Hello. Im Onlyfans model Rundalya. 😊 In December 2022, I relocated to Slovenia, a small yet beautiful country that remains a hidden gem even for many Europeans. Nestled between Italy, Austria, and Croatia, Slovenia often gets confused with Slovakia — but they are entirely different countries!

Once, I told an Italian that I lived in Slovenia, and he looked puzzled. “Austria?” he asked. “No, it borders Trieste,” I explained. It’s a tiny country with only 2 million people, about the size of the Oryol region in Russia. Its capital, Ljubljana, has just 300,000 residents — a size comparable to small Russian cities like Saransk.

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Nature and Lifestyle

Slovenia is known for its breathtaking nature. From Alpine views to a stretch of Adriatic coast just an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cycling and hiking are deeply embedded in Slovenian culture, much like New Year’s Eve celebrations in Russia. The country prides itself on preserving its lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and harmony with nature.😊

For us, the peaceful, green lifestyle was a perfect match. Slovenia offers tranquility, open spaces, and a slower pace of life — a stark contrast to the bustling megacities we were used to.

The Relocation Process

I had spent 10 years working in the pharmaceutical industry in Saint Petersburg. In May 2022, I landed a position with a Slovenian company, which required me to relocate. I applied for an EU Blue Card, a residence permit for highly skilled workers, and my husband joined me under a family reunification visa. Even our two dogs became Slovenian residents, obtaining European pet passports upon arrival.

The paperwork was challenging. It took us four months just to get the necessary apostille for my diploma due to bureaucratic delays and summer holidays. In Slovenia, we worked with a local agency that helped translate and submit our documents. Since Ljubljana has high demand for residence permits, the process there can take up to six months. To expedite things, we rented a house in a small village with just six homes — our application was approved within a week.😊

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Life in Slovenia: Work, Housing, and Expenses

I relocated with a signed employment contract, earning €3,000 per month net, plus bonuses. While this income is significantly higher than what we earned in Russia, the cost of living here is also much higher. Taxes in Slovenia are progressive, and around 40% of my gross income goes to taxes and social contributions.

Housing: Finding a pet-friendly rental was a challenge, especially with two dogs. After a month of searching with the help of an agent, we rented a spacious four-room apartment in Ljubljana’s Šiška district for €1,200 per month. The location is ideal: close to parks, a pond, and essential amenities.

Everyday Costs: Monthly expenses include €150–€250 for utilities, €150 per week for groceries, and €85 for a CrossFit membership. Public transportation is limited to buses (€1.5 per ride), but we mostly walk or drive. Owning a car involves annual costs like insurance (€750), road taxes (€130), and maintenance.😊

Leisure and Healthcare: Slovenia offers incredible outdoor experiences. In summer, we explored Croatia’s beaches, Slovenia’s lakes, and even ventured into Austria and Italy. Healthcare, however, can be slow. It took months to find a general practitioner and even longer to schedule a dentist appointment.

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Pros of Life in Slovenia

1. Nature at Your Doorstep: One hour from Ljubljana gets you to the Alps, the Adriatic coast, or stunning forests. The natural beauty here is unparalleled.
2. Quiet and Relaxed Living: Unlike big cities, Slovenia is peaceful and family-friendly, with a strong focus on outdoor activities.
3. Convenient Location: Major European cities like Venice, Vienna, and Zagreb are just a short drive away.

Challenges

The main drawback is limited earning potential. With a small population, business opportunities are fewer, and salaries are lower than in neighboring Austria. While Slovenia is affordable compared to Western Europe, higher wages often lure professionals elsewhere.

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What’s Next?

Recently, I came across a job opportunity in Indianapolis, USA, offering double my current salary. However, for now, we’ve decided to stay. Slovenia’s serene lifestyle, proximity to nature, and balanced pace of life make it a unique and fulfilling place to call home.🏡

Living Costs in Slovenia — My Experience 🏡

Let me share some insights about prices here in Slovenia, whether you’re curious about moving here or just planning a visit. 😊

1. Housing

Renting:
If you’re thinking of renting, here’s an idea of what to expect:

• In Ljubljana (the capital), a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €600–€900 per month. On the outskirts, it’s a bit cheaper, about €400–€700.
• In smaller towns, you can find places for €300–€600 easily.
• Don’t forget utilities, though! For an average-sized apartment (about 85 m²), you’ll need around €150–€200 monthly for electricity, water, and heating.
• Buying:
  If you’re thinking long-term, property prices in Ljubljana are about €4,000–€6,000 per m² in the city center and €2,500–€4,000 on the outskirts. Smaller towns are much more affordable, starting from €1,500 per m².

2. Groceries 🛒

Shopping for food is pretty affordable here. Here’s a rough idea of what you’ll pay:

• Milk (1 liter): €1.20–€1.50
• Bread (500 g): €1.20–€2.00
• Chicken fillet (1 kg): €6–€9
• Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges: €1.50–€3.00 per kg
• Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions): €0.80–€2.00 per kg
• A bottle of wine: €5–€10

If you love local markets like I do, you can get fresh, seasonal produce — sometimes even cheaper than in supermarkets!

3. Transportation 🚍

Public Transport:

• A single bus ticket costs €1.30–€1.50, and a monthly pass in Ljubljana is about €35–€40.
• Taxi:
  Starting fare is around €1.50–€2.00, plus €1.00–€1.50 per km.
• Fuel:
  Petrol is currently €1.50–€1.80 per liter, so keep that in mind if you’re driving.

4. Eating Out 🍽️

Dining out in Slovenia can fit most budgets:

• A simple meal at a café or casual restaurant: €10–€15.
• A pizza or burger is around €7–€10.
• A romantic dinner for two (with wine!) will set you back €40–€60.

Oh, and coffee lovers — an espresso costs just €1.20–€2.50, so enjoy! ☕

5. Clothing & Shoes 👗👟

Shopping for clothes is quite reasonable:

• A pair of jeans (like Levi’s): €50–€100.
• A cute summer dress: €20–€50.
• Sneakers (Nike or Adidas): €70–€120.

Keep an eye out for sales — they can be amazing, with discounts of up to 70%!

6. Entertainment & Fitness 🎥💪

• A cinema ticket: €6–€10.
• A gym membership: €30–€50 per month.
• Museums and galleries: usually €5–€10.

Slovenia is also perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, and that’s free!

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7. Education & Healthcare 🏫🏥

Education:

• University fees for non-EU students start at €2,000 per year.
• Healthcare:
  With mandatory health insurance (about €30–€50 per month), most medical services are free. Without insurance, a visit to the doctor costs around €20–€50.
• Public schools are free for EU citizens. Private schools cost around €5,000–€10,000 per year, though.

8. Internet & Communication 📱💻

• Home internet plans cost €25–€50 per month.
• A mobile plan with internet is about €15–€25 per month.

9. Miscellaneous 💅

• A haircut: €15–€30.
• Dry cleaning a suit: €10–€20.

Thoughts 💬

Slovenia offers such a balanced lifestyle — affordable yet modern. Ljubljana and tourist spots like Bled or Piran can be a bit pricier, but overall, it’s easy to live comfortably without breaking the bank. 😊

A Personal Comparison of Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2025

As someone who loves exploring different countries, I’ve spent a lot of time comparing Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Here’s my take on their climate, living costs, and taxes in 2025.

Climate

• Latvia: The climate here is very seasonal. Winters are cold and snowy, often below freezing, while summers are mild, with temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). However, the long winters can feel gloomy, especially with shorter daylight hours.
• Slovakia: It also has four seasons, but winters are less harsh than in Latvia, especially in the lowlands. Summers can be warmer, often reaching 30°C (86°F). If you enjoy mountains, Slovakia’s climate makes its hiking trails especially beautiful in summer and autumn.
• Slovenia: This country has the most pleasant climate of the three. Coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean feel with mild winters and hot summers (up to 35°C or 95°F). Inland, you’ll experience a mix of Alpine and continental climates, with plenty of sunshine and fewer gloomy days.

Verdict: Slovenia wins for me because of its variety and warmth. Latvia can feel too cold, and Slovakia is somewhere in between.

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Living Costs

• Latvia: Generally, Latvia is affordable, especially for housing and groceries. A comfortable lifestyle in Riga, the capital, might cost around €1,200–€1,500 per month. Rural areas are even cheaper.
• Slovakia: Living costs in Slovakia are slightly lower than in Latvia, particularly for food and utilities. In cities like Bratislava, though, housing can be more expensive than in Riga. A reasonable budget here is about €1,100–€1,400 per month.
• Slovenia: Slovenia is noticeably pricier than the other two, especially in Ljubljana and the coastal areas. Rent, dining out, and transportation add up quickly. Expect monthly expenses of €1,500–€2,000, depending on your lifestyle.

Verdict: Slovakia is the most budget-friendly, Latvia is close, and Slovenia is the most expensive.

Taxes (2025)

Latvia:

• The income tax rate is 25.5% for incomes up to €105,300 per year (€8,775 per month).
• Higher incomes are taxed at 33%, and those over €200,000 per year have an additional 3% surtax.
• VAT is 21%, and social security costs are quite high.

Slovakia:

• A 19% income tax applies to most earners, increasing to 25% for higher incomes.
• VAT is 20%, and social security contributions are moderate.

Slovenia:

• Taxes are progressive, ranging from 16% to 50%. Higher earners face steep rates, but public services, healthcare, and infrastructure are excellent.
• VAT is 22%, and social security is significant but comprehensive.

Verdict: Slovakia has the lightest tax burden for most people, while Slovenia’s taxes are the highest. Latvia’s new 25.5% base rate makes it less competitive for middle and high earners.

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Overall Thoughts 💬

If you prioritize climate, Slovenia is the winner. For affordability, Slovakia offers the best balance. Latvia remains a great option if you’re looking for a mix of affordability and a cozy, smaller country vibe — just be ready for colder winters and the new tax rates.

Each country has its charm, and the best choice depends on your priorities! 😊

Contacts:

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My Onlyfans blog : https://rundalya.fun/blog/
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