Summary

  • Retiring in Uruguay offers a moderate climate and low cost of living, making it an ideal choice for those looking for affordable retirement options.
  • Spain provides retirees with plenty of sunshine, a low cost of living, and easy access to healthcare infrastructure, making it a popular choice for retirement.
  • Costa Rica is steadily growing as a retirement destination with its good governance, quality living, and low cost of living, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees.

Life is a long and difficult journey. After many years of working, someone eventually has to retire. The most important thing is finding the best place to retire when the time comes. There are several aspects to planning a good retirement, monetarily, socially, and logistically. The basics include good transport, access to water and electricity, affordable living, good housing, and a peaceful, perhaps entertaining environment with friendly people.

Many enjoy the idea of retiring in a different country than where one is originally from to live out their days in a dream. As a result, when looking for a place to retire, one will want a place with the above-mentioned things. Here are the best countries to choose from.

UPDATE: 2023/09/25 12:46 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Best Countries To Retire In 2023 And 2024

Everybody deserves a good retirement after a lifetime of worrying about work, family, and other stresses of life. Fortunately, some countries provide the setting to spend the sunset years, highlighted by vibrant nature, fun recreational activities, and friendly communities. This updated article features more countries that promise retirees a happy life.

Related: Permanent Home Abroad: 10 Best Towns To Retire To In Europe

12 Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay: Coastal Charm, Culture, and Enchanting City Vibes
Photo by Alicja Ziajowska on Unsplash
Montevideo, Uruguay: Coastal Charm, Culture, and Enchanting City Vibes
 

Uruguay is a country located between Argentina and Brazil. It is a Spanish-speaking nation with a low population of just 3.5 million people. The country has mild winters and warm summers.

It is a good place to retire due to its moderate weather, which is good for old people. The lifestyle in this country is not extreme; hence, the cost of living is low. One can easily get a farm or a ranch to retire in. A retiree can also retire in one of its beautiful beach towns. Access to visas and residency is also easy.

  • Cost of living: $870 per month without rent

RELATED: 10 Beautiful Day Trips To Make In Granada, Spain

11 Spain

People walking along the upper section of La Rambla (Las Ramblas) in Barcelona, Spain
Shutterstock / nito
People walking along the upper section of La Rambla (Las Ramblas) in Barcelona, Spain, one of the numerous places suffering from overtourism

Spain has been ranked highly by retirees for several great reasons. The first one is the weather. In Spain, one will enjoy plenty of sunshine for up to 300 days a year. The country is also well developed, has easy access to healthcare infrastructure, and is safe. Additionally, Spain has a low cost of living.

With a long coastline, a retiree will enjoy plenty of coastal life. There are also many major cities and towns that a retiree can call home in Spain with access to all modern needs.

  • Cost of living: $1,063 per month without rent

10 Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coastline with Jungle Resorts Tucked Into The Trees
Photo by Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash
Costa Rica Coastline with Jungle Resorts Tucked Into The Trees.

Costa Rica is a country that is gaining a lot of attention from older people looking for places to retire. Costa Rica is steadily growing and has good health systems and quality living. Due to its good governance, development, access to food, good healthcare, and low cost of living, it has become a good choice.

The country is ideal for someone who wants to retire on a budget. Access to housing is affordable, and there are low taxes. One who also wants to have a Caribbean living should consider Costa Rica.

  • Cost of living: $800 per month without rent

9 Panama

Sailing yachts in the waters of San Blas Islands, Panama
Shutterstock
Sailing yachts in the waters of San Blas Islands, Panama

According to the Retirement Index 2022, Panama is the best place for retirees. The country is well known for its beautiful beaches and majestic mountains. Additionally, it has a friendly environment and affordable living costs. This has resulted in many retirees from the U.S. moving to the country.

In Panama, rent is low, and plenty of affordable food is available. With a retirement visa, one can enjoy many discounts on airfare, entertainment, and local transport as the country is welcoming to foreigners.

  • Cost of living: $1,000 per month without rent.

RELATED: Panama City Spring Break: Is It Worth It?

8 Malta

Fishing boats in Marsaxlokk Malta
Deposit Photos: Pixemac
Fishing boats in Marsaxlokk Malta

Malta is a unique country with great architecture and a lot of history. The country enjoys great peace and offers a good environment for people looking for a place to relax and live their remaining days. The country enjoys good sunshine for more than 300 days a year and has beautiful temperatures when it comes to weather.

For houses there are plenty of houses to choose from. Although renting apartments in towns may be expensive, not as much as in other developed countries. There are a lot of different kinds, and the people are very friendly.

  • Cost of living: $834 per month without rent

7 France

Arles Amphitheater in Southern France
Shutterstock
Arles Amphitheater in Southern France

France is well known for its wines, Haute cuisines, and rich history. It is a developed country with many major cities. However, it still provides a good environment for retirees. It all depends on which part of the country one decides to settle in.

One can choose to avoid huge cities and prefer less populated beach towns and smaller cities. As the country is developed, there is no lack of amenities, health services, food, or technology.

  • Cost of living: $981 per month without rent

6 Mexico

Villa Del Palmar, Puerto Vallarta
James HawleyCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Villa Del Palmar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mexico is yet another preferred country to retire in. The first thing is because of its good climate. This is a good option for someone who has lived in very cold countries and does not want to struggle with that as they retire.

Mexico also has a low cost of living, with housing, daily expenses, and transport access. Applying for residency or a visa is simple, and there is good healthcare.

  • Cost of living: $625 per month without rent

RELATED: 10 Things To Know About Mexico's Hidden Hot Springs

5 Canada

Shot in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Shutterstock
Shot in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Expansive and diversely beautiful, Canada has the benefits of a pension plan and single-payer health insurance for seniors. With a country this big, there are choices for living involving just about any setting imaginable: mountains, forests, bustling cities, and prairie grasslands. Canada is also attractive to native English speakers as they can experience a different pace of life without the confusion of a new language.

  • Cost of living: $1000 per month without rent

4 Ecuador

Aerial view of Quito, Ecuador 
Photo by Dayan Quinteros on Unsplash
Aerial view of Quito, Ecuador 

Ecuador is the place for anyone looking to live in South America and get to a country with plenty of cultures, great diversity, and an amazing climate. Although the country is developing, it has a perfect culture, people, and cost of living for retirees.

One will enjoy the modern cities, natural resources such as islands, beaches, mountains, and friendly people. Getting a visa is also simple.

  • Cost of living: $520 per month without rent.

3 Portugal

Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal
Shutterstock
Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal

Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The country is full of beautiful landscapes, great weather, and friendly people. Another reason for retiring in Portugal is that it has great healthcare systems, good roads, a great living standard, and friendly people.

  • Cost of living: $659 per month without expenses

2 Greece

People at Shipwreck Beach, Zakinthos, Greece
Photo by Dimitris Mourousiadis on Pexels
People at Shipwreck Beach, Zakinthos, Greece
 

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece is an excellent place for retirees to spend their golden years; it boasts one of the world's oldest civilizations, which means a rich history and unique culture sure to intrigue newcomers. The country borders the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas, hence lots of world-class coastal real estate for beach lovers. It also enjoys delightfully warm weather around the year, a vibrant culinary scene, and exotic islands with a storybook setting.

  • Cost of living: $798 per month without rent

These are some of Greece's best towns to retire for a laid-back lifestyle.

1 Australia

Whitsundays islands from the sky, Australia
Shutterstock
Whitsundays islands from the sky, Australia

The Land Down Under is an amazing prospect for pensioners who want to be one with nature. Boasting numerous beaches, a vast backcountry, and plenty of exotic wildlife, Australia's natural scenery lures visitors who appreciate a pollution-free environment. The country is also well-developed, with reliable access to all the basic amenities, and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually.

  • Cost of living: $1,073 per month without rent

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