Abano Terme, Italy

Capital City

Living in one of Europe's oldest spa towns comes with both perks and eye-watering costs. This thermal resort destination, just 6 miles southwest of Padua, draws wealthy wellness tourists to its 176°F hot springs and mud baths - the economic backbone of the local economy for over 2,000 years.

A mid-sized town of 20,231 residents, Abano Terme's modern identity remains firmly rooted in its Roman origins, when it was known as Aponi fons. While the original Roman baths were destroyed by Lombards in the 6th century, the town's thermal facilities have been repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, notably during its 12th-century commune period and again under Venetian rule (1405-1797). Today's expats find themselves amid notable landmarks including the 1780 Cathedral of St. Lawrence and the Montirone Gallery, though the cost of living reflects the town's upscale spa tourism focus.