Europe Remote Work: 7 Essential Underrated Spots

Introduction

After visiting 12 countries in 18 months, I realized the best remote work destinations are nowhere on the typical travel blog’s radar.

Europe remote work life is booming, but with popularity comes price hikes, packed cafes, and waitlists for coworking desks. So where do you go if you want strong Wi-Fi, lower rent, less crowds, and a better connection to both the place and people?

I’ve been asking that exact question while working from cafés across Europe. This blog is for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who want something different—unique cities where you can get more for your money, enjoy real community, and still stay connected. If you’re hunting for cheap European cities that are still nomad-friendly, keep reading.

Get ready to explore 7 rising stars in Europe that deserve your attention.

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Quick Takeaways

Quick Takeaways:

Remote workers are skipping Lisbon and Berlin for more affordable, lesser-known cities.
Europe remote work life doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
Places like Novi Sad, Tbilisi, and Brno offer a mix of fun, affordability, and solid Wi-Fi.
We’ll break down cost of living, visa options, and what to expect in each city.

Why Overrated Cities Are Overrated: Lisbon & Berlin
7 Underrated European Cities Perfect for Remote Work
Essential Practicalities for the Digital Nomad
FAQ
Conclusion

Why Overrated Cities Are Overrated: Lisbon & Berlin

Lisbon and Berlin might be digital nomad landmarks, but they’ve become expensive tourist traps that drain your budget faster than your laptop battery.

The Cost Problem

Rents have skyrocketed in Lisbon. Some nomads there spend upwards of €1,200 for a one-bedroom in a central neighborhood. Berlin’s not far behind, and availability is brutal unless you know someone or speak fluent German. Cafés are packed, coworking waitlists are real, and buying local groceries? Not always cheaper than eating out.

Last year, I spent two weeks in Lisbon and couldn’t find a single café where I could work for more than an hour without feeling guilty about taking up space. The reality on the ground doesn’t match the Instagram fantasy.

Too Crowded for Comfort

What once felt vibrant now feels saturated. It can be harder to meet locals or even other nomads outside of events. The charm starts wearing off when everyone around you is chasing the same spots and experiences.

Still Worth Visiting?

Sure—if you’ve got the budget, it’s worth experiencing. But if you’re remote working long-term or just starting out, these overexposed spots may actually slow down your savings and networking. Time to look elsewhere.

Key Takeaway: Lisbon and Berlin are genuine hotspots, but rising costs and crowds make them less ideal for remote workers looking for value, productivity, and community.

7 Underrated European Cities Perfect for Remote Work

I’ve personally worked from each of these cities in the last two years. They each offer something special without the Instagram markup that comes with more famous destinations.

1. Novi Sad, Serbia

A hidden gem along the Danube, Novi Sad is peaceful, friendly, and offers big-city perks without the chaos. Think Budapest vibes but cheaper and more laid-back.

I spent a month in Novi Sad after getting priced out of Budapest. What surprised me most was the quality of the cafés—many have designated workspaces with power outlets and don’t mind if you camp out for hours.

Why Go? Easy visa rules, super affordable lifestyle, vibrant music scene.
Cost of Living: ~€700/month (rent: €350, food: €200, internet: €20)
Visa Info: 90-day visa-free for many nationalities, with simple extensions.
Hot Tip: Visit during the EXIT music festival—massive crowds, great energy.

2. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj surprises many. It’s a cultural hub with a growing tech ecosystem, legitimate internet speeds, and that Transylvanian charm.

Why Go? Romania has some of Europe’s fastest internet—and this student city makes it lively and safe.
Cost of Living: ~€800/month (rent: €400, coworking spaces at €90/month)
Visa Info: Visa-free for 90 days; Romanian temporary residency is possible for remote work.
Hot Tip: Visit the Open Air Jazz Fest in summer—vibes are unmatched.
Pro/Con: Pro – Excellent tech infrastructure. Con – Winter can be harsh and somber.

3. Valencia, Spain

Valencia blends beach life with rich tradition. And it’s more affordable than Barcelona—by a lot.

Why Go? Chill vibe, tasty paella, and bike-friendly streets.
Cost of Living: ~€1,000/month (rent: €550, transport pass: €35)
Visa Info: Consider Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa for remote workers.
Hot Tip: Spend Sundays at Mercado Central—it has everything.
Pro/Con: Pro – Perfect climate year-round. Con – Tourism increasing each year.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

If you’re prioritizing budget and community, Tbilisi is one of the best cheap European cities on this list.

During my two-month stay in Tbilisi last winter, I paid just €280 for a fully-furnished apartment with fast internet, a 10-minute walk from the historic center. The food costs were so low I barely cooked at home—a full dinner with wine typically cost under €8.

Why Go? Georgia lets many foreigners stay for a full year without a visa.
Cost of Living: ~€500/month (rent: €250, dinner out: €4–€6)
Visa Info: 1-year visa-free for over 90 countries. Very nomad-friendly.
Hot Tip: Try the local khinkali dumplings—you’ll never go back.
Pro/Con: Pro – Incredibly affordable living. Con – Distance from central Europe makes weekend trips difficult.

5. Tallinn, Estonia

Super digital, surprisingly beautiful. Tallinn is perfect if you want a more tech-forward, productive vibe with a Baltic backdrop.

Why Go? Estonia was the first to launch an official Digital Nomad Visa.
Cost of Living: ~€1,100/month (rent: €650, coworking at LIFT99: €120)
Visa Info: Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows stays up to 1 year.
Hot Tip: The Old Town looks like a fairy tale—but visit Telliskivi Creative City for actual work vibes.
Pro/Con: Pro – Digital government services make paperwork a breeze. Con – Winter darkness can affect productivity.

6. Porto, Portugal

Porto’s slower pace and lower prices make it a better pick than Lisbon.

Why Go? Affordable wine, ocean views, less crowded.
Cost of Living: ~€950/month (rent: €500, coworking: €100/month)
Visa Info: D7 Passive Income Visa is a possibility.
Hot Tip: Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge at golden hour. Trust me.
Pro/Con: Pro – All the Portuguese charm at lower prices than Lisbon. Con – Not as many direct flight connections.

7. Brno, Czech Republic

Student-packed Brno gives you Prague-level energy and Austrian-level order—at a discount.

Why Go? Good transport, compact city center, fun expat crowd.
Cost of Living: ~€850/month (rent: €400, beer: €1.5)
Visa Info: Czech visa options exist for freelancers and business owners.
Hot Tip: Get a workspace pass at Impact Hub Brno—it’s social and productive.
Pro/Con: Pro – Student energy keeps the city lively. Con – Less English spoken than in Prague.

Key Takeaway: These seven underrated cities combine lower costs with better living experiences for digital nomads tired of the usual spots. Tbilisi and Novi Sad offer the best value, while Valencia and Tallinn provide more infrastructure with modest price increases.

Essential Practicalities for the Digital Nomad

Visa Basics

Schengen Zone? You can only stay 90 days in a 180-day period. To stay longer, check out digital nomad visas or local D-visas.

I learned this the hard way when I overstayed in Greece by two days and had to pay a fine. Don’t make my mistake—keep a Schengen calculator handy and track your days religiously.

Tax Risks

Working remotely in Europe doesn’t always keep you off tax radars. If you stay longer than 183 days, you may become a tax resident. (Speak to a tax pro).

Countries like Estonia are clarifying their digital nomad tax rules, but most European nations still have outdated systems. This remains one of the biggest challenges for long-term nomads, as I’ve covered in my remote work tax guide.

Cost of Living Comparison

City	Estimated Monthly Expenses (€)	1BR Apartment (€)	Coworking (€/month)
Novi Sad	700	350	80
Cluj-Napoca	800	400	90
Valencia	1000	550	130
Tbilisi	500	250	75
Tallinn	1100	650	120
Porto	950	500	100
Brno	850	400	95

Key Takeaway: Tbilisi stands out as the most affordable option at just €500/month, while Tallinn represents the higher end at €1,100/month—still far cheaper than traditional hotspots like Berlin or Amsterdam.

FAQ

Which European country is cheapest for digital nomads?

Georgia (Tbilisi) currently offers the best combination of affordability and infrastructure. Monthly costs can be as low as €500, with good internet and a growing nomad community. According to Nomad Visa Malta (2024), other budget-friendly options include Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Is Porto better than Lisbon for remote work?

For most remote workers, yes. Porto offers similar amenities and culture but with 15-20% lower costs across housing, food, and coworking spaces. The nomad community is smaller but often more tight-knit, making networking easier.

Which cities in Europe have the best internet for remote work?

Romania, Estonia, and the Czech Republic consistently rank highest for internet speeds in Europe. Cluj-Napoca, Tallinn, and Brno all benefit from excellent connectivity with average speeds above 100 Mbps in most areas.

Can Americans work remotely in Europe?

Yes, Americans can work remotely while visiting Europe, though you’re limited to 90 days within the Schengen Zone in any 180-day period. For longer stays, consider countries like Georgia (1-year stay) or apply for Digital Nomad Visas in Estonia, Croatia, or Portugal.

Key Takeaway: Digital nomads should look beyond the Schengen Zone’s 90-day limit to places like Georgia for longer stays, and consider specific Digital Nomad Visa programs for legal long-term remote work options.

Conclusion

Remote work is growing, and so is the world of nomad cities. Stepping off the “top 5 destinations” list opens up new cultures, better cost of living, and fewer lines for coffee and Wi-Fi.

The research for this article wasn’t just from Google—it came from my personal experience living in these cities, talking to locals, and connecting with other nomads through community groups. What I’ve found is that the best places are rarely the most talked about.

These underrated places offer real communities, slower travel, and local life—without breaking the bank. My personal favorite? Tbilisi. The combination of affordable living, friendly locals, and surprising food scene made my two months there feel both productive and enriching.

Which city would you pick for your next remote work base? Share your thoughts below!

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Sources: Global Citizen Solutions, 2024, The Nomad Cloud, 2024

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