A recent study has identified the top European cities for young professionals looking to pursue a marketing career while saving money, with London named the least affordable. Amsterdam and Rome have emerged as the best choices, offering significant savings potential for early-career marketing executives.
The analysis, conducted by Seine River Cruises, examined the cost of living across several major European cities, including Paris, Berlin, and Budapest. The study compared the salaries of marketing executives to monthly living costs, taking into account rent, commuting, utilities, dining out, and groceries. The aim was to reveal which cities allow young professionals to maximise savings while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
Amsterdam was ranked the top city, where marketing executives earn an average salary of £4,752 per month. With living costs at £3,235, professionals in Amsterdam can save 32% of their income, equating to an annual savings of £18,215. Rome followed closely, with a marketing salary of £2,983 and living expenses totalling £1,989 per month, allowing professionals to save 33% of their income, or £11,283 per year.
In contrast, London was highlighted as the least favourable option for young marketing professionals. Despite an average salary of £3,028, the cost of living in the UK capital reaches £3,730 per month, leaving professionals with an annual debt of £8,424. The high cost of rent was a significant factor, with the average one-bedroom apartment in central London costing £2,188 per month, the most expensive in Europe.
Paris was ranked third for salary levels, with marketing executives earning £3,308 per month, but high living expenses mean that only £8,524 can be saved annually, far below the potential savings in Amsterdam or Rome.
Seine River Cruises’ analysis revealed that some cities are significantly more affordable than London. In Lisbon, a marketing executive could save £3,349 per year, while in Barcelona, they would have £1,116 left over after covering living costs. However, moving to cities like Prague, Athens, or Budapest would leave young professionals in debt, similar to the situation in London. For example, in Athens, professionals would face an annual shortfall of £3,181, while in Budapest, that deficit would grow to £7,025.
Rent was identified as the biggest monthly expense across all cities. In Athens, the cheapest option, a one-bedroom apartment costs £494 per month—342% less than in London. Other significant costs, such as utilities and public transport, also varied widely. In Berlin, utilities cost £328 per month, the highest among the cities surveyed, while public transport in London, at £200 per month, was one of the priciest commuting options.
Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Seine River Cruises, commented on the findings: “While London offers fantastic career opportunities, it comes at a cost. For those looking to save money while maintaining a similar lifestyle, cities like Amsterdam are ideal alternatives. The language barrier is minimal, and the cost of living is much more manageable.”
