6 Cheap Places To Retire in Europe Where Residents Speak English

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Social Security checks don’t go as far as they used to, and millions of people are debating a move to more affordable areas for their retirement. For Americans, this may mean considering some international real estate.

Retiring abroad can be made all the more difficult when there’s a language barrier to consider. If you can’t speak the language of your chosen retirement destination, there’s a chance your overall experience could suffer. Fortunately, there are many affordable places for retirees in Europe with a rich history where residents speak English. Here’s a closer look at six of those places.

Lisbon, Portugal

First of all, Lisbon is incredibly affordable, and the climate is ideal year-round. There’s a steady progression of warm weather that ranges from lows in the 50s to anywhere in the 80s in the winter, which is as close to climate control as you’re going to get. 

It’s also one of the cheapest English-speaking countries to retire to, with individual expat retirees living as low as $2,000 per month, according to travel experts.

Rome, Italy

Living la dolce vita in the Eternal City is completely possible on even a modest nest egg. You can live on Rome on a budget that covers rent, utilities, food, insurance, phone and public transportation for about 1,465 euros a month. That’s a little more than $2,000 a month or $24,000 a year.

Rome is also home to a huge English-speaking base, most of whom have medium-level proficiency. In turn, it is possible to get by without learning Italian, though it never hurts to learn as you go. 

Oslo, Norway

The Scandinavian nation consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and the United States, simply put, does not. It has excellent healthcare, clean environments, low crime rates and remarkable social stability. However, prospective retirees should be prepared for the higher cost of living here than in some other cities on this list.

Not only does it have many English-speaking residents, but it also offers a variety of cultural events and more, which is great to keep your life of leisure filled with activities. Plus, Oslo is 20.1% less expensive than New York, while rents are, on average, a whopping 66.2% lower than in New York.

Helsinki, Finland

Retiring in Helsinki does mean navigating visa requirements and understanding the local cost of living. Housing costs are lower than in many U.S. cities; for example, it’s much cheaper than New York, as it’s 31.1% less expensive. 

However, groceries and imported goods can be expensive, but negotiable if you know where to go. That being said, Helsinki is one of the best places to retire in Europe for English speakers, as it is one of the most proficient English-speaking places. 

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is also at the top of the list as one of the best places to retire in Europe for English speakers, as it ranks 10th among the most highly proficient regions in Europe. It has a much lower cost of living when compared to many of its European neighbors, even though it is the capital city. 

This makes it quite an attractive choice for budget-conscious retirees. Consumer prices in Poland are roughly 35% more affordable than in the U.S. (when not including rent), and the cost of living in the Eastern European country is 57% lower. For perspective, if you rent a one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw’s city center, you’ll pay approximately $1,093 each month.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a thriving expat community and is very popular among English-speaking people. The city is 33.2% less expensive than New York, while rents are, on average, 70.2% lower than in New York. 

You can find a vibrant community with various clubs and cultural activities for seniors, although you may need an extended-stay visa to live there as a non-EU citizen. However, you will be able to enjoy high healthcare and general living standards.

Final Take To GO

Retiring abroad is a dream for many Americans, and the reasons to make the international leap can vary from surrounding yourself in natural beauty to wanting more affordable housing and living costs. Whether it’s the quest for greener (and more exotic) pastures or a better cost of living, many retirees are deciding to relocate overseas to enjoy their golden years.

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