Whether it’s in pursuit of a new community, better weather, or a new adventure, there are many reasons people pack up their lives and become expats. And it seems like the idea of moving to a new country is more appealing than ever—and gone are the days when it was reserved for retired people. With remote work becoming a more viable option for people of all ages experiencing wanderlust in their hearts, the possibility of the expat lifestyle is now more within reach than ever.
Ever thought about moving to Europe? Who hasn’t? But the challenge would be where to move. A recent Travel Far and Wide study might have the answer, having ranked key European cities by affordability, walkability, and happiness scores.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
10. Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich secures 10th place and is the first of four Swiss cities to feature on the list. Happiness and walkability scored top marks, but the notoriously high cost of living let the city down. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment here costs $2,032.52, the most expensive of any top 10 destination. That said, the average monthly salary is a whooping $6,838.09, so pre-retirement expats should still have lots of spare change to experience all that Switzerland’s largest city offers.
9. Basel, Switzerland
The second Swiss destination to make the top 10 is Basel, often regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland. The art crowds descend on the city each year for Art Basel, and there’s no shortage of stunning architecture; marvel at the city’s intricate structures while sipping coffee on the banks of the Rhine. Rent is considerably cheaper in Basel than in Zürich at $1,268.75, although the city scored the lowest for nightlife at just two points.
8. Vienna, Austria
The only Austrian city on the list is by no means the most affordable European city for the everyday traveller, but it’s a different story for expats in Vienna. The average cost to rent a one-bed apartment is $925.93—the cheapest on the list—while the estimated monthly cost of living is $3463.33.
