Top 5 Cheapest Countries to Rent Housing in Europe in 2026

Housing rents in Europe are rising faster than tenants’ budgets can adjust. According to Eurostat, in the third quarter of 2025, rents in the EU were 3.1% higher year on year, and compared with 2015, the cumulative increase in rental prices across the EU reached 21.1%. Over the same period, housing purchase prices in the EU rose by 63.6%.

However, the situation across the EU is uneven. In some countries, prices are lower due to weaker tourist demand, while in others they are influenced by the overall level of prices and incomes. There are also countries where housing is expensive only in the capital, while second-tier cities remain affordable.

In this article, we identified the countries with the lowest rental housing costs in Europe, compared capital cities with second-tier cities, and considered additional expenses separately.

Where it is cheapest to rent housing in Europe

When focusing on long-term rentals, the lowest price levels are most often found in parts of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. At the country level, this is clearly reflected in the Numbeo Rent Index for Europe for 2025. The lowest values in the sample are observed in Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Greece. The lower the index, the cheaper the rent relative to the baseline.

To make the ranking useful, we apply the same comparison framework for each country:

• A one-bedroom apartment or a studio in the capital
• A one-bedroom apartment or a studio in a major second-tier city
• A two-bedroom apartment as a benchmark for a couple or a family
• Utility costs presented as a range, since they depend heavily on heating and the type of building
• Upfront payments, which usually include a deposit and sometimes an agent’s fee

We also used several data sources. The main one is Numbeo, the largest statistics aggregator, although it is relatively subjective because it relies on surveys. For more objective data, we used Eurostat, which provides statistics on market dynamics.

Albania: the cheapest rental housing in Europe

Albania consistently ranks among the countries with the lowest rental prices in Europe. According to Numbeo, the Rent Index is around 11.7, which is more than twice as low as in most EU countries. This makes Albania one of the few places in Europe where it is still possible to rent housing for less than €400 per month.

Rental prices in Albania in 2026:

Second-tier cities include Durres, Shkoder, and Vlore. The price difference compared with Tirana can reach 30% to 40%. The coastal factor should also be taken into account. In seaside cities, prices can increase by 20% to 50% in summer due to tourist demand.

Utilities and monthly expenses:

Unlike in Eastern Europe, heating costs are lower because of the milder climate. This reduces the overall budget in winter.

However, there are several pitfalls that are rarely mentioned:

• Housing quality varies significantly. Modern apartments in new buildings are available, but a large part of the market consists of older housing stock.
• There is no central heating. Air conditioners or electric heaters are commonly used.
• Seasonality on the coast. Landlords may raise prices in summer or switch to short-term rentals.
• Informal payments. Cash payments without an official contract are common.

Bulgaria: one of the most affordable EU countries for renting housing

Bulgaria occupies a distinct position among countries with low rental costs in Europe. Unlike many other budget destinations, it is an EU member state with established infrastructure, a relatively stable real estate market, and more transparent rental practices. At the same time, price levels remain among the lowest in the European Union.

According to Numbeo, the Rent Index in Bulgaria ranges between 12 and 13, which is almost twice as low as in Western European countries. In practice, this means that a budget that would only cover a room in Germany or the Netherlands is often sufficient to rent a full apartment in Bulgaria.

Rental prices in Bulgaria in 2026:

Second-tier cities include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. The price difference compared with Sofia is typically 20% to 30%, although coastal cities show clear seasonality. During summer, rents can increase by 15% to 30%, especially for properties located near the sea.

It is important to note that the Bulgarian rental market is highly segmented. Apartments in new buildings with modern renovations and furniture are significantly more expensive, while older housing stock remains in the budget segment. The price gap between these categories can reach 30% to 50% for similar floor areas.

Utilities and the real cost of living in Bulgaria:

In practice, utility costs are often the factor that changes the final budget. Central heating is common in Bulgaria, and expenses can increase significantly during the winter months. For an average-sized apartment, total payments in the cold season may be 40% to 70% higher than in summer.

On the other hand, in southern and coastal regions, heating is used less frequently, which makes annual costs more evenly distributed.

Unlike less formalized rental markets in parts of the Balkans, renting in Bulgaria is more often formalized through written contracts. A typical arrangement includes:

• A security deposit equal to one month of rent
• Payment for the first month of residence
• An agency fee of up to 100% of one month’s rent if a broker is involved

Despite the relatively stable market, several factors directly affect both the total cost and the quality of living:

• Housing quality is uneven. Older properties may be significantly inferior to newer apartments, and cheaper options often require compromises in terms of renovation or furnishings.
• Seasonality in resort areas. In Varna and Burgas, landlords may raise rents in summer or prioritize short-term rentals.
• Agency fees are common. Compared with some other low-cost countries, additional move-in costs are more frequent.

Romania: the best balance of price and rental quality in Eastern Europe

Romania ranks in the lower part of the European range according to the Numbeo index, with a value of around 13 to 15, which is still significantly below Western European levels.

The key difference in Romania lies in the structure of demand. The presence of international companies, a growing IT sector, and a large student population supports the rental market without leading to sharp price increases.

Rental prices in Romania in 2026:

In major cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Timisoara, and Brasov, the price difference compared with the capital is typically 20% to 30%.

Utilities and the real cost of living in Romania:

Romania has a well-developed central heating system, which leads to a significant increase in utility expenses during winter. Costs can be 50% to 80% higher compared with summer. At the same time, internet and mobile services remain among the cheapest in the EU, which partly offsets housing expenses.

The rental market in Romania is also largely formalized. Written contracts are standard, and landlords typically declare rental income. Tenants usually pay a security deposit equal to one or two months of rent. Agency fees typically range from 50% to 100% of one month’s rent and are paid by the tenant.

Serbia: low rents with an active market and rising demand

Serbia remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe for renting housing, especially outside the capital. According to the Numbeo index, the country is at around 12 to 13, which is comparable to Bulgaria and lower than in most EU countries.

At the same time, the Serbian market differs from neighboring countries in its dynamics. In recent years, it has experienced additional pressure due to an inflow of foreign tenants, particularly in Belgrade. This has led to price increases, but even after that, rents remain significantly lower than in Western Europe.

Rental prices in Serbia in 2026:

Second-tier cities include Novi Sad, Nis, and Kragujevac, where the difference compared with Belgrade can reach 30% to 40%. Novi Sad is typically more expensive than other regional cities due to its proximity to Belgrade and more developed infrastructure.

Utilities and the real cost of living in Serbia:

Serbia also has central heating, and in winter utility bills for a standard apartment are usually 50% to 70% higher than in summer.

Despite the relatively low prices, there are several factors to consider:

• Belgrade is significantly more expensive than the rest of the country. The price gap between the capital and regional cities can reach 40%, especially in central districts.
• The market is sensitive to external demand. In recent years, an influx of foreign tenants has pushed prices up and reduced the availability of affordable housing.
• Housing quality varies widely. Modern apartments are more expensive, while the budget segment is often represented by older housing stock.

Greece: affordable rents outside tourist areas with strong seasonality

According to the Numbeo index, Greece is in the range of approximately 11.8 to 13, which formally places it among more affordable countries. However, regional differences within the country are among the largest in Europe.

The key feature of the market is the impact of tourism. In popular destinations, a significant share of housing is allocated to short-term rentals. At the same time, in mainland cities without strong tourist pressure, housing remains relatively affordable.

It is also important to consider the overall financial assumption on households. According to Eurostat, around 43% of residents in Greece have experienced arrears on rent, mortgages, or utility payments, which is one of the highest rates in the EU.

Rental prices in Greece in 2026:

The difference between the capital and second-tier cities such as Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larisa is typically 20% to 35%. However, in island and resort areas, the gap is minimal, and in some cases prices are even higher than in the capital.

Utilities and the real cost of living in Greece:

A key feature of Greece is the shift in expenses from winter to summer. Heating is used less frequently, while air conditioning significantly increases electricity costs in warmer months. As a result, the annual budget may be more evenly distributed than in countries with colder climates.

Some property owners in Greece focus on short-term rentals through tourist platforms. As a result, in popular tourist regions, finding long-term rental housing can be more difficult.