1🇵🇹PortoPortugal
~$2,080
Progressive tax up to 48% (IFICI incentive for some) · Atlantic mild · nomad visa
City finder
Best sunny cities in the EU for expats
Sunny cities inside the EU, from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic islands, ranked from the lowest cost of living. Each combines a warm climate with EU residence rights.
Take the 2-minute quiz →2🇭🇷SplitCroatia
~$2,080
Adriatic coast in the EU, Mediterranean climate, digital-nomad permit exempts foreign income. Progressive 15–33% (municipal rates) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
3🇪🇸TenerifeSpain
~$2,160
19–47% (ZEC zone for companies) · Spring year-round
4🇪🇸MálagaSpain
~$2,160
19–47% progressive (Beckham: flat 24%) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
~$2,200
EU capital, hot-summer Mediterranean climate, digital-nomad visa for non-EU remote workers. Progressive 9–44%; national rate · Hot-summer Mediterranean · nomad visa
6🇪🇸ValenciaSpain
~$2,200
#1 expat city worldwide (InterNations Expat City Ranking 2024), affordable, sunny, lively. 19–47% progressive (Beckham: flat 24%) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
7🇵🇹Funchal (Madeira)Portugal
~$2,240
Madeira regional rates, progressive to ~47% · Mild Atlantic · nomad visa
8🇪🇸Las PalmasSpain
~$2,240
19–47% (ZEC zone: flat 4% for companies) · Spring year-round · nomad visa
9🇪🇸BarcelonaSpain
~$2,320
19–47% progressive (Beckham: flat 24%) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
10🇪🇸MadridSpain
~$2,320
19–47% progressive (Beckham: flat 24%) · Hot-summer Mediterranean · nomad visa
~$2,320
EU safety, Atlantic coast, established nomad community. Progressive tax up to 48% (IFICI incentive for some) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
12🇲🇹VallettaMalta
~$2,320
EU island, English-speaking, Mediterranean sunshine, Global Residence tax option. 0–35% progressive (Global Residence: 15%) · Mediterranean · nomad visa
This list includes cities in our dataset tagged sunny and in the EU, sorted by cost-of-living index (New York = 100). Budgets are indicative monthly estimates for one person.
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Which Mediterranean city has the lowest cost of living?
Among the EU cities above, the ones at the top of the list have the lowest cost-of-living index. Portugal, the Spanish coast and the Canary Islands, Malta and Cyprus are usually the most affordable.
Do EU expats need a visa for these cities?
EU and EEA citizens have freedom of movement within the EU. Non-EU citizens need a residence permit, and several of these countries run digital-nomad or non-lucrative visas. Check the specific route with a qualified professional.
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These figures are indicative and based on public datasets. They are not tax advice. Consult a licensed tax advisor or financial professional before making relocation or employment decisions.