Most expats move to Europe for better career prospects and higher living standards. However, it's not always easy to find a job and a salary that meets your expectations. Rent, cost of living, etc., are some of the factors to take into account. So if you wish to thrive and enjoy a better quality of life, which cities should you consider?
In general, large European cities, including capital cities, attract expats the most thanks to their open and dynamic labour market and high wages. Many cities in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, as well as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, stand out when it comes to job satisfaction as they have a stimulating business environment. Also, they provide assistance to job-seeking immigrants. On the other hand, Spain, Italy, Greece and Hungary are on the bottom line.
Where is it easier to find a job?
A recent study by the European Commission on the quality of life in Europe gives an insight into cities where it's easier to find a job. Western and Northern Europe stand out. According to people surveyed, it's harder to find a job in Southern Europe, given the high unemployment rate. Finding a job is, therefore, easier in capitals and large cities like Prague, Munich, Hamburg, Oslo, Bratislava, Cluj-Napoca and Stockholm, etc., than in smaller ones. However, Barcelona, Malaga, Rome, Madrid, Turin, Athens and Naples are cities where you're likely to have a tough time.
If you'd rather relocate to Prague, opportunities are available in many fields such as food, services, technology and IT, finance and accounting, as well as education and sales, regardless of your experience. Thanks to the presence of expat communities, many English language teaching positions are also available. In Munich, as in several other German cities, there are vacancies for engineers, doctors, nurses, elderly care specialists, IT specialists, bankers and sales managers. However, finding a job does not necessarily mean that the salary will match your expectations.
Where will you earn more?
Geneva, Monaco, Luxembourg, Copenhagen and London offer the most attractive wages. According to a study by the MoverDB, Monaco, Geneva, and Luxembourg are also cities with the largest expat communities. So if you're planning your post-COVID-19 move, you should perhaps turn to these cities. In Geneva, for example, you can expect an average of 67,226 euros per year. In Monaco, you can earn, on average, 63,524 euros per year and Luxembourg around 46,083 euros.
If you're mainly looking for higher wages, though, Budapest, Athens, Moscow and Warsaw wouldn't be the best choice. Less popular with expats, these cities offer lower salaries, ranging from € 9,026 to € 11,217 on average per year.
Where will you pay the cheapest rents?
Finding affordable housing will be one of your priorities when moving to Europe. You are probably aware that many European cities are the most expensive worldwide when it comes to renting. Besides, Luxembourg, Geneva, Copenhagen, Zurich, Munich, Hamburg, Stockholm and Amsterdam, known for their high wages, also offer the most expensive rents. So even though the quality of life is excellent and international schools, transport and healthcare are easily accessible, rents are far from being affordable, taking into account the COVID-19 impact on their property markets.
For the cheapest rents, you should therefore head to Southern Europe and the Western Balkans. Malaga and Oviedo in Spain, Aalborg in Denmark, Belfast in Northern Ireland are cities you can consider. In Vilnius, Lithuania, rent will cost you around 518 euros on average per month. In Tallinn, Estonia, count on average 543 euros per month and in Bratislava, Slovakia, around 620 euros per month. It's also worth noting that Estonia and Slovakia are the European countries with the lowest income tax rates. So even if the salaries are low compared to other cities, you will still be able to save money.
Where will you get the best of your finances?
Earning a lot of money does not necessarily mean that you will enjoy the best quality of life. Besides rent and bills, the cost of living is another aspect you should take into account, especially regarding essential goods and services. That doesn't mean that you should rush to the cheapest cities where salaries are low. So take the time to inquire about how much it costs to live in the city of your choice. According to the European Commission report, Zurich, Malmö or Stockholm in Sweden, Rostock or Essen in Germany, Oulu or Helsinki in Finland, Aalborg in Oslo, and Glasgow are the best deals. Most of their inhabitants are they are satisfied with their standard of living and their financial situation.
