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8 European Cities That Are Quickly Becoming Retirement Hot Spots

Living abroad sounds like a dream, but it can also be an affordable way to live comfortably in retirement.

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Sept. 10, 2026

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Picture yourself sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, fresh baguette in hand, without worrying about draining your retirement savings. It's not a fantasy. For a growing number of American retirees, it's a reality.

Retiring in Europe could be one of the smartest ways to avoid wasting money in retirement. Many European cities offer a lower cost of living than major U.S. metros, along with affordable health care and walkable streets that could eliminate the need for a car altogether. That combination of savings and slower-paced living is drawing expats from around the globe, and retirees are leading the charge. Ready to start exploring? Here are eight European cities worth a serious look.

Editor's note: Cost-of-living and rental figures are sourced from Forbes and Expatistan, unless otherwise noted. Figures may vary based on location, housing type and individual spending habits.

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Bergerac, France

If you want the quintessential French experience, try out retirement in the Southwest of France, otherwise known as the Dordogne region. Bergerac, a medieval town situated along a river, is as picturesque as it gets.

While you can, of course, fill up on all of your favorite French breads and pastries, this region is known for its incredible wine. And who doesn't want to spend afternoons in retirement sipping on French wine? The best part is that it's roughly $2,200-$2,600 per month for a couple renting, based on current Bergerac-area housing and living costs.

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Bragança, Portugal

Portugal has become one of the hottest places to visit, but it's also a wonderful place to put down roots in retirement. Bragança is a city in Portugal's north, and it has everything retirees could want, both incredible historic architecture and the natural beauty of mountains and national parks, like the Parque Natural de Montesinho.

You can rent a fully furnished apartment in Bragança for about $400 to $500 per month, according to Forbes. A couple can live comfortably on $1,500 or less per month when additional expenses such as utilities, transportation, health insurance and food are included. Plus, there's a modern hospital here amidst all the history, so you'll be well taken care of if anything happens. Worried about settling down in a country where you don't know the language? The government offers free language classes.

Granada, Spain

Granada is a city that's rich in culture and history, with influences from both Moorish tradition and Spanish geography. But it's also a city that's affordable for those looking for a European escape in retirement. Expatistan estimates that a single person needs about $1,738 per month to live in Granada, including typical living expenses, based on its September 2026 data. A furnished 45-square-meter studio rents for about $551 per month in a normal area or $815 in an expensive area.

How do expats retire to Spain? Many of them come on a non-lucrative visa, which says they will not pursue work activities while in the country.

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Oviedo, Spain

Oviedo, Spain is a university town, and that makes it a wonderful place for retirees thanks to the culture and lively atmosphere that comes from the student environment. This historic town has a mild climate, which is a welcome respite for those coming from hotter regions. A single person can expect monthly living costs of about $1,524, according to Expatistan. A furnished 45-square-meter studio averages about $471 per month in a normal area, or about $693 in an expensive area.

For retirees who choose to move to Spain from the U.S., they'll still be eligible for their retirement benefits, including Social Security and disability benefits. They'll lose access to Medicare, but with Spain's world-class health care system and affordable private health care, that won't be a huge issue.

Covilhã, Portugal

One of the reasons tourists love visiting Portugal is for its affordability, so why not move there full-time so you can enjoy the low cost of living on a daily basis? Current estimates put the cost for one person in Covilhã at about $1,233 per month, including housing, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages about $526 per month.

This town is also high above sea level, close to the Serra da Estrela mountains, meaning you'll have mild summers, a welcome respite from other areas in Southern Europe where the temperatures soar in the summer months.

Portugal has changed some immigration rules in recent years, but the retirement and passive-income residence route remains available in 2026. The route, commonly known as the D7 visa, is designed for people who can support themselves through pensions, investments, or other regular income.

Alicante, Spain

If you're dreaming of a retirement that combines European charm with the beauty of the sea, then Alicante is the place for you. This Mediterranean coastal town is where you should spend your golden years if you plan on waking up each day in awe that you've found yourself in a city that feels like it's straight out of a movie.

This bustling, vibrant metropolitan area isn't small. It's home to a population of 382,000, but the architecture and culture of the region make it feel approachable and welcoming. Expatistan estimates that a single person needs about $1,908 per month to live in Alicante. A furnished 45-square-meter studio costs about $710 per month in a normal area or $948 in an expensive area.

Spain's non-lucrative residence visa remains an option for retirees who can support themselves without working in Spain. In 2026, applicants must demonstrate financial means equal to about $32,000 annually for the primary applicant, plus $8,000 for each dependent.

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Ghent, Belgium

Belgium isn't known as an affordable country, but the city of Ghent is a good choice for expats from the U.S. looking for a more budget-friendly way of life. This port city is both historic and modern, with a major university contributing to its bustling nature, and a UNESCO site, according to the U.S. News & World Report, giving it historic credentials.

You can easily get around Ghent via public transportation, and grabbing lunch while you're out will only run you $20. A single person can expect to spend about $1,670 per month in Ghent, according to Expatistan. A furnished 45-square-meter studio averages about $620 per month in a normal area or $845 in an expensive area.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is a medieval town that's rich in modern culture, art, bustling markets, and museums. This picturesque city also has a strong café culture, which encourages slowing down and watching the beauty of your surroundings, a pursuit well worth getting used to in retirement.

Expatistan estimates that a single person needs about $1,834 per month to live in Zagreb. A furnished 45-square-meter studio averages about $640 per month in a normal area or $733 in an expensive area. Health care is easy to access in Croatia, with both public and private health care available, helping you keep more cash in your wallet.

Bottom line

Moving abroad is one way to prepare yourself financially, particularly in light of recession worries across the United States and the world.

While there are a few places that would be safe from the risk of recession, moving to a country with a lower cost of living will certainly provide a cushion if there is a downturn. Just be sure to pay close attention to the financial situation in the cities that you're considering, and verify what you'll need to do if you decide to become a resident before making a move.

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