Europe is home to the world’s elite retirement havens.
You won’t find a higher quality of life than here on The Continent.
Sure, Latin America and Asia can offer you remarkable beaches… friendly people… sunny days… and, famously, a low cost of living…
But Europe can deliver all those things, too…
Including affordability.
After decades of helping people find their spot abroad, we at Live And Invest Overseas can tell you that it’s likely you can live in Europe for as much or less than you’re spending now.
I’ll prove that to you in a minute.
Just imagine, though, what your life could be in one of the world’s blue-chip destinations…
Year-round sunny days and afternoon dips in the bright blue sea, just a stroll away from your home on a Mediterranean island…
Hiking and exploring in the summers and winter skiing (or a glass of brandy and a fireplace) from your cottage in an Alpine village…
Or imagine living in one of Europe’s grand cities, where errands to the baker, butcher, fish monger, and fruit markets are so pleasant they’ll make you rethink life and its simple pleasures…
Whiling away the days at cafés… planning a big night out at a Michelin-star restaurant… walking your dog down a charming street with iconic architecture… weekends at famous museums…
Your new life in Europe could be a dream come true.
And, again, before doubt creeps in, I’m here to tell you that, in the right places and with the right advice, it’s all possible and affordable.
Now, there is a caveat … not everywhere is affordable, of course, and not everywhere easily accepts North American and other expats…
But that’s what we’re here for…
We’ve handpicked for you 9 of your best options where you can live well for $2,000 or less.
These are 9 havens where you can truly embrace le joie de vivre or la dolce vita on a budget.
Again, you’ll need a little guidance…
However, once armed with the right insights and the right destinations, you’ll be amazed at how easy it actually is to enjoy the good life in Europe…
How Much Will Your New Home In Europe Cost You?
Everyone knows that Europe doesn’t offer the shoestring bargain havens of Latin America and Asia…
But Europe is home to the world’s elite retirement destinations.
Living affordably here is actually an even more astounding bargain when you consider how much more Europe has to offer…
The combination of architecture, climates, and history is, frankly, simply not available anywhere else in the world.
Just like anywhere else, your housing cost here in Europe will be—by far—your largest expense…
Back in America, folks spend on average 33% of their budget on it.
The average (median) asking price for a new lease in the United States is currently $1,987 per month…
You can add about 50% to those figures in popular U.S. retirement destinations like Orlando or Scottsdale.
Of course, not all rents are the same—you’re going to pay more in California than Kansas—but I don’t have to tell you that America is teetering on a crisis when it comes to skyrocketing housing costs.
Even the rents in Kansas went up by 9.81% last year.
Look, inflation in America is what it is, but we’re talking about people’s homes… rent prices are getting out of control…
According to a recent Census Household Pulse Survey, more than 7.8 million tenants are behind on their rent.
The situation in the U.S. is getting so bad that “tenant unions” are sprouting up in places like Colorado and California to combat corporate real estate schemes and to install rent controls…
In much of Europe, such protections are already in place.
It’s part of the reason that, not only can you live better—you can do it for less money here… check out these three recent examples:
Florida Vs. A Mediterranean Island
Naples, Florida, has an average rent of $2,316 per month for a new lease on a 1,017 square foot apartment.
On our favorite Mediterranean island, rents start at about 200 euros (about $215) per month for basic accommodation, with nicer apartments in city centers or close to the beach going for about twice that.
That’s over $2,000 in savings every month—just for choosing a Mediterranean island over Florida…
And before you think your European apartment is a step back in comfort, check out the view from your porch:
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has a total living space of over 900 square foot (85 meters squared). It rents fully furnished for $450 a month in a complex with the pool above. The property is a short stroll from the market and just few miles to the beach…
Compared to your potential home in Florida, you’d save more than $22,000 every year living on this Mediterranean island in Europe.
Arizona Vs. A Superyacht Hub
The average monthly cost of an apartment lease in Scottsdale this year is $2,043…
But you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for as little as 350 euros (about $380) per month in a stunning, tiny country on the Adriatic Sea—no water shortages here. For something a little nicer, better located, or close to the beach, your cost would start around 750 euros (about $810).
You’ll spend over twice the cost in Scottsdale to not be on the beach…
But here in a country across the sea from Italy, you’ll enjoy the coast and an extra $1,233 in your pocket.
We found a sea view apartment in this country, where the Saudi royal family keeps part of their yacht fleet, with a big garden and a playground. About 1,100 square foot, it rents for 600 euros a month. It comes fully furnished, has a hot tub, a big terrace, and it’s close to the beach and nightlife.
California Vs. Europe’s #1 Retirement Haven
The average rent in southern California is now around $2,719 per month.
The average rent in the Algarve, superstar overseas haven often referred to as the “California of Europe,” is only 763 euros (about $825) for a similarly-sized apartment. Farther from the coast, or in a small village, that cost can drop by up to 40%.
Dropping California in favor of Portugal—where you can also surf, walk the boardwalk, and enjoy 300 sunny days a year—will save you nearly $1,900 a month…
Portugal is also one of the safest places in the world… and it offers tax breaks…
This semi-detached house above is a 50-second walk to the beach of Monte Gordo.
It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an equipped kitchen, a small living room with an extra bed, and air conditioning in every room. The west-facing terrace is ideal for enjoying late afternoons over the sea…
It rents for 700 euros (about $755) a month… fully furnished.
I could go on and on with examples, but I think you get the idea.Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
