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The 15 Best Places To Live In Slovakia For Expats

Slovakia is a popular country for expats and digital nomads to move to because of its low cost of living and low tax rates. If you’re considering moving to Slovakia, check out our list of the 15 best places to live in Slovakia for expats.

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We’ll also discuss healthcare options, including popular expat insurance plans. This guide will provide a solid foundation for your research into living in Slovakia, helping you make an informed decision about relocating to this attractive Central European country.

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The 15 Best Cities For Expats To Live In Slovakia

Image of Trnava Square Street In May With Buildings And Trees, Slovakia with text overlay of "Best Cities For Expats To Live In Slovakia"

Currently, Slovakia has a population of about 5,800,000. English speaking has grown steadily in Slovakia, making it easier for expats to communicate with locals. 

Slovakia has a lot of outdoor activities and beautiful views that are a big draw for travelers and expatriates. It also has extensive public transportation with buses, trams, trolleybuses, and taxis, making it easy to get around.

To make your decision easier, we’ve come up with a list of the 15 best places for expats to live in Slovakia. Included in that list are Bratislava, Kosice, Presov, Trencin, and Nitra. Keep reading to see the whole list and learn about the key features of each location so you can find your new home.

  1. Bratislava
  2. Kosice
  3. Presov
  4. Trencin
  5. Nitra
  6. Zilina
  7. Banska Stiavnica
  8. Trnava
  9. Petrzalka
  10. Piestany
  11. Poprad
  12. Bardejov
  13. Levoča
  14. Martin
  15. Spišská Nová Ves

After checking out Slovakia, you might also want to read about the best places to live in Europe so you can decide if a different country is better suited to your lifestyle and interests.

#1 Bratislava

Image of Vibrant Bratislava Main Square In Slovakia with text overlay of "Bratislava"

If you’re an expat looking to live in the cultural center of Slovakia, Bratislava, the capital, is the place for you. It is one of the largest cities with great commercial industries and a fast-growing economy in Europe. It houses many ethnicities, including Hungarians, Slovaks, Germans, and Jews.

Depending on the part of the city you visit, there are different feels to each area. There’s the old town and several historical sites, which are very popular with tourists, but there are also renovated areas of the city with more modern features.

Bratislava is great for beer lovers because of its wide range of bars and restaurants. 

City Population: 476,000

Sites to See:

#2 Kosice

As the second largest city in Slovakia, Kosice is another strong expat city. It is the industrial center of Slovakia so there are plenty of jobs available for expats. Like Bratislava, it has great cultural diversity from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. 

Kosice has beautiful and unique architecture that is fun to experience. It is a city of tolerance and peace and rich medieval history that is fascinating to learn.

City Population: 229,000

Sites to See:

#3 Presov

Presov is another great place to live in Slovakia as an expat. The cost of living is reasonable, and it has great tourist attractions, including the old town. There are lots of castles, stunning architecture, and even salt and opal mines. It is an important administrative center for Slovakia.

This is a very safe city to live in, and it has become one of the top attractions among tourists. As an expat or digital nomad, you can easily find a job here.

City Population: 83,900

Sites to See:

#4 Trencin

Another excellent expat city in Slovakia is Trencin. This city is close to the edge of the Czech Republic, making it easy to visit that country. Living costs are comparable to Kosice, and it has a rich history and social life worth exploring. It has Baroque architecture in its churches and buildings.

There are plenty of boutiques, art galleries, crafts, and shops to explore here.

City Population: 55,600

Sites to See:

#5 Nitra

Nitra, Slovakia, is rising in popularity among expats and digital nomads. It has great job opportunities, blossoming agriculture, a stable economy, and an attractive destination for tourists. A part of the city also has a nostalgic feel of history that portrays early Christianity.

This city is on the west side of the country and has become the agricultural center of Slovakia. Nitra is the oldest city in Slovakia which gives it a historical charm that is hard to compete with.

City Population: 78,500

Sites to See:

#6 Zilina

Zilina is an international manufacturing center, it has plenty of museums, outlets, digital theaters, and arcade squares that make it a frequent destination for tourists. Living here as an expat might suit you if you prefer a medium-sized city with unique architecture

It has grown in popularity as a center for workshop and conference tourism.

City Population: 82,700

Sites to See:

#7 Banska Bystrica

If you’re an expat looking for a more remote location in Slovakia, Banska Bystrica would be perfect. Located in the central region of the country, surrounded by mountains, Banska Bystrica is one of the oldest cities. In medieval times, it was a trading and mining center.

The museums and historical attractions are fun to see, and it’s a great base to see the rest of the country from.

City Population: 76,000

Sites to See:

#8 Trnava

Trnava has a reputation as being “Little Rome” because of its many churches. This quaint city has been part of many countries over centuries, giving it a variety of architectural and cultural styles. This history center might be just what you’re looking for as an expat or digital nomad.

They also have excellent local wine worth tasting.

City Population: 63,200

Sites to See:

#9 Petrzalka

Expats moving to Slovakia may love Petrzalka. It has one of the most densely populated housing districts in Central Europe, which may be exactly the vibe you’re looking for. Petrzalka is connected to the Old Town with a medieval city center, castle, and five bridges.

City Population: 114,000

Sites to See:

#10 Piestany

Piestany may be your city if you’re interested in this world-famous spa town. Its global reputation has skyrocketed for its medicinal geothermal water and sulfuric mud that have unbelievable therapeutic benefits on inflammatory disorders. It also has a wide variety of entertainment attractions.

City Population: 27,300

Sites to See:

  • Sinava Water Reservoir
  • Piestany Music Festival
  • Napoleon Bath on the Spa Island is the oldest spa building
  • There are historic buildings and art sculptures in the Spa Park
  • Art cafes and galleries
  • Their spa resorts are dedicated to health and wellbeing

#11 Poprad

If you’re an adventurer at heart and dream of living close to nature, Poprad is the perfect gateway to the High Tatras. This city is not only a base for endless outdoor activities—like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking—but also boasts a welcoming community for expats and digital nomads.

City Population: 50,000

Sites to See:

  • High Tatras National Park: Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and trails
  • AquaCity Poprad: A modern water park for relaxation and fun
  • Poprad Old Town: Explore charming streets with historical architecture
  • St. Martin’s Church: A centuries-old church that anchors the city’s skyline
  • Tatra Museum: Discover the natural and cultural history of the region

#12 Bardejov

Step back in time in the UNESCO-listed town of Bardejov, a haven for history buffs and expats looking for a slower pace of life. With its well-preserved medieval architecture and quaint charm, Bardejov offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern-day comforts.

City Population: 16,000

Sites to See:

  • Bardejov Old Town: Wander through winding cobblestone streets steeped in history
  • Bardejov Castle: Explore the ruins that tell the story of centuries past
  • Basilica of St. Giles: A stunning example of Gothic architecture
  • Museum of the Slovak Village: Get a glimpse into traditional rural life
  • Goral Museum: Celebrating the local culture and folklore

#13 Levoča

For expats enchanted by medieval charm and artistic heritage, Levoča is an ideal choice. This small, historical town is celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene that continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.

City Population: 13,000

Sites to See:

  • St. James Church: Home to intricate wood carvings and historic art
  • Town Tower: Climb to enjoy panoramic views of the town and beyond
  • Basilica of St. James: A spiritual and architectural landmark
  • Levoča Castle Ruins: Wander through remnants of a once-mighty fortress
  • Historic Town Square: Enjoy the blend of old-world charm and local cafes

#14 Martin

A cultural hub in northern Slovakia, Martin is renowned for its lively arts scene and rich Slovak traditions. Ideal for expats seeking a dynamic yet intimate community, Martin offers a mix of modern amenities and historical allure.

City Population: 60,000

Sites to See:

  • Slovak National Museum in Martin: Dive into the nation’s cultural history
  • Martin’s Square: A bustling center filled with local markets and cafés
  • Church of St. Catherine: Admire its architectural splendor and peaceful ambiance
  • Museum of the Slovak Village: Experience traditional Slovak rural life
  • Zobor Mountain: Just a short trip away for nature lovers and hikers

#15 Spišská Nová Ves

Located in the heart of the historic Spiš region, Spišská Nová Ves combines urban convenience with proximity to some of Slovakia’s most impressive landmarks. Its strategic location makes it a rising star for expats who want to explore both city life and natural wonders.

City Population: 38,000

Sites to See:

  • Spiš Castle: Visit one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe
  • Historic Spišská Sobota: Enjoy the old-world atmosphere of a nearby town
  • Central Spiš Gallery: Discover local art and cultural exhibits
  • Cathedral of St. James: A must-see for architecture enthusiasts
  • Local Markets: Experience authentic Slovak produce and crafts

Health Insurance In Slovakia For Expats And Digital Nomads

Health Insurance In Slovakia For Expats And Digital Nomads

If you are an expat, digital nomad, or other foreign traveler planning to move to Slovakia, you’ll want to secure an international health insurance plan. A U.S. health plan usually will not cover expenses outside of the United States, so it’s vital you have coverage to meet your medical needs.

Pacific Prime is the largest brokerage in the world that provides travelers with international health coverage. We have private plans for those traveling to Slovakia, but we also have more options if you plan to tour many countries.

We also have a variety of plan options to meet everyone’s needs. Take a look to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

We’ve now reviewed our list of the 15 best places to live in Slovakia for expats. Hopefully, you’ve started to narrow down the regions you’d prefer to reside in. If you haven’t yet found what you’re looking for, we also suggest considering moving to Slovenia and Estonia.

Slovakia is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture, and a wide array of castles to tour. With its exquisite architecture, diverse landscape, and local foods, you will surely enjoy your international adventure.

While you’re at it, be sure to protect yourself and fellow travelers by getting insurance before departing.

As a leading international health insurance brokerage for over 20 years, Pacific Prime’s expert advisors are adept at crafting health plans tailored to your needs and budgets, all with impartiality.

Contact us to get started on your next expat journey, or get a free quote now before anyone

Wishing you safe travels and unforgettable memories!

Serena Fung
Serena Fung
Head of Content at Pacific Prime
Serena Fung is the Head of Content at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 6+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
Serena Fung
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