Cost of Living Simulator
Compare monthly expenses and find out how much you would need to earn in another country
⚠️ Estimated values for a single person in a medium-sized city. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on exact location and lifestyle.
Cost of Living Simulator — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about comparing living costs across the EU
Cost of Living Comparison Guide – EU Countries 2026
The cost of living (coût de la vie, Lebenshaltungskosten, costo della vita) varies dramatically across EU member states. Whether you are planning a relocation, negotiating a salary, or evaluating career opportunities abroad, understanding the real purchasing power of your income in each country is essential for making informed decisions.
Housing Costs Across Europe
Rent (loyer, Miete, alquiler) represents the largest expense in most EU countries. In Luxembourg, average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center exceeds €1,900/month. Amsterdam and Dublin command over €1,500/month. Paris averages €1,350 for central areas. In contrast, Bucharest averages €520 and Warsaw €700. When comparing housing costs, consider additional expenses: Nebenkosten in Germany (utilities, building maintenance), charges locatives in France, and the impact of council tax or property tax.
Groceries, Food and Daily Expenses
Monthly grocery spending (courses alimentaires, Lebensmittel, spesa alimentare) varies from €210 in Romania to €550 in Switzerland. Northern and Western European countries typically have higher food costs due to higher wages and stricter regulations. Dining out costs also differ significantly: a meal in a mid-range restaurant costs €10-15 in Portugal or Greece, versus €25-40 in Luxembourg or Switzerland. Shopping at local markets (marchés, Wochenmärkte) can reduce costs by 20-30% compared to supermarkets.
Transportation Costs
Monthly transport passes (abonnement transport, Monatskarte, abbonamento trasporti) range from €25 in Romania to €110 in Ireland. Luxembourg offers free public transport nationwide, a unique advantage in Europe. In Germany, the Deutschlandticket costs €49/month for all regional transport. France's Navigo pass costs €86.40 in Paris. Car ownership costs including fuel (carburant, Benzin), insurance (assurance auto, Kfz-Versicherung), and maintenance add significantly to monthly expenses, especially in countries with high fuel taxes.
Understanding the Cost of Living Index
The cost of living index compares expenses relative to a baseline (typically set at 100). Switzerland leads with an index around 135, Luxembourg at 105, Ireland at 90. Eastern EU countries like Romania (42) and Poland (46) offer significantly lower costs. However, a lower index does not always mean better purchasing power – salaries must be considered alongside costs. The purchasing power parity (parité de pouvoir d'achat, Kaufkraftparität) provides a more accurate comparison by factoring in local income levels.
Salary Adjustment Calculator
When relocating, calculate the salary needed to maintain your current lifestyle. A €3,000 net salary in Lisbon provides similar purchasing power to approximately €4,500 in Luxembourg or €3,800 in Munich. Our cost of living simulator uses up-to-date 2026 data for rent, utilities (énergie, Nebenkosten), groceries, transport, and dining to calculate the exact salary needed in your destination country. This helps negotiate relocation packages and make informed decisions about international career moves.