5 Best European Countries To Retire Abroad in 2025: See How Much Each Costs

Retiring abroad enables you to experience a whole new culture during this next phase of life — and it can often save you money, too. While the idea of retiring in Europe might seem unattainable, there are destinations that are more affordable than you might think.

To find the best places to retire abroad in Europe in 2025, International Living collected first-hand experiences, plus data including real-world costs, healthcare quality, climate and lifestyle options. Based on this analysis, these are the European destinations retirees should consider.

A retired couple can live comfortably on $2,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on where in Portugal they choose to live, International Living reports.

Apartments rent for about $1,200 to $1,300 per month; and, even in the more popular destinations, it’s affordable to dine out. In Porto, for example, you can enjoy a glass of wine at a five-star hotel for around $3 during happy hour.

Utilities cost about $87 to $163 per month; a bundle of two cell phones and high-speed fiber internet costs around $70; and groceries cost about $434 per month, including toiletries and household items.

In terms of healthcare, private insurance costs about $600 monthly and covers 80% of expenses. A doctor’s visit can cost as little as $17.

Although France is far from the cheapest place in Europe, it is more affordable than you might think when it comes to two major expenses: housing and healthcare. Rent is 51% cheaper on average compared to the U.S., while buying a home is around 34% cheaper. Plus, property taxes are significantly more affordable.

Healthcare is significantly less expensive than in the U.S. as well. It costs $26 to see a doctor and $85 to visit a specialist, with 70% of those costs reimbursed.

Groceries and dining out are also relatively affordable — groceries cost about $600 a month for a couple, and you can enjoy a three-course gourmet meal for less than $40.

A couple can retire comfortably in France for about $2,000 a month, excluding housing costs.

A single retiree in Spain can live well for around $2,600 a month. Rent for a studio apartment costs about $900, and utilities cost about $100 a month.

Healthcare costs about $200 a month, and this covers almost everything — there are no deductibles and co-pays are minimal.

Outside of popular tourist spots like Athens and Santorini, Greece can be an incredibly affordable place to retire. A week’s worth of groceries from the local market will cost about $70, and you can dine out for around $20 per meal — including wine.

Housing is also affordable. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $400 to $625. If you choose to buy, there are affordable options, too — a small home in the countryside can cost as little as $83,000.

Comprehensive health coverage for expats costs about $625 per month, with visits to the doctor costing around $30.

The cost of living in Italy is about half what it is in the U.S., with smaller towns and less touristy areas offering the lowest costs.

Buying a home is also affordable, with homes in some areas selling for as little as $136,000.