This Beautiful Italian City Lets You Retire Comfortably On $2,000 A Month

A surprising number of Americans are approaching retirement without any savings, which suggests that the next generation of retirees may be living largely off of Social Security benefits in the coming years — and looking for ways to cut costs wherever they can. As of January 2026, the Social Security Administration reports that the average benefit payment in the U.S. was $2,071, and while that level of income alone might not be enough to get by domestically, there are several beautiful European cities where retirees can live on $2,000 comfortably. One such place is Cagliari, Italy, a coastal hub on the Island of Sardinia's southern tip.

Though exact estimates vary, several reports suggest that it's feasible to live comfortably in the city for between roughly $1,700 and $1,900 per month. While it's not the most affordable area in Italy, this island town offers reasonable living costs, comprehensive public transportation, and convenient access to much of mainland Europe, thanks to Sardinia's central location in the Mediterranean Sea. Numbeo estimates that a small apartment in the city can cost residents as little as $690 per month, and many active online listings support those projections. Even if you wind up spending a bit more than that, Zillow estimates that the average monthly rent in the U.S. is around $2,000, as of April 2026, so the odds are good that you'll wind up saving on housing. Outside of paying for a living space, Cagliari-based retirees can enjoy much of what the city, and its surrounding areas, have to offer for roughly $1,000 per month.

One of the most appealing aspects of Cagliari is that its size makes it easy to get around: The city is estimated to have less than 150,000 inhabitants spread over roughly 33 square miles of land. The community offers a network of buses with routes that span most of the city limits and into some of the surrounding areas, in addition to a light rail system. According to CagliariTurismo, single-ride fares start at around $1.50, and you can cut costs even further by paying for 12 rides in advance. Alternatively, Numbeo estimates that you could travel upwards of 10 miles in a taxi for around $40, and much of the area is also very walkable if you're not in a hurry. Whatever your travel preferences are, you can almost certainly get around without a car, eliminating one of the major expenses retirees contend with stateside.

Comparatively, the price of food in Cagliari isn't quite as attractive as transportation, with essentials like milk, bread, and eggs projected to cost at least slightly more than they do domestically. This means retirees may have to redirect some of what they save on other living expenses to their food budget — whether they cook for themselves or enjoy the unique local cuisine. However, like in many parts of Europe, expats in the area may be able to save a bit extra when dining out by avoiding this American tipping habit.