The European Tech Landscape is Evolving Fast
Europe's tech ecosystem continues to flourish in 2026, with cities across the continent competing to attract top talent. Whether you're a software engineer, data scientist, or product manager, these cities offer the best combination of career opportunities, quality of life, and compensation.
1. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
Berlin remains the undisputed startup capital of Europe. With over 4,000 tech companies and a thriving ecosystem of venture capital, the city offers:
- Average tech salary: €68,000 – €95,000
- Cost of living index: 100 (baseline)
- Key employers: Celonis, N26, Zalando, Delivery Hero, SAP
- Why it stands out: Vibrant international community, affordable (by Western European standards), and a startup culture that rivals Silicon Valley
The city's tech scene has matured significantly, with enterprise software companies like Celonis (currently hiring 174 positions on EuroTalent) leading the charge.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Amsterdam combines world-class infrastructure with an exceptional quality of life. The Netherlands' favorable tax policies for skilled migrants (the 30% ruling) make it especially attractive.
- Average tech salary: €65,000 – €92,000
- Cost of living index: 112
- Key employers: Booking.com, ASML, Philips, Adyen
- Why it stands out: English-friendly, excellent work-life balance, cycling culture
3. Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭
For those seeking the highest salaries in Europe, Zurich delivers — but at a price. The Swiss city consistently tops compensation charts.
- Average tech salary: CHF 115,000 – CHF 155,000
- Cost of living index: 175
- Key employers: Google, UBS, Zurich Insurance (50 positions on EuroTalent), Credit Suisse
- Why it stands out: Highest salaries in Europe, exceptional infrastructure, multilingual environment
4. Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Ireland's capital has become Europe's Silicon Valley, hosting the European HQs of nearly every major US tech company.
- Average tech salary: €62,000 – €88,000
- Cost of living index: 108
- Key employers: Google, Meta, Apple, Intercom (99 positions on EuroTalent)
- Why it stands out: English-speaking, low corporate tax, massive tech presence
5. Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪
The birthplace of Spotify, Klarna, and Skype continues to punch above its weight in tech innovation.
- Average tech salary: SEK 580,000 – SEK 820,000
- Cost of living index: 110
- Key employers: Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson, Telia Company
- Why it stands out: Strong innovation culture, generous parental leave, work-life balance
6. Paris, France 🇫🇷
France has transformed its tech ecosystem with the "French Tech" initiative, and Paris now rivals London for European tech supremacy.
- Average tech salary: €60,000 – €85,000
- Cost of living index: 115
- Key employers: BNP Paribas, Dassault, Sanofi (36 positions on EuroTalent)
- Why it stands out: Government support for tech, world-class research institutions, cultural richness
7. Munich, Germany 🇩🇪
Munich combines Bavarian charm with serious tech muscle. It's Germany's highest-paying tech city.
- Average tech salary: €78,000 – €110,000
- Cost of living index: 118
- Key employers: BMW, Siemens, Celonis, SAP
- Why it stands out: Automotive tech hub, highest German salaries, excellent public transport
8. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon has emerged as Europe's rising tech star, offering an unbeatable combination of lifestyle, weather, and growing opportunities.
- Average tech salary: €35,000 – €52,000
- Cost of living index: 62
- Key employers: Farfetch, Volkswagen Digital Solutions, OutSystems
- Why it stands out: Affordable, great weather, NHR tax regime, fastest salary growth (+9.5% YoY)
9. Warsaw, Poland 🇵🇱
Poland's capital offers exceptional value for tech talent, with rapidly growing salaries and a massive pool of skilled engineers.
- Average tech salary: PLN 160,000 – PLN 250,000
- Cost of living index: 52
- Key employers: Google, Samsung, Cisco (129 positions on EuroTalent)
- Why it stands out: Highest purchasing power-adjusted salaries, booming tech sector, +10.2% YoY growth
10. Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Denmark's capital combines Scandinavian quality of life with a growing tech scene and some of the highest living standards globally.
- Average tech salary: DKK 520,000 – DKK 720,000
- Cost of living index: 128
- Key employers: Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Unity Technologies
- Why it stands out: Happiest workers in Europe, excellent social services, green tech leadership
Making Your Decision
When choosing your next city, consider these factors beyond salary:
- Purchasing power: A €50,000 salary in Lisbon goes further than €90,000 in Zurich
- Visa requirements: EU citizens can move freely; non-EU citizens should check Blue Card eligibility
- Language: Some cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm) are very English-friendly; others less so
- Career growth: Consider the ecosystem — a city with more companies means more opportunities
Check out our Salary Intelligence Map for detailed city-by-city comparisons.