Tue, September 15, 2026 at 4:10 PM UTC
Calling all digital nomads! Your fall “workation” might come with a surprising perk: spending less money.
While cities like Paris and Barcelona don’t exactly have bargain-basement reputations, new research suggests several popular European destinations can cost considerably less than major U.S. cities for remote workers. In some cases, we’re talking savings of more than $2,000 a month.
The numbers come from bunq’s 2026 Working Abroad Index, which compares monthly living costs across 75 cities worldwide, factoring in rent, groceries, utilities, mobile and home internet, and public transportation.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can simply pack your laptop and move overseas tomorrow. The index doesn’t account for salaries, taxes, visas or individual circumstances, and Americans still need to make sure they’re legally permitted to live and work in their destination of choice. But if remote work gives you geographic flexibility, these seven comparisons might have you eyeing a transatlantic change of scenery.
New York to Barcelona: Save About $2,380 a Month
Trade Manhattan for Mediterranean living and the difference is significant. According to bunq’s data, a New Yorker could spend approximately $2,380 less per month in Barcelona based on the expenses measured by the index. That’s nearly $28,600 over a year—not to mention considerably more opportunities for tapas breaks between Zoom calls.
Miami to Athens: Save About $2,090 a Month
Turns out swapping South Beach for the Greek capital could be a money saver. Athens comes in roughly $2,090 per month below Miami, potentially leaving plenty of room in the budget for weekend island hopping.
San Francisco to Berlin: Save About $2,055 a Month
Berlin’s arts, nightlife and café culture have long made it a magnet for international creatives and remote workers. For someone relocating from San Francisco, bunq’s figures suggest the appeal could be financial, too, with a difference of approximately $2,055 per month.
Los Angeles to Málaga: Save About $1,710 a Month
If giving up Southern California sunshine sounds like a deal breaker, consider another sunny coast. Moving from Los Angeles to Málaga could mean spending roughly $1,710 less per month on the costs included in the index. Your new commute? Possibly a stroll along the Mediterranean.
Boston to Paris: Save About $1,700 a Month
Yes, Paris. Despite its reputation as one of Europe’s pricier destinations, bunq’s data puts monthly costs in the French capital at about $1,700 less than Boston. Suddenly, answering emails from a café overlooking a cobblestone street doesn’t sound quite so extravagant.
Washington, D.C. to Vienna: Save About $1,380 a Month
Vienna routinely attracts travelers with its grand architecture, coffeehouse culture and excellent public transportation. Compared with Washington, D.C., remote workers could also spend approximately $1,380 less per month.
Seattle to Berlin: Save About $1,065 a Month
Berlin makes the list twice. A Seattle-based worker could see expenses drop by around $1,065 per month by relocating to the German capital, based on bunq’s calculations.
And you don’t necessarily need a passport to find major savings. The same data shows that swapping New York for Austin could save approximately $2,235 per month.
“Working abroad isn’t only about where you can take your laptop. It’s also about what kind of life you can buy once you get there,” bunq Chief Evangelist Joe Wilson said in announcing the findings.
So, while a European workation certainly isn’t as simple as booking a cheap fall flight, for those who can legally work abroad, living across the pond may be more attainable than expected.
And that Paris café office? It might actually be cheaper than your cubicle back home.
This story was originally published byParadeon Sep 15, 2026, where it first appeared in theTravelsection. Add Parade as aPreferred
