A Spacest.com guide on where to rent in Europe
Europe offers a wide range of options for those looking to rent a home, with cities that cater to all tastes and budgets.
If you are looking for a place where living costs are low but quality remains high, there are several cities that might be perfect for you.
Thanks to data provided by Immobiliare.it, we can explore which European cities are the most sought after and accessible for young people who wish to live in Europe.
Here is a detailed overview of the most popular cities and those with the most affordable rent, based on recent statistics from students and young professionals looking for accommodation.
In this article from Spacest.com, we will explore some of the best cities to find a home in Europe, including Barcelona, Paris, and Berlin, and discover other cities that offer excellent opportunities for tenants.
Favorite European Cities among young Expats
According to the latest report from Immobiliare.it, the cities that dominate the choice of young expats for moving abroad include:
These metropolises not only offer rich cultural and professional opportunities but also remain at the top of preferences for their quality of life and career possibilities.
Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia confirms itself as the most popular destination, with 8.2% of users looking for accommodation in the vibrant Catalan city.
Attractive for its Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle, Barcelona is also a dynamic hub for job opportunities, especially in the creative and technology sectors.
Check out all the listings of rooms and flats to rent in Barcelona.
Paris
Rising from fourth to second place compared to the previous year, it captures 7.9% of preferences, with a 29.4% increase in rental demand.
The French capital continues to attract for its undeniable appeal in the world of fashion, art, and culture.
Check out all the listings of rooms and flats to rent in Paris.
Berlin
Berlin, with 6.8%, stands out for its music and startup scene, offering a stimulating environment for young professionals and artists.
A cosmopolitan city, at the forefront in many areas and with not excessively high living costs, Berlin attracts thousands of expats every year.
Check out all the listings of rooms and flats to rent in Berlin.
Living in Europe: rental costs
Although these cities offer numerous opportunities, it is essential to also consider the cost of living, particularly the price of rent.
In Paris, for example, rental prices have increased by 3.7% in the last year, with rooms now averaging 720 euros, studios at 1.350 euros, and two-bedroom apartments at 1.880 euros.
Madrid, despite growing interest that positions it above London, has average prices for two-bedroom apartments at 1.350 euros, studios at 950 euros, and private rooms at 560 euros.
Living in Europe: considerations among less Sought-After Cities
Despite the big cities attracting more attention, it is interesting to note that cities like Vienna, Brussels, and Munich also show significant market dynamics.
Vienna, for example, offers studios at 881 euros per month, the most affordable price among the listed cities, while Lisbon, despite being the last in the ranking, has seen the highest annual increase in rental prices, at 33% for private rooms.
Moreover, in recent years, other cities previously considered “minor” are increasingly gaining popularity among young expats:
Porto, a Gem of Portugal
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal – discover it in our guide The Best Cities to Live in Portugal – is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent wine.
A rental apartment in downtown Porto can cost between 650 and 850 euros per month, while in the suburbs, prices drop significantly, ranging between 450 and 600 euros.
If you want to delve deeper into Porto and its wonders, check out our guide Living in Porto.
Valencia, Spain, the City of Sciences
Valencia combines the charm of its beaches, a wonderful climate almost all year round, and a cost of living that is still manageable compared to other Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
In the city center, rents for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Valencia range from 700 to 900 euros, but moving just outside the center, prices can drop to 500-700 euros.
If you are fascinated by Spain, you might be interested in our guide The Best Cities to Live in Spain.
Discover Valencia in our special article Living in Valencia for Expats.
Bologna, Italy’s Premier University City
Bologna, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, is one of the most popular destinations to live in Europe for students, young professionals, and expats.
Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Alma Mater Studiorum, the Emilian capital offers an excellent balance between cultural and artistic offerings and the cost of living.
Despite the rent increases over the last two years, Bologna remains a preferred destination for many: discover it better in our articles Living in Bologna: The Complete Guide and Renting a House in Bologna.
In Conclusion
For young expats considering the opportunity to move abroad, it is crucial to carefully evaluate not only the cultural and professional opportunities but also the cost of rent and quality of life.
Cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Berlin offer an intriguing mix of urban life and professionalism, while it is always useful to explore options in cities with a lower cost of living to maximize your budget.
In any case, with proper planning, moving abroad can become an enriching and formative experience.