A Picture-Perfect European City With One Of The Lowest Costs Of Living Is A Hidden Gem With Fewer Tourists

While a European destination vacation, or even potentially a relocation, might sound like a dream, increasingly, tourists are ruining the experience. In fact, in some places the locals are rioting against the surge of outside visitors. From Florence banning golf carts and rickshaws in the Piazza della Signoria to Venice doubling its daily tourist tax to Cannes banning ships with more than 1,000 people onboard, more and more European cities are combating the overcrowding caused by overtourism. Not only does the crush of too many outsiders overwhelm generally very old infrastructure and ruin the quality of life for local residents, but the hordes of tourists in historic locations can ultimately ruin the experience — especially for anyone looking for a more authentic cultural immersion.

This is why it can be especially important to consider visiting Europe's second cities instead of larger, and usually much more famous, capital cities — especially if you want to avoid tourist traps. This can also be true for those who might be considering a longer term move to Europe. According to a 2024 report from Mercer comparing the data on costs of living and quality of living, just eight European cities exist in the sweet spot with both low costs and high quality of life. One city in particular is Ljubljana, Slovenia – the country's largest city and its capital. While Slovenia might not necessarily be the frontrunner on most people's European destination wish list, there are some significant financial factors to consider – whether you're looking for a tourist destination or a potentially more permanent new home.

At just over 288,000 people, Ljubljana is a smaller city that can be perfect for those wanting a more authentic cultural experience. With that said, Ljubljana also offers an affordability that can be extremely attractive to both tourists and anyone considering a more permanent move to Europe. According to a 2025 Business Insider report, the cost for a three-course meal for two in Ljubljana is just $63, while the cost of a cappuccino is just $2.34. In comparison, data from Toast found a cappuccino averaged $4.94 during Q3 3034, which was a 3.5% increase compared to the same time the year before. Keep in mind that coffee prices are only going to get even higher as shortages continue to worsen among coffee bean suppliers.

According to Budget Your Trip, a tourist can expect to pay roughly $113 a day, per person, on a vacation in Ljubljana. This includes food, transportation, and accommodation costs. Another great part of exploring Ljubljana specifically is that many of the city's largest attractions don't actually cost anything to see and experience. For example, Prešeren Square, located in Ljubljana's Old Town area, offers beautiful architecture, historic sites, and views without a price tag attached. Similarly, the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city, provides opportunities for walks along the river, as well as boat tours and views of the city's many bridges. For more free nature views, Tivoli Park offers a well manicured green space perfect for bike riding or even a mellow walk.

For those who might be instead considering a longer stay in Ljubljana, the city's offerings might come as a pleasant surprise. As one expat explained to Expat Exchange, "Expats and digital nomads living in Ljubljana, often appreciate the city's picturesque beauty, with its charming old town, historic architecture, and the Ljubljanica River flowing through the city center. They also enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, which includes numerous festivals, museums, galleries, and a lively nightlife." Plus, the city's cost of living can be a significant factor for anyone hoping to move. Per Business Insider, the average monthly rent cost for a one-bedroom home in the city center is just $931. When it comes to monthly costs, not including housing, a single person can expect to pay $885, whereas the monthly costs for a family of four are $3,023.

Another element of moving to Ljubljana that might be attractive is the all-inclusive nature of most of the city's housing. For instance, according to Remitly, many housing rental agreements include basic utilities like water, electricity, and even internet in the monthly rental price. This can not only streamline your monthly expenses, but also make it much easier to first move to the city – especially if you're not particularly familiar with the local languages spoken. With that said, English is widely spoken in the country so you might have an easier time at the beginning than you would think. Also, as a member of the European Union, the country's currency is the euro – another easier to understand element for new and would-be expats.