Salary Abroad: what are the differences?
Nina
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3 minutes reading time
Are you interested in starting a job abroad, but are not sure if you will earn enough to finance your life in another country? Don't worry, many people ask themselves this question! In this blog, you will learn how price levels and cost of living differ in European countries, what you should pay attention to, and why working abroad is definitely worth it.
Why does the salary differ so much across Europe?
You have probably noticed from the gross monthly salary specified in many of our vacancies that it sometimes differs from the average salary in your home country. This is because it is adjusted to the average salary and cost of living in the respective country. This means that expenses such as rent and insurance, but also activities like restaurant visits or gym memberships, can be cheaper or more expensive than you are used to.
Not to worry, the expenses are always in line with your salary, so most of the time you will be able to maintain a similar lifestyle you are used to. In the following, we have compared four popular job offers in different countries and the usual cost of living there. 👇
📍 Lisbon, Portugal
As a Customer Advisor in Lisbon, you gross monthly salary can be be between €1,100 and €1,700, depending on your experience and the languages you speak. Moreover, your employer provides you with housing in a shared apartment. In this case, the rent will be deducted from your salary straight way. You will not only get a decently priced apartment, but save a lot of time and stress in searching for accommodation.
The average monthly grocery shopping costs €175 in Portugal, a 0.5l local beer costs €2.50 and public transportation costs monthly around €35.
📍 Valencia, Spain
In a comparable position as a Customer Experience Specialist in Valencia, you receive a gross monthly salary between €1,250 and €1,600. The average monthly rent for a centrally located room in a shared flat is about €325, and a whole 2-room apartment is around €850. The monthly grocery shopping costs €190 in Valencia, a local 0.5l beer costs about €3, and the public transport per month costs €43.
📍 Athens, Greece
Starting as a Customer Advisor in the Greek capital Athens, your gross monthly salary will be between €1,150 and €1,500, once again, depending on the languages you speak. You can find a shared flat room for an average of €400 per month, and a 2-room apartment outside the city center costs about €800. The monthly grocery shopping costs around €160, a local 0.5l beer €4.50, and the monthly costs for public transport €30.
📍 Madrid, Spain
In comparison to Valencia, the prices in Madrid are a bit higher, but if you compare them to other European capitals, they are still more affordable. The average monthly rent for a room in a shared apartment is around €500 to €700. For a studio apartment, you have to pay around €1000. For public transportation, you have to pay €55 a month; if you are younger than 26, only €20. Groceries will cost you around €200 to €300 a month.
There are quite some differences in the price level in European countries, so our advise is to not jump to conclusions, but always check the cost of living first! Either way, the experience abroad and the countless memories you make are priceless, never forget that! 🧡
Haven't found the right country yet? Then take a look at our job offers and get inspired!