Most Expensive and Affordable Cities for Renting in Europe in 2025

London remains the priciest city for renters in 2025, followed by Zurich, Geneva, and Paris. Strong demand, limited housing, and slow construction keep rents high. Even small apartments in central areas often cost well above the European average.

Cities like Sofia and Bucharest offer the lowest rents in 2025. These Eastern European capitals have significantly cheaper housing, though local salaries are also lower. Smaller towns and non-tourist areas across Europe also provide affordable options.

High rents in London and Paris are due to limited housing supply, dense urban environments, and strong demand from workers and students. Historic preservation rules and slow construction make adding new homes difficult, pushing prices even higher.

Rents are still rising in many European cities in 2025, but growth has slowed. Affordability limits and rent control policies in some areas have curbed sharp increases. Still, most large cities see modest rental hikes due to ongoing demand.

Students and budget renters can find cheaper housing in cities like Leipzig, Lille, or Zagreb. Suburbs and smaller towns also offer better value. Many countries support student housing programs or dorms that keep costs lower than private rentals.