Are you planning to move to Europe and are getting confused about which of the EU states to have as your permanent residence? It becomes difficult to determine the destination to visit due to the 27 countries in the European Union that have different lifestyles, prices, visa regulations, and cultures.
This ultimate guide, regardless of whether you are an expat, digital nomad, retiree, student, or working professional, will disaggregate all that you need to know (cost of living and visas to healthcare, jobs, safety, and lifestyle) so that you can make a confident decision.
This guide is not just another blog with basic ranks like the other ones, but a guide that provides you with real-life information on how to pick the best EU country depending on your own objectives.
How We Determined the Best EU Country to Live In
It is pertinent to know how the rankings of the countries were arrived at before ranking the countries. Most blogs have a list of countries with no explanation of the selection criteria – we do not.
Every nation under this guide is rated based on:
- Average salary vs cost of living.
- Measures of Quality of life and happiness index.
- Quality and access to healthcare.
- Security and political freedom.
- Non-EU visa and residing.
- Employment and telecommunication possibilities.
- Education and friendliness in families.
- Lifestyle, culture, and climate.
- Fluency and assimilability in English.
This would imply that there would be a balanced and realistic comparison compared to a popularity list.
Top 10 Best EU Countries to Live In (Ranked)
1. Spain – Best Overall EU Country to Live In
Spain is one of the best countries to live in the EU due to the cheap lifestyle, excellent health care, superb weather, and easy lifestyle.
Why Spain stands out:
- Reducing the cost of living as opposed to Western Europe.
- There was one of the best healthcare systems in the public.
- Strong expat communities
- Pleasant culture, food, and social life.
Cost of living:
In places such as Valencia, Seville, and Malaga, Rent, groceries, and transport are much cheaper than they are in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands.
Best cities to live in:
Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga.
Visa options:
Spain has a digital nomad visa, a non-lucrative visa, and a work permit, which is one of the most appealing countries to non-EU residents.
Downside:
The salary is low in the job market in comparison with Northern Europe.
2. Portugal – Best for Expats & Retirees
Portugal is also a highly accommodating nation to expats in the EU, and it often leads the pack in the of standards of living and expenses.
Why Portugal is popular:
- Hospitality and a high level of English.
- Mild climate and coastal lifestyle
- Simple residency pathways
Cost of living:
Compared with most of the EU nations, Portugal is still cheap, but Lisbon and Porto have become reduced to a lot more costly.
Best cities:
Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Faro
Visa highlights:
D7 visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and long-term residency.
Downside:
Salaries are lower, and the demand for houses is increasing in big cities.
3. Netherlands – Best for Jobs and English Speakers
The Netherlands is an ideal country to work as a professional who requires a high salary, a highly developed infrastructure, and English-speaking cultures.
Why live in the Netherlands:
- Among the very good European job markets.
- High standard of living
- Excellent public transport
Cost of living:
There is a lot of high pay, particularly in Amsterdam, but it is usually matched by salary.
Best cities:
Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Rotterdam.
Special benefit:
Tax ruling for skilled migrants is 30% tax.
Downside:
Lack of housing and excessive rent.
4. Germany – Best for Career Growth & Stability
Germany has the biggest economy in Europe, and it is among the most preferred destinations by professionals and students.
Why Germany ranks high:
- Good economic status and employment security.
- Free or low-cost education
- Superior healthcare system.
Best cities:
Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin.
Visa advantage:
The EU Blue Card simplifies the stay of qualified employees.
Downside:
Language has a barrier in non-urban areas.
5. Denmark – Best Work-Life Balance
Denmark is also reputed to have good ratings and an established social welfare system.
Why Denmark is ideal:
- Long working hours and good labor rights.
- Complementary health and education.
- High safety levels
Cost of living:
Social, though high, benefits make up.
Downside:
An expensive house and high taxes.
6. Sweden – Best for Families & Social Support
Sweden has quality benefits to families and a comfortable, progressive environment.
Why Sweden is appealing:
- Excellent education system
- Childcare and motherly privileges.
- Clean and organized cities
Best cities:
Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö
Downside:
Cold winters and expensive living standards.
7. Finland – Safest EU Country to Live In
Finland has also been ranked among the most secure and happiest countries in the world.
Key advantages:
- World-class education
- Very low crime rates
- Well-developed digital infrastructure.
Downside:
Cold weather and a reduced employment market.
Read Also: Italian Embassy Visa Application 2026: Avoid Rejection Fast
8. Estonia – Best for Digital Nomads
Estonia is an underdog that is highly digitalized.
Why Estonia is unique:
- E-residency program
- Digital nomad visa
- Tech-friendly environment
Best city:
Tallinn
Downside:
Reduced population and low temperatures.
9. Czech Republic – Best Value for Money
Czech Republic is a perfect compromise between price, living standards, and place.
Why live here:
- Affordable living
- Central European location
- Rich culture and history
Best city:
Prague
Downside:
The language may be difficult in terms of long-term integration.
10. Luxembourg – Highest Salaries in the EU
The average income in Luxembourg is one of the best in Europe.
Why choose Luxembourg:
- Strong economy
- Multilingual society
- High quality of life
Downside:
Very expensive living costs and house costs.
Best EU Country to Live In by Category
Best EU Country for Digital Nomads
- Estonia
- Portugal
- Spain
Best EU Country for Families
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Germany
Best EU Country for Retirees
- Portugal
- Spain
- Malta
Best EU Country for Jobs
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
Which Is the Best EU Country to Live In?
No one is a perfect EU country – the best one is the one that fits your budget, career ambitions, lifestyle, and eligibility to take the visa.
- Select Spain or Portugal because it is cheaper and more luxurious.
- Select Germany or the Netherlands to develop a career.
- Select Nordic nations to be stable and have family benefits.
When you get the priorities right, the EU does have some of the best living standards in the world.
Cost of Living Comparison Across EU Countries
The main monthly costs to be considered:
- Rent (city center vs suburbs)
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Public transport
- Healthcare (if private)
Southern and Eastern Europe are cheaper, with Northern and Western Europe having higher salaries at increased costs.
Healthcare, Safety & Education in the EU
The EU countries provide universal healthcare that is of high quality in most European countries. Even international students in such countries as Germany and Finland can obtain an education free or subsidized.
Generally, the level of safety within the EU is high, and Nordic countries are the safest.
Visa & Residency Options in the EU
Popular residency pathways include:
- Work visas
- Digital nomad visas
- Student visas
- Golden visas
- Family reunification visas
Research is necessary to determine the income needs and schedule of each country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to the EU
- Ignoring tax obligations
- Minimizing the significance of language barriers.
- Selecting a nation without visa regulations.
- Failure to study the local housing law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
But what is the best country in the EU to live in?
The best countries to be in the EU have always been Spain, Portugal, and Germany because these are the countries that always have the best healthcare, good living standards, and safe and good residency options. It will be based on how you live, the decision will be determined by your career or retirement aspirations, and the amount of money to spend.
What countries within the EU would be the cheapest places to reside in?
Some of the EU countries that are cheap include Portugal, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and portions of Spain. Housing and daily living costs in the countries are also lower compared to Western Europe, but healthcare, safety, and other government services are also good.
Which country is the most preferable in the EU when it comes to the quality of life?
The nations such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Spain are always at the top of the list of nations that have good living standards. They are not failing in healthcare, work-life balance, safety, quality of environment, and overall happiness.
Which location will be the best place to be as an expatriate in the EU?
Portugal and Spain have been ranked to be the most suitable EU countries to work in as an expatriate because of the accommodating culture, high number of expatriates in the countries, high English language and the comparatively easy process of attaining resident status.
Which EU country is the most ideal country to be a digital nomad?
Estonia, Portugal, and Spain were some of the most appropriate countries to become a digital nomad. The locations are providing digital nomad visas, high internet speed, low living expenses, and a fresh order of remote working.
Which European country is the most desirable to practice in a profession?
The most successful career development and employment are in Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The economy of such countries is outstanding, wages are outstanding and there is in demand of professionals, especially in the domains of technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
What is the best place to live in the EU with a family?
Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Finland are family-friendly in that they are equipped with good education programs, child benefits, parental leave, in addition to a secure environment.
Read Also: Do Americans Need a Visa for Italy in 2026? ETIAS Update
Final Words
This will be the secret to determining the best EU country to live in, which will depend on what is of utmost importance to you in terms such as affordability, career, family benefits, lifestyle, or long-term security. The European Union is the best place to stay as an expat, family, retiree, and even a remote worker because it has high standards of living, a good medical system, good education, security, as well as cultural diversity.
Spain and Portugal are ideal places where people want to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and low living expenses; whereas Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are ideal places where businesspeople seek good opportunities and economic prosperity. Nordic countries are the best places to be in case safety, work-life, and family support are on your agenda.
