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Expats and digital nomads in Slovenia will have their choice of urban or rural life as well as living seaside or mountainside. With so many attractions, expats will be free to choose their homes and enjoy the wonders across the entire country. We’ll share the best cities and attractions in Slovenia.
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Are you considering a move to Europe? Don’t forget to consider Slovenia! Keep reading to discover more about this picturesque country.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of living in Slovenia as an expat, and we’ll look at the perks unique to each city. We’ll make sure you know how to have your healthcare needs covered when you relocate.
14 Best Cities for Expats in Slovenia
Cities in Slovenia are perfect for expats who want to get away from the super big cities! The largest city on our list, Ljubljana, has a population of under 300,000. Each city is close to breathtaking views and historical attractions, with train routes to other European locations.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and it has the beautiful Ljubljanica River running through its center. It’s also home to many international schools, which makes it a perfect destination for expats with families.
There are also a lot of jobs available for expats in Ljubljana. Teaching English or the technology sector may be great fields for expats in the capital city.
Ljubljana is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Its downtown is devoted to pedestrian traffic, and the city is equipped with bike lanes. Public transportation is also available and reliable.
Kranj
Kranj is a small town in the Alps that is perfect for hiking and climbing enthusiast expats. It’s also only 30 minutes away from the capital city and its conveniences. Kranj has its own scenic and historical sites, like Khislstein Castle, a popular concert venue.
Since Kranj is more rural, you’ll also enjoy a lower cost of living compared to the capital city. You could easily live in Kranj and commute to Ljubljana.
In Kranj, you’ll be close to the iconic Lake Bled, and three mountain ranges within the Alps: Triglav, Stol, and Grintavec.
Murska Sobota
Murska Sobota is a town in the rural northeast of Slovenia. Its cost of living is one of the lowest in Slovenia and is significantly cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. It’s perfect for expats looking for a rural living experience in a beautiful country.
The farmland around Murska Sobota allows you to live in wide, open spaces and enjoy a simpler lifestyle. Even though it’s rural, you’ll still find plenty of English speakers in the area.
Piran
Piran is a coastal town with a resort feel in Slovenia. This is the perfect location for expats who want to feel like they’re on vacation along the coast. It has architectural influences from Italy and stunning orange rooftops.
Located on a narrow peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Piran is home to Tartini Square. It’s a wonderful place to explore in Slovenia.
Maribor
Maribor is in the Northeastern region of Slovenia, and it’s the second largest city in Slovenia, much smaller than Lubljana. There are fewer job opportunities in Maribor and no international schools. However, this city is perfect for digital nomads who want to experience wine country in Europe.
It’s also a wonderful place to stay if you love winter sports! Don’t miss out on the famous Mariborsko Pohorje Ski Resort. It has miles of ski trails and 17 cable cars.
Maribor also has a Renaissance-style city hall and its own castle!
Velenje
Velenje is another great choice for digital nomads in Slovenia. The lower cost of living, attractions, and proximity to the capital city make it a fabulous place to live. It has swimming lakes, thermal springs, and an underground coal mining museum.
Expats who need a job should be aware that Velenje does not have a lot of opportunities for expats in the job market.
Koper
Koper is another coastal city. It boasts some of the best-tasting seafood and amazing seaside views. It’s perfect for expats who want to live near the sea. It’s more expensive than some of the other regions in Slovenia, and it gets more expensive during the summer tourist months.
Koper has a wonderful salty breeze in the summer, but that same wind can be pretty biting in the winter. To make up for it, there are plenty of swimmable beaches around Koper.
Koper features Venetian architecture, and narrow, medieval streets lined with fascinating boutiques.
Novo Mesto
Novo Mesto is perfect for expats who are fascinated by history and culture. In the 1500s, Novo Mesto was an important military town. Novo Mesto is in southern Slovenia, close to the border with Croatia. It’s also been destroyed and then rebuilt three different times!
Twice in the past, Novo Mesto was destroyed by fire. It was also devastated by the plague. Currently, Novo Mesto has been transformed into a modern city, brimming with culture and a booming economy.
Novo Mesto has job opportunities in the textile, chemical-pharmaceutical, and automobile industries.
Celje
Celje is one of the largest cities in Slovenia. It’s between central and northeastern Slovenia. Like most of Slovenia, Celje offers a lower cost of living that’s perfect for expats. Celje is home to the Greyfriars’ monastery, founded in 1241. You’ll also find a 16th-century palace.
Ptuj
Ptuj is heralded as one of Slovenia’s oldest towns, boasting a rich tapestry of medieval history and vibrant local traditions. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings and immerse yourself in local festivals that celebrate its storied past.
For expats, Ptuj offers a lower cost of living and a close-knit community atmosphere while still being connected to larger urban centers. The town’s quaint cafes and artisan shops add to its undeniable charm.
Bovec
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Bovec is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. This small town is perfect for expats who love outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and paragliding against a backdrop of dramatic mountain landscapes.
Bovec’s natural beauty is paired with a relaxed lifestyle and a welcoming local community. Despite its small size, the town offers modern conveniences and easy access to the region’s best recreational spots, making it an ideal base for both work and play.
Idrija
Idrija, known for its historic mercury mine and traditional lace-making, provides a unique cultural escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Its blend of industrial heritage and artful tradition offers a captivating lifestyle for expats with a taste for history and craftsmanship.
The town’s laid-back vibe and scenic surroundings make it perfect for those who appreciate a slower pace of life without sacrificing essential amenities. Idrija also hosts a range of cultural festivals, ensuring that there’s always something interesting to experience.
Portorož
For those who dream of a coastal lifestyle, Portorož is a must-see. This resort town on the Adriatic coast exudes a relaxed Mediterranean feel with a touch of Slovenian sophistication. Portorož is famous for its sun-soaked beaches, lively promenade, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Living in Portorož means enjoying a blend of holiday ambience and practical day-to-day living. While the town attracts tourists in the summer, many expats enjoy the off-season peace and the proximity to other cultural hubs along the coast.
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is a picture-perfect medieval town that seems straight out of a fairy tale. With its well-preserved castle, winding alleys, and vibrant local market, this charming town offers a unique mix of old-world character and modern-day comfort.
Ideal for expats who appreciate history and art, Škofja Loka provides a slower pace of life while still offering the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Its friendly community and scenic surroundings make it an attractive destination for families and digital nomads alike.
Pros of Living in Slovenia as an Expat
Since Slovenia is such a small country, and it only has a population of about two million, many of the cities on our list will share the same advantages! The country is full of natural beauty, history, and culture you can’t ignore.
Here are the benefits of Slovenia that you’ll find across the country.
- Slovenia borders the Adriatic Sea, the Alps, and other gorgeous natural features.
- It also borders Italy and Hungary, making trips to other well-traveled sites like Rome accessible.
- As a whole, Slovenia has a lower cost of living than the major metropolitan centers of Europe.
- Slovenia has a lot of English speakers in the adult population. Even though the language in Slovenia is difficult, many people speak three languages.
- The crime rates in Slovenia are very low, and it has one of the lowest murder rates in the European Union.
- You can find the perfect union of rural European traditions and modern amenities in Slovenia.
- Slovenia is home to many medieval and Renaissance features like churches, castles, and other architecture.
- Slovenia as a whole has a reliable public transportation system that uses buses and trains.
- The trains in Slovenia can easily transport you to other countries and destinations in Europe.
If you want to explore more of Europe, check out this article with more sites for expats.
Sites to See When Staying in Slovenia
Since Slovenia isn’t a large country, you won’t want to miss these attractions no matter where you decide to settle! Anyone exploring Slovenia will fall in love with the wine country, the seaside, and the Alps.
For a video tour of some of these sites plus others, click here.
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Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the most scenic lakes in Europe. Its majestic coasts host Bled Castle, a medieval castle overlooking this lake. Lake Bled also contains the only island within Slovenia.
On the island, you’ll find a 16th-century church building called The Church of Mary the Queen. Lake Bled is 40 minutes from the capital.
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Julian Alps
You won’t want to miss the Julian Alps in the Northwest corner of Slovenia, on the border with Italy. The Julian Alps are the tallest mountains in Slovenia. Don’t miss views of the majestic Mangart, the highest peak in the region!
Here you’ll also find Lake Bohinj, which is less touristy than Lake Bled, but every bit as beautiful. Lake Bohinj has a ferry to cross the lake. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy rowing and exploring.
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River Soca
The River Soca is a stunning, blue-green river sourced from the Alps. It’s arguably the most beautiful river in Europe. The water is surprisingly clear and is surrounded by lush scenery.
Lots of recreational water sports are available on the River Soca. It’s perfect for kayaking and rafting during the summer.
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Predjama Castle
Only 50 minutes south of the capital, Predjama Castle is another castle to visit. The Renaissance castle is built in the mouth of a cave on a cliff! The Castle has old secret tunnels into the caves.
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Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Velika Planina
Expats and digital nomads won’t want to miss the lush, green scenery on the plateau in this area. The plateau features shepherding villages.
Healthcare for Expats in Slovenia
Citizens and long-term residents in Slovenia enjoy subsidized healthcare, but must still pay co-pays. A great option for covering your health expenses abroad is a private insurance plan geared toward expats and travelers. We have plans for people living and working in Slovenia.
Make sure you have insurance that covers you all across Europe!
Conclusion
Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe and a wonderful place for expats. Compared to other countries, it has a good number of English speakers. Its cities are much smaller than many countries in Europe.
If Slovenia doesn’t feel like the right place, try Slovakia or its southern neighbor, Croatia!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Slovenia’s public healthcare system when staying there?
Slovenia’s public healthcare system is subsidized through mandatory premiums, so it’s available to citizens of Slovenia, long-term residents, and citizens within the EU. Others will need to use the private healthcare sector and pay out of pocket or have private insurance.
Will Medicaid or Medicare cover me in Slovenia?
Medicaid and Medicare only offer coverage within the United States and its territories. Travelers and expats heading to Slovenia will need private insurance to cover medical costs there.
Does Slovenia have a good healthcare system?
Slovenia has a good public healthcare system as well as a private healthcare system. Both systems offer modern amenities and quality patient care at the level found throughout the European Union.
Can American citizens live in Slovenia?
American citizens who would like to live in Slovenia need a long-stay visa or residence permit. With this documentation, American citizens can enjoy living in Slovenia.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content – no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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