12 European Cities Where Couples Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

After retirement, many Americans rely on their Social Security checks for years, with little else to support them. In August 2025, the average monthly Social Security payment was $1,864.87.

With cost-of-living spikes constantly in the news in the U.S., you are likely looking for ways to eliminate some money stress if you are approaching retirement. Believe it or not, relocating to Europe can be a viable option.

It's possible to live in many stunning and lively areas around Europe on Social Security alone. Here are 12 options to consider.

Relocating to this stunning Tuscany city, famous for its food, art, and beautiful architecture, may be more affordable than you'd think. According to the cost-of-living estimator Numbeo, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is just over $1,100 per month.

A three-bedroom place in the city center averages around $2,000 a month, which would still put it within reach for couples collecting Social Security.

Retirees looking to avoid the cold (for the most part), enjoy excellent public transportation, and indulge in top-notch seafood should consider Lisbon.

Portugal, overall, is regarded as a solid option for expats looking to retire. Though Lisbon may be pricier than other cities, Numbeo puts the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center at just over $1,600, and closer to $1,200 for those willing to live a bit further out.

Seville is situated in southern Spain, on the Guadalquivir River, and is rich in culture, beauty, and an abundance of tapas.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost around $1,000 per month, according to Numbeo, while apartments located a bit further out average around $750.

Beyond its beauty, the Balkan region is enticing for retirees for several reasons. Chief among them is the low cost of living.

In Bulgaria's capital city, Numbeo lists the average rent for a one-bedroom, centrally located apartment at just $730 per month. The average for a three-bedroom is $1,345.

Kraków offers all the perks of a major European city at a fraction of the cost you'll pay in nearby countries. As one of the largest cities in the country, packed with history and culture, Kraków is pricier than many smaller Polish cities, but it remains quite affordable.

A centrally located, one-bedroom apartment averages about $930, and outside of the central area, even three-bedroom apartments average just over $1,200 a month.

Prague is renowned for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, as well as its picturesque city streets. The Czech Republic's capital is relatively affordable and offers additional financial benefits for retirees, including free transit rides for individuals over 65.

The average rent for a central one-bedroom apartment is just over $1,200, and around $2,350 for a three-bedroom apartment, according to Numbeo.

Many expats are drawn to Limerick because of the city's history, charm, and beauty. It also provides easy access to Ireland's stunning countryside.

Limerick is more expensive than many other cities on this list, but still affordable based on average Social Security payments (a centrally located, one-bedroom rents for $1,700 on average). It's also cheaper than other major draws in Ireland, like Dublin.

Caen is located in the Normandy region, and although it offers plenty of charm, proximity to the beach, and is just two hours from Paris, it remains far enough under the radar to remain affordable.

Numbeo data indicates that the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $720, while outside the center, the average drops to $645.

Despite being one of the larger cities in Spain and situated on the stunning Mediterranean coast, Valencia still offers a low cost of living.

Retirees hoping to spend their golden years seaside can expect to pay about $1,200 for a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment and about $2,000 for a three-bedroom.

The so-called birthplace of Western civilization can be, perhaps surprisingly, a very slow and relaxing place to retire, particularly for those seeking to live by the sea on a budget.

And it's very cheap. Numbeo puts a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment at less than $700, and you can rent a three-bedroom for about $1,200.

Budapest is one of the largest cities in Central Europe, offering a rich history and picturesque views along the Danube River.

While a significant portion of Hungary's population resides in the city, the cost of living has remained quite affordable. A centrally located, one-bedroom apartment costs just under $800.

Zagreb draws in many visitors with its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, an old-world feel, and charming modern city offerings, including cafes, breweries, and restaurants.

Despite that charm, the city is quite affordable for those living on a fixed income, such as Social Security. In fact, outside the city's center, the average price for a three-bedroom apartment is just over $1,000 a month.

Making relocation plans without first considering general cost-of-living averages is one of those surprising financial mistakes that many retirees, unfortunately, make.

In each European city listed here, you can rent an apartment for significantly less than the average monthly Social Security payment for a couple, but it is also crucial to consider other day-to-day expenses, such as food and transportation.