🏡How I Made My Life Easier with Affordable Living in Europe

Starting Fresh in Europe

A few years ago, I felt stuck. I was working hard, paying my bills, but not really enjoying life. My city apartment was small but expensive. Weekends went by in a blur of errands and screen time. I needed a change not to become a minimalist, but to live better with what I had.

So, I made a decision. I moved to Europe not as a backpacker, and not as a millionaire but as a regular person looking for balance. Today, I live in a quiet, beautiful part of southern Spain. My life is simpler, calmer, and surprisingly more affordable without giving up comfort.

Here’s how I did it.

Choosing a Less Touristy Area

Big cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Zurich are exciting but they come with high costs. Instead of going to capital cities, I looked for mid-sized towns with charm, culture, and lower rent. I settled in a university town near Valencia. It has cafes, bike lanes, public transport, and a strong expat community.

I found a spacious, modern two-bedroom apartment with a balcony and lots of light for about €700/month. That’s nearly half of what I used to pay in London for a studio.

✅ Smart tip: Look for mid-sized cities or outer areas of major hubs. You still get good infrastructure without sky-high prices.

Cooking at Home, Dining Out on Weekends

I didn’t stop eating out but I became smarter about it. I now cook simple meals during the week: fresh salads, pasta with local veggies, homemade soups. I buy local produce from the market, and fresh fish once or twice a week. It’s healthy and affordable.

But on weekends, I enjoy a nice dinner out maybe paella by the beach or a quiet evening at a rooftop restaurant. It feels like a treat, not a routine.

✅ Smart tip: Save money during the week, and enjoy quality experiences on the weekend. You get both health and happiness.

Using Public Transport—and Enjoying the Ride

I sold my car before I moved. Now, I use public transport for daily errands and take the train for weekend getaways. The tram here is clean, quiet, and runs on time. When I need a car for special occasions, I use car-sharing services or rentals.

This saved me hundreds of euros every month no insurance, no repairs, no fuel worries. Plus, walking more keeps me healthy and in touch with the community.

✅ Smart tip: Ditch the car if your city has good transport. You’ll save more than you think without losing convenience.

Enjoying Local Culture (Without Tourist Prices)

Europe is rich in culture, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. I joined a local cinema club where I see indie films for €5. Museums often have free days. I attend live music nights at a small jazz café once a month. And the local festivals? Always free and full of life.

This way, I still feel part of the culture but I avoid overpriced tourist traps.

✅ Smart tip: Follow local event calendars, not travel brochures. That’s where the real experiences are.

Furnishing with Style on a Budget

When I moved in, I didn’t want basic or secondhand furniture only. So I mixed smart IKEA choices with vintage markets and outlet stores. I found a Scandinavian-style couch at 40% off, a handmade dining table at a weekend fair, and art prints from a local artist.

My apartment feels cozy, stylish, and personal without luxury price tags.

✅ Smart tip: Focus on fewer quality items. Mix affordability with taste.

Keeping a Balance Between Work and Life

Working remotely gave me freedom, but I also needed structure. I created a small home office space with a good chair, natural light, and fast internet. I start work at 9 and finish by 5. Evenings are for walks, local wine, or books.

This structure keeps me productive but not burnt out. And in many parts of Europe, a slower pace is respected it’s part of the culture.

✅ Smart tip: Design your routine intentionally. You’ll get more done and feel less tired.

Final Thoughts

Affordable living in Europe doesn’t mean cutting your lifestyle in half. It means choosing smarter not smaller. As a middle-class expat, I still enjoy good food, comfortable living, and cultural experiences but now, I spend wisely and live fully.

If you’re thinking of moving to Europe or just simplifying your life, remember: You don’t need to give up comfort. You just need to focus on value, location, and lifestyle balance.

Because a simpler life isn’t about having less it’s about having enough.