Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), Germany getty For many people considering a retirement in Europe, one of the things they look forward to is the option to go car-free. It makes sense for a number of reasons. One, depending on the make, model, and age of your vehicle, importing it from North America to Europe can cost upwards of $20,000.
Not only that, but it can take over a year, due to differing emission and operational standards. Two, you’ll find that many homes in European cities don’t come with allocated parking. You’ll need to find a space on the street or pay to use a parking garage, an expense which can quickly add up.
And that’s in addition to all the other cost considerations. Though prices vary from country to country and depend on the chosen make and model, Europeans pay on average €27,500 for a new car and monthly running costs run an average of €616. That’s quite a chunk out of the average retiree’s budget.
And three, most European cities boast excellent public transport systems which are straightforward and affordable to use. As well as senior discounts some destinations even offer completely free travel. In Luxembourg, public transport on trains, trams, and buses is free for both residents and visitors alike.
In Hungary’s capital, Budapest, passengers over 65 travel free on public transport. On the island of Malta and in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, residents can travel for free on .
