Renting in EU Capitals: Where an Apartment Costs Less than 1000 Euros in 2026
The lowest rent for a two-bedroom apartment among the listed EU capitals was recorded in Nicosia — 924 euros per month. In Sofia, housing costs 954 euros, while in Bucharest it is 967 euros. However, a low price does not guarantee an easy search for housing: the competition for affordable options is described in a review of rental markets in EU countries. The calculations were published by the European Trade Union Confederation in its analysis based on Eurostat data.
Where is the Cheapest Rent in EU Capitals in 2026
Cities with lower prices also include the capitals of the Baltic states, although there the rent has already exceeded 1100 euros. In Warsaw and Budapest, it amounts to about 1330 euros per month. For price comparisons in the neighboring country, there is a separate review dedicated to housing rental in Poland. Among the more expensive cities in the study are Prague and Berlin:
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Nicosia — 924 euros;
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Sofia — 954 euros;
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Bucharest — 967 euros;
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Tallinn — 1161 euros, Riga — 1178 euros, Vilnius — 1209 euros;
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Prague — 1710 euros, Berlin — 1770 euros;
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Paris — 2523 euros, Dublin — 2697 euros.
This refers to two-bedroom apartments rather than two-room housing in the Ukrainian sense. It is also important that a specific type of accommodation is compared, not all listings on the market.
Why a Cheaper Apartment is Not Always More Accessible
ETUC compared rental prices with the minimum wage. In Bucharest, rent is approximately 122% of the minimum wage, in Sofia around 154%. In Nicosia, this figure is nearly 85%. Therefore, a lower price in euros does not necessarily mean a reduced burden on the local worker's budget.
The calculation has limitations: prices have been adjusted to the level at the beginning of 2026, and utilities are not included in the stated amounts. The study refers to apartments without furniture, in good or very good condition, but without signs of luxury. The cost of a specific offer depends on the area and characteristics of the accommodation. The difference between the price of a separate apartment and a room is also shown in the comparison of housing rentals in Spain.
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