The 10 Best Cities to Work in Europe

Europe is home to some of the most exciting and rewarding cities to work in, each offering unique opportunities, vibrant cultures, and world-class infrastructure. Whether you’re a tech professional, a creative, or looking to climb the corporate ladder, these cities have something to offer. In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 10 cities to work […]

John Crowley • 
The 10 Best Cities to Work in Europe

Europe is home to some of the most exciting and rewarding cities to work in, each offering unique opportunities, vibrant cultures, and world-class infrastructure. Whether you’re a tech professional, a creative, or looking to climb the corporate ladder, these cities have something to offer. In this guide, we’ve ranked the top 10 cities to work in Europe based on cost of living, salary potential, job availability, and transport links. Let’s dive in and see what makes each of these cities a standout choice for professionals.

10. Paris, France

  • Cost of Living: 4/10
  • Salary: 7/10
  • Job Availability: 7/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Paris, long associated with art, fashion, and culture, is also a major hub for finance and business innovation, offering opportunities across various sectors. MoveHub’s research underscores its position as a top city for global professionals. Nevertheless, Paris’s frenetic pace and reputation for bureaucracy may deter some. The city’s infrastructure, while extensive, struggles during strikes and peak seasons, which can disrupt daily life.
Source: https://www.movehub.com/blog/top-7-cities-europe-work-now/

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Cost of Living: 5/10
  • Salary: 8/10
  • Job Availability: 7/10
  • Transport Links: 7/10

Copenhagen combines Scandinavian efficiency with an emphasis on work-life balance, making it a top city for remote workers according to TimeOut. It is particularly inviting for those in design, technology, and environmental sciences. However, Copenhagen’s weather, marked by long winters and frequent rain, can be a significant downside for those unaccustomed to northern climates. Some may also find the city’s structured social norms a bit restrictive.
Source: https://www.timeout.com/news/ranked-the-best-european-cities-for-remote-workers-011224

8. Munich, Germany

  • Cost of Living: 5/10
  • Salary: 8/10
  • Job Availability: 8/10
  • Transport Links: 9/10

Munich’s thriving economy and strong job market, particularly in engineering, automotive, and finance, make it one of Germany’s most attractive cities for professionals. MoveHub identifies it as a city with robust multinational corporate presence and numerous opportunities. While its picturesque charm and infrastructure appeal to families, Munich’s conservative social atmosphere might feel limiting for individuals seeking a more progressive environment.
Source: https://www.movehub.com/blog/top-7-cities-europe-work-now/

7. Barcelona, Spain

  • Cost of Living: 6/10
  • Salary: 6/10
  • Job Availability: 6/10
  • Transport Links: 7/10

Barcelona is renowned for blending Mediterranean charm with a robust economy, attracting professionals in tourism, design, and technology. Research from Diario AS ranks it among the most desirable cities for international workers due to its lifestyle and cost-effectiveness compared to other European hubs. However, unemployment rates in Spain, while improving, are still higher than in northern Europe, which may pose challenges for those seeking opportunities outside high-demand fields. Additionally, the language barrier for non-Spanish speakers might restrict access to certain roles.
Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2021/03/06/actualidad/1615014195_013548.html

6. Stockholm, Sweden

  • Cost of Living: 5/10
  • Salary: 7/10
  • Job Availability: 7/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Stockholm, with its innovative spirit and environmental consciousness, is a haven for professionals in tech, design, and sustainability. Its reputation as one of Europe’s most innovative cities is reinforced by MoveHub’s studies, making it a magnet for entrepreneurs and those interested in startups. However, the city’s long, dark winters can be challenging for some, and social integration might take time due to the reserved nature of Swedish culture.
Source: https://www.movehub.com/blog/top-7-cities-europe-work-now/

5. Zurich, Switzerland

  • Cost of Living: 3/10
  • Salary: 9/10
  • Job Availability: 8/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Zurich is a powerhouse for finance and technology, providing professionals with some of the highest salaries in Europe, as highlighted by GoOverseas. It is especially attractive for individuals in finance, engineering, and technology. Beyond work, Zurich’s clean environment and efficient public services enhance its appeal. That said, Zurich’s cultural environment can sometimes feel reserved and less vibrant compared to larger European capitals. This, coupled with strict regulations in the rental market, may make it harder for newcomers to feel at home quickly.
Source: https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/best-countries-work-abroad

4. Vienna, Austria

  • Cost of Living: 6/10
  • Salary: 7/10
  • Job Availability: 7/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Vienna is celebrated for its exceptional quality of life, blending cultural richness with economic stability. As ranked by TechFinitive, it is a top destination for tech professionals in the EU, offering numerous opportunities in research, development, and the arts. Those working in government and international organisations also thrive here due to the city’s global reputation. However, Vienna’s formal and traditional business culture might feel rigid to professionals accustomed to more casual or innovative workplaces, making adaptation a key challenge for some.
Source: https://www.movehub.com/blog/top-7-cities-europe-work-now/

3. Berlin, Germany

  • Cost of Living: 6/10
  • Salary: 7/10
  • Job Availability: 8/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Berlin has rapidly become a hotspot for innovation, hosting one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems. The city ranks highly for technology professionals, as highlighted by reports from MoveHub, and offers abundant opportunities in the tech and creative industries. Its rich cultural scene also makes it particularly appealing to younger professionals. However, Berlin’s bureaucratic processes can be frustrating for newcomers, particularly for securing work permits and housing. The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with its rapid population growth, which may lead to occasional inefficiencies in public services.
Source: https://www.movehub.com/blog/top-7-cities-europe-work-now/

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Cost of Living: 5/10
  • Salary: 7/10
  • Job Availability: 8/10
  • Transport Links: 8/10

Amsterdam, famous for its canals and historic charm, is also a thriving hub for professionals, particularly in technology and creative industries. Studies such as the “Decoding Global Talent” report by Boston Consulting Group highlight Amsterdam as the second most attractive city for international workers, thanks to its progressive culture and strong work-life balance. It appeals to professionals in technology, creative fields, and logistics. However, a potential downside is the scarcity of housing, which has led to a challenging rental market. Additionally, while English is widely spoken, a lack of Dutch proficiency can limit deeper integration into the local culture.
Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2021/03/06/actualidad/1615014195_013548.html

1. London, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living: 3/10
  • Salary: 8/10
  • Job Availability: 9/10
  • Transport Links: 9/10

London, as one of the world’s most influential cities, offers unparalleled opportunities across industries such as finance, technology, and creative arts. Research from the Boston Consulting Group identifies it as the most desirable city in the world to work in, drawing professionals globally due to its vibrant economy and cultural diversity. Professionals in areas like finance, law, technology, and media find ample opportunities here. However, London’s drawbacks extend beyond its high cost of living; the city’s fast-paced nature and long commuting times can make work-life balance challenging for many.
Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2021/03/06/actualidad/1615014195_013548.html