Agadir: French Retirees Flock to Moroccan Coastal City for Affordable Living and Warm Climate

Agadir is among the favorite destinations of French retirees. According to an article published by TF1 Info, the Moroccan city attracts French seniors due to its mild and sunny climate all year round, with temperatures between 20 and 30 °C, even in winter, and its very affordable cost of living. "We live outside almost all year round, it’s good for morale and health," a retiree who has been living in this seaside resort for three years tells Grazia.

With 1,000 euros per month, including housing and food, one can live comfortably in Agadir, argue other seniors from France. The cost of living is about half that of France, confides a couple from Marseille, residing in the Moroccan city since 2014. Nathalie and Yves pay a monthly rent of 800 euros for a spacious house with a garden and patio. The Frenchwoman says she spends an average of 10 euros to stock up on fruits and vegetables for a week at the Agadir souk.

Beyond beach activities, the city increasingly attracts French retirees for its calm and level of security. "The choice came because while talking with a lady on the plane, she told us that with 1,000 euros per month, she had a rental, she ate and even had enough to take the plane once a month to visit her children, we thought: why not..." explains Nathalie.

Nathalie’s lifestyle in Agadir prompted her mother Jo to also settle in Morocco after losing her husband. "I don’t cook anymore, here, I go to restaurants every day, which would be unthinkable in France." Morocco also offers tax advantages to foreigners. They can benefit from a tax exemption if they open a bank account in the city. However, for long-term stays, it will be necessary to apply for a Moroccan residence card, valid for one year and renewable.