5 Amazing Beachside Retirement Locations in Europe That Are Actually Affordable
Written by
Aja McClanahan
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
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It’s no secret that many Americans are concerned about their quality of life in retirement, mostly due to insecurities about having enough money saved. For this reason, some are carefully weighing various costs of living attached to certain cities and towns against their actual retirement budget.
The good news is that you can still enjoy life in a great climate near the beach. If you’d like a great quality of life in a seaside town without breaking the break, here are some top European options to consider.
1. Costa Blanca, Spain
Average home price per square foot: ~$310, per Spainhouses.
Located in the southeastern region of Spain, the Costa Blanca region offers affordable seaside living that is ideal for retirees looking to stretch their dollars even further. Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, Costa Blanca offers a variety of resort beach towns.
Additional perks of this region include a mild climate, excellent healthcare facilities and plenty of options for dining, outdoor activities, festivals and living arrangements.
2. Costa del Sol, SpainÂ
Average home price per square foot: ~$443, per Spainhouses.
The Costa del Sol stretches along Spain’s southern coastline and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and luxurious resorts. The area is also popular among retirees due to its high quality of life and relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of Europe.
Like Costa Blanca, ex-pats can also enjoy quality healthcare and other modern amenities to have a comfortable standard of living. Also, there are several towns to choose from that offer more affordable lodging options, with properties averaging around $328,460 and rentals averaging $1,720 per month.
3. Algarve, Portugal
Average home price per square foot: ~$338, per My Dolce Casa.
Located in the southernmost part of Portugal, the Algarve is known for its beautiful beaches, moderate climate, and relaxed lifestyle, making it a magnet for retirees from around the globe. With several beach towns in the region, the cost of living is relatively low for high-quality beachside living — making it a top choice for expats and foreign nationals. Those interested in this region will also find things like healthcare, food and utilities are very reasonably priced.
4. The Turquoise Coast, TurkeyÂ
Average home price per square foot: ~$101, per endeksa.
Located on Turkey’s southwestern coast, this region is also known as the Turkish Riviera. Likely one of Europe’s best secrets, most retirees will find this area quite affordable. Housing prices are low, and many of the towns feature a variety of historic sites, bustling markets and seaside towns.
Although retirees here will encounter a unique blend of culture and leisure activities, it’s important to note that the private healthcare facilities are exceptional and feature many English-speaking personnel. Low food costs for groceries and dining also ensure that retirees can enjoy a decent standard of living in this country.
5. The Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
Average home price per square foot: ~$105, per Properstar.
The Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria offers a truly achievable retirement lifestyle. This picturesque region is known for its long sandy beaches, historic coastal towns and mild Mediterranean climate. Many health-conscious travelers are drawn to the thermal mineral springs, which many claim have unique healing properties. Low-cost healthcare options are available to residents or those who elect to pay for private services.
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