12 European Countries Where Your Social Security Check Goes a Long Way
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With the average social security benefit in the United States at $1,862, there are over 20 countries in Europe where you can live comfortably on social security.
Many people don’t realize they don’t have to stay in their country to receive social security benefits. If two countries have a social security agreement, you can live on your benefit in another country. Here are 12 European countries that allow you to receive social security benefits.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the best countries in Europe, and you can live on social security if you don’t have a big budget. The average cost of living in the Czech Republic is $1,296. Therefore, you can live comfortably in the Czech Republic with the lowest average social security benefit.
Better yet, the Czech Republic is a wonderful place to live. The nation is famed across the globe for its breathtaking medieval cities, rich cultural heritage, and magnificent local scenery. Some of the most popular places to live in the Czech Republic include the capital, Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, and Plzen.
Read also: Most Expensive Cities To Live in Europe
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the more expensive countries in Europe that allow you to live on social security, so you’ll need a bigger budget. However, the maximum social security benefit of $3,822 is more than enough.
The United Kingdom has drawn in United States citizens for generations with the promise of excellent opportunities, countless things to see and do, and a high standard of living.
Whether you want to live by the sea, in the mountains, or in the big city, the UK has something for you. City dwellers can live in London or Edinburgh, while outdoor enthusiasts can move to the Isle of Skye. Meanwhile, beer drinkers can drink Guinness in Belfast, and history buffs can fall in love with York’s medieval past.
Read also: Top European Neighborhoods To Visit
Italy
Italy is one of the best places in Europe to live on social security if you want to explore world-famous landmarks, enjoy delightful summer weather, and eat delicious food. This beautiful country has everything, from vibrant coastal towns and historic cities to lush vineyards and rugged mountain landscapes.
Where you decide to live in Italy will depend on what you’re looking for. For example, outdoor enthusiasts tend to gravitate towards the Dolomites, while history buffs prefer Rome.
Conversely, beachgoers often fall in love with the Amalfi Coast. Noteworthy places to live in Italy include Rome, Florence, Trento, and Cinque Terre. Meanwhile, must-visit attractions include the Colosseum, Uffizi Galleries, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Dolomites.
Read also: European Places To Move To and Get Paid
Finland
According to Visit Finland, around 75% of Finland’s surface area is covered in forest, while the country is also home to the world’s largest archipelago, Europe’s largest lake district, and the last untamed wilderness. That said, Finland is one of Europe’s best places to live on social security if you love the great outdoors.
Better yet, Finland is the happiest country in the world. In Finland, you’ll likely spend most of your time exploring the wilderness in Finnish Lapland. Having said that, there are plenty of things to see and do in places like Helsinki and Rovaniemi. For example, Rovaniemi is home to the official Santa Claus Village, and Helsinki houses the National Museum of Finland.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
Iceland
On the topic of wild locations, Iceland is another fantastic place to live on social security in Europe if you want to hike, explore, and have fun in the great outdoors. This island nation in Northern Europe is recognized for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, scenic forests, and unique natural attractions.
If you live in Reykjavik, the capital, you’ll have all the amenities you need to thrive and easy access to many of the country’s most spectacular attractions. Adventurers can hike, ski, climb, and even swim between two continental plates in Iceland.
However, you’ll need a big budget, as the cost of living is approximately $2,700. Significant points of interest in Iceland include Gullfoss Falls, Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón, and the Blue Lagoon.
Read also: Cheap European Towns
Germany
In Germany, you can spend your social security benefits exploring historic cities, participating in cultural events, hiking in the German Alps, and visiting famous European landmarks. One of the best places to live in Germany is Berlin, the nation’s bustling capital, where you’ll find something for everyone and essential amenities like world-class health care.
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In Berlin, you’ll never be short of things to do. When you’re not visiting iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral and have fun at the Oktoberfest.
You can also enjoy romantic walks along the Spree River and learn more about the city’s rich history at the Berlin Wall Memorial. Other popular places to live in Germany include Cologne, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Read also: Most Luxurious Cities in Europe
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Greece
If you prefer beaches and turquoise water to busy shopping streets and bustling plazas, consider moving to Greece. Greece is well known for its stunning exotic islands with long white sand beaches, sunny skies, and crystal-clear waters. Of course, the country is also famous for its rich history and iconic landmarks.
One day, you’ll find yourself sitting on a sun lounger, sunbathing and swimming in the sea. Next, you’ll visit some of Europe’s most significant historical landmarks. Popular places to visit in Greece include Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Kefalonia.
Meanwhile, must-visit attractions include the Acropolis of Athens, Navagio Beach, Rhodes Old Town, and Meteora. You’ll also be pleased to hear that the cost of living in Greece is only $1,185.
Read also: Best European Cities to Live In
Portugal
Much like Greece, Portugal is renowned for its picture-perfect coastline, historic towns and cities, and good weather, making it one of Europe’s most highly sought-after destinations.
People on social security benefits will be pleased to hear that Portugal is also well known for its low cost of living. A single person can live comfortably in Portugal for less than $1,400 monthly.
Where you live in Portugal will depend on what you like. City-dwellers and history buffs head to Lisbon and Porto, while beachgoers gravitate towards seaside destinations like Faro and Lagos. Alternatively, you could live in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the best countries to live in Europe on social security because it has many beautiful places to live and a wide range of things to see and do. Although the country is only small, home to famous cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, it packs a punch.
Amsterdam, the capital, is arguably the best place to live in the Netherlands. Here, you’ll find a beautiful canal system lined with traditional Dutch houses, famous historical landmarks, and the iconic De Wallen district, which you might know better as the Red Light District.
In Amsterdam. You’ll also have access to well-maintained cycling paths. Must-visit attractions include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
Read also: Budget Travel Tips for Europe
Norway
Norway is one of the best places to live in Europe if you’re looking for a combination of big city life and the great outdoors. While Norway is home to some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, the nation is best known for its impressive natural scenery, which includes breathtaking archipelagos, jagged mountains, and picturesque fjords.
Oslo, the nation’s capital, offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, big city amenities, and historical landmarks. When not visiting the city’s most famous landmarks, explore the Oslofjord by boat and on foot.
Must-visit islands in the fjord include Gressholmen and Lindøya. Noteworthy attractions in the city include Akershus Fortress, the Oslo Opera House, the Fram Museum, and Oslo Street Food.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Poland
Another excellent place to live in Europe on social security if you have a small budget is Poland, where the average cost of living is only $1,248. Poland is a beautiful Central European country best known for its historic cities, quaint towns, and traditional cuisine. The low cost of living will give you more freedom to explore.
There are many exciting places to visit in Poland, and deciding where to go and what to see can be challenging. However, some areas stand out more than others.
Significant points of interest you don’t want to miss include Białowieża Forest, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Kraków, and Sopot. History buffs must also make sure they visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
Read also: European Spots for Digital Nomads
Spain
If I could only choose one place to live on social security in Europe, I would pick Spain because it has everything anyone needs to live a happy life. In Spain, you can explore historic cities, eat delicious food, hike in the mountains, and relax on white sand beaches, all while accessing world-class amenities.
What more could we possibly ask for? Wait, the cost of living in Spain is also less than $1,500 monthly. In fact, the cost of living in Lugo, northwestern Spain, is only $1,224, making it an excellent option for people on a tight budget. Other popular places to live in Spain include Malaga, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
Read also: Affordable European Cities
