Are you tired of living in the U.S and looking for a change in scenery during your retirement years? With more and more retirees opting to retire abroad, the world has become a melting pot of diverse and affordable retirement destinations. But, with so many options, it can be tough to pick the right one. In this article, we’ll be exploring the most popular retirement spots outside the U.S for 2023, so you can make an informed decision.
Retirement can be a daunting experience, especially for those on a budget. However, with proper planning and research, it’s possible to find a destination that fits your financial needs and lifestyle. From Europe to South America, we’ve got you covered.
Portugal: An Often Overlooked European Destination
Portugal is a beautiful country in Europe that often gets overlooked as a retirement destination. With its connection to Spain and proximity to the Mediterranean, Portugal offers retirees a chance to enjoy Europe’s rich history and culture. The country is famous for its colonial-style architecture, which is spread across many towns and cities. With a robust healthcare system and a considerable percentage of the population speaking English, Portugal is a great option for retirees.
A retired couple can live comfortably in Portugal on a budget of around $2,000 a month, but it’s possible to live on less with careful budgeting.
Ecuador: A Country That Wants You to Move There
Ecuador is a country that shares borders with Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. Most of the population lives on the western side of the country, while the east side is a wilderness that’s perfect for adventure-seekers. With the Andes Mountains running through the country, Ecuador is a paradise for retirees who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Ecuador has a low cost of living and a solid healthcare system, and the government is encouraging people to move there. While there are some red tape procedures you’ll need to follow, Ecuador makes it relatively easy to retire there. A retired couple can live on about $1,800 a month in Ecuador, depending on their lifestyle and location.
Colombia: A Beautiful Country with a Storied Past
For many Americans, Colombia brings to mind the days of Pablo Escobar. However, Colombia has come a long way from its dark past, and it’s now a safe and attractive destination for retirees. With coastline on both the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, and the Andes Mountains, Colombia is a country of diverse landscapes and climates.
Colombia has a decent climate, a low cost of living, a robust healthcare system, and an easy visa process. The cost of living varies depending on where you choose to live, but a retired couple can live comfortably on a budget of around $2,000 a month.
Mexico: A Retirement Destination That Offers Something for Everyone
Mexico is a diverse country that offers retirees something for everyone. From bustling cities to quiet beach towns, Mexico has something for everyone. With its low cost of living, warm climate, and close proximity to the U.S, Mexico is a popular choice for retirees.
The healthcare system in Mexico is decent, and the country is famous for its affordable dental and medical tourism. A retired couple can live comfortably in Mexico on a budget of around $2,000 a month, depending on their location and lifestyle.
Costa Rica: A Retirement Destination for Nature Lovers
Costa Rica, located in Central America, is a popular destination for retirees seeking a warm climate, breathtaking landscapes, and a low cost of living. The country has a well-established healthcare system and offers retirees an easy-to-navigate visa process. A retiree can expect to live on around $2,000 per month in Costa Rica. In addition, the country is known for its eco-friendly practices and conservation efforts, making it an appealing destination for retirees seeking a connection with nature.
Panama
Panama, a Central American country, is a popular destination for retirees seeking a warm climate and a low cost of living. The country has a well-regarded healthcare system and offers retirees an easy-to-navigate visa process. Retirees can expect to live on around $2,000 per month in Panama, with many choosing to settle in the popular expat communities along the coast.
Conclusion
Retiring abroad is an exciting prospect for many people, offering the opportunity to experience new cultures, climates, and lifestyles. With careful planning and research, retirees can find the perfect location that meets their specific needs, while also providing a lower cost of living. Whether it is Portugal, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia, there are many options available for retirees looking to make a change. By considering factors such as cost of living, healthcare, and local amenities, retirees can make an informed decision and enjoy a happy and fulfilling retirement abroad.
I’m looking to retire out of the US. I loved Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica and Colombia because they’re comparatively close to me on East Coast USA, but I would love to explore Asia before making a final decision.
Having already lived in central America, my preferences are on European countries as I found Central America to be particularly unsafe, especially for women. Go and visit at least a few times before deciding.
I have lived in Belize and I would argue that it is not so cheap. If you are a Belizean, then yes. The truth is that Belizeans pay half or less of what visitors pay. Expect to pay two dollars for a 16 ounce bottle of water on Ambergris or Caulker.
I am very much looking forward to your report on Belize.
I have lived in Spain. I loved Spain but having said that there are things that Americans take for granted that are not in foreign countries. And especially if you are outside of major cities: (and below is not just Spain but a lot of countries where Americans might need to adapt)
1. Postal service: none. 2. caring for pets like we do 3. quiet restaurants (Spain- very very loud!) Check out Spain Speaks You tube. This is something that really irritated me.
4. clean streets (lots of poop everywhere, even in front of a restaurant or outdoor cafes.
5. Pets ties up to posts and bark continuously being ignored, skin and bones 6. Free or even healthcare for seniors. There are age limits in a lot of countries. and if not a citizen. 7. Parties and thin walls in housing 8. Paying bills in person in long lines and if they close while you are in line, tough luck. 9. Police: different priorities. 10. Information: one person will tell you one thing while the next day you have to start all over. And they aren’t in a hurry at all. Can spend all day in line to pay a utility bill. 11. Brand new to a country: very difficult for a landlord to trust you and not just signing a contract; or you might have to pay for one year up front. 12. Reliable Internet or sewage, or running water or electricity. Internet goes out in some locations for days. Or no water for several days. Their utilities are not like in America.
13. Can’t flush toilet paper down the toilet 14. Getting waited on in a restaurant (when they feel like serving you)
Could add more, I returned home as there are things that were not for me even though it can be less expensive. These are things one should be aware of when choosing a country or a location in that country. Adapting to “Americanized living” in other countries is not always there. Pros: people in Spain are so warm, family oriented, and caring. They have respect for the elderly. Food is sooo good and not filled with sugar and chemicals; great architecture, history, parks and safety, walking everywhere, and patience from the Spanish people when you are struggling with your Spanish. I had to learn Castilian Spanish) As Briggs said, “it’s not Mexico”. Oh yeah: Spanish men are soooo romantic!