Size Matters: The 15 Best Small Cities in Europe to Retire To
Discover the charm, low taxes, and affordability of Europe’s hidden gems perfect for retirement
Imagine retiring to a place where you’re surrounded by vineyards, savoring fresh seafood by the coast, or wandering historic streets—all while spending up to 72% less than in a big city. This isn’t a pipe dream; it’s real, and I’ve seen it firsthand. If you’re craving a retirement with charm, safety, and lower costs—plus the chance to pay less in taxes—this list is for you. On a scale of 0 to 10, how much do you want to live better for less? If you’re above a 5, keep reading.
Disclaimer: If you thrive in the hustle of cities like Paris or Berlin, this might not be your jam. The perks here—affordable living, low taxes, and a slower pace—require trading skyscrapers for cobblestone streets and traffic jams for quiet mornings.
Big cities are for grinding. Small cities are for living. Below is a curated list of 15 European gems, with countries shuffled to keep things fresh, where you can retire with a high quality of life, friendly neighbors, and prices so low you’ll think there’s a typo. These towns offer more than savings—they promise a healthier, happier life. Let’s dive in, starting with…
1. Locri, Italy
In Calabria, Locri (12,000 residents) sits on the Ionian Sea, rich with Greek ruins nearby. The Ospedale di Locri handles healthcare, and the A2 autoroute connects to Reggio Calabria’s airport. Summers hit 81°F (sometimes hotter), winters average 52°F. Rent a detached house with a garden for €350 a month—unbelievable for coastal Italy. Groceries and utilities are cheap, and the food (fresh seafood, handmade maccarruni) is divine. Best part? Italy’s Special Tax Regime for southern towns under 20,000 residents means new expats pay just 7% income tax on foreign earnings. Learn Italian to join the festivals.
2. Évora, Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora (57,000 residents) boasts Roman aqueducts and the spooky Capela dos Ossos, a bone-lined chapel. Live comfortably for under €1,600 a month. A 112-sqm apartment sells for €150,000—built to last. Trains reach Lisbon in 80 minutes for under €9. Summers hit 86°F, winters are mild at 50°F, with 2,800 hours of sunshine. Portugal’s safety record makes Évora’s countryside calm worry-free, blending rural charm with city access.
3. Dénia, Spain
On Spain’s Costa Blanca, Dénia (42,000 residents) is a seafood haven, famous for red prawns. The HLA Hospital San Carlos has a stellar cardiology unit, and buses/trains link to Alicante. Summers draw tourists, and some spots cater to British expats, but off-season, it’s serene with mild January days. A 2-bedroom flat with a sea view and parking rents for €650 or less. For a coastal town near pricey Alicante, that’s a steal.
4. Koper, Slovenia
This Adriatic port city (25,000 residents) neighbors Trieste, Italy, where Italians shop for cheaper gas and materials. The General Hospital Izola, 6 km away, offers modern care, and buses/trains connect to Ljubljana. Koper’s Venetian Gothic architecture is stunning, but the bora wind can hit hurricane speeds. Winters dip to 41°F, summers reach 75°F. Apartments start at €600 a month—affordable for a city near wealthy northern Italy.
5. Limoux, France
With just 10,000 residents in southern France, Limoux is perfect for quiet living and wine enthusiasts. It’s home to Blanquette de Limoux, the world’s oldest sparkling wine. The Centre Hospitalier de Limoux-Quillan covers healthcare, and Toulouse is 100 km away. Safe and far from urban unrest, Limoux has summer highs of 75°F and winter lows of 43°F. Housing is dirt-cheap: a 2-bedroom house rents for €560, apartments for under €400. You’ll need French to connect with locals—it’s a game-changer.
6. Tavira, Portugal
In Portugal’s Algarve, Tavira (26,000 residents) offers 300 sunny days and beaches like Praia de Tavira. A quarter of residents are expats, making it easy to settle in with English-speaking services. Faro Airport’s 30 minutes away with budget Ryanair flights. Summer tourists can bump prices, but a sea-view apartment rents for under €700. Winters are mild (50-61°F), and the Ria Formosa Natural Park keeps life vibrant.
7. Policoro, Italy
In Basilicata, Policoro (17,000 residents) blends medieval roots with beaches. Summers hit 98°F with sea breezes, winters linger at 48°F. The Parco Nazionale del Pollino is a hiker’s dream, though Bari’s two hours away by train. A penthouse with a terrace rents for €450 a month, and the 7% tax regime for towns under 20,000 applies. Local markets keep food cheap, and festivals add community flair.
8. Xàbia (Jávea), Spain
On Spain’s Costa Blanca, Xàbia (28,000 residents) shines with beaches like La Granadella and 300+ sunny days. The Montgó Natural Park offers hiking, but summer crowds can clog markets. Winters are mild at 50°F, summers 77°F. A sea-view apartment rents for under €700—affordable for such a scenic spot. It’s tranquil, maybe too much for urbanites, but ideal for retirees seeking sun.
9. Sapri, Italy
This Campania gem (6,500 residents) on the Tyrrhenian Sea boasts Blue Flag beaches and a scenic promenade. The Ospedale dell’Immacolata di Sapri has a top-notch ER, and trains reach Naples in under two hours. Summers average 81°F, winters 52°F. Less touristy than Amalfi, Sapri’s authentic, with a 2-room flat selling for €130,000. The 7% tax regime applies, but learn Italian to enjoy the trattorias and festivals.
10. Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
In southern France, this 19,000-resident town is surrounded by vineyards and winemaking heritage. Public healthcare is available at the Centre Hospitalier de Bagnols-sur-Cèze, with Avignon’s hospitals 35 minutes away. In 2023, it had just 10 robberies—none violent. Buses and trains connect to Avignon. With 250 sunny days, January lows of 41°F, and July highs of 82°F, it’s a climate win. Rent a central apartment for €430 ($450) a month—a steal for a safe, wine-soaked haven.
11. Rethymno, Greece
On Crete, Rethymno (35,000 residents) is a standout. Its Venetian Fortezza and world-class Greek cuisine are draws, but the financial perks seal the deal: Greece offers expats a 7% flat tax on foreign income (pensions, dividends) for 15 years. In nearby Georgioupoli, 25 minutes away, a 1-bedroom apartment rents for €350—less than a U.S. parking spot. Summers hit 81°F, winters 54°F, with 300 sunny days. Buses link to Chania, and ferries reach other islands. Summer tourists and winds are minor cons.
12. Lagos, Portugal
In the Algarve, Lagos (31,000 residents) mixes natural beauty with expat-friendly vibes. A quarter of residents are foreign, so English-speaking doctors abound. Portimão’s hospitals are 30 minutes away. With 300 sunny days, summers reach 86°F, winters 50-61°F. Summer tourists clog the streets, and Lagos isn’t Portugal’s cheapest, but a flat with pool access rents for €670. Beaches and cliffs make it a retiree’s dream.
13. Viterbo, Italy
The “City of Popes” in central Italy (67,000 residents) is 80 km from Rome. Walkable streets build community, though cobblestones may challenge mobility. Summers hit 73°F, winters 41°F. A one-bedroom in the center rents for €550—a bargain for pricey Lazio. Monthly costs average €1,287, competitive for Italy. Medieval palaces and thermal springs keep life rich, with Rome’s airports an hour away.
14. Sciacca, Italy
In Sicily’s Agrigento province, Sciacca (40,000 residents) is a coastal beauty. A 5-room apartment with a sea view sells for €70,000—unmatched in Western Europe. Renting is just as cheap. The 7% tax regime applies, and Blue Flag beaches and thermal baths add allure. Summers hit 82°F, winters 52°F. Less touristy than Taormina, it’s perfect for a relaxed retirement.
15. Sibenik, Croatia
Rounding out the list, Sibenik (34,000 residents) on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is a hidden gem. Its UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James and Krka National Park are stunners. Apartments rent from €600 a month, and the cost of living is low, with fresh seafood and produce at local markets. Summers average 79°F, winters 46°F, with 300 sunny days. Split’s airport is 45 minutes away. Tourism peaks in summer, but off-season, it’s a retiree’s paradise.
Why These Cities?
These 15 towns aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re lifestyle upgrades. Low taxes (7% in Greece and southern Italy), cheap housing (from €350 in Locri to €700 in Xàbia), and safe, walkable streets make them retiree havens. You’ll eat healthier, stress less, and maybe live longer, thanks to sunny climates and tight communities.
Tips for Success:
- Language: Learn basic French, Italian, or Portuguese. Apps like Duolingo or the linked language course (40% off via the article) make it easy.
- Tourism: Coastal spots like Dénia or Lagos get busy in summer. Visit off-season to feel the real vibe.
- Taxes: Explore tax breaks in Greece or Italy. They’re powerful but require residency planning.
Retirement isn’t about settling—it’s about choosing joy. Whether it’s sipping sparkling wine in Limoux or exploring Crete’s ruins in Rethymno, these cities let you do it affordably. Which one’s sparking your interest? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear!
