital Nomads is a term used to describe a person who earns a living working online in various locations of their choosing(rather than a fixed business location) according to the Oxford dictionary. With the EU drafting policies that promote digital nomad visas, Europe has become a hot spot for those who intend to explore remote working opportunities in addition to other benefits which include:

1. Economy:  According to Macrotrends, the European Union GDP growth rate for 2021 was 5.38%, 11. 34% increase from 2020. This makes Europe a budding economy for economic activities in various sectors such as technology, health agriculture e.t.c

2. Internet speed: Europe has very good internet speed ratings. Statistics show that internet speed in European countries has increased by more than 50%. Statistics have pegged the average fixed line download speed to have increased exponentially by more than half (+51.9%), from 68megabits per second (Mbps)as seen in march 2020 to 103.3mpbs in June 2021. This makes Europe a great spot for those who would like to explore remote working opportunities.

3. Cost of Living: In places like Zenica (cost of living index 57), Sarajevo (cost of living index 70), Mostar (cost of living index 61), Belgrade ( cost of living index 78),  Prishtina ( cost of living index 55), Plovdiv ( cost of living index 60), Burgas (cost of living index 59), Lasi ( cost of living index 61), Krakow ( cost of living index 72) Warsaw ( cost of living index 82), Kharkiv ( cost of living index 47), Tartu ( cost of living index 83) are characterized with a lower cost of living. Places like Hanover (cost of living index 117), Dortmund (cost of living index 114), Bilbao (cost of living index 116), Oviedo (cost of living index 106), Madrid ( cost of living index 127), Lisbon ( cost of living index 116), Varese (cost of living index 117) are characterized with the moderate or neutral cost of living.

AFFORDABLE PLACES TO WORK REMOTELY IN EUROPE

Choosing a country to live in is strictly dependent on the person's lifestyle, the kind of food you like to eat, the weather conditions, religion, and morals. In other ways, Europe has never been a bad idea for a good option when it comes to the choice of residence. Employees prefer their remote work choices to meet with countries that offer a good standard of living and at the same time luxurious lifestyles. This has made Europe a go-to option for everyone who has intentions of migrating to Europe in search of remote work. This section of the article will intrigue you to know the cheapest places to work remotely in Europe.

 

Europe has a plethora of places ideal for remote working conditions, some of which are enumerated thus:

Budapest, Hungary

 Budapest tops the list of the best digital nomad destinations in Europe. Situated in Eastern Europe, Budapest offers great benefits when it comes to bettering the experiences for remote workers. Budapest is mainly famous for its low standard of living, pleasant climatic conditions, favorable exchange rates, and solid public transportation networks in addition to great scenery and architecture. Little wonder why Budapest has become a go-to for remote workers seeking experiences outside their native countries of origin.

In addition to these great benefits, Hungary is actually expansionary in its immigration policies. For example, Hungary offers digital nomad visas called “White Card”, which allows non-EU citizens to stay and live in Hungary for up to one year with the possibility of extension so far they meet up with certain requirements like an income requirement of  2000 euros per month in addition to proof of health insurance and a valid passport.

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal

Portugal, just like Hungary is a fantastic go-to location suitable for digital nomads. Portugal offers its own digital nomad visas that allow immigrants to stay up to two years. The requirement is a monthly income requirement of 635 euros in addition to proof of health insurance, travel insurance, and a clean criminal background.

If you gravitate towards a more peri-urban setting, Porto comes highly recommended. Characterized by great culinary delights, thriving beach life, and a growing ex-pat community, Porto is the best place to escape the vicissitudes associated with urban lifestyles.

But if you are seeking more urban experiences, Lisbon comes highly recommended.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is projected to be the next hub for remote workers. Tbilisi has budding potential as it is characterized by low costs of living, favorable exchange rates, enchanting architectures, tax exemptions for income earned overseas, and very affordable transportation systems. As part of its policies aimed at encouraging digital nomads, Georgia allows over 90 nationalities to reside in Georgia visa-free for up to a year as part of its initiative called “Remotely from Georgia”. This is a great precursor for a budding community targeted toward digital nomads.

Bulgaria when in search of places in Europe to stay, Bulgaria should be a good option for those who want to have a very comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. Out of the total population of about 1.74 million people, not up to a quarter of the country speaks the English language. Bulgaria has aesthetic architecture, a very cheap and affordable cost of living. Another catchy thing that has put Bulgaria into a go-to option for remote workers is its high-speed network which runs at 13.3mbps.

Italy, Rome

Italy is a European country whose capital is Rome. Italy is a beautiful country with eye-catching architecture and a predominantly Mediterranean climate with a moderate winter, and sunny and hot summers. In a survey as of 2018, it shows that 85.6% of Italy’s population is Christian, out of the estimated figure, 78.9% are Catholics and 4.6% are orthodox Christians, 0.68% are protestants, and 1.5% other Christians. One of the best reasons which have made Italy an outstanding place to work remotely is the high-speed free network rates. Italy visa fee also known as the Schengen visa can be used across the rest of other Schengen countries. The cost of living in Italy may vary depending on the location, but notwithstanding, transportation, feeding, and apartments are less expensive compared to other countries.

Krakow, Poland

As Krakow is characterized by a cost-living index of 72, this makes Krakow in Poland a suitable place of residence for people who aim to work remotely in this Country. The speed of the internet is on the favorable side for a remote worker, Krakow has a good internet speed. Average expenses in Krakow are 1,500-2,000 in polish zloty or 330-430 in Euro.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a beautiful place to live with a suitable climate. During the winter, the weather is cozy and snowy, and moderate in summer. Everyone would want to embrace nature in Tallinn. It is considered a good opportunity for those who would want to live and work remotely because of the good internet speed. A little frowny thing is the cost of living is a pinch above moderate but it is countered with very high earnings making it a balanced strike.

Belgrade, Serbia

Here is another good opportunity for remote workers. Serbia, which is the capital of Belgrade has favorable weather conditions, it also has high-speed internet and a very low cost of living.:

Oslo and Salvard, Norway

If you spend according to your budget, this is a good option for you. The cost of living is favorable and Oslo has a wonderful work-life balance, transportation cost is cheap, and has a good internet speed which makes working remotely in the country fair.

Berlin Germany

Berlin is the capital of Germany and is a good shot for those who have the intention of working remotely. The average cost of living here is moderate compared to the other European Cities. Berlin has pocket-friendly apartment rents.

Munich, Germany

Munich is a city in Germany with a beautiful and organised environments. The cost of living in Munich is favorable to those who choose to work there remotely. The internet speed is also very fast.

Dusseldorf, Germany

This is another good option to explore for remote workers. There are super affordable houses and fantastic environments with cheap transportation fares. The cost of food and drinks is relatively cheap.

Madrid, Spain

Spain has a relatively cheap standard of living. They have a friendly and welcoming culture and suitable weather conditions. Transportation is cheap and has good internet speed for people who would want to live there and work remotely.

The Netherlands

The average estimate for apartment rents in the biggest cities is 1400 euros and in other lower cities is 1100 euros monthly. The earnings are high and have a very cheap feeding plan. Here is a good option to explore as a remote worker who wishes to live here.

Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, is a good shot for those who choose to live here and work remotely. Pari has beautiful places and a lovely atmosphere for vacations too. 

Salzburg, Austria

If you feel like staying in a small city, Salsburg offers this with a very cheap transportation cost.  The average apartment cost for one bedroom in Salzburg is about 650 euros per month.

Vienna, Austria

This city has a very chilly temperature and is one of the cleanest cities. The cost of living here is relatively cheap and has a good and friendly environment.

Brugge, Belgium

Brugge is a medieval town with a beautiful and cozy environment. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Brugge is about 600 euros per month and there are also high earrings in this city which makes it an explorable option for remote workers who would want to live there.

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, in Switzerland, is one of the most beautiful and richest cities in the country. It has a lively and friendly atmosphere during the winter and summer. The cost of living is quite cheap compared to the other cities. Zurich is also safe for living in. The network speed is 146.81 Mbps making it an ideal place to live and work remotely.

Basel, Switzerland

If you are a lover of beautiful arts and culture, sightseeing, and having good and pleasurable moments, Basel is a recommendable town for you. The cost of living is much cheaper than in other places in the country. Working remotely here and living here is never a bad option.

Bordeaux, France

This is another beautiful city known for its wines, luxury, and most importantly a good place for leisure. Bordeaux has a friendly and welcoming environment for visitors. The average internet speed of this city is about 264.39mbps which aids remote who would want to live in the country.

Batumi, Georgia

Batumi is a city in Georgia, known for its tourist attractions like beachside tourist hubs. For a single person living here has an estimated monthly cost of 463 united dollars per month. The transportation cost is also affordable and cheaper than that of some cities. This makes this city an ideal place for remote workers.

Kutaisi, Georgia

Kutaisi is a suitable place for those who live in a quiet environment. It is the second biggest city in Georgia. The peaceful nature makes it a comfortable place to live and work remotely.

Palma, Spain

This is another fantabulous place to work remotely, there are very high earnings and the average cost of living for a single person is estimated at 716.94 euros per month. The cost of transportation is cheap and it has a very pleasing and friendly environment.

Belfast, Ireland

According to statistics, Belfast is regarded as the third most beautiful place in the UK. It has a welcoming environment and is very conducive to both those that live there and visitors. For a single person, the estimated cost of living in a month is about 672.42 pounds sterling.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria, it is one of the largest cities with moderate climate conditions which makes it a good place of residence. The internet broadband of 33.5mpbs which has a boost to be a high-speed network and the cheap cost of living in this country makes it suitable for people who want to live in the city and work remotely.

Split, Croatia

If you consider a good environment, here is another go-to option for you. Split is good for remote workers who have to provide remote work evidence, health insurance, and a security background check before a digital nomad visa can be granted to them. The good network coverage makes it easier for remote workers to live.

Prague, Czechia

Before one can be able to work remotely here, you are required to obtain a licensed trade which can be gotten from the Czechia embassy and can take up to four months. Prague is a very affordable place to live with good network coverage which makes it more suitable for remote workers.

Milian, Spain

Milan is literally a cheap place to live and earn. There is an estimate of 950 euros including the rent for a single person. The city has beautiful architectural landmarks with fantastic weather conditions. 

Nice, France

Nice is a city in France that has an estimated cost of living for a single person of about 923.85 euros, as the name implies, it is a nice and beautiful place to live and it is known for its fabulous and cool beaches. It is not a bad option to explore if you want to live there and work remotely.

Moscow, Russia

According to statistics reviewed in 2022, Moscow was one of the top cities with high rankings. It is a beautiful place to live and work remotely based on the cheap cost of living. A single person is estimated to spend 46,368 RUB.the fast internet coverage is a good idea for people who want to work remotely and live there.

Kaunas, Lithuania

If you are not a fan of tourist attractions, Kaunas may be considered a good place to live for you. Because of fewer tourist attractions in the country, this makes it a very affordable place to live in. They also boost a good wifi internet coverage at 15.40mbps. The transportation cost in this city is also cheap.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb proves to be a great spot suitable for remote workers in comparison to other major cities in the European Union. Croatia allows non-EU citizens to work remotely and also reside in Croatia tax-free. The only caveat is that the maximum duration is 365days and the visa is non-renewable. Statistics show that the basic total monthly expense of living in Zagreb, Croatia is 1,300 USD.

Riga, Latvia

Riga is ranked within the top 4% in the list of the world’s best places to reside in. It is also ranked the number one city to reside in Latvia with a moderate climate condition.

 Statistics show that the basic monthly expenses of one person living in Riga are $967  with rent and $498 without rent. This makes Riga one of the most affordable places for those looking to explore destinations that favor remote work.

Athens, Greece

Statistics show that the average cost of living in Athens in 1059 is considerably higher than the world’s average cost of living. Although the internet speed in Greece is quite slow, Greece is currently ranked 31st out of a total of 138 countries in terms of mobile data speed. But not to worry, in November 2021, the Greek government promised to put infrastructure in place to increase internet speeds in the hopes of attracting remote workers.

Santorini Greece

 The average cost of living in Santorini is currently pegged at $1,010. This is a great figure as it is close to the world’s average cost of living. Santorini also ranks within the top 70% of the list of the best places to live in the world. According to statistics from remote workers, the internet speed in Santorini is considered an ideal destination for remote workers.

Warsaw, Poland

The average cost of living in Warsaw is $ 1046, this is considerably close to the world’s average cost of living. Warsaw is eclectic, blending a mixture of great green scenery, historic architecture, and a great modern ambiance. Statistics show that the average download speed in Poland is 92.6mpbs, which is faster than was available in the previous year.

Istanbul, Turkey

The average cost of living in Istanbul is pegged at $644, which is great as it is within the top 23% of the least expensive cities in the world. Currently, Turkey's internet speed has increased by 65% within the last year, this is made possible by government intervention in improving the country’s infrastructure.

Tenerife, Spain

According to statistics, the average cost of living for people who work remotely in Tenerife is $2,409 per month. Generally, Tenerife is a considerable place to live and work remotely as it favors remote workers with great internet speed in all areas.

Tartu

Tartu is a beautiful place to live in with good weather conditions, according to statistics, it is one of the less expensive areas to live in. The cost of living for a single person is estimated at 729€. There is also good network coverage that can aid remote working.

Hanover, Germany

Hanover is another go-to option for anyone who would like to live in Europe and work remotely. The cost of living for a single person is about 827€ per month without the rent. But regarding its peaceful nature and good internet coverage, it is recommended for remote workers.

Dortmund, Germany

Dortmund is popular for its culture, traditions, and opportunities for gainful employment. Statistics peg the average cost of living in Dortmund for a single person as $ 1,385. Speed test results reveal an average of 7.16mbps download and 3.12mbps upload.

In conclusion, there is no doubt to recommend Europe is a suitable place for remote workers because it comprises everything that makes livelihood suitable. Lifestyle, food, tourism, nature, and standard of living can be found in Europe.