There are many great places in Europe to build a career in IT – it’s not limited to obvious choices like Berlin, Dublin, or Warsaw. While these metropolises are known for their thriving tech markets, an increasing number of less obvious cities are attracting IT professionals by offering a favorable mix of a broad job market, moderate living costs, and high quality of life. Below, we take a closer look at several such destinations across Europe – from dynamic Balkan capitals, through a vast Eurasian megacity, to the sunny corners of southern Italy – analyzing their local IT markets, cost of living, and day-to-day conditions.
New European IT hubs off the beaten track
Before diving into the less obvious destinations, it’s worth noting that Europe’s traditional technology centers still hold the crown. International rankings of the best European cities for developers consistently list London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Munich, and Frankfurt. These are the places where you’ll find the headquarters of global giants and the most mature startup ecosystems. Berlin, for example, has grown into a vibrant hub for startups and home to many tech corporations, offering high salaries and participation in innovative projects. Meanwhile, Warsaw – increasingly mentioned alongside other Polish cities like Wrocław – boasts a dynamic IT market and rapidly rising salaries (median around PLN 14,000 net per month). Dublin, on the other hand, has earned the title of “Europe’s Silicon Valley,” thanks to R&D centers of companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, as well as favorable tax conditions attracting investors. There’s no doubt that IT professionals will find plenty of opportunities in these cities, but competition is fierce and living costs are extremely high.
This is precisely why interest is growing in less obvious locations that can offer great career prospects at lower costs – and often with a better work-life balance. Let’s take a look at a few such cities and regions.
Sofia, Bulgaria – a dynamic IT market at an affordable price
Sofia has been rising for years as the technological heart of Southeastern Europe, often dubbed the “Balkan Silicon Valley.” The Bulgarian capital is currently the second-fastest-growing tech hub in Europe, reflecting the impressive expansion of the country’s IT industry. Over the past few years, revenues in Bulgaria’s ICT sector have increased by 300%, reaching around €2.5 billion. Nearly 10,000 IT companies operate across Bulgaria, with 70% focused on exporting services – proof that Sofia has become one of Europe’s top outsourcing destinations. It’s no coincidence that global corporations like SAP, VMware, and Oracle have established centers here, while local startups (such as Telerik and Payhawk) are gaining international recognition.
The IT job market in Sofia is thriving. It’s estimated that more than 80,000 professionals now work in Bulgaria’s ICT sector, well-regarded for their strong mathematical and engineering skills rooted in the country’s educational traditions. Salaries are lower than in Western Europe but still competitive for the region. For example, the average annual salary for a software engineer is about $47,000 gross, translating into $3,500–$4,000 per month. In relation to the cost of living, this provides much stronger purchasing power than in wealthier cities. While Bulgarian IT professionals may earn less nominally than those in Zurich, their lower living expenses allow them to enjoy a higher real standard of living – in fact, analyses show that a software engineer in Sofia is on average 4% “wealthier” in real terms than their counterpart in Zurich.
Living costs in Sofia are among the lowest in Europe. Rent is several times cheaper than in Western Europe – typically €500–700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, compared to €700–900 in Warsaw and €800–1,200 in Prague. The average salary in Sofia (~BGN 52,000 per year, or about €26,500) is above the national average, but daily life – from food to transport – remains relatively inexpensive. A restaurant meal can cost just €3, and a public transport ticket about €0.70. For visitors from Western Europe, prices can feel almost shockingly low – €2 for a coffee or fresh vegetables at a fraction of London’s prices.
The quality of life in Sofia is pleasantly surprising. The city offers a good balance of modernity and historic charm without the Western European price tag. Infrastructure is improving – with a modern metro system, numerous parks, cafés, and meeting spots for young professionals. Sofia is also home to the expansive Sofia Tech Park, the country’s first science and technology park, which serves as a hub connecting business, research, and the startup community. It hosts over 80 tech events annually, from conferences to hackathons. The city’s IT community is thriving, with local meetup groups (e.g., Google Developers Group Sofia, Women in Tech Bulgaria) and regular events like the Digitalk Conference and OpenFest for open-source enthusiasts. All of this makes Sofia increasingly attractive for IT professionals seeking a dynamic career in a more affordable environment.
Chișinău, Moldova – a niche player with ultra-low costs
On the opposite end of the continent, in tiny Moldova, another intriguing spot is emerging on Europe’s tech map – Chișinău. The Moldovan capital remains a rather niche IT hub, but it is steadily building momentum, offering advantages that are hard to ignore: a modest yet growing tech market and the lowest living costs in the region.
The IT job market in Moldova is supported at the state level as a priority sector – the ICT industry accounts for about 7.4% of the country’s GDP. While the scale is small (around 30,500 people employed in ICT nationwide), the government has launched initiatives to accelerate growth. The most important was the establishment of the Moldova IT Park in 2018, a virtual technology park providing IT firms with a simplified 7% flat tax on revenues. Thanks to this and other incentives, Chișinău has become attractive for outsourcing – foreign companies can run development centers cheaply, tapping into the local talent pool while also benefiting from easier visa rules for bringing in IT experts. As a result, subsidiaries of firms from Romania, the US, and Germany operate here, alongside local software houses serving EU clients.
Salaries for Moldovan programmers are aligned with local conditions – lower than in the EU, but still quite solid relative to the cost of living. The current average IT salary in Moldova is about €1,585 per month. While modest by Western standards, this is several times higher than the national average, making IT one of the country’s best-paying sectors. Top programmers (especially those working with foreign contractors) can earn €2,000–2,500 per month, which translates into a very comfortable lifestyle given local prices.
Living costs in Chișinău are a major draw for anyone seeking a low-expense lifestyle. The Moldovan capital is cheaper than most European cities – consumer prices (including rent) are 29% lower than in Budapest, 21% lower than in Bucharest, and a staggering 77% lower than in London. Renting a studio apartment often costs just €200–300, and a single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent) can be kept around €600. Of course, this comes with trade-offs such as lower-quality public services and limited availability of certain goods, but for remote workers employed by foreign companies or those living off Western savings, Chișinău offers a place where “a dollar goes four times further.” Even compared with nearby regional capitals, Moldova wins on cost: according to Numbeo, living costs in Chișinău are about 36% lower than in Kraków – which itself is considered one of the cheaper major cities in the EU.
The quality of life in Chișinău has both pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s a quieter, smaller city (about 700,000 residents) with plenty of greenery – its parks, such as the vast Dendrarium Park or Valea Morilor garden, are well known. The pace of life is slower, with fewer traffic jams and less of the corporate rat race. Life is inexpensive, which reduces financial stress. On the downside, Moldova is still one of Europe’s poorest countries, meaning infrastructure can be outdated, and cultural or entertainment offerings are more limited than in wealthier nations. Still, for those who value a calmer atmosphere, fewer crowds, and low costs, Chișinău can be an appealing base – especially as the local IT sector works to connect with the broader world. Industry events like the Moldova ICT Summit are held here, several coworking spaces are available, and emerging startup communities often collaborate with experts from Romania or Ukraine. Moldova aspires to become part of Europe’s integrated digital market – and if ties with the EU deepen, Chișinău is likely to gain importance.
Istanbul, Turkey – a bridge between East and West in technology
Istanbul is a true giant – a metropolis of over 15 million people spanning both Europe and Asia – and this unique geographical position is reflected in the character of its IT sector. For several years now, the city has been climbing in European startup ecosystem rankings. Although Turkey is not an EU member, Istanbul is increasingly mentioned in the same breath as Europe’s leading tech hubs, such as Lisbon or Barcelona.
The IT job market in Istanbul is vast and diverse. Thanks to its young and sizeable population (Turkey has one of the youngest demographics in Europe), the city has a large pool of engineers and programmers. Its engineering culture is strong – every year, technical universities (such as Istanbul Technical University and Boğaziçi University) graduate thousands of specialists valued across the region. As a result, Istanbul has become a leading center for industries such as e-commerce, mobile gaming, and delivery apps. Turkey has produced several startups that achieved spectacular success: the on-demand platform Getir (grocery delivery) became a unicorn, as did gaming companies Peak Games and Dream Games, joining the elite club of billion-dollar startups. According to 2022 data, Turkish startups attracted nearly $1.7 billion in investment (a record), with 54% going to gaming and fintech. This places Istanbul at the very top of Europe in terms of venture capital attractiveness (especially in gaming – Turkey ranked 2nd in Europe and 4th worldwide by number of gaming deals!).
This wave of big deals and success translates into career opportunities. Istanbul is home to numerous accelerators and incubators, supported by the government (e.g., the Turcorn 100 program, aimed at helping startups reach unicorn status), the private sector, and universities. R&D centers of global firms are also opening here – Microsoft, Amazon, and Huawei have established engineering offices, drawn by the available talent and strategic location between Europe and the Middle East. For IT professionals, this means a wide variety of options: corporate roles, local scale-ups, and dynamic startups. It’s worth noting that salaries are also rising – although rampant inflation in recent years has weakened the Turkish lira, tech companies try to link pay to foreign currency rates or offer other benefits to retain top talent. On average, an experienced developer in Istanbul can expect around TRY 15,000–20,000 per month, which currently equals roughly €1,100–1,500 (with higher, often dollar-based salaries in foreign companies). In lira terms, wages are growing, but their purchasing power only partially keeps pace with inflation – a challenge for Turkey’s IT sector.
Living costs in Istanbul have fluctuated sharply in recent years due to the country’s unstable economy. On the one hand, inflation has driven up the prices of essentials (rent, food, etc.), hitting locals who earn in lira. On the other hand, for those with income in stable currencies (e.g., euros or dollars), Istanbul has paradoxically become cheaper than before – a weaker lira means favorable exchange rates. For instance, monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in a good district costs around €400–500 – far less than in any Western capital. Public transport is inexpensive (metro ticket ~€0.50), and dining out remains affordable by European standards. Unfortunately, local IT salaries don’t always keep up: many professionals note that wages in IT lag behind living costs – forum posts often mention junior developers earning around TRY 50,000 per year (~€1,600), with much of their salary going toward rent. As a result, some Turkish talent emigrates or seeks remote work with foreign companies (a trend made easier by the remote-work boom). Despite these challenges, for foreigners earning in strong currencies or relocating with company support, Istanbul offers a uniquely favorable quality-to-cost ratio.
Quality of life in Istanbul is extraordinary – a city of incredible energy, cultural diversity, and rich history. In your free time, you can enjoy the best of both continents: strolling through the historic Sultanahmet district, admiring Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then diving into the modern bustle of the Levent business district. Istanbul also attracts digital nomads and expats – its scenic location on the Bosphorus, warm climate, countless cafés, restaurants, and coworking spaces make life here colorful and inspiring. Of course, there are also megacity challenges: traffic jams are legendary, public transport can be crowded, and the pace of life exhausting. Still, the extensive transport network (metro, metrobus, ferries), diverse housing options (from the European-style Beyoğlu to villa neighborhoods on the Asian side), and a generally tech-friendly society (Turkey is quick to adopt fintech, e-health, and more) make Istanbul a place where tradition meets modernity. For IT professionals, this means not only working in a dynamic industry but also enjoying a daily life rich with experiences – from Turkish cuisine and cultural events to networking in an international startup environment.
Naples, Italy – technology in the shadow of Vesuvius
When it comes to Italy’s IT industry, cities like Milan (the country’s business capital) or Turin (an industrial and engineering hub) usually come to mind. Southern Italy, however, has long lagged behind the north in terms of modern sectors. But Naples, the south’s largest city, is beginning to gain ground as a place to live and work in IT – particularly in the era of remote work and initiatives supporting the region’s technological development.
The IT job market in Naples and the surrounding Campania region is smaller than in the northern metropolises, but it is growing and diversifying. Several technology parks and economic zones operate in Campania, aiming to attract high-tech firms. Importantly, the Italian government and the EU have launched special support programs for the south – for example, the Smart&Start Italia initiative, which offers startups in southern regions non-repayable grants (up to 30% of investment) and favorable loans. These incentives have encouraged the growth of startups and tech companies in Naples. Coworking spaces and accelerators have been established (e.g., CSI – Campania Startup Innovazione). In the Seedtable ranking, Naples already features several promising young companies, including space-tech project Sidereus Space Dynamics and influencer marketing platform Buzzoole. While it’s still far from becoming a major hub, the local ecosystem is undergoing dynamic development. A landmark moment was Apple’s decision to open the Apple Developer Academy in Naples in partnership with the University of Federico II – the first of its kind in Europe, training hundreds of young mobile app developers each year. Since 2016, the academy has graduated over 2,000 students from across Europe, many of whom have gone on to work for local and international tech firms. Apple’s presence in Naples is both a symbolic “seal of quality” and a catalyst for building the region’s IT community.
Salaries in IT in southern Italy are generally lower than in the north – reflecting the overall economic gap between regions. For example, a programmer in Milan or Turin can earn 20–30% more than one in Naples with comparable experience. On average, developers in Campania earn around €30,000–35,000 gross per year (about €1,800–2,000 net per month). This is below Europe’s top-tier levels, but it’s worth noting that living costs are significantly lower here than in Milan or Rome.
Living costs in Naples and southern Italy are among the region’s main advantages. Renting in Naples is about 30–40% cheaper than in the capital or the wealthy north. For €600–700 you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in the city center, while in Milan a similar place would cost €1,000 or more. Services, meals (famous Neapolitan pizza for just a few euros!), and groceries at local markets are also more affordable. Residents also spend less on heating (thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate) and transportation (Naples is compact, and many people use scooters or e-scooters instead of expensive cars). As a result, even with more modest salaries, life can be more comfortable and financially less stressful – something many professionals relocating from pricier cities appreciate. For those working remotely for foreign companies, Naples can be a true paradise: enjoying London-level earnings with southern Italian expenses.
Quality of life in Naples, on the other hand, is something that numbers alone cannot capture. It’s a city with a unique atmosphere – loud, chaotic, but also full of life, art, stunning architecture, and the natural beauty of the Bay of Naples. The climate and culture of the south are conducive to maintaining a healthy work-life balance: after work you can head to the beach on the Bay of Naples, take a trip to Capri or Ischia, or simply enjoy the best coffee and gelato in one of the hundreds of street cafés. Neapolitans are known for their hospitality and laid-back attitude – corporate stress is lower here than in the stiff office towers of major financial centers.
Of course, southern Italy has its challenges too: bureaucracy can be burdensome, the unemployment rate (especially among young people) remains high, and some districts of Naples struggle with infrastructure problems. Nevertheless, more and more young professionals are choosing to stay in or return to the south, seeing opportunities in the growing IT sector and the possibilities of remote work. For technology enthusiasts, meetups are available in the region (for example, Java and Python communities organize events in Naples), along with larger gatherings – in 2023 Naples hosted the Techstars Startup Week as well as conferences from the SMAU Naples series promoting innovation. Support is also flowing from European programs – EU funds finance training, incubators, and research at local universities, which in the long run may further stimulate the tech scene.
Naples shows that it’s not only the biggest and wealthiest cities that can be attractive to IT professionals. Sometimes the prospect of living in a place with rich culture, beautiful surroundings, and less intense competition can be just as appealing – especially now that globalization of work allows ambitious projects to be carried out from virtually anywhere.
Summary and Outlook: Where is the European IT Market Headed?
Examples like Sofia, Chișinău, Istanbul, or Naples prove that the European IT market is becoming increasingly polycentric. This means that alongside traditional technology giants, new local hubs are emerging – often in places where few would have considered looking for IT jobs a decade ago. At least three factors drive this phenomenon. First, globalization and remote work – professionals can now work for any company from anywhere, so why not choose a city where life is cheaper or simply more enjoyable? Second, government initiatives and investment – countries like Bulgaria or Ireland have shown that strategic tax incentives and investments in education attract companies and talent. Third, the diversifying expectations of the younger generation – for many young engineers, it’s no longer just about the salary but also about quality of life, culture, and opportunities for personal growth. Hence the growing popularity of cities offering a better climate, less congestion, or more inspiring natural surroundings, even if they’re not at the top of the career ladder.
The future of the European IT market looks bright – demand for specialists remains strong, and digital transformation is accelerating across all countries, from Portugal to Ukraine. It can be expected that more and more places will join the map of technology hubs. Perhaps the next “dark horses” will be cities rarely mentioned in this context today – such as Belgrade, Tbilisi, or Valencia. For those looking for new destinations to live and work in IT, this means a wealth of choice. It’s worth keeping an eye on these emerging hubs, as they often offer the best of both worlds: solid jobs in a future-proof industry and living conditions that let you enjoy every moment after leaving the office.
Europe is becoming a network of interconnected tech ecosystems, where geographic distance loses its significance thanks to the internet and international collaboration. Whether one prefers the hustle of a big metropolis or the calm of a smaller city – there is a place for everyone in Europe’s IT sector. Destinations like Bulgaria, Moldova, Turkey, or southern Italy prove that talent and innovation can thrive anywhere, provided the right conditions are in place. For specialists ready for a bit of courage and openness, this means the chance to embark on an adventure – relocating to a new city, experiencing a different culture, and at the same time building a career in the global tech market. Because IT is not only about code and money, but also about the people, places, and experiences that drive us to build the future – today not only in Berlin or Dublin, but in every corner of Europe.