Life without support: how much do Ukrainians need to earn in different European countries to live without social assistance
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, millions of our citizens have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and stability abroad. Refugees from Ukraine have settled all over Europe — from neighboring Poland to the Scandinavian countries, from Romania to Spain. EU states offered temporary protection, access to housing, medicine, schools and the labor market. However, over time, more and more Ukrainians are faced with the need to provide for themselves and their families independently, without relying on social assistance.
For those who already live abroad, this question takes on a new meaning: how to support yourself without losing a decent standard of living. And for those who are only planning to emigrate, it is worth soberly assessing the possibilities: how much do you need to earn to fully cover your expenses? The cost of living in different European countries varies considerably. In some states, you can live with minimal expenses, in others, even basic needs will cost several thousand euros per month. We will provide a detailed overview of the necessary monthly income in European countries, which allows you to live without social assistance, focusing on average expenses for housing, food, transport, utilities, education and other needs.
Poland
Poland has long been the main center of labor migration from Ukraine. A stable economy, convenient logistics and the proximity of the language make it attractive for Ukrainians. The total minimum income for independent existence here is approximately 1,500 euros per month. This will cover rent (€500), groceries (€190), utilities (€120), transport (€30), education (€200) and other expenses (€500).
Romania
Unlike Poland, Romania is considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Bucharest looks particularly attractive, where you can find reasonable prices for housing, food and transport. You can live here by spending approximately 1,400 euros per month. This amount includes rent (€450), food (€200), utilities (€150), transport (€30), education (€200) and other expenses (€400). This standard of living allows you to feel confident even without external support.
Germany
Germany is a country with high standards of quality of life, but also with corresponding costs. In cities like Berlin and Munich, prices can be particularly high. To live without state support, you need to earn at least 3,300 euros. Housing rent is about 1000 euros, food – 300 euros, utilities – 200 euros, transport – 85 euros, education – 800 euros, other expenses – 1000 euros.
Spain
Despite the warm climate and developed social infrastructure, Spain is not one of the cheap countries. Especially in big cities like Barcelona or Madrid, living can cost 3,000 euros a month. Basic expenses include rent (€800), food (€250), utilities (€140), transport (€45), education (€800) and additional expenses (€1,000). For a comfortable living, you need a high qualification or a stable job with good pay.
Italy
Italy offers a wide labor market in the service sector, care and construction, but the cost of living here is not low. It is especially high in the northern regions. To cover all expenses without social assistance, you need to have a monthly income of 3,200 euros or more. On average, housing costs 1,000 euros, food — 300 euros, utilities — 150 euros, transportation — 45 euros, education — 800 euros, other expenses — 1,000 euros.
France
Living in France, especially in Paris or Lyon, requires a significant budget. The monthly income that allows you to live without assistance must be at least 4,200 euros. Expenses for rent can reach 1,800 euros, for food – 350 euros, utilities – 200 euros, transport – 75 euros, education – 800 euros, additional expenses – 1,000 euros.
Norway
Norway is a country with one of the highest levels of welfare in Europe, but the costs here are appropriate. Products, transport and services are very expensive. A comfortable life here is possible with an income of at least 3,600 euros per month. Main items of expenses: housing rent – 1000 euros, food – 550 euros, utilities – 200 euros, transport – 80 euros, education – 800 euros, additional expenses – 1000 euros.
Great Britain
Great Britain, in particular London, is one of the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. Costs are significantly higher than average. The minimum income for independent living is 4,500 euros per month. Rent – about 2000 euros, food – 154 euros, utilities – 238 euros, transport – 119 euros, education – 1000 euros, other expenses – 1000 euros.
Europe is a space of very different opportunities and costs. When choosing a country to live in, it is important to consider not only the level of social protection or support for refugees, but also the real costs that you will have to face. For some, Romania or Poland will be more profitable, where a comfortable life is possible for less money. Others, on the contrary, are looking for prospects in countries such as Germany, France or Great Britain, where high costs are offset by higher salaries, but also higher qualification requirements.
For those who are only planning to emigrate, it is important to realistically assess their possibilities, prepare for the financial burden and adaptation. Because only complete financial independence ensures true freedom in a new country.
