Forget Florida, Retire To Spain's Sun-Soaked Paradise On Just $2,000 A Month

If your heart's desire is to enjoy the attractive climate, mouthwatering foods, and vibrant culture of Spain during your retirement years — but life in big Spanish cities is too expensive — consider Alicante. This southeastern coastal Spanish locale is a place where people bask in the sunshine and enjoy their choice of beaches. Plus, it's one of the European cities where you can comfortably retire on $2,000 a month.  

In 2023, International Living placed Alicante's cost of living at $1,985 a month, with rent for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom place coming in at $690, with $100 for utilities and $400 for groceries. Plus, part of this cost breakdown included eating out at least once a week, something that is more affordable in Spain thanks to the fact Spanish restaurants often offer free food with drinks.

For those looking to stay in, LivingCost.net estimates grocery staples, as of May 2026, as more affordable than you might think. A liter of milk, for example, costs $1.24 while bread comes in at $3.77, and roughly 2.2. pounds a of chicken will cost $8.75. Shoppers in the area can enjoy the wide selection at The Central Market of Alicante for meat, fruits, and vegetables.

For those thinking about moving to Spain for retirement, there can be some important things to keep in mind when it comes to residency. For starters, retirees can obtain what is known as a non-lucrative visa (NLV) — also known as the passive income visa — by first documenting that they no longer work and then proving that they earn €28,800 or more in annual income (comparable to $33,400, as of mid-June 2026). Married couples would need an equivalent of $41,700. This visa serves as a one-year residency that renews in two-year chunks. For context, per the Social Security Administration, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit, as of January 2026, was $2,071 – or $24,852 a year for a single retiree and $49,704 for a couple.

To obtain an NLV, an expat must also obtain qualifying health insurance. Coming to Spain recommends seven qualifying plans that all have starter costs of between €39 to €55 monthly – $45 to $64. In addition to being affordable, the healthcare quality is also exceptional in Spain, with the World Health Organization's European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies finding that the country has the longest life expectancy in the European Union. 

As another benefit, Spain is one of the best low-cost European countries for English speakers. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Spain ranks No. 36 globally in English proficiency, per test data from over 2.2 million people. This means that U.S. expats are likely to feel more comfortable in their new country, especially if settling in cities where English is more commonly spoken.