Affordable living, great healthcare, and easy travel at your doorstep.
If your idea of retirement includes sunny afternoons, fresh local food, and spontaneous weekend getaways, you’re not alone. More Americans than ever are retiring abroad—not just to save money, but to embrace a more vibrant, travel-friendly lifestyle.
These handpicked cities offer the perfect balance: affordable cost of living, modern comforts, safe communities, and easy access to airports or travel hubs so you can keep globetrotting without stress.
The beauty of retiring abroad isn’t just in the money you save—it’s in the life you gain. With the right city as your home base, you can live in comfort and travel often, whether it’s a quick hop to a neighboring country or a new continent every few months.
Retiring abroad can be the beginning of your most rewarding chapter yet—and these cities make it easier to stretch your dollars while exploring more of the world. Whether you dream of wine in Porto, noodles in Chiang Mai, or thermal baths in Budapest, the good life might be waiting just one flight away.
Here are the best international cities to retire comfortably and keep your passport full.
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What Makes a Great Retirement + Travel Base?
To keep traveling while retired, you want a city with:
Low cost of living
Reliable healthcare
Efficient international airport access
Safe, welcoming communities
Visa policies that support long-term stays
What to Consider Before You Move
Before packing your bags, it’s important to weigh a few critical factors:
Healthcare access: Ensure you understand how to access local care and what kind of insurance you need.
Visa requirements: Some countries offer retirement visas; others require proof of income or insurance.
Connectivity: If you’re still freelancing or want to travel often, make sure the city has good transport and internet.
Language and culture: Be prepared to learn local customs and at least basic phrases.
Quick & Easy Tips for Retiring Abroad
Prioritize healthcare access – Make sure the city has reputable hospitals, clinics, and English-speaking doctors. Many top expat hubs already do.
Look at visa requirements early – Some countries have retirement-specific visas, while others may require income or investment minimums. Start researching well before moving.
Rent before you buy – Test the waters with a rental before committing to property. It helps you explore neighborhoods and get a true sense of daily life.
Stay near major transport hubs – If frequent travel is part of your plan, choose cities with well-connected international airports or regional trains.
Learn some of the language – Even a little effort goes a long way toward building community and navigating bureaucracy more smoothly.
One of the biggest misconceptions about retiring abroad is that it’s only for the ultra-wealthy. In truth, many retirees move specifically because they can’t afford to retire comfortably at home. Countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe offer low-cost living without sacrificing quality — challenging the belief that “budget retirement” means settling for less.
Another often-overlooked reality: not everyone welcomes expats with open arms. Some locals resent rising rents, gentrification, or cultural disconnection driven by foreign retirees. Moving abroad comes with responsibility — to integrate respectfully, support the local economy, and not treat your new home like an endless vacation.
And then there’s the emotional side. While social media paints the dream of sunsets and wine by the sea, many expats experience loneliness, culture shock, or language fatigue. It’s a brave move, and one that takes ongoing adaptation. But for those who embrace the challenge, the rewards — financial, personal, and experiential — can be life-changing.
Best Cities Abroad to Retire
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Warm climate, rich culture, and walkable neighborhoods
Excellent healthcare and infrastructure
Well-connected airport with cheap flights across Europe
Monthly cost (for a couple): $2,200–$2,800
Weekend flights to Paris, Madrid, Rome—under $100 roundtrip.
2. Mérida, Mexico
Why it’s ideal:
Low cost of living and top-tier private healthcare
Colonial charm, safety, and a growing expat community
Easy flights to the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America
Monthly cost: $1,500–$2,000
Yucatán hub with access to Mexico City, Cancun, and beyond.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
A historic city surrounded by mountains and temples, Chiang Mai offers affordable healthcare, warm weather, and one of the world’s best value-for-money lifestyles.
Peaceful city with incredible food and healthcare
International airport with affordable flights to all of Asia
Friendly locals and slow, affordable lifestyle
Monthly cost: $1,200–$1,800
Quick trips to Vietnam, scenic train rides, Malaysia, Japan, and Bali.
4. Valencia, Spain
Spain’s third-largest city boasts Mediterranean sunshine, rich history, and one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It’s less expensive and less crowded than Barcelona but still offers amazing restaurants, beaches, and access to Europe.
Mediterranean climate, beach and city life in one
Superb public healthcare and European residency perks
Budget airlines make travel across Europe a breeze
Monthly cost: $2,000–$2,600
Great base to explore France, Morocco, and Italy by train or plane.
Travel Perks: High-speed trains to Madrid and Barcelona; budget flights across Europe
5. George Town (Penang), Malaysia
A multicultural island known for its cuisine, friendly locals, and excellent hospitals. English is widely spoken, and Malaysia’s MM2H visa program makes long-term stays easy.
Affordable housing, healthcare, and delicious cuisine
Budget hub for Southeast Asia and Australia travel
Monthly cost: $1,400–$1,800
Hop to Singapore, Indonesia, or Thailand with ease.
Travel Perks: Cheap regional flights to Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore
6. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín has a temperate climate year-round, a modern metro system, and top-rated private healthcare. The cost of living is low and the expat community is growing.
Well-connected to Latin America and the U.S.
Monthly cost: $1,300–$1,800
Flights to Mexico, Peru, and Miami are frequent and affordable.
Travel Perks: Budget flights to other Latin American destinations and the U.S.
7. Panama City, Panama
U.S. dollar economy, robust banking, and good healthcare
Direct flights to North America, South America, and Europe
Excellent retirement visa perks for U.S. citizens
Monthly cost: $2,000–$2,500
Fly to 80+ international destinations from one of Latin America’s best hubs.
8. Marrakech, Morocco
Exotic, budget-friendly, and rich in culture
Growing number of digital nomads and expats
Direct flights to Europe and North Africa
Monthly cost: $1,200–$1,600
Quick flights to Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.
9. Porto, Portugal
A picturesque riverside city with charming streets, world-famous wine, and a laid-back lifestyle. Portugal is one of the most affordable Western European countries and offers great residency options for retirees.
Cost of Living: ~$1,700/month
Travel Perks: Direct trains and flights to Lisbon, Madrid, and other EU capitals
10. Cuenca, Ecuador
With colonial architecture, a pleasant climate, and low living costs, Cuenca is a favorite among American retirees. It also has a well-established expat network and good healthcare.
Cost of Living: ~$1,200/month
Travel Perks: Direct access to Ecuador’s domestic airports for exploring the Andes and coast
11. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital is clean, green, and incredibly walkable. It’s often overlooked, which means fewer tourists and lower prices, yet you’re still in the heart of Europe.
Cost of Living: ~$1,800/month
Travel Perks: Trains to Italy, Austria, Croatia; budget airlines nearby
12. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why it’s great:
A rising star in the expat world, Tbilisi offers a rich cultural scene, stunning mountain views, and a cost of living that’s hard to beat. Americans can stay visa-free for one year.
Cost of Living: ~$1,000–$1,300/month
Travel Perks: Easy access to Turkey, Armenia, and Eastern Europe
13. Split, Croatia
Why it’s great:
A coastal town with Roman history, turquoise waters, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Croatia is part of the EU and offers excellent healthcare options.
Cost of Living: ~$1,700/month
Travel Perks: Ferry and bus routes to nearby islands and Italy; flights to EU cities
14. Da Nang, Vietnam
Why it’s great:
A growing city with beautiful beaches, great food, and modern infrastructure. Vietnam is very affordable, and Da Nang is safer and more relaxed than Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Travel Perks: Domestic and international budget flights; fast trains to Hoi An and Hue
15. Budapest, Hungary
A visually stunning city with excellent healthcare, beautiful architecture, and thermal baths. It offers a slower pace of life and plenty of cultural activities.
Cost of Living: ~$1,600/month
Travel Perks: Central location for train travel across Europe
16. Oaxaca, Mexico
This highland city is known for its Indigenous culture, artisan traditions, and low cost of living. It also has a solid healthcare system and vibrant local markets.
Cost of Living: ~$1,200/month
Travel Perks: Short flights to Mexico City and U.S.; road trips to beaches and ruins.
Final Thoughts
Retiring abroad is not about escape — it’s about reinvention. Choosing a city that fits your lifestyle, budget, and travel dreams can open the door to a more fulfilling chapter than you ever imagined. The right location allows you to balance everyday comfort with a sense of adventure that never gets old.
But it’s not all sunshine and tapas. It takes research, patience, and an openness to being the outsider. For those willing to do the work, the payoff is extraordinary: lower costs, vibrant communities, new friendships, and the freedom to explore the world with fewer financial or logistical limits.
So whether you’re years from retirement or ready to pack your bags now, keep this list in mind. Because the best part of retiring abroad might not be the city you move to — but all the new places you’ll explore once you get there.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.