Thinking of retiring in Europe? Compare Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France on cost, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle to find your best fit.

What if Italy isn’t the only answer? Greener Pastures is the new no-BS guide to retiring in Europe — with side-by-side comparisons of Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France. Inside: clear timelines, real cost breakdowns, tax strategies, healthcare comparisons, and everything U.S. expats need to plan a smart escape.

You’re not just retiring abroad — you’re exiting a financial system that’s being reshaped in real time by tariffs, currency shocks, and political volatility. The 4% rule wasn’t built for this world. Pretending it still works isn’t optimism — it’s negligence.

Everyone wants the fantasy — sell the house, hop a flight, sip espresso on a terrace in Italy. But the reality? Moving abroad takes more than daydreams and a passport. This guide breaks down the real timeline it takes to move to Italy — from financial prep and scouting trips to Roth conversions, visa chaos, and post-arrival bureaucracy. If you’re planning your escape, this is where the real work starts.

Thinking of bringing your dog or cat to Italy? Don’t wing it — the EU pet rules aren’t forgiving. This guide walks you through every step: microchips, vet visits, USDA forms, flights, and what happens when you land. Based on real experience (with a 90-pound Bernedoodle in tow), this is the no-fluff, all-facts plan for a smooth relocation — and a happier pet.

Most Americans worry about taxes or salaries abroad — but what really matters is survival. Here’s the financial reality behind our decision to retire in Italy, with real numbers comparing U.S. vs Italy costs, healthcare, taxes, and long-term security.

Everything you need to know about applying for the Elective Residency Visa (ERV) to Italy. Checklist Included!

How we found our corner of paradise on Earth in Italy. What factors matter, what speaks to you, what feel "right."

Leaving the U.S. Behind & Embracing a New Future in Italy When I came to the U.S. as a teenager, I believed I was stepping into the...