Top 10 European Cities Americans Love Calling Home
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
The lifestyle, the culture, a multitude of job opportunities, and better work-life balance have long lured Americans to Europe. From coastal getaways to ancient capitals, these cities provide the comfort, convenience, and lively expat community that help newcomers feel right at home.
So whether you’re moving for a job, family, or just a change of pace, check out these Top 10 European Cities Americans Love Calling Home and make one of them the new setting of your life abroad. Make your overseas move easy with International Sea & Air Shipping!
Paris, France
Paris ranks high on the list of destinations for Americans relocating to Europe. With its globally renowned art and fashion, sophisticated architecture, and dining scene, the city juxtaposes opulence with a vibrant expat community. Homes in central districts rent for about €1,300 ($1,400) on average; the suburbs feature cheaper choices.
Paris also thrives as a global fashion hub. Many expats come here to work or study in the design industry—not surprising, since Paris ranks among the top European cities for fashion designers.
Neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Montmartre would appeal to expats either for their charm or easy access. There are transportation options in Paris that put other cities to shame, the quality of healthcare is top-notch, and the city has an international feel to it. For Americans seeking to move to France, Paris offers culture, convenience, and an existing community.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s sunshine, beaches, modernist architecture, and affordable cost of living make this one of the most user-friendly cities in Europe for Americans. Apartments in central Madrid cost around €1,000 ($1,050) on average, with options located farther out where it is also quieter and more affordable.
The city has a strong digital nomad scene, international schools, and jobs in tech, tourism, and education. Some of the most illustrious districts include Eixample, Gracia, and Barceloneta. And for Americans who want to enjoy life in Spain—especially those moving to Spain—moving to Barcelona allows them to escape the hubbub and craziness of it all while enjoying Mediterranean tranquility.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The canals of Amsterdam, the bike-friendly streets, and the high level of English proficiency make American expats feel at home in a way that’s not always possible elsewhere. Housing is more expensive—around €1,600 ($1,680) a month for a one-bedroom in the center—but Gothenburg’s solid transportation systems and environmental awareness make costs easier to raise.
Expats may want to consider living in Jordaan, De Pijp, and Oud-West. As one of the most international cities in Europe, there are great job prospects in finance, logistics, and tech for those thinking of moving to Amsterdam and even for those moving to the Netherlands. For Americans relocating to Europe, the fact that Amsterdam is both LGBTQ-friendly and equipped with modern conveniences makes the move a little easier.
Lisbon, Portugal
In 2019, Lisbon, Portugal, remained a popular choice for many Americans seeking affordability, sunshine, and a more peaceful coastal lifestyle. Average rent You can expect a one-bedroom in the city center to go for about €1,000 ($1,050), and prices decrease as you move farther from the city center. Eating out and going out are also very affordable, making Lisbon appealing to digital nomads and retirees.
Good expat neighborhoods include Alfama, Baixa-Chiado, and Avenida da Liberdade. Thanks to excellent public transportation and an increasing number of international residents, Lisbon is among the most popular destinations for Americans moving to Portugal.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is all about art, music, history, and youthful spirit. A one-bedroom apartment in the center goes for about €1,100 ($1,160), so it is cheaper than many major European capitals.
Americans gravitate to Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte—neighborhoods with a reputation for creativity, diversity, and lifestyle benefits. Berlin has plentiful job opportunities in the startup, tech, and creative sectors; it’s easy to see why many young professionals from the USA come to Europe when moving to Germany and looking for a vibrant, international city to call home.
Rome, Italy
Rome is all contrast—balancing the light glimpse of modern society against its ancient city walls through a sea of monuments and its buzzing local traditions. Apartments in the city center rent for an average of €1,200 ($1,260), and outside it there are less expensive ones.
Trastevere, Monti, and Prati are popular neighborhoods with expats for their historic feel and social offerings. The pace of the city, community feel, and Mediterranean lifestyle make Rome ideal for families or older people who wish to pack up their lives and move them to Italy. With a bit of help from international moving services, you will get to enjoy everything this welcoming, cozy city has on offer.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Clean is a design packed with safety and sustainability. In the center, a one-bedroom rents for about €1,400 ($1,470). More expensive, but what expats will be enjoying are good public services (free education is one example, and so on).
Nørrebro, Østerbro, and Vesterbro are popular areas. With its bike culture and “hygge” (roughly translated as cozy) lifestyle, Copenhagen makes sense for Americans relocating to Europe who value balance, comfort, and eco-friendliness—particularly those who are moving to Denmark in search of a quieter, greener way of life. Call today to ship household goods.. There’s no better way to move the precious parts of your home than shipping household goods.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has lots going on culturally, there is great architecture, and it is one of the best places to live in Europe as well. Housing is cheap; a one-bedroom apartment downtown costs around €1,100 ($1,160).
Families and retirees are particularly drawn to the safety, green space, museums, and excellent public transportation in Vienna. The most popular areas are Innere Stadt, Neubau, and Wieden. For those who want to move from USA to Europe, Vienna is a welcoming, calm, and orderly place, including for people considering moving to Austria but comparing different European lifestyles.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich combines a cosmopolitan city with fields and lakes, crystalline air, and tall mountains. Yes, housing is not cheap—typically around 2,200 Swiss francs ($2,450) for a one-bedroom—but both high wages and exceptional public services make up for the discrepancy.
Top areas include Seefeld, Kreis 5, and Enge. Vice versa, those who move to Zurich are likely to be American professionals who want stability, access to the great outdoors, and promising career prospects in a country that has been well organized for high-quality living. For newcomers moving to Switzerland, the city offers a clean, safe, and efficient quality of life.
London, United Kingdom
London continues to be among the top 10 European cities Americans love calling home. London is renowned for its diverse culture, English-speaking environment, and abundance of opportunities. Rent in the center is about £1,800 ($2,300) a month; prices are lower in the outer boroughs.
Notting Hill, South Kensington, and Shoreditch are some of the most American expat-friendly areas. London expats moving to the UK from USA bring with them a great deal of history and some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, world-class universities, and diverse neighborhoods.
Living the Dream: Top European Cities Americans Love Calling Home
These Top 10 European Cities Americans Love to Call Home provide many opportunities for fun with vibrant lifestyles, diverse cultures, and booming expat communities. Whether it’s the beaches of Lisbon, the artistic avenues of Paris, or the hustle and bustle of London, relocating to Europe from USA can fly you into high culture, history, and new beginnings.
Relocate with the best in the business—International Sea & Air Shipping. You get what you pay for, and getting it there on time is professional business; we will happily push your products out and keep them beautiful. We get you there—wherever your European adventure may be, we’re dedicated to helping ensure that you’ll enjoy your travel and arrive in style.