7 Best Cities to Live in Europe as an Expat (2025)

1. Zurich, Switzerland.
Although famously expensive, Zurich is regarded as one of the best places to live in Europe year after year. It's not just me who thinks this city is great but the European Union itself, even though Switzerland isn't even part of the club. If you can afford living in Zurich, likely by working in-person in finance or tech, you'll be rewarded with a fantastic lifestyle. Although Zurich is surrounded by some of the best nature in the world, it's not quite as touristy as other destinations in the region. While you'll likely enjoy a similar lifestyle in other Swiss cities, Zurich offers the most job opportunities and the biggest expat hub to help you settle in and make friends. Many international companies have hubs here and getting a job is the best way to get your foot in the door.

2. Trieste, Italy.
Although an Italian city, Trieste is uniquely its own. Located in Northern Italy in the lesser-known Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region, this city sits right on the Adriatic Sea and the border with Slovenia, so much so that when zooming in a map you'll be surprised that it's actually part of Italy and not Slovenia itself. Trieste has a history unlike anywhere else in Italy which makes it feel super different than other Italian cities you might visit while living here. This blend of cultural diversity has made it a lot of fun. We of course get to enjoy aperitivos, the perfect cappuccinos, and fantastic food but all with a twist. Although most people initially think of moving to Florence, Rome, or Milan, if you're like me and prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, less tourists, and easier access to nature, you'll love Trieste, too.

3. Cádiz, Spain.
Cádiz was recommended to us at A Way Abroad from Meredith, an American who has spent nearly the last decade living all around Spain. The moment she settled into Cádiz, she knew she found her paradise. While I haven't yet been here, I have fallen in love with nearby Sevilla so can understand the pull of Andalusia and the appreciation of a sea breeze to cool down the hot summer days. The Cádiz province is part of Andalusia, the southern region of the country, therefore the warmest of other points in the region. And unlike other Spanish cities, the name Cádiz doesn't exist in other colonized countries/territories in South America. This fact makes it all the more delicious to have called it home. The architectural wonders, the lengthy paseo, scattered parks, and the sea all bid for the top spot of what to see and experience when living here. With so many things to see and do in Cádiz, you won't quickly grow bored here. When you first arrive, I'd advise checking out the tourist hotspots and giving yourself some time to ease in. After a few weeks, you'll soon be discovering the quaint spots that make this place feel like home.

4. Toulouse, France.
Toulouse and the surrounding area of southern France is an absolute gem. Most people think of the South of France as only Nice and the surrounding beach towns but if you head closer to the Spanish borders, a lot of great options await. While Narbonne is a cool choice for those that prefer to be closer to the sea, Toulouse is a bigger city with more job opportunities or the chance to study at a renowned university. A big hurdle you will have to deal with when trying to move to Toulouse is the housing market, especially if you work remotely. It’s a popular student city, and the rental laws in France are highly weighted towards the tenant. Therefore, landlords are extremely careful when choosing a candidate. You'll want to be persistent and have all documents in order before you move to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
Toulouse offers a fantastic location where you can enjoy both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains on weekends away. Just know to truly immerse yourself and get all the benefits of the rich cultural life Toulouse offers, you will want to know at least basic French.

‍5. Porto, Portugal.
In general, Portugal is a really great country to consider moving abroad to. Not only does it have some of the best visa options to get your foot in the door, it also has one of the quickest pathways to citizenship. Although many expats choose Lisbon or one of the numerous beach towns in the south, Porto is a great option for people looking for city amenities with a more laid-back environment. Porto is particularly famous for their ceramics so you'll be rewarded with stunning buildings all clad in different colored tiles. Although not directly on the ocean, it's right near it and offers easy access to explore the more wild northern part of the country.
A great thing about living in Porto is that it's popular. That means a big expat community, plenty of English speakers around, and a lot of events and ways to make friends. On the other hand though, that does mean more tourists and a harder gap to bridge when trying to integrate and make local friends. Know that just like in Italy, the job market isn't great in Portugal. While there are some opportunities for foreigners to find a job that'll sponsor your visa, the best bet to comfortably move to Portugal is with a remote job or plenty of savings.

6. Gdańsk, Poland.
If you don't mind the cold, you might just love living in Poland. In my opinion, Poland has done a fantastic job mixing old with the new. Although they had to rebuild the old town in Gdańsk after WWII, they did it to scale, making it just as it was before. Alongside this charming historic center though, you'll find modern amenities to match current tech (and sometimes far ahead other places in Europe). The public transportation system is great and there's a lot of green spaces and public beaches to enjoy. Of course, living so far north isn't for everyone. The wind from the Baltic Sea can get brutal and your winters will be long. If you don't mind the cold though, there are a lot of pros to help you through. The quality of life is said to be high here and it's usually regarded as a very family-friendly city.

‍7. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina, a country that's often overlooked for more well-known European destinations. But, if you're someone that prefers to get off the beaten path, you'll likely love living here. Although in the heart of the Balkans, Sarajevo feels uniquely its own. The grim recent history coupled with a plethora of religions and a stunning natural landscape make it unlike anywhere I've ever been before. The combination of small-town feel and friendly locals made it easy to settle in and fully enjoy our time spent here. A lot of what I know about true day-to-day life as an expat comes from Kathi, a German I befriended who has called the city home for 4 years and counting. Sarajevo is a great city for nature lovers. While most options on this list are a short drive from outdoor adventures, Sarajevo is in it. Right from the city center you can hike up Trebevic or any of the surrounding hills without the need of a car. And just a short drive away are 2 ski resorts for winter adventures. Compared to a lot of European capital cities, Sarajevo is one of the more affordable.