The best cities to move to in Europe for British expats in 2025

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 2025.

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.

Quick answer: the best European cities to move to in 2025

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:

  • 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 £1,500–£1,650 a month.

  • For budget retirees: Valencia, Spain – Affordable housing, great food, and a calm, walkable lifestyle by the sea. Most retirees spend £1,150–£1,350 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 £1,700–£2,100.

  • 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.

  • For first-time movers: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Everyone speaks English, public transport is superb, and integration is smoother than in many capitals. Around £1,900–£2,300 a month for a single.

These figures are based on 2025 cost of living surveys, converted into 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 £350–£400, with total monthly living costs of around £750. 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 £900, 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 £1,000 for a single person.

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

What makes these cities stand out is not just cost. They balance safety, transport infrastructure, healthcare access, and cultural life, which is why they consistently rank high in expat satisfaction surveys.

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) – Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0) scheme allows new arrivals to benefit from a flat 20% tax on certain income for 10 years. Combined with sunshine and an active expat scene, it’s one of Europe’s top relocation destinations.

  • 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.

International schools can be expensive – averaging £8,500–£18,000 a year – but local schooling in many EU countries is free and of a high standard. Families moving to Europe often find themselves with a higher quality of education than in the UK.

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 is a critical consideration. In Portugal, retirees can expect to pay around £1,200–£1,800 annually for private health insurance, while in Spain it ranges from £1,500–£2,300. These figures are far lower than private cover in the UK, making them manageable for many on a pension.

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

Since Brexit, UK citizens need to navigate Schengen visa rules, residence permits, and income requirements.

  • Short stays: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, UK citizens need an ETIAS waiver (rolling out in 2025).

  • Long stays: Residency permits are required, with proof of income and healthcare. Portugal’s D7 visa and Spain’s non-lucrative visa are among the most popular for Brits.

Costs to plan for

  • Visa/residency fees: £100–£600+

  • International shipping: £1,200–£3,500 (depending on load)

  • Currency transfer and banking fees

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

  • First-month costs (deposit, agency fees, utilities set-up)

This is where choosing the right partner matters.

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