Deciding where to retire is one of the most impactful choices you’ll make. Beyond finances, retirement location can shape your quality of life, access to healthcare, social opportunities, and daily comfort. Whether you want to stay in the UK or explore Europe’s sun-soaked towns, this guide identified the best retirement cities in 2026, backed by cost, well-being, safety, healthcare access and lifestyle data.
Key searched we used for this updated ranking: retirement indexes, cost-of-living comparisons, and recent European country retirement scores and UK city liability data.
The UK offers a wide range of retirement options from affordable northern cities to historic cultural hubs. While personal priorities differ (quiet lifestyle vs city amenities), these stand out by combining affordability, healthcare access, and the retirement-friendly infrastructure.
Belfast consistently ranks as one of the most affordable UK cities for retirees. Average monthly rent sits at around £700, which is roughly 60% lower than London, helping pension income stretch significantly further.
Combined with relatively low house prices, good transport links and access to healthcare services, Belfast is often cited as a top choice for retirees prioritising value without sacrificing city amenities.
Leeds offers a balance of affordability and lifestyle. While cheaper than southern cities, it still provides strong cultural, shopping and leisure options. Around 42% of the city is made up of green space, supporting an active retirement, and Leeds has been highlighted in retirement rankings for its range of amenities and accessibility. It’s a strong option for retirees who want city life without London-level costs.
Bradford stands out for lower housing and living costs than many UK cities, while still offering access to green space and local services. It has scored highly in retirement suitability studies, particularly for affordability – making it appealing to retirees focused on keeping ongoing costs down.
Both Preston and Stoke-on-Trent regularly appear in lists of retirement-friendly UK cities. Housing costs are typically well below the national average, and both cities benefit from good access to local healthcare and community facilities. For retirees looking for smaller cities with manageable living costs, these locations are often overlooked but practical options.
For those who prefer larger cities, Newcastle and Glasgow offer metropolitan living at comparatively affordable prices. Average house prices are around £210,000 in Newcastle and £185,000 in Glasgow, well below the UK average. Both cities also benefit from strong public transport networks and a wide choice of hospitals and GP services.
6. Hull
Hull is one of the cheapest cities in the UK to buy property, with average house prices close to £130,000. For retirees planning to buy outright or downsize using equity, this can significantly reduce housing costs and free up income for everyday living.
For retirees open to moving abroad, Europe continues to offer compelling advantages – particularly when it comes to lowering living costs, warmer climates and high-quality healthcare.
Portugal remains one of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe. Outside major cities, retirees can often live comfortably on €1,500–€2,000 per month (around £1,300–£1,750), including rent and everyday expenses. The Algarve, with its mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine a year, is especially popular with UK retirees. Portugal also offers well-established residency routes for retirees with passive income.
Spain combines affordability with lifestyle appeal. In cities such as Valencia, average rent typically ranges from €850 to €1,100 per month, significantly lower than many UK cities. Coastal regions benefit from long summers, strong healthcare systems and large expat communities, making Spain one of the easiest European countries for UK retirees to settle into.
Greece has become increasingly attractive for retirees thanks to lower living costs and tax incentives aimed at foreign retirees. Average monthly rent often falls between £550 and £900, and many retired couples can live comfortably on around £1,600 per month. Combined with a relaxed pace of life and warm climate, Greece offers strong value for money.
Malta appeals to retirees looking for an English-speaking environment with excellent healthcare. Average monthly living costs are around £1,400, making it slightly more expensive than parts of southern Europe, but the ease of integration, safety and quality of services continue to attract UK retirees.
Croatia offers scenic coastal living at lower costs than many Western European destinations. In cities such as Split, average monthly living costs are around £1,250–£1,300, making it an increasingly popular choice for retirees looking for value combined with lifestyle appeal.
While UK cities such as Belfast and Hull offer relatively low costs, many European destinations allow retirees to live comfortably for £1,300–£1,700 per month, often with better weather and lower housing costs. For retirees relying on fixed incomes, these differences can have a meaningful impact on long-term financial security.
When deciding where to retire, it’s important to look beyond headline figures. Consider:
And there you have it; those are our top recommendations for cities to retire to in the UK and Europe. Naturally, retirement might still be several years away for you, but it never hurts to start planning now so you can be ready to enjoy your later years in comfort.
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