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With its ancient culture, impressive security levels and great infrastructure, Europe seems to be the destination for a significant percentage of digital nomads.
Cities like Barcelona, Lisbon and Split have all become work havens in recent years.
The only downside to that? Anti-expat sentiment is growing across the Old Continent as local markets become saturated and prices skyrocket in response. So it is only logical that remote workers would focus their attention elsewhere to find cheaper, more hospitable places.
If you’re wondering which European gemstones are trending for 2025, here they are 5 top (cheap) choices taken from Nomad list‘S fastest rising list:
Timisoara, Romania
A medium-sized city in northwestern Romania that offers an alternative to overly chaotic Bucharest, Timisoara is distinguished by its stately Viennese-inspired Secessionist buildings, the eleven-domed Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Orthodox architecture, and picturesque riverside.
The pedestrian-friendly center is close to cafes and youth hostels that turn into lively bars in the evening. If you have watched with dismay as crime spirals out of control in Western Europe, Timisoara does very safe in comparisonwith a ‘very low’ level of crime Numbeo.
Plus, it’s incredibly affordable to live in, costing $1,808 per month. Romania offers some of the cheapest consumer prices anywhere on the continent, and especially in Timisoara, you can find meals for as little as $8.80 in local restaurants and monthly rental prices from $425.55.
Faro, Portugal
In the westernmost end of Europe, a often overlooked Faro is rapidly growing in popularity with nomads.
It is being replaced the usual nomadic hotspots of Lisbon and Porto, which (let’s be honest) are pretty much ready for itwhat with the astonishing increase in rent.
In Faro, on the other hand, you get the baroque cathedral, cobbled old town and pristine sandy coastline. a lot of cheaper rates – $1,987 per month versus the expensive $3,290 in Lisbon – not to mention an abundance of laptop-friendly dining options and smaller crowds.
Although it is the capital of the sun-drenched Algarve, Faro feels more like a small town where life unfolds at a much slower pace. it feels peaceful even in high seasonas all those British tourists will go to Portimão and Lagos beaches instead.
Antalya, Turkey
In Türkiye, Antalya has a minaret-studded old town surrounded by City walls from Roman times and graceful memorial arches, endless kilometers of beaches and unusually milder temperatures, making it the perfect destination for lovers of ancient culture, as well as sunbathing:
Temperatures reach 20°C as early as April and there are numerous beaches lined with casual restaurants for you to enjoy. including a trendy Konyaaltıbacked by the towering Anatolian mountains and rippling turquoise blue waters.
As for living costs, you’ll need to set aside around $1,507 per month if you move to Antalya, where dinners can cost a negligible $7.30, or a still acceptable $43.77 for a three-course meal for two, and the price of basic accommodation averages $648.86. .
Podgorica, Montenegro
In the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Podgorica is ideal for a temporary move due to its friendly locals, thriving social life and affordable prices, as well as the fact that it is outside the Schengen area, allowing nomads to stay longer than the restrictive 90 days in Europe.
Despite being the capital of Montenegro, it’s not the Montenegro you’d expect, and by that we mean it’s not an ocher-colored ancient gem bordering the teal-hued Adriatic Sea: instead, it’s known for its Ottoman-built old town, rebuilt after the Second World War. Wars, Yugoslav-era apartment buildings, and green city parks.
Like neighboring Croatia, Montenegro has become significantly expensive for nomads in recent years, especially places like Kotor and Budva, but not Podgorica, where ćevapi for lunch will cost you about $8.75, while a centrally located one-bedroom apartment will cost you $602.21.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Balkan Europe for the victory! Skopje in North Macedonia, one of the biggest draws for 2025, and also the cheapest nomad destination on this list, should definitely be on your list if medieval castles and Turkish-style bazaars are your thing – and you don’t mind the strange, idiosyncratic sculpture.
Known as the ‘Kitsch capital of Europe‘, the skyline is dominated by monumental bronze figures, from Alexander the Great to Mother Teresa, historic stone bridges and a hilltop fortress overlooking a winding river: the quintessential European postcard.
The only difference with most nomad centers across the pond? The total cost is estimated at a much lower $1,364: if you order Turkish coffee and a piece of cake in the city center, you will only pay $6.39, and rent usually starts from $360.45.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
