Ever dream of waking up to the smell of fresh croissants, wandering cobblestone streets, and sipping espresso on a balcony with zero responsibilities? Same. But unless you’ve got a surprise EU passport or a secret trust fund, moving to Europe might not be in the cards right now. The good news? You don’t have to cross the Atlantic to get that Old World charm.
There are towns right here in the U.S. that serve serious European vibes—think charming architecture, walkable streets, tiny wine bars, and even the occasional glockenspiel. And better yet? They’re affordable. Like, you-could-actually-live-there affordable. So if you’re craving that expat energy without the time zones, here are 14 U.S. cities that feel like Europe but cost way less than a one-way flight to Lisbon.
1. Lindsborg, Kansas
Also known as “Little Sweden USA,” Lindsborg is the quirky European cousin in the middle of the prairie. You’ll find Dala horses on every corner, Swedish flags waving proudly, and bakeries slinging cardamom buns like it’s a national sport. The town was founded by Swedish immigrants, and it still honors that heritage with festivals, museums, and language classes.
Lindsborg’s downtown looks like it was imported straight from Scandinavia—with less snow and more sunshine. It’s super affordable (we’re talking small-town Kansas prices) but doesn’t skimp on charm. Locals are friendly, creative, and serious about keeping their traditions alive. You’ll find cute crafts, wooden toys, and enough smorgasbord to last you a lifetime. It’s the perfect place to live out your Nordic cottagecore fantasy without leaving the Midwest.
2. St. Augustine, Florida
Yes, Florida made the list—and no, it’s not because of theme parks. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the U.S., and it wears its Spanish colonial history like a crown. With its cobblestone streets, coquina-stone fort, and pastel buildings with wrought-iron balconies, it feels like you accidentally wandered into a Mediterranean port town.
But unlike, say, Barcelona, the price tag is refreshingly down-to-earth. Southern Living highlights the city as both a cultural gem and a budget-friendly destination, making it a great place for retirees or remote workers looking for charm without Euros. You’ll find affordable homes under $250K if you explore the surrounding neighborhoods. And because it’s a college town with Flagler College downtown, there’s always something going on—concerts, art walks, ghost tours (if you’re into that kind of vibe). It’s Spain with palm trees and zero international phone charges.
3. Solvang, California
Solvang is what happens when a group of Danish-Americans decides Southern California needs more windmills. And they were right. This Santa Ynez Valley gem is all red roofs, lace curtains, and bakeries stuffed with kringles and almond tarts. Founded in 1911 by Danish educators (yes, really), the town leans hard into the Scandinavian aesthetic—and it’s absolutely delightful.
You’ll see people wearing clogs unironically. The town center feels like Copenhagen if Copenhagen had a lot more sunshine. While California isn’t exactly known for affordability, Solvang is a hidden pocket where home prices are lower than in nearby Santa Barbara or LA, especially in the outskirts. According to Architectural Digest, the town remains a popular but accessible alternative for people seeking Euro charm without Euro airfare. Wine tasting, windmills, and charming architecture? Denmark could never.
4. New Ulm, Minnesota
It’s not just the snow that’ll make you feel like you’re in Germany—it’s the glockenspiel tower, the German-style beer halls, and the literal “Guten Tag” signs in shop windows. New Ulm was founded by German immigrants in the 1800s and has stubbornly refused to give up its roots. It’s basically Oktoberfest all year, but with friendlier accents and cheaper rent.
Think bratwurst festivals, polka dancing, and folks who take their heritage very seriously. The town is clean, cozy, and surrounded by nature. Housing prices are among the lowest in the state, with homes often under $200K and plenty of rentals that won’t break the bank. MPR News noted how proud the town is of its cultural legacy—and it shows. This is small-town living with big Euro flair. And bonus: if you’re into beer, it’s practically a lifestyle here.
5. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence feels like a northeastern mashup of Venice and Lisbon—hear us out. The city is built on seven hills (like Rome), has gorgeous old-world architecture, and is crisscrossed by rivers that are literally lit on fire during WaterFire, a public art installation. There’s a major art school (RISD), an Ivy League vibe (hello, Brown University), and cafes and bakeries on every corner.
Despite all this European flavor, Providence still flies under the radar compared to Boston or NYC. That’s great news for your wallet. The Sun recently highlighted Providence’s affordability, with median home prices well below most coastal cities and a thriving creative community. You get walkability, public transport, and a diverse food scene with Portuguese, Italian, and Cape Verdean influences. It’s like living in three countries at once—without leaving New England. For those craving culture with a side of practicality, Providence delivers.
6. Galveston, Texas
You probably don’t associate Texas with European vibes, but Galveston is about to change that. This Gulf Coast island city has colorful Victorian architecture, pastel row houses, and old-world mansions that look like they were lifted straight out of a seaside European town. The historic Strand District is filled with iron balconies, cobblestone-style streets, and art galleries galore. And because it’s an island, there’s that breezy, Mediterranean-coast energy happening—minus the language barrier and with a lot more BBQ.
The cost of living? Surprisingly reasonable for a place with ocean views. Rent stays relatively low, and buying a charming old home won’t bankrupt you. Galveston’s artsy, eccentric, and full of local festivals that make it feel like a European town that really gets how to have fun. Bonus: you can walk to the beach and still afford fresh oysters. Not a bad trade-off for skipping the flight to Lisbon.
7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a twisty, artsy mountain town that’s got more European flair than you’d expect from the Ozarks. Built into the hills and loaded with Victorian architecture, winding stone staircases, and quirky alleyways, it gives off serious “old spa town in southern France” energy. The town was founded as a health retreat, and it still has that relaxed, earthy vibe.
You’ll find art galleries in every direction, outdoor cafés, and even a castle-like hotel that wouldn’t look out of place in Bavaria. What makes it even better? The affordability. Real estate here is way below the national average, especially if you’re eyeing a fixer-upper with charm. It’s perfect for creatives, introverts, and people who like their history with a side of weird. If you want to live somewhere that feels magical—but won’t murder your budget—this one’s for you.
8. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This historic steel town feels more like a hidden German village than part of Pennsylvania. Bethlehem goes all in on its Christmas Market, complete with wooden huts, glühwein, and carolers who take it very seriously. Its old Moravian roots and stone buildings give it a kind of “Central Europe but make it Pennsylvania” aesthetic that’s surprisingly charming.
Downtown is walkable, cozy, and full of independent cafés and vintage shops. There’s even a converted industrial arts space that looks like a modern-day Berlin warehouse. You’re close to NYC and Philly, but with none of the price tag. Housing is affordable, especially if you’re downsizing or buying your first home. And let’s be real—there’s something very satisfying about living in a place named Bethlehem.
9. Astoria, Oregon
If you squint while standing on a misty corner in Astoria, you could easily mistake it for a fishing village on the coast of Ireland or Norway. Perched at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is moody, charming, and full of 19th-century homes that climb up the hillside like something out of a European painting. It’s a port town with deep Scandinavian roots and a love of smoked fish that would make any Viking proud.
The streets are narrow, the buildings are old, and the sea fog rolls in like clockwork. There’s even a trolley that runs along the waterfront, adding to the whole “somewhere far away” vibe. Compared to nearby Portland or Seattle, it’s much more affordable. Rent is manageable, homes are still findable under $400K, and the lifestyle? Slow, scenic, and a little bit salty—in the best way. If you want fjords without the airfare, Astoria delivers.
10. Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the smallest U.S. state capital, but it might just have the biggest Euro energy per square foot. It’s got the walkability of a Swiss mountain town, the local markets of a French village, and the kind of bookstore-to-person ratio that would impress any literary expat. You’ll see folks biking in scarves, shopping at the co-op, and sipping espresso in cafés where everyone knows your name.
The town is surrounded by rolling green hills and old brick buildings, and it’s got a “mind-your-business” kind of quiet that makes it feel like a secret. There’s also no big box stores in the city limits, which keeps the vibe super local. Cost-wise, it’s cheaper than most New England cities, with modest homes and lots of charming rentals. Winters are snowy but beautiful. If your dream is to live like a writer in the French Alps—but still be close to Trader Joe’s—Montpelier might be your match.
11. Hermann, Missouri
If Hallmark made a movie set in Germany and shot it in the Midwest, it would be in Hermann. This little riverside town leans all the way into its German heritage, with half-timbered buildings, wine trails, and sausage shops that smell like a Munich street corner. It’s the kind of place where Oktoberfest isn’t just a weekend—it’s a personality.
The streets are lined with vintage lamp posts, boutique inns, and European-style bakeries. It’s an incredibly walkable place, especially near the riverfront. And the housing? So affordable it feels like cheating. You can still snag a historic home here without a bidding war. If your vibe is “Europe meets small-town friendliness with bratwurst,” welcome home.
12. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
This coastal New England gem has major old-world swagger. Cobblestone streets, harbor views, and centuries-old buildings give it that Euro-seaside-town feeling—with the added bonus of zero passport required. The downtown is full of narrow streets, colorful shops, and restaurants that wouldn’t be out of place in a Belgian city.
Portsmouth is an artist’s haven, a foodie destination, and a place where you can sip cappuccino in a 300-year-old building. While New Hampshire isn’t always the cheapest state, Portsmouth is more affordable than Boston or NYC, especially for renters or folks moving from pricier metros. It’s also super bikeable, dog-friendly, and full of maritime history. Think Bruges meets Cape Cod—but more lowkey. If you want charm without the crowds, this is your spot.
13. San Luis Obispo, California
If Tuscany and Santa Barbara had a chill, artsy cousin who liked hiking and red wine, it’d be San Luis Obispo. This Central Coast town has terracotta rooftops, vineyard views, and weather that practically demands al fresco dining. You’ve got rolling hills, mission architecture, and enough artisan cheese to make any Italian nonna cry happy tears.
It’s a little pricier than the others on this list—but still far cheaper than nearby coastal cities like Santa Barbara or San Francisco. And the vibes? Immaculate. The downtown is filled with boutiques, coffee shops, and slow-living energy. Whether you’re sipping Syrah on a sunny patio or wandering the farmers’ market, it all feels very understated Europe. If you’ve been dreaming of retiring in Umbria but need to stay Stateside, SLO checks every box.
14. Leavenworth, Washington
This tiny Bavarian-themed town in the Cascades feels like Oktoberfest got lost in the Pacific Northwest and decided to settle down. Timber-framed buildings, murals of lederhosen-clad villagers, and a glühwein-heavy Christmas market make it feel like a German postcard year-round. The town originally rebranded in the 1960s to boost tourism—and it totally worked. Leavenworth is now a full-on alpine fantasy with bratwurst on every corner.
But unlike a European ski resort, it doesn’t cost a fortune to live here. According to Travel + Leisure, the town offers a lower cost of living compared to many Washington state hotspots, especially nearby Seattle. Housing can be found under $300K if you’re willing to go a bit outside town, and rent is still manageable. Plus, it’s driveable to wine country and hiking trails, so you’re basically drinking and climbing like a European local. The community’s big on festivals, artisan goods, and small-town friendliness. Put on your dirndl or flannel—both work here.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
