Abruzzo, Italy
Abruzzo’s kind of a hidden gem. It’s one of the most affordable spots in Italy, where you get these wild mountain views on one side and gorgeous coastline on the other. You can still grab an apartment in a prime location for about $1,015 per square meter—which is crazy good if you’re dreaming of retiring somewhere beautiful without breaking the bank. Some charming little village houses go for around $50,000, and a lot of them are move-in ready. Life moves at a slower, more peaceful pace here. The towns are small and friendly, nature’s always close by, and honestly, it feels like a secret haven for anyone who wants a great quality of life without the big price tag.
Istria, Croatia
Istria sits on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, and it’s got this perfect blend of seaside beauty and rolling green hills. Apartments in places like Pula run about $1,313 per square meter, so it’s a smart pick if you’re looking to retire or invest. The region’s packed with charm—vineyards, olive groves, medieval fortresses, and a heavy dose of Roman history. You’ve got the famous Pula arena, one of the world’s biggest Roman amphitheaters, right in town. The climate’s gentle, the food is fantastic, and life here just feels easy. You get all that at a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe.
Valletta, Malta
Malta’s got this irresistible mix—Mediterranean weather, modern comforts, and English everywhere you go, all packed into three little islands. It’s part of the EU, people speak lots of languages, and the culture is rich, so settling in isn’t a big leap. Valletta, the capital, is stunning. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with grand old buildings, narrow limestone streets, and sea views everywhere. Property prices average around $1,320 per square meter, which is honestly a steal for a city with this much history and beauty. The sun barely stops shining, there’s a big expat crowd, and life here often feels like a never-ending vacation.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve’s a classic for a reason. Thousands of retirees from all over already live here, drawn by the sunshine and laid-back vibe. Property averages about $1,345 per square meter—a solid deal given the gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and postcard-worthy towns. The weather’s mild year-round, perfect if you’re tired of cold, grey winters. Healthcare’s excellent, the locals are warm, and the pace of life is easy. You really do get a lot of quality for your money.
Bucharest, Romania
If you want city life but don’t want to blow your budget, Bucharest is worth a look. The Romanian capital offers a great lifestyle for the price, with real estate averaging around $1,432 per square meter. Even though Romania’s in the EU, it uses its own currency, but property is usually priced in euros—good news if you’re buying with stronger currency. The city itself is lively, full of Belle Époque buildings, and has a growing tech scene. You get vibrant culture, low daily costs, and a real sense of momentum. It’s no wonder more people are catching on and moving here for the long term.
Budva, Montenegro
Budva’s got that “old-world meets beach town” energy. It’s one of Montenegro’s standout coastal spots, with properties starting around $1,839 per square meter—pretty reasonable for living on the Adriatic. The old town’s 2,500 years old, with narrow stone lanes and medieval walls, and the beaches are straight-up stunning: golden sand, turquoise water, and a warm breeze most of the year. Expats are showing up in bigger numbers, and the infrastructure keeps improving. It’s a solid mix of affordability, natural beauty, and historic charm.
Athens, Greece
Athens surprises a lot of people with how affordable it is, mostly because the economy’s still bouncing back. Average property prices sit at about $2,116 per square meter, which is much lower than other major European cities. But you’re still in the heart of a city bursting with history, culture, and fantastic food. The weather’s mild in winter, hot and bright in summer, and you get that lively, outdoorsy vibe all year long. If you want the energy of a capital city without sky-high prices, Athens is a great deal.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s economy has bounced back fast, and property prices show it—they’re climbing. Still, people from all over keep coming here for new opportunities and the buzz of city life. In District 2, which both investors and newcomers love, you’ll pay about $3,975 per square meter these days. Sure, it’s not cheap. But the city makes up for it with a vibrant arts scene, top-notch universities, and quick escapes to some seriously beautiful countryside. Dublin mixes old-school charm with modern energy, so whether you’re working or thinking about retirement, there’s something here for you. Plus, the locals are friendly, and the quality of life is hard to beat. No wonder more people fall for Dublin every year.
