What are the Best Countries to Retire in the world? You could pay 30% of your current healthcare costs and live in a spacious one-bedroom apartment for under $500 monthly in Thailand. This reality makes Thailand one of the best countries to retire in 2025.
The dream of retiring abroad appeals to many Americans. The challenge lies in choosing the perfect destination. Our 2025 Global Retirement Index shows exciting possibilities. Spain offers a world-class healthcare system. Portugal welcomes retired couples with $3,000 monthly living costs.
We looked at 12 countries based on real-life experiences from expats who live their retirement dreams. Italian properties cost half of U.S. prices, making it an attractive European haven. Panama offers a comfortable lifestyle at $2,400 monthly. This piece helps you discover your ideal retirement destination with insights from those who made the move successfully.
At the end of this post, you can download our 12 Best Countries to Retire in 2025 vector boundary PowerPoint template to create country icons in your slides. As the same diagram PowerPoint template series, you can also find our 21 Best Cities to Live in the United States, 17 Best Cities in the World for 2025, 23 Best American Cities to Visit in 2025, World Cup Cities PowerPoint templates.
Portugal: The European Retirement Haven
Image Source: Get Golden Visa
Portugal ranks twelfth globally for healthcare quality. This makes it a great destination for retirees who want excellent medical care. Private insurance plans start at €50 monthly.
Portugal’s Healthcare System for Retirees
The Portuguese healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), gives residents complete coverage. Visits to private healthcare facilities cost about €50 for general practitioners and €90 for specialists. Private facilities have many English-speaking healthcare professionals. Medical costs are lower than North America, and you can easily find the medications you need.
Cost of Living in Popular Portuguese Cities
A couple needs €2,500 to €3,000 monthly to live well in Portugal. Housing costs change based on where you live:
| City Type | Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom) | Total Monthly Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Small Towns | €500 | €1,400-€1,800 |
| Large Cities | €1,100+ | €1,800-€3,200 |
Seniors over 65 can use public transport in Lisbon for free. This helps cut down monthly expenses by a lot.
Portugal’s D7 Visa Process for Retirees
The D7 visa is Portugal’s main retirement visa. You need to show proof of passive income worth €820 monthly. You must also:
- Have private health insurance
- Show proof you have a place to live in Portugal
- Live in the country for at least 183 days each year
The visa gives you two years to live in Portugal. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Once you get your residence permit, you can use Portugal’s public healthcare system.
Costa Rica: Paradise for Active Seniors
Image Source: CRIE
Costa Rica has earned International Living’s top retirement destination for 2024 spot by combining affordable living costs with excellent healthcare.
Costa Rica’s Healthcare Options for Expats
The United Nations places Costa Rica’s healthcare system in the world’s top 20 and ranks it as Latin America’s best. Retirees can choose between two healthcare options: the universal public system (CCSS) and private care. CCSS monthly payments range from 7-11% of declared income, and most expats pay $100 or less monthly. Private healthcare stays affordable – regular doctor visits cost $60 while specialist visits run under $100.
Popular Retirement Communities in Costa Rica
The Central Valley draws retirees with its mild climate and 20-year old expat communities. Escazú has become an upscale suburb near San José that features high-end attractions and excellent medical facilities. Tamarindo and Hacienda Pinilla give residents beachfront living with championship golf courses and luxury amenities. Atenas appeals to those seeking a slower pace of life with mountain views and outdoor activities.
Cost Breakdown of Retiring in Costa Rica
A complete cost analysis shows different budgets based on lifestyle choices:
| Living Style | Monthly Budget (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | 1,600-2,000 |
| Retired Couple | 2,000-3,000 |
| Luxury Lifestyle | 4,000+ |
Housing stays affordable – one-bedroom apartments in city centers average $662 monthly. Monthly utilities cost about $85.84, and gym memberships run around $54.87. Retirees enjoy an added benefit: foreign income, including Social Security payments and pension distributions, remains tax-free.
Mexico: Affordable Living Near Home
Image Source: Plalla Real Estate
Nearly two million U.S. citizens have made Mexico their home. This neighboring country gives retirees excellent value through quality healthcare and affordable living costs.
Mexico’s Healthcare System for Retirees
Retirees can choose from three different tiers in Mexico’s healthcare system. The Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) costs between $117 to $320 yearly. This option works well for people with residency status. Specialist visits in private healthcare cost $50 to $75, which makes medical care much cheaper than U.S. prices. You’ll pay just $5 for simple doctor consultations at pharmacies.
Best Mexican Cities for American Retirees
Lake Chapala has become Mexico’s biggest expat community. The area boasts moderate weather year-round and beautiful mountain views. San Miguel de Allende, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws art lovers with its rich cultural life. Mérida, located in Yucatán, stands out because of its safety and nearby beautiful cenotes. Puerto Vallarta blends old Mexican charm with modern conveniences perfectly.
Living Costs and Housing in Mexico
Monthly expenses for retirees change based on location:
| City | Monthly Budget (USD) |
|---|---|
| Lake Chapala | 1,900 |
| Playa del Carmen | 2,400-3,000 |
| Mérida | 1,800-2,000 |
| Puerto Vallarta | 2,500-3,000 |
Housing costs are surprisingly low, with median home prices around $90,000. Monthly rent ranges from $275 to $800 depending on size and location. A 915-square-foot apartment’s basic utilities, including gas, electricity, and water, average $52. Internet service (60 Mbps) runs about $26 monthly.
