Italy has once again secured its position as the world’s leading culinary destination, according to prestigious global rankings. Esteemed food encyclopaedia Taste Atlas, which compiles hundreds of thousands of ratings on dishes worldwide, placed Italy at the top of its 2025 list. This recognition, also echoed by U.S. News & World Report and CNN Travel, highlights the nation’s profound culinary heritage, commitment to fresh regional ingredients, and iconic dishes that have captivated palates across the globe.
However, for those envisioning a retirement steeped in gastronomic delights, the allure of a country famed for its food must be carefully balanced with a spectrum of other critical factors. While the prospect of daily access to vibrant markets, local produce, and a rich social food culture is undeniably appealing, a successful retirement abroad hinges on considerations such as affordability, access to quality healthcare, community integration, and navigating complex residency requirements.
Countries earning top culinary honours, including Italy, Greece, Peru, Portugal, and Spain, share common threads such as strong culinary traditions and global recognition for their dishes. Italy’s high marks, for instance, are attributed to legendary items like pizza napoletana, parmigiano reggiano, and prosciutto di San Daniele, which have profoundly influenced global eating habits.
Despite its undisputed culinary prestige, Italy presents a mixed picture when evaluated against broader retirement metrics. The cost of living, while generally 30% to 70% lower than in the U.S., varies significantly across regions. Housing in less tourist-heavy areas like Sicily can be relatively affordable, potentially starting at around $500 per month for a furnished apartment, but prices escalate sharply in popular urban centers and tourist hotspots.
Healthcare in Italy, while affordable, faces challenges related to outdated hospital infrastructure, which can impede accessibility, leading to lower overall rankings compared to many other European nations. The country’s renowned Mediterranean climate offers diverse temperatures, from the cooler northern mountains to the hot, dry southern coasts. Safety is another consideration, with the U.S. Department of State issuing a Level 2 travel advisory, recommending increased caution due to both petty crime and more serious concerns.
Prospective retirees seeking to establish residency in Italy must apply for an Elective Residency visa, a process that mandates applicants demonstrate substantial self-sustaining incomes and significant financial assets. Furthermore, despite Italy’s popularity as a tourist destination, it does not rank among the top nations for expatriates. As of 2024, only about 51,000 U.S. expatriates reside in Italy, representing a small fraction of the total American expat community worldwide.
For retirees prioritizing a food-centric lifestyle, countries like Portugal, Spain, and Vietnam often present a more balanced proposition, combining excellent cuisine with a more favourable cost of living. The most attractive foodie nations for retirement typically offer an affordable cost of living, opportunities for rich cultural immersion, an active outdoor and market culture, a strong emphasis on fresh and healthy eating, and ready access to recreational activities.
However, challenges persist for those retiring to a culinary hotspot. Major cities, often the epicentres of gastronomic fame like Rome, Tokyo, or Paris, typically come with significantly higher living costs compared to rural areas. Language barriers can also prove substantial, depending on the chosen destination, potentially complicating daily life and integration. Additionally, region-specific issues such as extreme climates, urban congestion, or political instability may arise. Regardless of the country, navigating complex and bureaucratic legal processes for residency can be both costly and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and patience.
