The best cities to move to in Europe for British expats in 2026

A vibrant European city street with people walking and cycling, representing the best cities to move to in Europe for UK expats

For many Brits, moving abroad is no longer just a dream but a practical solution. After years of rising costs in the UK, long NHS waiting lists, and the realities of Brexit travel restrictions, life on the continent can look incredibly appealing. But here’s the hard truth: choosing the “best city” to move to in Europe isn’t about finding a single winner.

The best option for a young professional won’t be the same as for a retiree with a pension, or a family looking for stability and good schools. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. By analysing cost of living, quality of life rankings, healthcare systems, and expat communities, we’ve built a clear picture of where British movers are most likely to thrive in 2026.

So, whether you’re drawn to Lisbon’s café culture, Vienna’s safety, or Berlin’s job market, here’s everything you need to know about the best European cities to call home.

The best European cities to move to in 2026

If you just want the highlights, here’s the short version. The “best” city depends on what you’re looking for. We’ve matched different lifestyles and budgets with the cities where Brits are thriving right now. Below are 2026’s top choices for different expat profiles:

  • For digital nomads: Lisbon, Portugal – Sunshine, strong Wi-Fi, tax perks, and one of Europe’s most welcoming expat scenes. Expect to live well on around £1,600–£1,800 a month.

  • For budget retirees: Valencia, Spain – Affordable housing, great food, and a calm, walkable lifestyle by the sea. Most retirees spend £1,250–£1,400 a month here.

  • For career professionals: Berlin, Germany – A huge job market, plenty of English-speaking opportunities, and a diverse expat community. Monthly costs usually sit between £1,900–£2,300.

  • For families: Vienna, Austria – Safe, clean, packed with green spaces, and home to some of the best schools and healthcare in Europe. Living costs for a family are higher, but still offer strong value. Expect £2,400–£2,800/month for a family.

  • For first-time movers: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Everyone speaks English, public transport is superb, and integration is smoother than in many capitals. Around £2,200–£2,500 a month for a single.

These figures reflect 2026 Numbeo and ECA International averages, converted to GBP.

Best value vs best budget: where your pound goes further

When Brits talk about moving to Europe, affordability is usually the first concern. London and the South East have some of the highest living costs in Europe, so cities where rent, utilities, and groceries come in lower can feel like a lifeline.

Affordable but high-quality cities

  • Sofia, Bulgaria – A capital where a one-bedroom flat rents for £400–£450, with total monthly living costs of around £850. The flat 10% income tax makes it attractive to freelancers and entrepreneurs.

  • Krakow, Poland – With a historic centre, English-speaking communities, and monthly living under £950, it’s increasingly popular with expats seeking value.

  • Valencia, Spain – Families love it here. Affordable housing, year-round sunshine, excellent public transport, and strong healthcare access make it one of Europe’s most liveable mid-sized cities.

  • Budapest, Hungary – Stunning architecture and a buzzing social scene, with average monthly costs around £1,100 for a single person.

  • Porto, Portugal – Slightly cheaper than Lisbon but equally rich in culture, wine, and access to healthcare.

In 2026, these destinations combine lower rent with safety, infrastructure, and cultural richness – key factors in their high expat satisfaction scores.

Group of friends and expats enjoying drinks together in a European café, reflecting the social lifestyle in the best cities to move to in Europe.

The tax-smart move: lowest taxes, highest salaries

Post-Brexit, many British professionals are thinking strategically about tax efficiency. Countries like Portugal, Cyprus, and Bulgaria have introduced special expat-friendly tax regimes to attract skilled workers and retirees.

  • Lisbon (Portugal) – The old NHR scheme ended, replaced by “NHR 2.0” (IFICI/TISRI). It offers a flat 20% tax rate on certain professional income for 10 years.

  • Sofia (Bulgaria) – Europe’s lowest personal income tax at 10%. While it lacks Lisbon’s glamour, the savings potential is huge.

  • Prague (Czech Republic) – With a 15% flat rate and strong demand for tech talent, Prague has become a magnet for software engineers and digital workers.

  • Nicosia (Cyprus) – A 50% tax exemption for foreign workers earning above a threshold, plus widespread English usage, makes it attractive for professionals.

For high earners, these regimes can save thousands annually compared to the UK’s tax rates, especially when paired with lower living costs.

Moving with family: safety, schools and sanity

If you’re relocating with children, priorities shift. You’ll want a city that offers not only affordable housing but also excellent schools, low crime, accessible healthcare, and family-friendly infrastructure.

Family-friendly cities

  • Vienna, Austria – Consistently ranked the world’s most liveable city. It offers green parks, reliable public services, and high-quality healthcare.

  • Zurich, Switzerland – Expensive but unrivalled for safety and international schools. Ideal for families with high earning power.

  • Copenhagen, Denmark – Known for its eco-conscious design, safe cycling routes, and emphasis on child-friendly spaces.

  • Munich, Germany – A balance of excellent bilingual schooling and family-friendly public transport.

Education costs

International school fees in 2026 average £13,000–£19,000/year, but public schooling in many EU countries remains free and high-quality – a major draw for relocating families.

Family loading boxes into removals van for international move with Total Moving Solutions

The retirement dream: sun, support and healthcare

Retirees make up a large share of Brits moving abroad. The draw? A warmer climate, slower pace, and more affordable living costs, paired with solid healthcare.

Best cities for retirement

  • Valencia, Spain – Flat living, seaside walks, excellent healthcare, and an affordable lifestyle.

  • Faro, Portugal – A quieter Algarve option with international hospitals and a thriving retiree community.

  • Nice, France – Stunning Mediterranean coastline with first-class medical care (though pricier).

  • Paphos, Cyprus – A tax-friendly choice with English widely spoken.

Healthcare costs in 2026

  • Portugal: £70–£85/month private cover

  • Spain: £120–£200/month

  • France: £55–£130/month

  • Cyprus: £250–£350/month

The UK S1 pensioner scheme still applies, allowing retirees to access state healthcare in the EU.
The UK state pension rose by 4.7% in April 2026, improving affordability abroad.

Lifestyle and culture: finding the right fit

Beyond cost and paperwork, lifestyle is often the deciding factor. Do you want year-round sunshine? A buzzing nightlife? Or a quiet cultural hub with museums and green spaces?

  • For beach lovers: Valencia, Lisbon, and the Algarve offer warm weather and Mediterranean living.

  • For culture: Vienna, Paris, and Florence deliver world-class art, music, and history.

  • For outdoor enthusiasts: Chamonix, Interlaken, and Ljubljana provide skiing, hiking, and easy access to nature.

  • For digital nomads: Berlin, Lisbon, and Barcelona combine coworking hubs with great nightlife and international communities.

Matching your personality with the city’s “vibe” is crucial. A retiree who thrives in Faro may feel lost in Berlin, while a young professional may crave the opportunities only Amsterdam or Munich can offer.

Family with children unloading boxes from a removals van outside their new home after a long-distance move.

Post-Brexit realities: visas and logistics in 2026

Since Brexit, UK citizens planning to live in Europe need to navigate updated Schengen visa rules, residence permits, and income thresholds. The process is clearer in 2026, but still requires early planning and attention to detail.

Short stays (under 90 days):

UK citizens can travel visa-free within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The long-awaited ETIAS travel authorisation — originally expected in 2025 — has been delayed until late 2026, so no additional paperwork is required yet for short visits.

Long stays (over 90 days):

If you’re moving for work, retirement, or long-term residence, you’ll need to apply for the right visa and meet financial and healthcare requirements. The most popular options for Brits include:

  • Portugal’s D7 visa – for remote workers and retirees with a minimum income of around €870 per month (single applicants).

  • Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa – for those with passive income of at least €2,400 per month, plus €600 per dependent.

  • Digital Nomad Visas – now active in Spain, Greece, and Italy, allowing remote workers to live and work legally for one to two years.

Typical 2026 relocation costs

  • Visa and residency fees: £100–£600+

  • International shipping: £600–£1,500 (small moves) / £2,000–£5,000 (family moves)

  • Private healthcare: £900–£2,500 per year

  • Initial housing costs: first month’s rent, deposit, and utilities setup – £1,500–£3,000

  • Currency transfer and banking fees: vary by provider; using an FX specialist can cut costs by 2–3%

These figures vary by destination, but early budgeting makes a huge difference – especially for families or retirees managing fixed incomes.

This is where choosing the right partner matters. If you want a deeper breakdown of the process – from paperwork and planning to costs, logistics, and settling in abroad – check out our complete guide to moving overseas from the UK.

How Total Moving Solutions makes it easy

Relocating abroad isn’t just about picking a city. It’s about making the logistics smooth so your move doesn’t turn into a stressful experience. That’s where we come in.

  • Fully managed removals – from packing in the UK to unpacking abroad

  • Customs and paperwork support – no headaches over forms and declarations

  • Flexible shipping options – part-load (groupage) for budget movers, or dedicated services for larger families

  • Storage solutions – short-term and long-term options available across Europe

  • MoveProtect – enhanced cover for your belongings, giving you peace of mind

  • Trusted MoveAssured-accredited partners – ensuring your belongings are always in safe, professional hands

With years of experience moving Brits across Europe, we handle the details so you can focus on starting your new life.

Request your free 2026 moving quote today or talk to one of our experienced move managers to start planning your move to Europe with confidence.