The Cost of Living in the Top 5 Best EU Countries in 2026: Monthly Budget and Expenses

Switzerland, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Ireland, and Luxembourg top the ranking of the best countries in Europe to live in 2026. Find out how much it costs to live in each of them each month and what makes these countries attractive for relocation

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Europe has long been associated with a high quality of life, well-developed infrastructure, and robust social systems. But how much does it actually cost to live in the continent’s best countries? The publication Rankingroyals has compiled a ranking of the leading EU countries by quality of life in 2026 and calculated the actual monthly expenses for a single person and a family. Let’s take a look at the top five.

Read also: Europe’s richest and poorest countries — new Eurostat data.

1. Switzerland: $3,186 per month — the price of a first-class life

Switzerland tops the ranking and remains the benchmark for quality of life in Europe. The country offers stable politics, a strong economy, impeccable infrastructure, and nature that’s literally right on your doorstep: every major city is surrounded by hiking trails, ski slopes, and lakes — and for locals, this is just everyday life, not a tourist attraction.

The healthcare system operates efficiently: scheduling a doctor’s appointment is straightforward, with no red tape or unnecessary paperwork. Direct democracy allows citizens to vote on laws several times a year. The workweek is 42 hours, annual leave ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, and leaving work on time is considered the norm, not the exception.

Monthly expenses (1 person, including rent):

● Total: 3,000–3,500 Swiss francs ($3,186–3,720);

● Housing in Zurich/Geneva: 1,500–2,000 francs ($1,600–2,100) for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center; 1,000–1,400 francs ($1,060–1,480) in smaller cities;

● Mandatory health insurance: 300–500 francs ($320–530) per month — required by law with no exceptions, annual deductible of 300–2,500 francs;

● Groceries: 600–900 francs ($640–960);

● Eating out: 25–35 francs ($27–37) for a standard meal; 50–75 francs ($53–80) at a mid-range restaurant;

● Public transportation: monthly pass 70–85 francs ($74–90);

● Coffee at a café: 4–5 francs ($4.25–5.30) for an espresso.

2. Denmark: $2,320 per month — happiness as a way of life

Denmark consistently ranks among the top three happiest countries in the world — and it’s no coincidence. The country offers universal healthcare, free education from preschool through graduate school, and subsidized childcare, which often costs nothing at all for low-income families.

The cultural philosophy of hygge is intangible yet palpable: it is a cozy sense of contentment, togetherness, and tranquility that permeates daily life and serves as the psychological foundation of well-being.

Monthly budget:

● Single person: 2,140 euros / 15,500 Danish kroner ($2,320), including rent;

● Family of four: 5,855 euros / 43,000 Danish kroner ($6,350), including rent;

● Average salary: 50,000 Danish kroner ($6,900 per month) — 271% more than a single person’s expenses.

3. Liechtenstein: $2,491 per month — Alpine exclusivity across 160 km²

This tiny country between Switzerland and Austria, covering just 160 square kilometers, surprises not with its size but with its quality of life. With 38,000 residents, it offers a genuine sense of community where the poverty rate is virtually zero, and the ruling prince invites the entire population to a celebration at the castle every year.

Liechtenstein combines Swiss efficiency with Austrian charm — and at the same time remains one of the most expensive places to live in Europe.

Monthly budget:

● Total: $2,491–2,800 (CHF 2,350–2,650);

● Housing: 1,500–2,500 francs ($1,600–2,650) for a one-bedroom apartment;

● Cost of living compared to Europe: 56% higher than the French average;

● Food: 800–1,200 francs ($850–1,280) per month;

● Healthcare: 250–450 francs ($265–475) — mandatory system based on the Swiss model;

● Transportation: virtually no public transportation — a car is a must; gasoline 1.60–1.80 francs/liter;

● Average salary: starting at 7,000 francs ($7,425); professionals — 10,000–15,000 francs ($10,600–15,900).

If you plan to move to Liechtenstein or any other country on this list in your own car, you should purchase a road vignette for the relevant country in advance—you can conveniently do this online via the Visit Ukraine platform.

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4. Ireland: $3,145–3,795 per month — a tech hub with an affordable housing crisis

Ireland — the only English-speaking country in the EU and the de facto European headquarters for Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Amazon. This opens up exceptional career opportunities, especially in technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals.

At the same time, a chronic housing shortage and skyrocketing rents are creating an affordability crisis — and it’s hitting both entry-level workers and professionals with six-figure incomes. Monthly budget (Dublin): €2,900–3,500 ($3,145–3,795), including rent.

Rent by city:

● Dublin (1 bedroom): €2,540 ($2,755) — a 5.8% increase over the year;

● Cork: €2,213 ($2,400) — a 13.6% increase;

● Limerick: €2,405 ($2,610) — the sharpest increase in the country: +20.4%;

● Galway: €1,200–1,470 ($1,300–1,595);

● Rural areas: average rent €1,645 ($1,785);

● Buying a home in Dublin: average price €700,000 ($759,000).

5. Luxembourg: $4,680 per month — Europe’s richest country per capita

Luxembourg — the continent’s richest country by GDP per capita and one of the smallest in terms of area. Medieval fortresses stand side by side with financial towers here, and the 48% foreign population creates a truly international environment where French, German, Luxembourgish, and English are the languages of daily communication.

Luxembourg is home to the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and over 140 banks — offering corresponding career opportunities. And since 2020, the country has become the first in the world where public transportation is completely free nationwide.

Monthly budget:

● Single person: €4,318 ($4,680);

● Family of four: €6,415 ($6,950);

● Housing allowance: 87% higher than the EU average;

● Average salary: €7,000+ ($7,590+); professionals — €10,000–15,000 ($10,840–16,265);

● Minimum wage: €2,571 ($2,788) per month.

We remind you! A new international ranking has identified the countries with the highest purchasing power in 2026. Read about where residents can afford more after covering basic expenses and why high salaries don’t always mean a comfortable life.

Photo: Freepik

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