When you're planning travel from India to Europe, one of the biggest considerations is cost. The good news is that travel to Europe from India is becoming more affordable than ever. In this article, we’ve outlined the most affordable ways to travel, live, study, or work in Europe from India, complete with costs listed in ₹, the cheapest country in Europe, and common visa options.
For 2026, Europe’s most affordable country in Europe is Poland, with Hungary and Romania trailing closely. Each of the three offers a Schengen visa, good student and job opportunities, and a living cost of ₹45,000–₹80,000/month.
While flight prices from India to Europe are becoming more competitive, living costs in Western Europe remain significantly higher than in Central and Eastern Europe. Increasingly, Indians are looking to Central and Eastern Europe, where living costs (rent, food, transport) are lower but the standard of living is higher, the savings are better, and working and studying visa options are more readily available.
When it comes to affordability, it's more than just the cost of rent. For Indians, there's:
Monthly living cost (₹): rent, groceries, transport
Visa cost & success rate: Schengen or national visa ease
Flight cost from India: seasonal deals matter
Part-time job scope: key for students
Currency vs INR: weaker local currencies stretch your budget
These are the key factors we’ll evaluate across the European countries listed below.
Poland — Best Overall Value
Monthly cost: ₹50,000–₹80,000
Student cost: Tuition from ₹2–5 lakh/year
Visa: National D (study/work), Schengen for travel
Jobs: IT, logistics, hospitality
Why it works: Balanced costs + strong student ecosystem
Verdict: The best European country for Indian students, offering the most feasible visa access for students.
Hungary — Budget-Friendly
Monthly cost: ₹45,000–₹75,000
Visa: Schengen + long-stay permits
Jobs: Tourism, customer support
Why it works: Lower rent, vibrant cities like Budapest
Romania — Cheapest Living Costs in the EU
Monthly cost: ₹40,000–₹70,000
Visa: Long-stay national visa for study/work; Romania is also a Schengen member for short-stay travel
Jobs: Tech, services
Why it works: One of the low cost countries in Europe with growing tech hubs
Bulgaria — Cheapest EU Entry Point
Monthly cost: ₹40,000–₹65,000
Visa: Long-stay national visa for study/work; Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area
Jobs: Entry-level roles, seasonal tourism
Why it works: Very low rent and food costs
Portugal — Affordable Western Europe
Monthly cost: ₹70,000–₹1,10,000
Visa: Schengen + job seeker options
Jobs: Hospitality, remote-friendly roles
Why it works: Among the best europe countries to visit with relatively lower costs in the West
Czech Republic — Excellent Student Cities
Monthly cost: ₹60,000–₹90,000
Visa: Study/work permits
Jobs: Tourism, IT
Why it works: High quality of life at moderate cost
Slovakia — Underrated & Quietly Cheap
Monthly cost: ₹55,000–₹80,000
Visa: National permits
Jobs: Manufacturing, services
Why it works: Less crowded, lower rents than neighbors
Romania / Bulgaria / Poland
Poland / Hungary / Italy etc.
Poland / Hungary / Portugal / Czechia etc.
Poland / Czechia / Portugal etc.
Don't choose based only on cost; compare employment market, language, qualification recognition and post-study rules.
If you want to take a short trip to Europe on a budget, consider:
Hungary & Poland: 5–7 day trip in ₹70,000–₹1.1 lakh (excl. flights)
Romania & Bulgaria: Even cheaper stays and food
Portugal: Slightly higher, but great value for Western Europe
Visa Tip: Apply for a Schengen Visa through the country you will be staying at the longest.
India Students wanting to pay less for tuition and have the option to work part-time should look into:
Poland, Hungary, Romania: Tuition starts from ₹2–6 lakh/year
Part-time work: Usually 20 hours/week allowed
English-taught programs: Widely available
These countries have the easiest to enter and shortest work visas.
Poland: It is common to get a work permit through a company.
Portugal: Job seeker Visa
Czech Republic: Good demand for IT Students
Focus on sectors like IT, logistics, hospitality, and customer support.
|
Country |
Living Cost |
Visa Type |
PR Outlook |
|
Poland |
₹50k–₹80k |
Study/Work + Schengen travel |
Good |
|
Hungary |
₹45k–₹75k |
Schengen + long stay |
Moderate |
|
Romania |
₹40k–₹70k |
National visa |
Growing |
|
Bulgaria |
₹40k–₹65k |
National visa |
Moderate |
|
Portugal |
₹70k–₹1.1L |
Schengen + job seeker |
Strong |
|
Czech Republic |
₹60k–₹90k |
Study/Work |
Strong |
|
Slovakia |
₹55k–₹80k |
National visa |
Moderate |
1) Choose Your Visa Type
Tourist (Schengen): Short stay of 90 days
Study Visa (National D): University stay
Work: Employer or job seeker work permit (specific country)
2) Documents Checklist
Passport (valid for 6+ months)
Bank records (demonstrate stable finances)
Travel plan/letter of acceptance/job offer
Insurance & accommodation.
3) Fees & Timelines
Schengen fee: €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12, excluding any applicable external service-provider charges.
Processing time: 15 days normally, but it can extend up to 45 days in some cases.
4) Application Tips
Process through VFS/embassy of primary stop
Make cover letter concise & honest
Avoid last - minute submissions
Search intent covered Indians' European visa, Schengen visa charges India
Choosing a country only because it’s cheap
Ignoring job market and language needs
Weak financial proof → visa rejection
Insufficient expected costs
Travel during off times (April to May & September to October)
Split living expenses for 1 - 6 months
Use student discounts and public transport passes
Look for scholarships and part-time work opportunities to reduce your overall expenses.
Seeking a safe and budget-friendly start? Poland is the least expensive country in Europe for today’s Indians. Followed closely by Hungary and Romania. These countries offer the ideal balance between affordability, visa accessibility, and opportunities for students, travelers, even job recruitment seekers.
For a European travel, study or work visa, choosing the right country solves half the process. After the country selection, it mainly involves the right paperwork, the right time, and the right budget.
Making the right move to Europe starts with the right information. Take the next step with clarity and confidence. Choosing the right European country can save you lakhs and shape your future. Get expert guidance from Golden Future to select the best option based on your budget, goals, and profile.
Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary are among the most affordable European countries for Indians. Actual costs depend on the city, accommodation and lifestyle.
Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary offer relatively low living costs compared with many Western European countries. Smaller cities can be even more affordable.
Poland can be cheaper than Hungary in some cities, but costs vary based on accommodation and lifestyle. Students should compare their specific university locations before deciding.
An Indian student may need around €400–€900 per month for living expenses, depending on the country and city. Tuition, visa and travel costs are usually additional.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12. Additional service charges may apply.
Yes. Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025.