The best European cities for remote working
The low-cost airline Wizz has analysed data to identify the best European cities for remote working.
A combination of companies becoming flexible with remote working and almost two years of working from home, more of us are looking to escape our daily routines and even become a digital nomad. As many companies are now allowing their employees to work from anywhere, as long as it’s within a +/- 2-hour time zone, many are exploring the idea of a European move.
Low-cost airline Wizz Air have analysed the best places in Europe for remote working, by collecting data on average internet speeds, cost of living, rent prices compared to London and the average temperature in weather.
Budapest, Hungary
With a variety of historical landmarks, cultural sites and a plethora of nightclubs and bars, Budapest offers something for everyone, which is why it has become such a popular spot for remote workers.
Flight time – two hours and 25 minutes from London to Budapest.
Broadband speeds – Hungary has one of the highest internet speeds in the world according to a survey conducted in 2020. The average broadband speeds of 42.77
Cost of living – Budapest is cheaper than 76% of cities in the world and the 4th cheapest city in Eastern Europe. A single person is estimated to spend £440.06 ($581.07) per month and renting in Budapest is 78.62% lower than London.
Weather – Budapest specifically has warm summers yet very cold winters. The average temperature during summertime (June – August) is around 24 degrees and the average temperature during winter (December – February) is just 4 degrees.
Oslo, Norway
Frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Norway is a popular spot with remote workers as the quality of life is said to be one of the best. With incredible views and plenty of activities to try in free time, from skiing to hiking, adventure seekers and nature lovers will feel right at home here.
Flight time – two hours and 10 minutes from London.
Broadband speeds – Average broadband speed of 20.1 Mbps but their mobile internet is the fasted in the world at 52.6Mbps.
Cost of living – unfortunately Oslo is in the top 3% of the most expensive cities in the world, with the average cost for a single person is around £946.75 ($1250.12). Even so, the average rent is 38.76% lower than London. Although Norway offers higher salaries than other countries, if you plan on working remotely you will need to check your salary will cover the higher rates.
Weather – not for beach fans or even the faint hearted, expect very cold winters with average temperatures of under freezing and milder summers with averages of 17 degrees.
Sofia, Bulgaria
A modern city, Sofia is the largest and the capital of Bulgaria. Although Sofia is not particularly large there are plenty of things to do to keep history and culture buffs busy when not working.
Flight time – Just over three hours and five minutes approximately.
Broadband speeds – With the average speed is 33.5 Mbps, Bulgaria boasts fast internet speeds, making it ideal for remote working and digital nomads
Cost of living – Sofia ranks in the top 35% of the least expensive cities in the world. The average cost of living for a single person is around £411.54 ($543.41) and rent is on average 80% less than London.
Weather – the weather in Bulgaria can be hard to pin down, so expect exceptionally cold winters and hot summers. As the country is exposed to both cold air masses from northern Europe and warm arm masses from the Mediterranean. The average winter temperature is around -1 degree and summer averaging 21 degrees.
Krakow, Poland
One of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow dates to the 7th century and is one of Poland’s most important economic hubs, due to its academic and culture epicentre. A city to suit culture vultures and party animals alike, Krakow makes for a perfect backdrop to remote working.
Flight time – two hours and twenty minutes from London to Krakow.
Broadband speeds – Ranked one of the fastest broadband speeds in the world, Krakow’s average speed is 43Mbps.
Cost of living – Estimated as being particularly reasonably priced, especially for such a vibrant city, Krakow boasts a low monthly cost of living. The average monthly cost for single person is £481.10 ($635.26) with rent over 66% lower than London.
Weather – Krakow summers are pleasant with average temperatures of around 19 degrees, although there can be rains and storms. The coldest month is January with averages of -1.9 degrees.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel-Aviv has been names as one of the most up and coming start up communities and the largest metropolitan area in Israel.
Flight time – just under five hours, approximately four hours and fifty-five minutes.
Broadband speeds – Although Israel cannot boast superfast broadband speeds, their average of 11.2 Mbps is perfectly sufficient for zoom calls, running work software and sending emails.
Cost of living – More on the expensive side of the scale, the average monthly cost for a single person in the city is approximately £941.31 ($1241.94) with rent prices at a similar level to London, at just under 15% more expensive.
Weather – Israel offers warm weather all year round, with average winter temperatures around 14 degrees (rarely going under 10) and summer weather averaging 26 degrees. Heatwaves upwards of 40 degrees in the summer however are not uncommon, as wind from the Egyptian desert causes temperatures to rise significantly.
