As the cost of living in the United States continues to rise, many American retirees are turning their sights towards Spain as a more affordable and enjoyable place to spend their golden years. With its stunning beaches, top-notch cuisine, nearby travel destinations, and pleasant warm climate, it's easy to see why Spain is becoming a popular destination for American retirees. According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, around 108,000 Americans currently reside in Spain, and that number is likely to increase as the destination becomes more popular. InterNations, an organization dedicated to building a global community of expats, also ranks Spain as the top European country to move to for Americans, offering the highest quality of life and the most abundant leisure activities. Spain is also ranked among the top countries for travel, assimilation, and healthcare. The country is 10th best on the 2025 Health Care Index, while the U.S. is 38th. The tax rate in Spain is slightly higher due to the worldwide taxation system, but many expats find it worthwhile given the benefits it offers, such as allowances for inheritance, property taxes, access to high-quality healthcare, and some exemptions for those 65 and up. Global Citizens Solutions specifically ranked Spain the number one country for American retirees in its 2025 report, estimating that the average monthly cost of living is around $2,000 to $2,500, which often includes rent. While petty theft can occur in tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid, the country has low crime rates overall. One American retiree, Marsha Scarbrough, detailed her Spain expat experience in an essay for Travel and Leisure. She said she started investigating the residency requirements for moving to Spain and found that her pensions met the financial threshold. She gathered documents, ordered an FBI report, and got an apostille. Her doctor wrote a letter saying she had no infectious diseases, and she bought Spanish health insurance. She also printed bank statements, took passport photos, filled out forms, and paid fees online before having everything translated into Spanish by a certified interpreter. For retirees not planning on pursuing school or work opportunities in Spain, they can apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa. Visitor visas that can last up to nine months can also be an easy way to spend an extended period in the country before deciding to move. Given the impending social security cuts that many Americans are set to face, moving abroad to enjoy a high quality of life without the rising costs of living in the U.S. seems to be a popular choice for retirees. With its Mediterranean climate and beachfront views, Valencia offers its residents a unique lifestyle that many American retirees are eager to embrace.
