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17% of Seniors Eye European Retirement for Lower Costs

5/11/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A 2026 poll finds 17% of Americans 55+ want to retire abroad, four times 1974 level.
U.S. retirees are moving to Europe, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and France.
Portugal’s cost of living for one person is about $592 per month versus $1,166 in the United States.
Golden-visa programs in Italy, Greece and Portugal give 3%-12% returns without full-time residency, while tax treaties let retirees avoid double taxation on U.S. income.

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Story summary

A 2026 poll finds 17% of Americans 55+ want to retire abroad, four times 1974 level.
U.S. retirees are moving to Europe, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and France.
Portugal’s cost of living for one person is about $592 per month versus $1,166 in the United States.
Golden-visa programs in Italy, Greece and Portugal give 3%-12% returns without full-time residency, while tax treaties let retirees avoid double taxation on U.S. income.