4 Places To Retire in Europe That Rival Paris but Are Way Cheaper

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While “We’ll always have Paris,” the City of Light might not be affordable for everyone — especially for retirees who live on a fixed income.

Retiring in Europe is a dream for many Americans, and there are many reasons retirees want to take the international leap. Yet, some European cities, such as Paris, might also come with sticker shock, especially when it comes to cost of living.

Fortunately, there are many places in Europe that rival Paris but are way cheaper. Here are a few of them to consider retiring in, according to experts.

Kotor, Montenegro

Echo Wang, CEO and co-founder of Cool Travel Vibes, deemed the city a “fantastic option.”

Tucked away on the Adriatic coast, this is a beautifully preserved medieval old town with winding streets, Venetian architecture and charming cafes spilling out onto piazzas, Wang explained.

“Just like Paris, it’s a city perfect for wandering and soaking up the atmosphere, without the Parisian price tag,” she said. “The cost of living is much lower than Western Europe.”

According to Wang, housing, groceries and dining out are generally more affordable, allowing retirees to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and leisurely lifestyle that Kotor offers.

“However, retirees should be aware that healthcare services can be more basic, so comprehensive health insurance is important. Additionally, English is common in tourist areas, but there may be language barriers elsewhere,” Wang said.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is a cosmopolitan city with great architecture, and it also has a strong arts culture, explained Kat Kalashian, editor at Live and Invest Overseas.

The city is also walkable and bikeable, and it has a great public transport system.

“Lifestyle is a bargain, even by Spanish standards, and significantly cheaper than Paris,” Kalashian said. “Plus, there’s a beach!”

Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, echoed the sentiment, saying that Valencia could be an appealing alternative to Paris.

“This vibrant city on Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with a lovely old town, futuristic architecture, and miles of sandy beaches,” he said. “The cost of living is quite reasonable, and the city is known for its delicious paella and lively festivals.”

Budapest, Hungary

Often called the “Paris of the East,” Budapest offers a similarly enchanting experience, with its grand boulevards, historic bathhouses and rich cultural heritage, Shah said. The city is bisected by the Danube River and offers stunning views from its many bridges and hillside vantage points, Shah added.

“Retirees can enjoy world-class opera, art museums, and a thriving food and wine scene at prices that are much more affordable than Paris,” he said.

Other experts agreed that Budapest is a good alternative to Paris.

“It’s an attractive, riverfront city with a historical landmark every couple of meters — an acknowledged ‘living museum’ city — with plenty of Paris-style art nouveau architecture,” said Lief Simon and Sophia Titley, editors at Live and Invest Overseas.

Kraków, Poland

This picturesque city in southern Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval core and stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

“Retirees can enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, sipping coffee in the grand main square, and exploring the city’s many museums and cultural attractions,” Shah said. “The cost of living is quite low compared to Western European capitals, making it an attractive option.”

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