8 Affordable Retirement Locations That Feel Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Choosing a place to live in your golden years is about finding a location that's both relaxing and helps you have a stress-free retirement. If your dream is to step into the classic backdrop of a fairy tale, there are plenty of locations to choose from. Even if you're navigating retirement on a budget, you can still find dreamy towns that won't break the nest egg.

Explore the following eight locations worldwide that offer fairy-tale charm, retirement-friendly amenities, and affordable living.

Average rent: $326 (includes utilities)

Average home price: $87,068

Veliko is located along the Yantra River in Northern Bulgaria. Terraced stone houses, tiled rooftops, and the towering Tsarevets Castle give the town a medieval feel. Retirees love Veliko for its beautiful countryside, which offers hiking, fishing, and skiing opportunities. There are also plenty of museums, art galleries, and shops in the old part of town.

The cost of living is low, with Veliko ranked in the top 28% of the least expensive cities to live in the world.

Average rent: $464 to $813

Average home price: $578,000

Monsanto is a picturesque village in Portugal with giant boulders that serve as residences. It's known as the Most Portuguese village in Portugal because the way of life has remained the same since 1938. The town was also used in the filming of the HBO series "House of Dragon."

With a population of less than 1,000, Monsanto offers a quiet village life for retirees. The closest hospital is approximately 24 miles away in Castelo Branco. However, the cost of living is around 29.7% lower than in the United States, making it easier to live on a budget.

Average rent: $268 to $500

Average home price: $46,533.45

Vigan City lies on the west coast of Luzon Island. One of the most beautiful streets in the city is Calle Crisologo with its cobblestone paths, horse-drawn carriages, and Spanish-era homes. There's a public market, museums, and beaches close by.

Aside from affordable housing, utilities cost $106 monthly, and a meal for two at an expensive restaurant is around $21.

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Average rent: $501 (includes utilities)

Average home price: $250,000

Homes surrounded by dense jungle, stone-carved temples, and terraced rice paddies make Ubud feel like it is straight out of Balinese folktale. Campuhan Ridge Walk sits on the edge of town for hiking and enjoying nature. There's also a market in the town center that sells everything from local delicacies to bamboo bags.

Warm year-round temperatures, easy access to medical care, and a low cost of living make Ubud a good choice for retirees.

Average rent: $310

Average home price: $73,900

While it's one of the largest cities on the list, Guanajuato is still very walkable with colorful buildings and tree-lined streets that resemble a fairy tale village. Residents and tourists alike love strolling along the Alley of the Kiss or the Callejon del Beso, which is said to resemble the Mexican version of Romeo and Juliet.

Winters are short with temperatures that rarely drop below 40 degrees. The Guanajuato International Airport is just half an hour away for flights back to the States.

Average rent: $310

Average home price: $225,000

The entire countryside of Chefchaouen, Morocco, is washed in indigo and powder blue, creating a beautiful scenery that's unmatched. The city is built on a hill and is very walkable. There are also unique shops and local restaurants featuring the local special goat cheese.

Prices in Chefchaouen are very affordable, with utilities of around $83 a month and inexpensive rent. Summers are short and warm, and winters are long, cold, and wet, but rarely drop below 30 degrees.

Average rent: $305 (includes utilities)

Average home price: $84,000 to $140,000

With around 3,000 residents, Pai is a quiet northern hamlet with beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and nearby gorges. Over the past few years, Pai has grown in popularity making it a chosen travel destination in Thailand.

There's a small hospital, a community Saturday morning market, and temperatures that range from 56 to 95 throughout the year. For those considering retirement, Thailand offers a retirement visa for those over 50 who meet financial requirements.

Average rent: $621-$1,432

Average home price: $311,661

Loket has a population of less than 600. This tiny village is known for Loket Castle, a 12th-century Gothic castle that sits near the center of town. The village is surrounded by the Ohře River, which only adds to its charm. It also features cobblestone streets, Baroque-style buildings, and a main square with quaint shops.

English is widely spoken, making expats feel at home. The country also offers top-quality medical care, and crime rates are low, making it a safe location to retire.

If you're dreaming of far-off places and fairy-tale scenery that could help you stretch your retirement dollars coupled with practical amenities and retiree benefits, this list of eight modestly priced towns is a good place to start. Beyond affordability, these destinations also offer things like excellent health care, temperate climates, and plenty of cultural activities, which are essential for good health.

Countries like Morocco and Thailand both have cities that participate in the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities network, meaning public officials work hard to create public spaces that are safe and comfortable for aging residents.