Discover coastal towns, mountain retreats, university centers and more destinations suitable for your lifestyle. Below, you can review our list of the 10 cheapest countries where you can retire well. Portugal is ranked sixth in the Global Peace Index, a fact that makes it one of the safest countries in the world. In addition, its sandy beaches and warm climate can serve as a refreshing environment for your golden years. To retire in Portugal, you will need to present proof of health insurance when applying for residency at the local consulate.
However, many of the major health insurance companies that provide services in the U.S. In the U.S., so your transition can be much easier. The country also recently amended its tax code to make it particularly friendly to expatriates. If you qualify for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, for example, you'll be exempt from income tax for the next 10 years.
This would cover investment gains and pension income, even if they were earned outside of Portugal. Another country on our list that strives to be more welcoming to expatriates is Malaysia. In fact, you can get a visa for up to 10 years through your Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. For nature lovers, the country is the best getaway with its many beaches and jungles.
But those who want to continue enjoying the urban environment well into their golden age can relax in one of Malaysia's many urban destinations. In fact, a handful of publications have ranked George Town as one of the best cities in the world to retire in. And don't worry about overcoming culture shock. English is known as the “first unofficial language” in Malaysia. In addition, it is ranked 18th in the Global Peace Index.
This places the country considerably higher on the peace ladder compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Spain remains a European country that stands out for its low cost of living and its peace of mind in general. He often makes several lists of the best countries to retire in. With its rich history, Spain offers many places of interest to keep your mind and body up and running.
Art lovers, in particular, can enjoy the work of the baroque painter Diego Velázquez or modernists such as Picasso and Dalí. Lovers of outdoor activities will find it difficult to get bored here. You can enjoy surfing, white-water rafting, fishing, jungle hikes, horseback riding, and more. You don't have to worry so much if you get injured either.
International Living rates Costa Rica's healthcare system as excellent and among the best in Latin America. Panama topped the World Retirement Index according to International Living. To its advantage, the country takes several steps to attract expatriates. For example, the government will not tax income earned outside the U.S. UU.
This can benefit you if you continue to invest in a retirement plan that opened in the United States. But if you have your sights set on Latin America, Panama can offer a solid balance between the cost of living and achieving an active retirement. You can enjoy zip-lining, biking, golfing, and other sports to keep your blood flowing. Or you can retreat to areas like Boquete. This city is known as a wellness center where you can find plenty of opportunities for yoga, meditation, tai chi and more.
But when you're not home, you have a lot to enjoy, especially if you're a history buff. In fact, the Czech Republic is known as the world capital of castles. Prague Castle has been standing since the Middle Ages. The country is also home to 20 monuments listed as cultural and world heritage sites by UNESCO.
Although Peru is ranked 101 on the Global Peace Scale and has fallen 15 places in the last year, the organization that designs it still qualifies Peru as a country with a “high level of peace”.”. While slightly more expensive than the rest of the countries on our list, Austria is among the 10 most livable countries, according to the Global Peace Index. In fact, a recent study by The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Vienna as the most habitable city on the planet. So it's no surprise that 65% of adults over 50 would move to live for a lower cost of living, and 34% cite housing affordability as their top concern, according to an AARP survey of the economy's prospects for longevity for 2024. To that end, we identified the 24 best places to retire in the U.S.
That offers below-average living costs for retirees. In addition to affordability, all of these places are well ranked, taking into account the security, average income and poverty rates of retirement-age residents, as well as residents' sense of well-being and the availability of recreational and health care centers. North Dakota State University is based in Fargo and, along with other universities in the area, offers attractive services for both retirees and mixed students. This includes sporting events and cultural attractions, such as numerous musical performances and theatrical.
Just make sure to keep warm if you venture outside in the winter months. The average low temperature in January is literally 0 degrees Fahrenheit, according to U.S. climate data. In the US, and it only reaches an average low of 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the surrounding months.
In addition to the low temperatures, Fargo also receives an annual average of 47 inches of snow. Whether you prefer to explore the outdoors or focus on wine country, you have a lot of options that you don't even have to choose between one and the other. You can enjoy boating and fishing on the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers, and go hiking or biking on the 23-mile Sacagawea Trail. There are also more than 200 wineries within a 50-mile radius, offering beautiful views and lots of wines to sample.
You can find a bright and sunny retirement in Albuquerque. The city tends to have 310 sunny days a year during all four seasons. This provides you with plenty of opportunities to explore the many hiking and biking trails in and around the city, to fly in a hot air balloon and to play on a variety of golf courses in the area. And when the sun goes down, local casinos have concert halls, restaurants and more, as well as table games, slot machines and bingo that help energize the local nightlife.
All of this entails lower than average costs, but also lower than average revenues. And many people are unable to achieve a balance. The sales tax rate in Albuquerque is 7.625% (the U.S. average is 6.44%).
Albuquerque's income tax rate ranges from 1.7% to 5.9%. The Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area spans two states and offers a wide range of affordable attractions for people of all ages, including retirees. The music and art scene is particularly vibrant and is home to legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker, as well as the American Jazz Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. For lovers of good food, authentic barbecue is also popular.
Plus, you can entertain your visiting grandchildren with Legoland, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the Kansas City Zoo. In addition, although the main campus of the University of Missouri is located about 125 miles east in Columbia (about two hours' drive), the school attracts more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as all the amenities of university life, to its campus of Kansas City. It even offers a fully voluntary educational program called Communiversity, which offers a wide variety of classes and seminars throughout the metropolitan area. If you've never considered moving to South Dakota when you retired, perhaps you should, since Sioux Falls is a particularly good place to settle down.
It is full of advantages, including a strong economy, a low level of unemployment, and hospitals that specialize in geriatric services. For all these reasons, in addition to the city's recreational activities (including regularly scheduled morning walks and the Pinoche program for seniors, run by the city's Parks and Recreation Department), the Milken Institute rated Sioux Falls as one of the best small metropolitan areas to age successfully. The waterfront already offers a vibrant environment with a number of restaurants, shops and attractions, including the Peoria Riverfront Museum, with its giant screen theater and Dome planetarium. The museum offers a program for older adults with a series of free morning lectures every two months and free admission to the museum on the second Wednesday of each month for guests over 60.
In addition, the Peoria Park District offers 62 parks with miles of hiking trails, golf courses, a nature center and more. As a university city, home to both the Lincoln campus and the Union College of the University of Nebraska, the population may lean towards young people. But the city is also ready to help its elderly residents with about 30 health and social services centers for every 1,000 seniors, compared to about 19 per 1,000 seniors in the U.S. As you'd expect, the Bluegrass State has a big draw for horse lovers and bourbon enthusiasts.
But retirees can also pursue other interests here. Lexington has more than 100 parks, five public golf courses and a 734-acre nature preserve that spans more than 10 miles of hiking trails. If you're looking for indoor entertainment, visit the many galleries and theaters, including the Lexington Opera and its program of ballets, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, operas (of course) and other performances. The University of Kentucky also offers the Singletary Center for the Arts.
The University also helps boost local healthcare services with its many medical facilities, such as the Eye Institute, the Heart Institute and the Ruby Memorial Hospital. In fact, the Milken Institute attributes the abundance of medical services in the area, including orthopedic surgeons, primary care doctors and home health professionals, to the abundance of medical services in the area, which has helped to make Morgantown a prominent place (18th) among small metropolitan areas. However, low costs don't equate to a lack of activities. Home to Ohio State University, locals can enjoy mixed culture, including major sporting events, concerts and cultural diversions.
It also offers the 60 Program, which invites Ohio residents 60 and older to take college courses for free. Off campus, the city center has a lively scene with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and Restaurants. The neighborhoods of Short North and German Village, in particular, are worth exploring. In addition, it is more affordable than the more famous city of New Orleans, in Louisiana, which is located about 130 miles east of Lafayette.
If you're looking forward to a retirement that's like a long Mardi Gras celebration, and you want to stretch your budget as the party continues, Lafayette is the place for you. In the meantime, you can now enjoy running, walking and biking along the Augusta Canal and kayaking and sailing on the Savannah River. Augusta University, along with other schools in the area, adds some nice amenities to those of a college town, including free classes for Georgia residents age 62 and older. The University also provides the region with a first-rate healthcare network, including three hospitals and numerous specialists specializing in oncology, geriatrics and health for the elderly.
The digital health company Sharecare, in collaboration with Gallup, provides community well-being and physical well-being scores. These are two of the five elements of well-being that make up Gallup-Sharecare's overall well-being index. The other three elements are purpose and social and financial well-being. Community well-being is defined as liking where you live, feeling safe, and being proud of your community.
Physical well-being is being in good health and having enough energy to do things on a daily basis. We show the community score for each location we choose. The Census Bureau and Sperling's BestPlaces also provide population data, including the percentage of the population that is 65 or older. The numbers stand out in these rankings for the benefit of readers, but they weren't factors that influenced our methodology for ranking the best places to retire. Before joining Kiplinger, Rapacon worked as a senior research associate at the b2b publisher Judy Diamond Associates.
Graduated in English by George Washington University. When it comes to investing, sometimes less is more. Following the 5% diversification rule helps you maintain a more balanced portfolio. The cost of living is 14% below the national average, making Decatur a great option for retirees looking to stay on a budget.
Housing costs in Decatur are 33% below those in the U.S. This dramatic difference in housing expenses frees up resources for other aspects of retirement life, such as travel, hobbies or health care. Decatur offers attractive options in its housing market for retirees looking to downsize or purchase an affordable retirement home. Health care is critical for retirees, and Decatur offers advantages in this area.
Health care costs in Decatur are 19% lower than the national average, indicating a good quality-price ratio for medical services. This can be particularly beneficial for retirees who have chronic illnesses or for those who expect to receive more frequent medical care as they age. Transportation costs in Decatur are 11% lower than the national average, suggesting good affordability to get around. This can be particularly beneficial for retirees with fixed incomes who must carefully budget for transportation needs.
Decatur offers a vibrant variety of social and cultural experiences that encourage community participation and enrich the lives of its residents, including retirees. The city's historic center features charming shopping districts such as Second Avenue and Bank Street, where visitors can explore boutiques, specialty stores and a diverse selection of dining options. Decatur is also famous for its vibrant culinary scene, with establishments such as Big Bob Gibson BBQ, a family restaurant that has been serving the community for more than 100 years and is credited with inventing Alabama's famous white barbecue sauce. Located along the Tennessee River, Decatur offers four high-quality marina and lakeside parks, providing abundant opportunities for fishing and boating.
The 67,100-acre Wheeler Lake offers places for birdwatching, canoeing and hiking. Golfers can enjoy several local courses, including the Point Mallard golf course, known for its picturesque streets. The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department manages 28 parks, including play areas, floodlit tennis courts, walking trails, a splash park, an archery park, and a disc golf course. These services offer a variety of options for physical activity and leisure.
For retirees who are considering moving to Decatur from other parts of the country, it's essential to consider the potential costs and logistics of traveling to visit family members or have them visit. The closest major airport is Huntsville International Airport, located approximately 25 miles away, which offers connectivity to other parts of the country. However, other forms of retirement income, such as pensions or 401 (k) plan withdrawals, may be subject to state taxes. Alabama offers a small deduction for taxpayers age 65 and older, providing additional tax relief.
Prescott's overall cost-of-living index is 123, 23% higher than the national average. This suggests that Prescott may not be the most affordable option for all retirees, particularly those with fixed incomes. However, this figure must be considered together with the quality of life and the services available. Healthcare costs in Prescott are 12% lower than the national average, indicating good value for money for medical services.
This can be a significant advantage for retirees, who often face increased health care needs and expenses as they age. Transportation costs in Prescott are 5% higher than the national average. This could be due to the need for personal vehicles in a less densely populated area or to potentially higher gas prices. Prescott's location in central Arizona may be convenient for retirees with family members in the southwestern United States.
Its proximity to major cities, such as Phoenix (approximately 100 miles away), makes it relatively easy for family and friends visit her. Prescott Regional Airport, while small, offers connections to larger centers, making travel easier for both residents and visitors. Arizona is generally considered to be moderately tax-friendly for retirees. The state doesn't tax Social Security benefits, which can be a significant advantage for many retirees.
However, other forms of retirement income, such as 401 (k) plan withdrawals and pensions, are subject to state income tax. Arizona's state income tax rates range from 2.59% to 4.5%, which are relatively low compared to many other states. This can help retirees retain a larger share of their income, which could offset some of the higher living costs in Prescott. Hot Springs has a cost of living 7.5% lower than the US average, making it an affordable option for retirees.
This lower cost of living can help increase retirement savings even more, allowing you to lead a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Health care costs in Hot Springs are 11% lower than the national average, suggesting good value for money for medical services. The city is likely to have adequate health facilities to support its population; however, retirees should verify the availability of specialized care to meet their specific needs. Transportation costs in Hot Springs are 11% lower than the national average, indicating good affordability to get around.
While no specific information was provided about public transportation, many small cities offer transportation options suitable for older people. Grand Junction's overall cost of living is 3% higher than the national average. While this suggests that the city may not be the most affordable option, it's essential to consider this figure in the context of the quality of life and services offered in the area. Grand Junction has a semiarid climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, making it an attractive destination for those who appreciate the different seasons.
The area has more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it particularly attractive to retirees looking to escape cloudy and rainy climates. Punta Gorda's cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable option for retirees. This lower cost of living can help you take advantage of retirement savings, allowing you to lead a comfortable lifestyle in an attractive coastal location. Health care costs in Punta Gorda are 4% higher than the national average.
While this indicates slightly higher medical expenses, it can also reflect the quality and availability of health services in the area. Retired people should research specific health centers and available specialists to ensure that their needs can be met. Housing costs in Punta Gorda are 17% lower than the U.S. average, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to buy a home or rent in a coastal community.
The city is likely to offer a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to retirement communities, that fit diverse preferences and budgets. Transportation costs in Punta Gorda are 25% higher than the national average. This could be due to factors such as the need for personal vehicles in a less densely populated area or higher fuel costs. Retired people should consider their transportation needs and research available public transportation options. Boise's overall cost of living is 4% higher than the national average.
Health care costs in Boise are 2% higher than the national average. Boise is home to several major hospitals and medical centers, offering retirees good access to healthcare. Transportation costs in Boise are 11% higher than the national average. This could be due to factors such as the need for personal vehicles or increased fuel costs.
However, Boise does offer public transportation options, including a bus system, which can be beneficial for retirees who prefer not to drive. The cost of living for retirees in Huntsville is 5.8% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those with fixed incomes. This lower cost of living can help you get even more out of retirement savings, allowing you to lead a comfortable lifestyle without financial problems. Virginia ranks high in our nation as one of the original 13 colonies and the birthplace of eight United States.
The state offers diverse natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park to the beaches of the Atlantic Coast and Chesapeake Bay. Knoxville's cost of living for retirees is 8.2% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable options on our list. This significant cost advantage can help retirees maintain a comfortable lifestyle and, at the same time, further increase their retirement savings. If you prefer a single-family home, gated communities such as La Tahona and Carmel, east of Montevideo, are the safest options. In general, homes in neighborhoods with full-time residents are less at risk than those surrounded by vacation rentals.
Finding the cheapest place to retire may not be the most difficult task, but you also deserve to live a comfortable retirement in a safe environment. It's important to find the cheapest states to retire in because people who retire generally have a fixed income. Uruguay is consistently among the safest countries in Latin America, and after almost 20 years of living here, I agree. Obviously, each of the country's nearly 58 million seniors will have to make their own decisions about which state is the cheapest to retire in. In fact, many of the destinations covered by International Living where our full-time or part-time editors and correspondents live are consistently among the safest in the world, according to the Global Peace Index, which assesses countries' crime rates, political stability and general security.
Below, we've compiled the 10 safest places to retire in 2025, based on global peace rankings and first-hand accounts from expatriates. who live in every destination. After living and working in Bali for more than four decades, I have found it to be one of the safest and most welcoming places in the world for expatriates. It's worth noting that the states that rank highest in terms of retirees' access to quality health care aren't necessarily the cheapest in terms of cost of living.
or housing.
