12 Best Cities in Europe for Retirees (2026)

Why Retire in Europe?

Europe has become the world’s most popular retirement destination for a reason—several reasons, actually. The continent offers world-class healthcare systems that consistently rank above the United States in outcomes and accessibility. The Schengen Area gives residents of most EU countries borderless travel across 27 nations, meaning a retirement in Lisbon comes with effortless weekend trips to Paris, Barcelona, or the Italian Lakes.

Cultural richness is baked into daily life. Museums, architecture, food traditions, and festivals aren’t tourist attractions—they’re the backdrop of ordinary days. And unlike many retirement destinations in Southeast Asia or Latin America, Europe offers established expat communities that have existed for decades, meaning the infrastructure for English-speaking retirees (international doctors, English-language admin services, social clubs) is already in place.

Perhaps most importantly, many European countries have created dedicated retirement visa pathways. Portugal’s D7 visa, Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, Greece’s Financially Independent Person permit, and Italy’s Elective Residency Visa all offer clear, achievable routes to legal residency for retirees with pension or investment income. Several of these lead to permanent residency or even citizenship within five to ten years.

For a broader look at retirement destinations worldwide, see our best cities for retirees ranking or explore best countries for retirement.

How We Ranked These Cities

We evaluated cities across seven dimensions that matter most to retirees considering a move to Europe. Each factor is weighted to reflect its real-world importance for someone on a fixed or semi-fixed income.

• Healthcare score (25%): Quality of public system, availability of private options, hospital density, English-speaking medical professionals, and cost of private health insurance for retirees.
• Cost of living (25%): Monthly budget for a comfortable retirement including rent, groceries, dining, transport, and leisure. Figures assume a one-bedroom apartment in a central or well-connected neighborhood.
• Safety (15%): Violent and petty crime rates, political stability, and perception of safety for older residents.
• Climate (10%): Mild winters, manageable summers, sunshine hours, and overall year-round livability for retirees.
• English friendliness (10%): How easily a non-local-speaker can navigate daily life, healthcare, and bureaucracy.
• Retiree visa availability (10%): Existence of a dedicated retirement or passive-income visa, income thresholds, and path to permanent residency.
• Expat community size (5%): Number of English-speaking retirees already in the city, social clubs, and international activities.

All data draws from our database of 380 cities across 95 countries, supplemented by retirement-specific research on visa requirements, healthcare access, and pension portability.

The 12 Best European Cities for Retirees in 2026

1. Lisbon, Portugal — $2,200/month

Lisbon earns the top position for European retirement thanks to Portugal’s unmatched combination of retirement-friendly policy and quality of life. The D7 passive income visa requires just €760/month in documented income from pensions, investments, or savings—one of Europe’s lowest thresholds. After five years, D7 holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, granting full EU rights.

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, while reformed in recent years, still offers favorable treatment for foreign pension income depending on the source country and tax treaty in effect. Many retirees pay significantly less tax on their pension income than they would at home.

Healthcare is a genuine strength. The public Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) covers all legal residents, and private insurance for retirees runs €80–€120/month with comprehensive coverage. Lisbon’s hospitals—particularly Hospital de Santa Maria and CUF Descobertas—offer modern facilities with English-speaking staff. The city enjoys 300+ sunny days per year, mild winters (10–15°C), and a walkable center connected by trams, metro, and commuter rail.

Key strengths: D7 visa pathway, NHR tax benefits, 300+ sunny days, EU citizenship in 5 years, enormous expat community, excellent public transport. See full profile

2. Valencia, Spain — $1,800/month

Valencia delivers Mediterranean retirement living at a price that’s 30–40% below Barcelona or Madrid. Spain’s third-largest city offers sandy beaches, the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, one of Europe’s largest fresh-food markets (Mercado Central), and a pace of life that rewards relaxation over hustle.

The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain’s standard retiree pathway, requiring proof of approximately €2,300/month in income and comprehensive health insurance. Once you’re registered as a resident, Spain’s public healthcare system—ranked among Europe’s best by the WHO—becomes available. Hospital La Fe and Hospital Clínico are both within the city and offer full-spectrum care with short waiting times for non-elective procedures.

Valencia’s climate is a major draw: mild winters (average 12°C), warm summers moderated by sea breezes, and over 300 days of sunshine annually. The city is flat and bikeable, with a converted riverbed park (Turia Gardens) running nine kilometers through the center.

Key strengths: Beach city, lower costs than Barcelona/Madrid, excellent public healthcare, flat and walkable, vibrant food culture. See full profile

3. Athens, Greece — $1,500/month

Athens offers retirees a deeply affordable European capital with unmatched cultural heritage and easy access to hundreds of Greek islands. The cost of living sits well below Western European capitals—a comfortable retirement here costs roughly what rent alone costs in Paris or London.

Greece’s Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa requires proof of €2,000/month in pension or investment income and grants renewable residency. The country also offers a Golden Visa program for those willing to invest in property (€250,000–€500,000 depending on location), which provides a faster residency pathway.

Healthcare has improved significantly in recent years, with private coverage for retirees running €50–€100/month. Public hospitals in Athens are adequate for routine care, and private facilities like Metropolitan Hospital offer international-standard services. Winters are mild (8–14°C), and weekend ferry trips to Aegean islands become a retirement staple.

Key strengths: Affordable by European standards, island access, Golden Visa option, incredible cultural richness, growing international community. See full profile

4. Málaga, Spain — $1,900/month

The Costa del Sol’s unofficial capital has been attracting British and Northern European retirees for over half a century, and the infrastructure reflects it. English is spoken almost everywhere in expat-heavy neighborhoods, international supermarkets stock familiar brands, and social clubs cater specifically to retired foreigners.

Málaga has reinvented itself beyond a beach-and-golf retirement cliché. The Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou Málaga, and a revitalized port area have created a genuine cultural scene. The same Non-Lucrative Visa that applies in Valencia works here, and the city benefits from Spain’s excellent public healthcare system.

Climate is the standout: Málaga averages 320 sunny days per year with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C. The largest British expat community in Spain is concentrated along the Costa del Sol, meaning English-speaking doctors, lawyers, and accountants are readily available.

Key strengths: Year-round sunshine, massive British expat community, excellent healthcare access, beach lifestyle, Picasso Museum. See full profile

5. Porto, Portugal — $1,800/month

For retirees who want all of Portugal’s benefits—D7 visa, NHR tax regime, path to citizenship—but prefer a quieter, more intimate city than Lisbon, Porto is the answer. The city is smaller, calmer, and more walkable, with the iconic Ribeira waterfront, port wine cellars across the river in Gaia, and a compact historic center that’s manageable on foot.

Porto’s cost of living runs slightly below Lisbon’s, particularly for housing. A comfortable one-bedroom in the city center costs €700–€900/month, compared to €900–€1,200 in Lisbon. Healthcare access mirrors the capital: the same SNS public system, the same private insurance options, and Hospital de Santo António provides excellent care.

The Douro Valley wine region is a short drive east, offering day trips through terraced vineyards and port wine estates. Porto’s winters are cooler and wetter than Lisbon’s (expect 8–15°C and more rain), which suits retirees who prefer four distinct seasons.

Key strengths: All of Portugal’s visa and tax benefits, quieter than Lisbon, Douro Valley access, tight-knit expat community, beautiful architecture. See full profile

6. Budapest, Hungary — $1,400/month

Budapest offers an elegant European lifestyle at Central European prices. The city’s thermal bath culture is practically designed for retirees—daily visits to Széchenyi or Gellért Baths cost a fraction of a spa day elsewhere in Europe, and the health benefits of thermal waters are well-documented.

Housing is remarkably affordable: a spacious one-bedroom in Buda or central Pest runs €500–€750/month. Groceries cost 40–50% less than Western Europe, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is €12–€18. Hungary’s residency permit for retirees requires proof of income and local health insurance.

Healthcare is mixed: public hospitals can have long waits, but private clinics offer Western-standard care at low cost. A comprehensive private health insurance policy for a 65-year-old runs approximately €150–€250/month. The city is exceptionally well-connected by metro, tram, and bus, making car ownership unnecessary.

Key strengths: Thermal spa culture, stunning architecture, very affordable, excellent public transport, vibrant cultural scene. See full profile

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia — $1,600/month

Dubrovnik has emerged as a premium retirement destination on the Adriatic coast. Croatia’s EU membership (since 2013) and Schengen entry (2023) mean retirees here benefit from full EU travel rights and a growing integration with Western European systems.

The city’s dramatic walled Old Town, crystalline Adriatic waters, and island-dotted coastline create a retirement setting that rivals the French Riviera at a third of the cost. Outside the summer tourist rush, Dubrovnik is a quiet, safe, walkable city with mild winters (8–13°C) and warm, dry summers.

Croatia’s digital nomad visa can serve retirees with investment or remote income, though a standard temporary stay permit is the more common route. Healthcare is evolving—the public system covers basics well, and private insurance is affordable (€80–€130/month). For specialist care, Split and Zagreb are reachable by domestic flights or coastal drives.

Key strengths: Adriatic beauty, EU member with Schengen access, mild Mediterranean climate, safe and walkable, affordable by coastal European standards. See full profile

8. Rome, Italy — $2,200/month

Rome is Europe’s ultimate retirement destination for culture-seekers. No other city on earth matches the density of history, art, and architecture that surrounds daily life here. Morning espresso at a corner bar, afternoon walks past the Pantheon, evening aperitivo overlooking ancient ruins—this is ordinary life in Rome.

Italy’s Elective Residency Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is designed for retirees and financially independent individuals. It requires proof of stable passive income (roughly €31,000/year for an individual) and suitable accommodation. The visa grants residency with renewal options and an eventual path to permanent status.

Italy’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is one of the world’s top-ranked healthcare systems, covering all registered residents. Private insurance supplements the public system for faster specialist access and runs €100–€180/month for retirees. The main trade-off is cost: Rome is one of the pricier cities on this list, particularly for housing in desirable central neighborhoods.

Key strengths: Unmatched cultural heritage, world-class healthcare, Elective Residency Visa, excellent food culture, central European location for travel. See full profile

9. Prague, Czech Republic — $1,600/month

Prague combines fairy-tale architecture with Central European practicality. The city is beautiful, safe, and well-organized, with excellent public transport that makes every neighborhood accessible without a car. For retirees who value walkability, cultural events, and four distinct seasons, Prague delivers consistently.

The Czech Republic doesn’t have a dedicated retirement visa, but long-term residence permits for financially independent individuals are available. Proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and comprehensive health insurance are required. The process is more bureaucratic than Portugal or Spain, but the country’s EU membership means eventual access to long-term EU residency rights.

Healthcare is a genuine strength. Czech hospitals—particularly Motol University Hospital and Na Homolce—are among Central Europe’s best, with English-speaking departments and modern equipment. Private insurance for retirees runs €120–€200/month. The main consideration is winter: temperatures drop to −2–3°C in January, and gray skies last from November through February.

Key strengths: Beautiful and safe, excellent hospitals, affordable by Western European standards, superb public transport, rich cultural calendar. See full profile

10. Algarve Towns (Faro/Lagos), Portugal — $1,400/month

The Algarve is Portugal’s retirement heartland and the most affordable entry on this list with a Western European quality of life. Towns like Faro, Lagos, Tavira, and Albufeira offer beach-centric retirement at costs that are 30–40% below Lisbon. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Faro or Lagos runs €500–€700/month, and daily expenses are meaningfully lower than the capital.

All of Portugal’s advantages apply: the D7 visa, NHR tax benefits, SNS healthcare, and a five-year path to EU citizenship. The Algarve adds year-round warmth (the sunniest region in Portugal, with 300+ days of sunshine), world-class golf courses, and a deeply established British and Northern European retiree community. English is spoken fluently in most service interactions.

Healthcare is the main trade-off compared to Lisbon or Porto. Faro’s hospital handles most needs, but complex specialist care may require travel to Lisbon (2.5 hours by car or a short flight). For retirees in good health who prioritize climate, beach access, and affordability, the Algarve is hard to beat.

Key strengths: Lowest cost on this list for Western Europe, 300+ sunny days, beach lifestyle, golf, massive expat community, all of Portugal’s visa and tax benefits. See European cities ranking

11. Split, Croatia — $1,500/month

Split is Croatia’s second city and its most livable. Diocletian’s Palace—a Roman ruin that became a living city center—anchors a walkable old town where daily life unfolds among 1,700-year-old walls. The Adriatic coastline is immediately accessible, with ferries to Hvar, Braç, and Vis departing from the central harbor.

As an EU member state, Croatia offers access to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system for EU/EEA citizens, and the public healthcare system covers residents at a reasonable standard. KBC Split (Split Clinical Hospital Center) is the region’s primary facility and handles most medical needs. Private insurance is affordable and provides faster access to specialists.

Split has a more authentic, less touristy feel than Dubrovnik, with lower rents and a more active year-round local scene. The climate is Mediterranean: mild winters (7–13°C), hot summers, and plenty of sunshine. The growing international community includes retirees from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.

Key strengths: Living history, Adriatic coast lifestyle, EU healthcare access, authentic local culture, affordable, island-hopping from the harbor. See full profile

12. Edinburgh, Scotland — $2,500/month

Edinburgh is the premium choice on this list and the only fully English-speaking city in the ranking. For retirees who want zero language barrier, access to the NHS (National Health Service), and a culturally rich lifestyle, Edinburgh delivers without compromise.

The city hosts the world’s largest arts festival (the Edinburgh Fringe), world-class museums (National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery), and is compact enough to walk from one end to the other. Arthur’s Seat provides a genuine mountain hike within the city limits.

The UK’s post-Brexit visa system is more restrictive than EU options. The most relevant pathways for retirees are family visas (if you have UK-based family) or the Innovator/Start-up routes for those with business interests. EU/EEA citizens with pre-settled or settled status retain their rights. For those who qualify, NHS healthcare is free at point of use and comprehensive.

The trade-off is clear: Edinburgh is the most expensive city on this list and the coldest (winter averages 1–7°C). But for Anglophone retirees who value culture, safety, and healthcare quality above sunshine and cost, it’s an excellent choice.

Key strengths: English-speaking, NHS healthcare, world-class festivals and culture, extremely safe, stunning architecture. See full profile

Healthcare Comparison: Public Systems Across Europe

Healthcare is the single most important factor for retirees choosing a European city. Here’s how the countries on this list compare across the dimensions that matter most.

Spain and Italy lead on overall healthcare quality. Portugal offers the best value when combining system quality with low private insurance costs. The UK (Scotland) provides the most comprehensive free healthcare but is hardest to access for non-British retirees. For a deeper dive, see our retirement healthcare comparison guide.

Visa & Residency Options by Country

Each country has distinct residency pathways. Here’s a quick reference for retirees.

Portugal’s D7 visa stands out as the most accessible, with the lowest income threshold and the fastest path to EU citizenship. Spain and Italy offer more established expat infrastructure but higher income requirements. For a comprehensive look at retirement visa options, see our golden visa guide for retirees.

Budget Breakdown: What $1,500/Month Gets You

To illustrate how far a mid-range retirement budget stretches across Europe, here’s what $1,500/month looks like in three different cities:

• Athens ($1,500): One-bedroom apartment in Koukaki (€550), groceries (€250), dining out 3x/week (€180), transport (€30 metro pass), healthcare (€75 private insurance), utilities (€100), leisure (€150). Comfortable and complete.
• Budapest ($1,400): One-bedroom in Buda (€550), groceries (€200), dining out 3x/week (€120), transport (€35 BKV pass), healthcare (€180 private insurance), utilities (€90), leisure (€120). Very comfortable with buffer.
• Algarve ($1,400): One-bedroom in Lagos (€550), groceries (€220), dining out 3x/week (€160), transport (€40), healthcare (€90 private insurance), utilities (€80), leisure (€130). Beach retirement with margin to spare.

These budgets assume a single retiree. Couples typically save 30–40% per person by sharing housing and utilities. For detailed cost comparisons across all 95 countries in our database, use the country finder tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak the local language to retire in Europe?

Not necessarily, but it dramatically improves quality of life. Cities like Lisbon, Athens, and Budapest have large English-speaking expat communities where you can manage daily life in English. However, healthcare emergencies, legal matters, and bureaucratic processes are always easier in the local language. Many retirees invest in language courses during their first year—most cities on this list offer affordable classes through universities or cultural centers. Edinburgh is the only fully English-speaking option on this list.

Can I receive my US Social Security or UK pension in Europe?

Yes. US Social Security payments can be direct-deposited to bank accounts in most countries worldwide. The UK State Pension is payable globally, but annual increases only apply in countries with reciprocal agreements—check the “frozen pension” list before committing. Most European countries have double taxation agreements with the US and UK to prevent your pension being taxed twice. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) make receiving payments in local currency affordable, with fees under 1% for most corridors.

What happens to my healthcare coverage as I age abroad?

This is the most critical question for retirees. Medicare does not cover you outside the United States. In Europe, most countries provide public healthcare to legal residents regardless of age, though quality and wait times vary. Private insurance premiums increase with age—expect €150–€300/month for comprehensive coverage at age 70+. Some retirees adopt a hybrid strategy: local public healthcare for routine care and a private policy for specialist or emergency treatment. Always confirm coverage for pre-existing conditions before committing to a policy.

Is it safe to retire alone in European cities?

Europe is generally very safe for retirees, including solo retirees. Every city on this list has a lower violent crime rate than most major US cities. Petty crime (pickpocketing, tourist scams) exists in popular areas of Lisbon, Rome, Athens, and Barcelona, but violent crime against residents is rare. Budapest, Prague, Edinburgh, and the Algarve are exceptionally safe. Most European cities are also highly walkable, which benefits retirees who can no longer drive.

Should I rent or buy property as a retiree in Europe?

Rent first, always. Spend at least six months to a year in your chosen city before considering a purchase. Property markets vary enormously: Portugal and Greece offer relative value, while Italy and Spain have complex purchase processes for foreigners. Some countries (Portugal, Greece) offer residency through property investment, which can make buying strategically attractive. But renting preserves flexibility and lets you test whether a city truly fits your retirement lifestyle before committing capital.