Eastern Slovakia's hub turned unlikely IT centre with a pretty historical core and very low costs. A quiet, practical base.
What it costs to live in Košice
A one-bed runs around EUR 420 a month, roughly 30% below the national baseline for Slovakia, which is a large part of why people look here instead of the capital. That puts Košice among the cheapest in this comparison: only 2 of the 60 EU cities we profile come in lower.
Against a typical net salary in Slovakia of about EUR 1,200, rent takes roughly 35% of take-home pay, which leaves more room than most of Western Europe.
What the economy runs on
IT services, steel, universities.
Košice rewards anyone bringing income from elsewhere: the cost base is low, though the country is less geared toward freelance and remote status than the EU's easiest options.
How far English gets you
English works in international offices, with younger people and in the centre of Košice, but shops, tradespeople and anything official will expect Slovak.
Košice rates 55/100 for English, a little below the 58/100 we give Slovakia overall, so do not assume the capital's habits apply here. There is a fuller breakdown on the English in Slovakia page.
What day-to-day life leans on
Mountains are close enough to change your weekends, with Slovakia at 80/100 for alpine access. Skiing and hiking stop being trips you plan a year ahead and become things you do on a Saturday.
Slovakia is landlocked or nearly so, at 0/100 for coastal access, so if you want the sea within reach you will be flying or driving to it.
Worth weighing
Far from western Europe; limited flights.
Košice is the cheapest of the cities we cover in Slovakia. For comparison: Bratislava (about EUR 600 a month).
City picked, country still open? See the full Slovakia overview including cost of living, safety, healthcare and the path to residence, or compare Slovakia with other EU countries.