- Luxembourg is the most livable European capital, with a single person’s monthly living expenses accounting for 40.02% of the city’s median salary, €5,590. This means that the average working person is left with €3,353 in savings after each paycheck.
- Living costs for families of four living in Luxembourg are equally affordable. Supporting a family increases the average expenses to €3,562 a month, but with a combined income of €11,180, this cost is only 31.86% of the family’s budget.
- Bern ranks second in Europe in affordability, with average monthly expenses at €2,540, representing just 40.56% of the median salary. It is among the five most expensive capitals but it also has the highest average monthly earnings, which secures it a spot in the affordability ranking. Brussels ranks third, where basic expenses account for 49.63% of the average monthly income of €2,773.
- Ranking 4th and 5th, Helsinki and Copenhagen are two Nordic capitals where living expenses account for 50.07% and 54.69% of the average income, respectively.
- Based on both median income and expenses like rent, food, and transport, Warsaw emerges as the least affordable European capital. Residents earn an average of €1,701 but face monthly expenses of €2,167, a shortfall of €466. High costs for housing, food, and entertainment strain household budgets.
