The Best Countries to Retire
Portugal, Spain, and Mexico are among the best countries to retire to in 2025. These countries provide retirees with a diverse cultural experience while also providing safe and reliable healthcare services and affordable living.
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Are you planning to retire in 2025 and want to spend your golden years abroad? Maybe you’d like to know which country offers the most stable healthcare systems or which country offers the most cultural enrichment. This guide from Pacific Prime can help.
We will share the best countries to retire in while providing a comprehensive summary of each country and what makes them stand out. Keep reading to learn more!
A List of Top Countries to Retire to in 2025
The top countries to retire to in 2025 are:
These countries stand out from the others due to factors like their cost of living, climates, and public and private healthcare systems. Each of these places has its own charm and appeal to foreigners, and they draw in retirees from around the world every year.
In the following sections, we will organize these countries by continent and share what makes them a great place to retire to in 2025.
Best Countries to Retire to in Europe in 2025
The best countries to retire to in Europe include Portugal, Spain, Greece, and France. Each of these countries has something unique to offer retirees in 2025, and most provide well-developed public health systems and rich cultural backgrounds.
To read more on living in Europe, check out our article below:
Portugal
Portugal is one of the best retirement destinations due to the country’s top-quality healthcare infrastructure, low living costs, comfortable climate, excellent seafood, and friendly people.
Popular cities in Portugal with retirees and expats include Porto and Lisbon, which offer two of the most stunning beaches on the entire continent. Those looking for a slower and quieter pace than the city can retire in small villages like Nazaré.
Cost of Living in Portugal for Retirees
Retirees moving to Portugal can expect a moderate cost of living, with the exact pricing of housing depending on where you move. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga are the most expensive areas.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Portugal is:
- EUR €928.48 (USD $966.16) inside the city center
- EUR €737.33 (USD $767.71) outside the city center
Healthcare in Portugal for Retirees
Healthcare in Portugal is another appeal for retirees due to its high-quality private and public systems. Retirees may use the public healthcare system Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) for more affordable care, but having private health insurance can provide access to English-speaking providers.
The Climate in Portugal for Retirees
The climate in Portugal remains moderate year-round, but temperatures vary by region. In the south, retirees can expect mild winters and hot summers, while the central and northern regions will have cooler and more wet seasons.
Spain
Spain is a popular choice with retirees because of its rich culture, safe environment, beautiful weather, and famous food and wine. The healthcare system is also well developed, and retirees coming from more expensive countries like the U.S. will enjoy the cheaper cost of living.
Some of the most popular places to live in Spain include Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and Valencia. Madrid offers the most cosmopolitan and fast-paced experience for expats and retirees, while Valencia offers close-by Mediterranean beaches.
Cost of Living in Spain for Retirees
The cost of living in Spain varies depending on where you choose to live, but is generally significantly cheaper than other Western countries like the United States or Canada and even other European countries. Barcelona and Madrid are the most expensive areas to live in.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Spain is:
- EUR €960.17 (USD $999.14) inside the city center
- EUR €726.64 (USD $756.13) outside the city center
Healthcare in Spain for Retirees
Spain is well-known for its high-quality healthcare system, and the country offers universal healthcare through the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). Long-term residents may qualify for the SNS, which will grant access to capable and affordable public hospitals and providers.
The Climate in Spain for Retirees
Spain’s climate is comfortable for retirees, with the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts offering beautiful and sunny beaches most of the year. Rain and cooler temperatures can be found in northern Spain, and Madrid offers mild winters and hot summers.
France
France is a great choice for any retiree who enjoys a slower and higher quality of life with amazing food. The country also has up to four major international airports, making transportation convenient for expat retirees.
Many expats choosing to retire in France live in smaller towns and cities like Angers and Limoges. These towns are less busy than Paris but still offer quality healthcare services and a rich culture for all residents.
The Cost of Living in France for Retirees
France may not be the cheapest European country for expats to retire in, but it does offer significant savings in areas like rent and transportation. The cost of living in France will vary depending on where you choose to live, with Paris and Lyon being the most expensive areas.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in France is:
- EUR €771.26 (USD $802.56) inside the city center
- EUR €594.93 (USD $619.07) outside the city center
Healthcare in France for Retirees
Retirees in France will enjoy its well-developed universal healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Retirees can qualify for public health insurance, known as L’assurance Maladie’, which does not offer completely free healthcare coverage but subsidized care.
The Climate in France for Retirees
The climate in France is comfortable, with mild winters and warm summers. Retirees looking for warm and sunny weather will enjoy French towns like Nice, Marseille, and Toulon. The French Riviera in the southeastern region of France attracts visitors yearly due to its warm and inviting climate.
Greece
Greece is a popular choice among retirees due to its low cost of living, supportive healthcare system, and warm climate. The quality of life is high, with friendly locals and various lifestyle choices depending on where you move in the country.
Some popular locations in Greece for expats include Chania, Corfu, and Rhodes. Athens, as the capital of Greece, is another popular choice and offers a more fast-paced environment for expats and retirees alike.
The Cost of Living in Greece for Retirees
The cost of living in Greece is significantly lower than in countries like the United States or Canada, with affordable rent, transportation prices, and groceries. The cost of rent and housing prices will be highest in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greece is:
- EUR €486.03 (USD $505.75) inside the city center
- EUR €397.31 (USD $413.43) outside the city center
Healthcare in Greece for Retirees
Greece offers expat retirees accessible public health insurance if they contribute to the social security system (IKA), with the option to choose private health insurance as well. There are plenty of accessible private and public facilities with multilingual providers spread throughout the country.
The Climate in Greece for Retirees
Retirees will appreciate Greece’s Mediterranean climate, with warm and sunny temperatures in the south and dry and hot summers. Winters are mostly mild throughout the country, though the northern mountainous areas may see strong snowfalls and colder winters.
Best Countries to Retire to in Latin America in 2025
The best Latin American countries for retirees are Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico. These countries stand out due to their beautiful climates, low cost of living, and a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Retirees looking for affordable housing and stunning views will love these picks.
Panama
Panama is one of the best countries for U.S. retirees because Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its currency alongside the Panamanian balboa. There’s no need to bother converting your currency.
Panama is also popular with retirees and expats for its lower cost of living and warm, tropical climate. Retirees looking for a faster-paced city life can enjoy the capital, Panama City, or they can move to Coronado for a slower lifestyle near the beach.
The Cost of Living in Panama for Retirees
Retirees coming from more expensive home countries will enjoy the lower cost of living in Panama, with affordable housing prices and utilities. Larger cities like the capital Panama City will be more expensive than rural areas.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Panama is:
- USD $886.54 inside the city center
- USD $665.94 outside the city center
Healthcare in Panama for Retirees
Retirees in Panama will enjoy more affordable healthcare and can opt into the state health insurance program (CSS). Another government program, Ministerio de Salud (MINSA), offers public clinics to all residents. Costs for medical care are low but may be less accessible in rural areas.
The Climate in Panama for Retirees
Retirees will enjoy the warm and tropical climate that Panama has to offer, with temperatures usually staying around mid-70s F in the evenings with highs of 80s F during the day. Rainfall happens frequently during the wet season of August to December.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular choice for retirees due to the low cost of living, universal healthcare, friendly locals, and beautiful climate. The country also boasts a thriving expat community, so retirees can feel supported by other expats like them.
Some popular places for expats and retirees in Costa Rica include Tamarindo, Limón, and Heredia. Tamarindo and Limón are located on the coast while Heredia is nestled near the mountains and away from bustling city life.
The Cost of Living in Costa Rica for Retirees
While the cost of living in Costa Rica has gone up since the pandemic, it still remains a more affordable alternative than many countries to retire in. Utilities and transportation costs remain low, and retirees looking to save on rent should avoid expensive cities like the capital, San José.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica is:
- CRC ₡393,144.49 (USD $776.97) inside the city center
- CRC ₡274,501.52 (USD $542.49) outside the city center
Healthcare in Costa Rica for Retirees
Costa Rica has a strong healthcare system that outperforms many other Latin American countries. Expat retirees over 70 may not be able to register with the government’s public health insurance, INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros), but they can always purchase private health insurance instead.
The Climate in Costa Rica for Retirees
The climate in Costa Rica is warm and tropical and features a heavy rainy season that goes from May to October. The climate is the perfect environment for many tropical and exotic flora and fauna, which makes Costa Rica the perfect place for nature-loving retirees.
Mexico
Mexico is one of the most popular retirement destinations for U.S. expats, simply because it is the closest retirement destination to the U.S. This country is also popular with retirees worldwide due to its large expat communities, excellent medical services, and low cost of living.
Many expat retirees also love the diverse climate and lifestyle options available in Mexico, depending on where you live. Some popular cities with expats and retirees in Mexico include Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Chapala, and Los Cabos.
The Cost of Living in Mexico
Retirees will love the affordable cost of living in Mexico, with rent and real estate being significantly cheaper than in countries like the U.S. or Canada. Where you choose to live plays a part in the affordability of your lifestyle, with Monterrey and Mexico City being the most expensive areas.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Mexico is:
- MXN 12,307.68 (USD $594.46) inside the city center
- MXN 8,522.71 (USD $411.65) outside the city center
Healthcare in Mexico for Retirees
Retirees living in more developed areas of Mexico will have little problem finding excellent and affordable medical care. Mexico boasts great healthcare options in its larger cities and has even become a popular medical tourism destination in the past years.
Multilingual providers are common in Mexico, and retirees may be able to opt into the public health insurance, IMSS (Mexican Institute of Social Security).
The Climate in Mexico for Retirees
Retirees in Mexico will love the warm and tropical climate, with temperatures staying between 50°F and 90°F during the year. Mexico also offers diverse climate options in the country, with more mountainous regions offering cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
The dry season in Mexico typically lasts from November to May, with June to October being the time the country receives the most rain.
Best Countries to Retire in Asia in 2025
Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are our top three recommendations in Asia for retirees in 2025 due to their rich cultures, broad expat communities, and low cost of living.
To read more about living in Asia, check out our article below:
Thailand
The Land of Smiles is a desirable location for retirees because of its low cost of living, tropical climates, rich culture, and excellent healthcare options. Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are some of the country’s best cities to retire in.
Thailand also provides easily accessible annual visa renewals for expats who retire in the country, making it an ideal long-term retirement destination. Note that there are minimum income requirements for the retirement visa, and you must be 50 years of age.
The Cost of Living in Thailand for Retirees
The cost of living in Thailand is significantly cheaper than in countries like the U.S. or other Asian countries, meaning retirees can stretch their money longer there. Phuket and Bangkok are the most expensive cities to live in, but they still offer competitive rates for rent and groceries.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Thailand is:
- THB ฿15,964.66 (USD $465.04) inside the city center
- THB ฿8,806.58 (USD $256.53) outside the city center
Healthcare in Thailand for Retirees
The healthcare quality in Thailand is good, with private hospitals and clinics offering better-quality equipment, shorter wait times, and multilingual providers. Retirees aren’t eligible for public health insurance in Thailand, so they will need to provide their own private health insurance plans.
The Climate in Thailand for Retirees
Retirees who are looking for a tropical climate will enjoy Thailand’s weather, with warm and moist air and plenty of rain during their monsoon seasons. Temperatures are hottest from March to May, with the most rain arriving during June and October.
Malaysia
Retirees in 2025 will love Malaysia’s beautiful landscape, culture, and cost of living. English in Malaysia is also more widespread than in countries like Thailand and is even considered the country’s unofficial second language, which will certainly come in handy for expat retirees.
Malaysia is a major travel hub with many international flights passing through to neighboring Southeast Asian countries or domestic locations. Its convenient location makes it easy to travel between countries and explore Asia in your retirement.
The Cost of Living in Malaysia for Retirees
Malaysia offers retirees a very affordable cost of living, with rent, transportation, and groceries all priced very economically. Even dining out at local restaurants is much less expensive than other Western countries like the U.S., or even other Asian countries like Singapore.
The average cost of one month of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Malaysia is:
- RM 1,579.57 (USD $353.53) inside the city center
- RM 1,141.25 (USD $255.43) outside the city center
Healthcare in Malaysia for Retirees
Malaysia offers expat retirees quality healthcare through their private hospitals and clinics, which feature English-speaking doctors and low medical care costs. Malaysia’s high-quality private healthcare coupled with its low prices has made it a popular medical tourism hub for expats.
The Climate in Malaysia for Retirees
Retirees who enjoy a hot and humid climate will find Malaysia the perfect fit for them. Similar to its neighboring country Thailand, Malaysia features monsoon seasons and heavy rainfall during part of the year. Nature-loving expats will enjoy the thick rainforest and vegetation in the country.
International Health Insurance for Retirees in 2025
It is recommended that expat retirees secure international health insurance during their time abroad for peace of mind during their golden years. Private health insurance can provide access to a global network of providers, so you are never left unprotected.
For further information on purchasing health insurance plans in foreign countries, contact our team at Pacific Prime for a free consultation session and a price-comparison quote today. We can help you compare plans and find the best fit for your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What countries in Europe are the best to retire in?
Countries like Spain, Portugal, and France are some of the best to retire in due to their cost of living, excellent healthcare, safe environments, and comfortable climates. If you’re interested in a slow-paced and high quality of life, retiring in these countries will be the right fit for you.
Do I need private health insurance for when I retire abroad?
Private health insurance is recommended for expat retirees, even if the country you’re retiring in has accessible public health insurance. This is largely due to the many benefits private health insurance offers, like globally portable coverage and a broad network of providers.
In his free time, Phuwit enjoys reading and playing badminton. He also loves a good cup of coffee.
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How easy is it to integrate into local communities in retirement destinations like Thailand or Mexico? Do expats typically find support groups or social clubs?
Integrating into local communities in retirement destinations like Thailand and Mexico is generally easy, thanks to the vibrant expat populations and social opportunities available. Expats often find support through clubs, volunteer groups, language classes, or shared hobbies, which provide a sense of belonging while adapting to a new culture. Additionally, destinations like Chiang Mai or Puerto Vallarta are particularly known for their active expat networks, making it simple to connect with others.
For more tips on retiring abroad and securing international health insurance to protect your health during retirement, visit our Contact Us page today.
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