European Remote Worker Index

The best, worst, and cheapest locations in Europe to work remotely

The pandemic made us adapt our way of life, including how we work. Many businesses realised that 100% remote work is doable and results in happier, more productive employees. This has opened up possibilities we didn’t have before – not just working from home but from anywhere in the world.

With more people embracing remote working abroad, we have determined the best, worst, and cheapest locations in Europe to work remotely. We analysed factors like Wi-Fi speed, cost of an apartment, cost of electricity, safety within the country, and general cost of living. We then used a weighted rank to determine an overall remote worker score out of 100.

Cheapest European cities for remote working

1. Tuzla

Located in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tuzla is named the cheapest location to live as a remote worker, scoring an impressive 76.29 out of 100. A meal in this European city would only cost £3.52! A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost £177.25 per month and £134.48 outside the city centre. For an 85m2 apartment, basic bills like electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage would cost £132.39 per month, and Wi-Fi would cost £16.50.

2. Oradea

Oradea, a city in northwestern Romania, is another affordable location to work from, scoring 72.93 out of 100. Accommodation costs between £175.17 and £259.87 per month, depending on whether you fancy staying in the city centre or just outside. In your new home, utility bills would only add another £92.42 to your total cost, and a meal in the city would only cost £6.10!

3. Craiova

Situated in southwestern Romania, Craiova is our third-cheapest European city for remote working, scoring 70.60 out of 100. Eating out in Craiova would only cost £4.33 – perfect for sampling the local cuisine!

A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would set you back £259.87 per month. If you wanted something even cheaper, you could opt for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city for £181.73 per month, with basic bills totalling £146.30.

4. Plovdiv

Plovdiv in Bulgaria is our fourth-cheapest European city, scoring 66.60 out of 100. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost £272.17 per month or £197.01 outside the city. Basic bills would total £65.39, and internet would be £10.66. A meal out would cost £6.61!

5. Iasi

Iasi, another city in northeastern Romania, scores 65.21 and ranks fifth in our European Remote Worker Index. A meal in this city would only cost £6.05. A one-bedroom apartment in the city would be £310.71 per month; it would be £197.01 outside the city. Your basic bills in Iasi would come to £6.43 – perfect for Zoom calls.

Infographic of the top ten most expensive European cities for remote working

Top five most expensive European cities for remote working

1. Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich ranks as the most expensive city for remote working, scoring 13.54. A meal in this city would cost £22.29 on average. Regarding living costs, a city centre apartment would set you back £2,197.73, utility bills come to £255.65, and internet costs are £50.22.

2. London

The capital city of England, London, is the second most expensive city for remote working – with a score of 14.56. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant would cost £20. A one-bedroom apartment would cost £2,082.94, whilst utility bills would cost you £316.37 and internet costs £32.25.

3. Lausanne

Another city in Switzerland makes the top three, Lausanne, which scores 15.01 in the study. A meal out would cost £22.32. A one-bedroom apartment would set you back £1,430.40, and the bills would cost £264.58 (utility) and £47.55 (internet).

4. Geneva

Five cities in Switzerland made the study, and Geneva took fourth place with a score of 15.56. A meal out would cost £23.23. When it comes to living costs, a one-bedroom apartment would cost £1,844.64, utility bills cost £181.23, and internet costs £49.05.

5. Dublin

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, makes the top five – with a score of 16.39. A meal in Dublin would cost you £17.08 on average. If you wanted to move here, a one-bedroom apartment would cost £1,659.69, utility bills come to £212.10, and internet costs £44.07.