I must decide between unanticipated early retirement in Athens, Italy or Spain. Budget: ONLY $2,000 US?

Question

Family obligations prevented my investing as I'd wanted into Europe; I am still in process of recovering from shock as regards the economic downtowns here in this year; so please be kind ... (smile) frustrated wanna-be-expatriate is me -- so now at the "worst time" is my time of opportunity to leave -- the down side is my anticipated monthly income is a MERE two thousand, plus a few dollars perhaps, but at least 2,000. I live VERY simply, yet need to recreat a 'bohemian' sort of life. I need to house myself & Chihahua, be near a beach as I've been my whole life, and access acupuncture to maintain health; at 52 my only needs for western medicine include a high blood pressure pill. Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. I have little grasp of all 3 languages, about equal, but have always felt more natural in europe than here in usa -- please please help with advices. I am aiming to make the move between Dec. 08 and March 09. All thoughts appreciated.

Answer 1

Okay given what you told me I will give you my input based on my experience and research.

On the dollar amount you have provided you will not be able to run a car or live in a major city.

You will also need shared accomodations of some kind.

To be entirely frank, you do not realistically have the income to live even a bohemian lifestyle unless you make some serious concessions.

The World Economic Forum and similar resources are a good place to find the rankings of various countries or cities and their relative cost of living.

Spain is relatively less expensive as residents in general are paid lower than other countries within the EU.

However, the cost of living on Greece is still lower than most in the EU....BUT, it is almost impossible for a foreigner to find a decent rental property in Greece.

Italy is actually known throughout the EU as having a very high cost of living relative to its surroundings...that said the south lof Italy is far less expensive than the north.

The Italians pay 45% income tax and even for locals eating out is very expensive.

You need to cross Italy off your list.

You may also want to consider a country which is not currently on your list.

Croatia is a beautiful country on the Adriatic Sea with a very low cost of living.

One more idea for you...there are large pockets of expats living in places like the Phillipines and your dollar will stretch much much farther there.

Give these types of alternatives some consideration before you put yourself in a destitute lifestyle.

One more piece of info I almost forgot...invest in a hand held talking transalator....it could save your life.

Good luck and enjoy!