The Reality of TEFL Salaries in Smaller European Cities

So, you’ve found a TEFL job listing in a charming, historic European city. The photos look idyllic, the school seems friendly, and you’re ready for an authentic cultural experience. Then you see the salary figure. Your excitement stutters. €800 per month? Could that possibly be correct for a full-time teaching position?

The short answer is, unfortunately, yes, it can be right. This scenario is a common and sobering reality check for many teachers looking at opportunities in smaller cities across Southern and Eastern Europe.

Understanding the Local Economic Context

Salaries are not determined in a global vacuum. They are deeply tied to the local cost of living and average wages in that specific region.

• In a smaller Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian city, local salaries can be surprisingly low.
• A €800 monthly wage might be closer to a local professional’s take-home pay than you’d expect.
• Schools often pay what the local market bears, not what an international teacher might hope for.

The Crucial Factor: Cost of Living

This is where your research becomes non-negotiable. That €800 salary is a meaningless number until you investigate local expenses.

Ask yourself these key questions:

• Accommodation: Will the school provide or subsidize an apartment? If not, what is the average rent for a small studio or shared flat in that city?
• Utilities & Food: How much are monthly bills (electricity, water, internet)? What is the weekly cost for groceries at local markets?
• Lifestyle: What do coffees, meals out, and public transport passes cost?

In some towns, €800 can cover a modest, local lifestyle. In others, it would be a severe financial struggle.

Weighing the Intangible Benefits

Many schools in these locations operate on a clear trade-off: a lower salary in exchange for a high-quality life experience. It’s vital to assess if this balance works for you.

Potential Pros of Such a Position:

• Immersive Cultural Experience: You live within the community, not in an expat bubble.
• Slower Pace of Life: Escape the high-pressure, high-cost environments of capital cities.
• Professional Foot-in-the-Door: It can be a pathway into the European TEFL market, leading to better opportunities later.
• Travel Opportunities: Your location may offer affordable access to explore a beautiful country or region.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Accepting

Never accept a low salary offer without full clarity. Direct communication with the school is key.

You must ask:

• “Is this a gross or net salary?”
• “How many teaching hours per week does this contract include?”
• “Are there opportunities for additional private lessons or overtime pay?”
• “What support is offered with accommodation, visas, or residency paperwork?”
• “Can you connect me with a current foreign teacher to discuss their experience?”

Making Your Decision

If the math works—rent is €300, living costs are low, and you value the lifestyle—it could be a rewarding adventure. If the numbers don’t add up, it might lead to stress and an early departure.

Remember: A TEFL job in a dream location isn’t a vacation; it’s a job that needs to fund your life there. Thorough research and honest budgeting are the most important lessons you’ll learn before you even step into the classroom.