How much do you need to earn in Europe to live without social assistance?

Currently, many European countries are discussing the reduction or even termination of social benefits for Ukrainians. Find out how much you need to earn in the largest European countries to maintain a comfortable standard of living without government payments

Legal counselling on migration issues

GET

The cost of living can vary greatly between different regions of Europe and even between different countries in the same region. In this article, we have calculated the cost of living in the top 8 countries in different parts of Europe. Find out how much you need to earn to live comfortably in these countries without social benefits.

Northern Europe

United Kingdom

The UK attracts those who want to study and work. Undoubtedly, these two areas are among the best in Europe. At the same time, prices on the island continue to rise:

- housing costs: ≈ 2000 €

- food: ≈ 154 €

- utilities: ≈ 238 €

- transport: ≈ 119 €

- education: ≈ 1000 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

Thus, in the UK, the cost of living per month is at least €4500.

Norway

Norway attracts foreigners with its high standard of living and high-quality services. Despite the fact that prices here are among the highest in Europe, the flow of migrants is not decreasing:

- Housing costs: ≈ 1000 €

- food: ≈ 550 €

- utilities: ≈ 200 €

- transport: ≈ 80 €

- education: ≈ 800 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

In Norway, the cost of living per month starts from 3600 €.

Southern Europe

Italy

One of the southernmost countries in Europe attracts migrants with a moderate mild climate and a significant number of jobs, including those that do not require language skills. Prices here are slightly lower than in other European countries:

- housing costs: ≈ 1000 €

- food: ≈ 300 €

- utilities: ≈ 150 €

- transport: ≈ 45 €

- education: ≈ 800 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

In Italy, you should expect a minimum of €3,200.

Spain

Spain offers foreigners a mild temperate climate, opportunities for relaxation and an extraordinary cultural heritage. Affordable living costs only add to the advantages of this region of Europe:

- housing costs: ≈ 800 €

- meals: ≈ 250 €

- utilities: ≈ 140 €

- transport: ≈ 45 €

- education: ≈ 800 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

In Spain, you can live comfortably on €3000 per month.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Eastern Europe

Poland

A huge number of migrants from Ukraine have moved to Poland. Many of them have settled in this country, motivated by affordable services and low housing prices:

- housing costs: ≈ 500 €

- food: ≈ 190 €

- utilities: ≈ 120 €

- transport: ≈ 30 €

- education: ≈ 200 €

- related expenses: ≈ 500 €

In Poland, you can set up your life for €1500 per month.

Romania

Romania is a country for lovers of history and ancient legends. The rich cultural heritage and tourism opportunities are combined with another important fact - Romania has extremely affordable prices:

- Housing costs: ≈ 450 €

- food: ≈ 200 €

- utilities: ≈ 150 €

- transport: ≈ 30 €

- education: ≈ 200 €

- related expenses: ≈ 400 €

In Romania, you can make your life comfortable for €1400 per month.

Western Europe

France

France is one of the most expensive countries in the world, so a high-paying job is a must:

- housing costs: ≈ 1800 €

- food: ≈ 350 €

- utilities: ≈ 200 €

- transport: ≈ 75 €

- education: ≈ 800 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

In France, the cost of living per month is at least 4200 €.

Germany

Germany has sheltered the most Ukrainian migrants since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Currently, Ukrainian refugees receive social benefits, but they stop when a person completes basic training for migrants. Therefore, Ukrainians in Germany can expect the following prices:

- Housing costs: ≈ 1000 €

- food: ≈ 300 €

- utilities: ≈ 200 €

- transport: ≈ 85 €

- education: ≈ 800 €

- related expenses: ≈ 1000 €

In Germany, you should expect a minimum of €3300.

Are you planning to move to another country? Contact our migration specialists!

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.