Best European Country to Live In - I Love International Moving

Best European Country to Live In

Posted Country Guides / November 4, 2019
Eva Johnson


If you’re planning on moving to Europe for whatever reason, you might be wondering what the best European country to live in is.

When it comes to the quality of life, countries of the Old Continent have held the top spots on many lists and rankings for years now. The United Nations’ Human Development Report included seven European nations on its latest list of 10 best places to live in. So, choosing the most livable place in Europe is no easy task, considering the available options.

From prosperous Germany and Norway in the north to sunny and friendly Mediterranean nations in the south, we recommend that you set your own criteria and find the best European country for yourself.

Factors to Consider When Searching for the Best European Country To Live In

With a scientific approach, you’d consider criteria such as financial stability, average life expectancy, literacy, access to education and so on. But we all have certain affinities and requirements that determine the optimal living conditions for us individually. So researching the information based on your own criteria is the best way to find a perfect place for yourself. However, there are some generally accepted guidelines you can follow to narrow the choice.

Look for the Best Living Conditions

Quality of life includes several aspects of living, such as housing, health, financial status, employment, income, safety, environment, services, infrastructure, etc.

Popular Tourist Destinations Can Be Overcrowded

There are certain places which tourists from all over the world visit in Europe. As much as they are popular and beautiful, know that these spots are crowded with people and there are severe traffic jams that you don’t want to catch yourself in. Consider this when choosing your destination.

Compare Living Conditions

From the variety of places you can enjoy living in, choose the one that suits your character and interests. Search online and compare the living conditions of the countries and cities in your personal list so that you can make the optimal choice for you and your family.


If you’re looking for a place with a robust and stable economy and a lot of prospects for career advancement, moving to Germany might be the perfect decision. What distinguishes Germany from other highly developed nations is the emphasis it puts on education and the fact that the majority of its citizens hold a college degree. Not to mention that Germany is a very regulated state with high living standards, which makes it a very trendy place to live in.


Citizens of Switzerland have a high life expectancy, which is one of the indicators of good living standards. The cities are clean and regulated and people earn well, so the high cost of living is adequately compensated. The economy is strong and education is good, while the population is multicultural and cosmopolitan. If you are thinking about moving to Switzerland with your family, you would like to know that it is home to some of the safest cities in Europe, too.



Norway tops the UN’s list of best countries based on the established criteria of good living standards. Its population has a high life expectancy, the healthcare system is excellent, and the Norwegians have access to quality education. The average income is high, but if you’re moving to Norway as a foreigner, you won’t find a new job easily. It is also known as one of the safest countries in the world with low crime rates, even in major cities.

Countries with the Most Beautiful Places

It is pretty much a matter of personal taste and interests, but it is safe to say that any country in the Mediterranean area is high on the best countries list due to above-average living standards, beautiful nature, and climate, amazing coastline, good food and wines, a relaxed lifestyle, and great opportunities to try out some unique backyard landscaping ideas.


France is a republic in Western Europe mostly known for its capital and main cultural and commercial center, Paris, as well as its Mediterranean coastline. It also has a lot of popular tourist destinations such as Cannes and Saint Tropez. But if you plan on moving to France, consider smaller towns in the south, which display beautiful architecture and stunning lavender fields. Meanwhile, Bordeaux is world-famous for its wines and distinct cuisine. And you can even use reed diffusers to improve the feeling you get at your new home.


Situated in the South of Europe and surrounded by beautiful seas, Italy is one of the most attractive destinations to visit and live. Pleasant Mediterranean climate, good food and wines, olive oil and cheese, high standard, and the third-largest economy in the EU are just some of the reasons for moving to Italy. Also, Italy underwent a multitude of artistic and architectural influences that added to its beauty.

Breathtaking Architecture

If you are a fan of architecture and beautiful old facades fascinate you, Spain and Portugal are the places for you. There are architectural gems all over the Iberian Peninsula that are included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.


Portugal is a republic situated on the Iberian Peninsula, along the Atlantic Ocean. It was named after the city of Porto, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, known for its gastronomy and good wines, mild climate, and welcoming atmosphere, but also for its amazing Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, influenced by the Islamic style. Not to mention the blue skies and long beaches you’ll get to enjoy in if you move to Portugal.


Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. It opens to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is Madrid, home to the famous Prado museum, but the most renowned city is Barcelona, marked by the specific architecture of Gaudi and his remarkable Catholic basilica Sagrada Familia. And let’s not forget its former capital, the city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Western Europe

This highly developed part of Europe comprises France, Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Ireland. All of these nations have stable political and economic environments. They also boast advanced and highly developed educational systems and infrastructures.

The Netherlands

Probably most popular for its capital city Amsterdam, the Netherlands is a very open-minded democratic country. Work is easily accessible and wage gaps are rather low. People mostly ride bikes. With its canals and a specific culture, Amsterdam is a top-rated tourist destination and a home to some remarkable art museums. And let’s not forget the famous tulip fields and windmills as landmarks of the Netherlands.


The Kingdom of Belgium is one of the founding members of the EU and home to its principal institutions but also a center of various international organizations. It has two main communities, the Flemish community that speaks the Dutch language and the Walloon community that speaks the French language, but almost all citizens speak English as well. The capital city is Brussels, a cosmopolitan place with more than 130 nationalities living together.

Discovering the Balkans

The Balkan nations have a lot in common, from history and language to culture and tradition. The area has seen a lot of ordeals associated with ethnic divisions and political turmoil. It got its name from the Turkish word “Balkan” which means “mountain”, depicting its mountainous relief.


The Hellenic Republic, the birthplace of democracy, is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This strategic position influenced its culture and tradition. With its numerous islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece is a very popular tourist destination for Europeans, offering gorgeous coastline, Mediterranean cuisine characterized by olive oil, feta cheese and lively music.


The Republic of Croatia is also famous for its beautiful Adriatic coastline with more than 1000 islands. Like other Mediterranean countries, it has delicious cuisine and wines. Zagreb is the capital city and cultural and economic center, displaying charming architecture and parks, but one of its advantages is the vicinity of the seaside with beautiful beaches.

Other Interesting Places in Europe

If you want to visit beautiful coastal cities or mountain resorts, participate in summer festivals or relax in family-friendly locations, Europe has it all. If you have always yearned to live in another country, there is probably no better place to make that happen than the Old Continent. Once you’re ready to move across the world, look for reputable international moving services and make your European dream come true.

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