Europe remains one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants seeking better job opportunities, social stability, and quality of life. However, not all European countries are expensive. In fact, several countries offer low living costs, affordable housing, and accessible jobs for foreigners, making them ideal starting points for immigrants.
If you are planning to move for factory work, warehouse jobs, caregiving, agriculture, or service roles, choosing an affordable country can significantly improve your financial stability. This guide explores the cheapest countries in Europe to live and work as an immigrant, comparing costs, job opportunities, and visa accessibility.
Why Cost of Living Matters for Immigrants
Many immigrants struggle not because of low wages, but because of high living expenses. Rent, transportation, food, and utilities can quickly consume income, especially in Western European capitals.
Starting in a low-cost country allows you to:
- Save more money
- Avoid debt
- Settle faster
- Support family back home
- Build work experience in Europe
Affordable countries often still offer strong worker protections and access to healthcare.
What Makes a European Country Affordable
A country is considered affordable when:
- Rent is low compared to wages
- Food and transportation are inexpensive
- Jobs are available to foreigners
- Work visas are accessible
- Daily expenses are manageable
Eastern and Southern Europe often offer the best balance of affordability and opportunity.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe and is very welcoming to immigrants.
Why Portugal is affordable:
- Low rent compared to wages
- Affordable food and transport
- Growing demand for service, factory, and care workers
- Simple residency pathways
Portugal is ideal for immigrants seeking a relaxed lifestyle and manageable expenses.
Poland
Poland has become a major destination for foreign workers due to its growing economy and low cost of living.
Advantages of living in Poland:
- Very affordable housing
- Strong demand for factory and warehouse workers
- Low transportation and food costs
- Increasing English-friendly workplaces
Poland is especially attractive for manufacturing and logistics jobs.
Romania
Romania offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.
Why immigrants choose Romania:
- Extremely low rent
- Growing industrial and agricultural sectors
- Affordable daily living costs
- Easier job competition
It is suitable for immigrants focused on saving money while gaining European work experience.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria consistently ranks as one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
Key benefits include:
- Very low housing costs
- Affordable food and utilities
- Demand for factory, agriculture, and service workers
- Simple lifestyle with low expenses
Bulgaria is ideal for immigrants on entry-level wages.
Hungary
Hungary offers affordable living and growing job opportunities in manufacturing and logistics.
Why Hungary is affordable:
- Low rent outside Budapest
- Strong factory and warehouse sector
- Low transport and food costs
Many immigrants work in industrial zones across the country.
Lithuania
Lithuania is gaining popularity among foreign workers due to its affordability and job growth.
Advantages include:
- Moderate rent
- Growing logistics and manufacturing sectors
- English-friendly workplaces
- Affordable public transport
It offers a good balance between modern infrastructure and low costs.
Latvia
Latvia is another Baltic country with low living costs and emerging job opportunities.
Why Latvia works for immigrants:
- Affordable housing
- Demand for warehouse, factory, and service workers
- Low daily expenses
Smaller cities offer even lower costs than the capital.
Slovakia
Slovakia is home to many factories and automotive plants.
Why Slovakia is affordable:
- Low rent and utilities
- Strong manufacturing job market
- Affordable transportation
It is particularly attractive for factory and assembly-line workers.
Spain (Outside Major Cities)
While Madrid and Barcelona are expensive, many other parts of Spain remain affordable.
Why Spain can be cheap:
- Low rent in smaller cities
- Strong agriculture, hospitality, and care sectors
- Affordable food and transport
Regions outside major tourist centres offer good value for immigrants.
Comparison: Western vs Eastern Europe
Western Europe generally offers higher wages but higher costs. Eastern and parts of Southern Europe offer lower wages but much lower living expenses.
For many immigrants, saving potential is higher in affordable countries, even with modest salaries.
Best Countries for Specific Jobs
For factory and warehouse jobs, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are strong options.
For caregiving and service jobs, Portugal and Spain offer good opportunities.
For agriculture and seasonal work, Bulgaria, Romania, and Spain are popular.
Visa Accessibility in Affordable European Countries
Many affordable countries have:
- Seasonal work visas
- Employer-sponsored work permits
- Shorter processing times
- Less competition than Western Europe
This makes them attractive entry points into Europe.
Tips to Save Money in Europe
Immigrants can reduce expenses by:
- Living outside capital cities
- Sharing accommodation
- Using public transport
- Buying local food
- Avoiding tourist areas
Smart planning helps maximize savings.
Common Mistakes Immigrants Make
Many immigrants focus only on high wages and ignore living costs. Others move to expensive cities without stable jobs.
Starting in an affordable country allows financial stability and easier adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest country in Europe?
Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland are among the cheapest.
Can I move to a richer country later?
Yes. Many immigrants start in affordable countries and later move within Europe.
Are jobs available in cheap countries?
Yes, especially in factories, warehouses, agriculture, and care sectors.
Final Thoughts
Choosing one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live and work as an immigrant can significantly improve your chances of success. Lower rent, affordable food, and accessible jobs make it easier to settle, save money, and plan for the future.
For many immigrants, starting in an affordable European country is the smartest first step toward long-term stability and growth.