Moving to Europe
Salaries, Lifestyle, and Family Considerations
Why Move to Europe?
Europe offers a diverse range of teaching opportunities, from prestigious international schools in Western Europe to high-demand positions in Central and Eastern Europe.
While salaries vary significantly by country, many teachers are drawn to the cultural richness, excellent quality of life, and strong educational standards.
Popular destinations include Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, while Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic offer lower living costs and better packages.
Europe Overview
Western European countries offer higher salaries but come with higher taxation and living costs.
Eastern and Central Europe provide lower salaries but allow for comfortable living on a teacher’s income.
Cities like London, Paris, and Zurich are expensive, while Budapest, Prague, and Lisbon offer more affordability.
Salary Expectations
Let’s explore some of the average teaching salaries by different European regions.
Western Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland)
$3,000 – $8,000 USD/month
Higher salaries but higher living costs).
Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece)
$1,500 – $3,500 USD/month
Lower salaries, but more affordable lifestyle.
Eastern & Central Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania)
$1,200 – $3,000 USD/month
Lower salaries but lower cost of living.
Cost of Living in Europe
The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Europe can range anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 USD or more, depending on your location, lifestyle, and what’s included in your teaching contract.
Western and Northern Europe, like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and France generally come with a higher cost of living. Especially things like rent and transport. In comparison, Eastern and Southern Europe, such as Hungary, Poland, Portugal, or the Balkans, tend to be more budget-friendly for families. But just remember that salaries and benefits may also be lower.
That said, your financial experience will be shaped more by your contract details and lifestyle choices than by geography alone.
Key things that impact affordability:
- Is your housing provided, subsidised, or fully out-of-pocket?
- Are your children’s tuition fees fully covered or only partially?
- Do you rely on public transport or need a car?
- Are you eating locally or buying imported goods and familiar brands?
- Do you plan frequent European weekend trips or stay local?
For example, a family in Zurich might need $6,000–$8,000 USD/month to live comfortably. Meanwhile, a family in Budapest or Lisbon might spend closer to $2,500–$4,000 USD, depending on housing and school arrangements.
International school contracts across Europe can vary dramatically. Some offer generous housing stipends and full tuition for multiple children, while others may offer little beyond salary and health insurance, especially in more desirable cities where demand is high.
Additional considerations:
- School Extras: Uniforms, trips, school supplies, and extracurriculars can add up quickly in Europe, especially in well-established European international schools.
- Local taxes: These can take a bigger bite in countries like France or Sweden, so clarify if your salary is net or gross.
- Currency: While many countries use the Euro, others (like Switzerland, or Poland) don’t. And currency fluctuations can affect savings or transfers.
Some families find they live modestly but save steadily, especially in countries with lower costs and decent benefits. Some struggle to save much at all. Especially families drawn into the “European lifestyle”—frequent travel, café culture, imported comforts—which can quickly stretch the budget.
For more detailed insights, explore:
- Numbeo – updated crowd-sourced cost of living data
- Expatistan – great for comparing cities side-by-side
- Local expat communities on Facebook or Reddit (e.g. Expats in Europe, Families in Germany/Spain/etc.)
School Types in Europe
Let’s explore some of the common types of international schools you’ll find throughout Europe for international teachers.
International schools
IB, British, and American curricula, typically offering the best salaries and benefits.
Bilingual & Private Schools
Offer mid-range salaries and often require proficiency in the local language.
Public Schools & Language Academies
Popular in Southern and Eastern Europe, often hiring ESL teachers.
Moving to Europe: Hiring Seasons, Visas, Schools & Safety
Hiring Seasons
Peak Hiring Time: January – May for an August/September start. Can make transitioning from Asia to Europe more challenging given the later recruitment time and need to give notice early (usually October to December).
Language Schools: Year-round hiring, with demand peaking in September and January.
Visa Processes
EU Citizens: Can work freely in most European countries.
Non-EU Citizens: Typically require sponsorship, which is easier to obtain in Eastern and Central Europe. EU candidates are often preferred, making it more challenging to get employment if you’re not from the EU.
UK Post-Brexit: Visa requirements apply, but demand for teachers remains high.
International Schools
Strong options in Western Europe, with tuition discounts sometimes available.
Flights typically not included in packages in Western Europe. Packages are typically better (e.g. flights included, relocation allowance) in Eastern European international schools.
Healthcare and Safety
Universal healthcare in most countries, often available to teachers through public systems or employer insurance.
Low crime rates, especially in cities like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Helsinki.
Moving to Europe
Europe has well-established expat networks, especially in capital cities.
Countries like Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands have large international communities with social events, networking groups, and expat-friendly amenities.
