Many people dream of retiring abroad. More than 700,000 American retirees are already living in other countries. The appeal of a lower cost of living, better healthcare options, and a relaxed lifestyle are irresistible.
Here are the top countries for American retirees interested in a new place to call home.
1. Australia
Australia is well-known for its natural landscapes, where retirees can relax and explore. It has a diverse climate, many leisure activities, and a laid-back lifestyle. It also ranks as the tenth happiest country in the world.
What’s more, Australia has a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare and infrastructure. It ranks 11th worldwide in terms of quality of life, considering factors like purchasing power, safety, property price, and more.
2. Belize
Belize is one of the world’s tropical paradises, unmatched by its year-round sun, affordable coastal living, and relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.
Not unimportant, Belize has a stable economy and offers many fun activities for retirees. The country speaks English and uses U.S. dollars, which is extremely convenient. The Qualified Retirement Program exempts retirees from some taxes, such as inheritance and capital gains taxes, making it very appealing for retirees to move here.
3. Colombia
When talking about rich culture, Colombia is one of the top countries worldwide. It has a blend of European, African, and Indigenous cultures all in one country.
Besides that, the country has amazing rainforests, cool mountains, and beautiful beaches. I’ve visited more than 50 countries, and one of my favorite beaches is still in Colombia’s Tayrona National Park. Colombia is still very affordable, and traveling from one region to another is convenient, as its infrastructure has significantly improved over the last decade.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has majestic beaches and waterfalls, rich biodiversity, and diverse microclimates. It ranks 12th among the happiest countries in the world.
In addition, Costa Rica has an affordable cost of living compared to America and quality healthcare. The country also has one of the famous Blue Zones, in Nicoya, which means that the area has one of the longest-living populations in the world.
5. Cyprus
Cyprus is a Mediterranean country well-known for its history, winemaking, and coastal living. With its beaches, cute villages, and welcoming community, it offers an irresistible package for retirees.
What’s more, Cyprus has an affordable cost of living, comprehensive healthcare, and various residency and citizenship programs. It is among the top 35 countries in terms of quality of life. As a bonus, English is widely spoken, which makes it easy to integrate into the community.
6. Ecuador
Ecuador has a diverse climate, culture, topography, and wildlife, making it one of the best retirement places in the world. The country has numerous natural and historical wonders and great weather year-round.
Ecuador also has a low cost of living and affordable healthcare. To make things easier for American retirees, you can pay with U.S. Dollars in Ecuador because it’s their official currency. If you retire in Ecuador, I recommend you visit the Galapagos Islands. Do remember it’s a little more complicated to travel to, as it’s a group of islands quite a bit further from Ecuador’s coastline. It’s one of the most biodiverse places I’ve visited, and I can’t wait to return someday.
7. France
If you’re dreaming of a retirement filled with charm and a bit of indulgence, France is hard to beat. You can settle for retirement in a cozy village, explore the streets of Paris, or enjoy touring the French Riviera. Frace has so many opportunities, and it’s entirely up to you to pick one.
France is known for its slower pace of life; it will be easy to live and offer you a stress-free retirement. The country has excellent healthcare and a lower cost of living than the U.S., especially outside the big cities.
8. Greece
Yes, Greece is a popular vacation spot. However, it is also a beloved retirement destination for many people. The country has spectacular islands, archaeological ruins, and a mouthwatering cuisine that few can resist.
Greece is a big country ideal for traveling around in retirement. Beyond the views and sites throughout the country, the Greek people are warm and welcoming. It’ll be a great choice for your retirement years.
9. Malaysia
Retiring in Malaysia is an excellent choice because of the country’s affordability, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. It has a relaxed atmosphere that’s a little further away from the bustle of North America and Europe.
Malaysia has a tropical climate, tasty cuisine, and many attractions. It also has a low cost of living and a warm and hospitable community. English is a widely used language throughout the country, making it easy to communicate. If you do not like the tropical climate, pick a spot higher in the mountains, like the Cameron Highlands.
10. Malta
Malta has a rich expat community that provides many opportunities for socializing with people from different cultures. English is also one of the country’s official languages, making communication easy.
Besides, Malta has more affordable real estate properties than the U.S. With a moderate crime index (42.84), a stable economy, and plenty of things to do on the island, the country is a great retirement destination.
11. Mexico
Life in Mexico is never dull with its incredible cuisine, vibrant music, and colorful traditions. The country has glorious colonial cities, peaceful rural villages, and coastal towns where you can live minutes from the beach.
Mexico also has an affordable cost of living and a friendly and hospitable population, with many English-speaking locals. All of this makes it a great place to retire.
12. Panama
Panama’s beauty is a blend of pristine beaches and modern city life. It also has wonderful villages and mountain retreats ideal for hiking, driving, or being in nature.
Panama has a tropical climate and a rich Spanish culture that many love. The country has a somewhat American atmosphere, with a thriving expat community and the U.S. dollar as its currency.
13. Portugal
Portugal is a paradise for those who love picturesque landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle. The people are nice and genuine, and many locals speak English.
Additionally, healthcare in Portugal is excellent and affordable. It also has a straightforward visa process and a lower cost of living, which makes it appealing for Americans to move to Portugal in retirement.
14. Spain
Spain offers a wonderful blend of history, culture, and relaxation. The country is known for its Mediterranean climate and laid-back lifestyle. Moreover, Spain has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and its quality of life is the 18th best in the world.
Plus, Spain has a fantastic food scene, and its lower cost of living compared to other parts of Europe allows you to enjoy more of life’s offerings.
“I recently visited Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain, this fall. Both destinations have been listed as a great place to retire by Travel + Leisure, and I would have to agree! We were astonished at how much a quality meal cost during our visit. The prices are much more affordable than in the United States, says travel Journalist Alexandrea Sumuel Groves.
15. Switzerland
Switzerland is another great option for quality of life. It is among the top five countries in the world in terms of quality of life. It has low crime rates, quality healthcare, and a lot to see and do.
Also, Switzerland ranks ninth in the world happiness score. It is a place where you can experience a lot of recreation, clean surroundings, and the infamous Swiss chocolate. One thing to consider is that the cost of living is higher than in the U.S., so be sure to do detailed research on the cost of living for the region where you’d want to settle down.
16. Thailand
Thailand is an ideal retirement destination if you love warm weather, tropical beaches, and culture. It can offer you an affordable, exotic lifestyle in one of the country’s cities or even on one of its countless islands.
Thailand’s cost of living is low, and the local cuisine is one of the best worldwide. Good healthcare and a welcoming community of expats and locals make it easy to settle down there.
17. Vietnam
Are you looking for a place where you can have a comfortable lifestyle and a low cost of living? Vietnam is a good choice. Like everywhere, it has a rising standard of living, yet it still has inexpensive healthcare and affordable housing.
Vietnam also has a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and incredible food. Especially if you’re vegetarian, Vietnam offers plenty of alternatives. The country has a moderate crime index (41.75), welcoming locals, and a thriving expat community.
18. Italy
Italy is a favorite vacation destination for many, but many Americans fall in love with the country and choose to move there in their golden years. Outside the big cities, the cost of living is affordable, and there are plenty of beautiful places to choose from.
Italy’s food, culture, and history are very hard to beat. The slower pace of life paired with the good weather is sufficient for most retirees to enjoy the country, especially considering that the cost of living is 32% lower in Italy compared to the United States.
19. The Netherlands
I grew up in the Netherlands, and it’s a great place to live. It has old architecture, a lot of history, and a strong walking and cycling culture. That’s all to say, and it’s pretty easy to stay active into retirement here. The Netherlands ranks as the sixth happiest country in the world and second in quality of life.
The benefits for Americans moving to the Netherlands don’t stop there. Traveling to and visiting other European countries is easy, as everything is a short plane or car ride away. If you choose to drive, you’ll be in Belgium in 1.5 hours, Germany in an hour, and France in less than five hours.
20. Chile
Chile is an incredibly beautiful country with a lot to offer. There are plenty of big cities throughout the country, but you can also opt for a place in nature in either the northern or southern part of the country. Chile has deserts, mountains, snow, beaches, and everything else.
I loved Patagonia and would love to settle down there for a couple of years, as the nature there is unmatched. If that’s not enough to consider Chile, remember that the cost of living is 52.4% lower than in the United States. It’s a safe country to live in and easy enough to navigate with plane travel for longer distances.
Featured Image: Maugli/DepositPhotos
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
