The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2025

In search of lower costs, a different lifestyle and less toxic politics, more Americans are considering moving abroad. Here are the top 24 countries, and 96 recommended spots, based on costs, amenities, health care, language, crime, climate risk and whether U.S. retirees are welcome.

During their 23 years together and 11 years of marriage, Jeff Hammerberg and Merlin Parker have moved from Colorado to California to Texas, working in real estate. Their last stop was in Austin, a liberal Lone Star State enclave that matched their personal politics. But after five years, as they prepared to retire, Hammerberg, 66, and Parker, 59, concluded it had become too expensive. Moreover, they didn’t like the political environment in the rest of the state, or even the U.S. “Being a gay couple, Texas was not very compatible,” Parker says. So in March they moved with Wally, their 12-year-old Corgie mix, to Lisbon, Portugal, on the western edge of Europe.

They savor what they find to be a more laid-back and accepting culture in Portugal’s capital city. They’re paying $3,700 rent for a three-bedroom apartment in a century-old classic mid-rise on a tree-lined street in the bustling, convenient Saldanha neighborhood. But their healthcare costs are considerably lower, they’ve ditched their car in favor of walking and the subway, and they figure, overall, they’re financially ahead. They can easily travel around Europe, and, says Hammerberg, “It’s a quick, seven-hour flight back to the U.S.” Both have family in the Midwest where they grew up.

While most Americans remain in the U.S. for their golden years (you can see our new domestic list for Best Places to Retire here), there’s growing interest in retiring abroad. A record 712,000 Americans living abroad were receiving Social Security benefits at the end of 2024, up 21% in a dozen years.

In many cases the day-to-day living economics are compelling. And that’s on top of a growing number of countries, including Greece, Portugal and Costa Rica, that have recently relaxed rules which used to keep retirees from bringing in extra income by working. New “digital nomad” visas allow American expats to stay for an extended period, while working remotely for employers in other countries. It’s a fine way to transition to retirement or try out a country that might become part of your long-term plan.

Then there’s the current divided U.S. political landscape. Traffic to Forbes’ 2024 foreign retirement list jumped seven-fold within three days of Donald J. Trump’s reelection in November 2024. Some polls have suggested nearly a fifth of those at or nearing retirement age would at least consider a foreign move.

Actually doing it, however, requires lots of research. To help you get started, Forbes offers its list of The Best Places to Retire Abroad In 2025, highlighting 96 places in 24 different countries in four continents, plus islands. Ten of the 24 are in Europe.

In making our picks, we considered relative cost of living; taxes (rarely a bargain); healthcare quality and costs (Medicare can’t be used abroad, but medical care and insurance usually are much cheaper outside the U.S.); ease of getting back to see relatives; crime and political instability; and social isolation, especially if English isn’t widely spoken and you’re not fluent in the dominant language. (Not every foreign country on this list is like Belize, Canada, Ireland or Malta, where English is an official language, or The Netherlands, where an estimated 90% of the population speaks English.)

We also weighed the current ease or difficulty of getting permission to stay in a country. One caution: Evolving U.S. policies and practices when it comes to tariffs, undocumented immigrant expulsions, visas and treatment of visitors at the border, could have an impact on how other nations treat Americans.

This list also takes into account climate change and natural hazard risk abroad. That’s the reason the Philippines isn’t on the list; the Pacific Ocean island-nation remains No. 1—meaning the worst—by a wide margin among 193 countries on the latest World Risk Report compiled under the auspices of the United Nations. (The U.S. comes in at No. 20.)

If you’re considering a foreign move, we offer more pointers, information on our data sources, and another case study on decision-making here. Our country picks are listed alphabetically below.

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Albania

Mediterranean-climate country with great beaches and vistas

Locations: Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Shkoder

Living Costs: Far lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy

Long past its isolationist Communist background, Albania is a NATO member sitting east across the Adriatic Sea from the heel of Italy. It offers a Mediterranean climate, scenic beaches and mountains, and a cost of living half the U.S. average. The government is stable, and serious crime is low. Healthcare is merely adequate (but getting better) with some patients still preferring to consult specialists in Italy. Private health insurance is a must. English is spoken, but not everywhere. There is no tax treaty with the U.S. barring double taxation, but Albania doesn’t tax pension income of foreigners. A D Long Stay Visa leading to a retirement visa requires a showing of about $17,500 in annual pension income. On the downside, flights to the U.S. require a change somewhere, and storm flooding can be a problem. Popular retirement locations include the capital Tirana, the coastal towns of Durrës and Vlorë, and the mountain town of Shkoder.

Argentina

South American country with great scenery and a blend of European and Latino cultures

Locations: Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza, Rosario

Living Costs: Far lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy

South America’s second-largest country offers beautiful scenery and a diverse European-tinged culture with a wide range of reverse-season weather. Cost of living is significantly below the U.S. average, while serious crime is slightly higher. Healthcare is among the best in South America, especially in the larger cities, and far cheaper than in the U.S., but private insurance is a must. Knowledge of Spanish is very helpful. There is no tax treaty with the U.S., but Social Security and foreign pensions generally are not taxed in Argentina. A renewable pensionado, or retirement, visa is available to foreign retirees showing at least $24,000 in annual retirement income. Nonstop flights to the U.S. take about 10 hours. Argentina ranks in the top third of countries with the least natural-hazard risk, although flooding can be a problem. Popular retirement spots include Buenos Aires, the capital; the historic town of Cordoba; the wine capital of Mendoza, and the inland port city of Rosario.

Austria

A less pricey Switzerland, but knowledge of German is required

Locations: Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz

Living Costs: About the same as U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent

Gaining Right to Stay: Doable but somewhat pricey and must speak German

With a rich culture and striking scenery, Austria provides an inviting setting for retirees. Cost of living is about the same as the U.S. average. Serious crime rate is low, and the politics are stable. Health care is excellent, and it’s possible to eventually enroll in the national health system. Natural hazard risk is considered low. Plane rides to the U.S. usually require a change. A long-standing tax treaty between Austria and the U.S. prevents double taxation. Retirees can apply for a “settlement permit except gainful employment” document that requires showing about $50,000 a year in retirement income for a couple as well as German language proficiency. Since there’s a quota on these permits, local professional help is advised. Possible retirement spots include the capital Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz.

Belize

English-speaking Central American country, boasting flora, coral reefs and convenience to the U.S.

Locations: Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Caye Caulker, Placencia

Living Costs: Considerably less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Basic

Gaining Right to Stay: Very easy

The only Central American country with English as its official language, Belize offers retirees a warm, outdoors-oriented environment, including fishing and barrier reef diving. Cost of living is considerably less than the U.S. average. Crime is not a problem except in Belize City. Finding quality healthcare can be an issue; retirees often return to the U.S.—just a two-hour plane ride to Houston—for major medical needs, or to use Medicare. Hurricanes are another problem. The politically stable country attracts retirees with a Qualified Retirement Program that offers permanent residency upon showing just $24,000 in annual income, along with a tax exemption on income from outside the country. Popular venues for retirees include Ambergris Caye, an island 35 miles northeast of Belize City; Caye Caulker, another island just off the coast; Corozal, a mainland city on the Atlantic Ocean near Mexico; and Placencia, in the south.

Canada

Convenient to the U.S., but difficult for retirees without family ties to gain permission to live there full time

Locations: Guelph, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Moncton and Estevan

Living Costs: Slightly less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good and affordable, plus Medicare option

Gaining Right to Stay: Difficult without family ties, but six-month stays possible

Given the now frosty official relations with the U.S., why is Canada even on this list? Well, there are large numbers of Americans with Canadian family ties who might qualify for a retirement residency under existing rules (assuming they don’t change). For those without family connections, Canada still lets U.S. citizens stay six months a year, every year, allowing for a part-year retirement option (with no Canadian tax issues). Cost of living is slightly less than the U.S. average, especially outside big cities. English, of course, is an official language. Forest fires can be a problem in the west. Non-residents need private health insurance, but the long common border gives retirees the ability to return to the U.S. and use Medicare. For those able to retire full time up north, Canadian taxes are higher than in the U.S., but a tax treaty prevents double taxation. With most of the population within 90 miles of the U.S. border, return travel is easy. The government is stable, and serious crime rates are low. Popular places include Guelph and Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Moncton in New Brunswick and Estevan in Saskatchewan.

Colombia

Vivid South American country with warm climate, quick plane rides to U.S.

Locations: Medellín, Pereira, Cali, Cartagena

Living Costs: Much less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent

Gaining Right to Stay: Easy

Having mostly shed its drug cartel-dominated image, Columbia, at the top of South America, has become a popular expat retirement destination. The now politically stable country has great weather and scenery, coupled with a low cost of living and affordable quality healthcare. Knowledge of Spanish is very helpful. Crime, though, is still a problem in places. There is no tax treaty against double taxation with the U.S., but the U.S. foreign tax credit affords substantial relief, and a new Colombian law exempts the first $11,500 in foreign pension income. A renewable pensionado (pensioner’s) retirement visa for three years is relatively easy to get with a showing of about $12,000 in annual retirement income. Flights back to the U.S. are tolerable in length and often nonstop (three-and-a half hours to Miami). Parts of the country have exposure to flooding. Inviting locations include the mountain valley cities of Medellín, Pereira and Cali, and the coastal city of Cartagena.

Costa Rica

Central American country with lush tropics and beaches on two oceans

Locations: San José, Central Valley, Atenas, Santa Cruz

Living Costs: Generally less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good

Gaining Right to Stay: Easy

With broad beaches on two oceans, lush scenery in between, a tropical climate and a laid-back lifestyle, Costa Rica continues to be very popular with U.S. retirees, particularly those who love the outdoors. Living costs remain generally less than the U.S., crime rate is low, and the politics are stable. Flooding can be a problem. Healthcare in the larger cities is good and cheap, and it’s possible to join the public health system. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not essential. A two-year renewable pensionado retirement visa requires a showing of just $12,000 in yearly income. The U.S. and Costa Rica do not have a tax treaty avoiding double taxation, but Costa Rica doesn’t tax the foreign income of retirees. Miami and Houston are three hours away by nonstop plane. Inviting venues include the capital San José, the mountain-flanked Central Valley plateau, including Atenas, with spring-like weather year-round; and the Pacific Ocean city of Santa Cruz.

Cyprus

Sun-drenched Mediterranean island nation where English is widely spoken

Locations: Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos Village, Larnaca

Living Costs: Much less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good and retirees can qualify for public healthcare system

Gaining Right to Stay: Moderately easy

At the eastern end of the Mediterranean, Cyprus (the southern 60% of the 60-mile-wide island not dominated by Turkey) offers a sunny environment with terrific beaches, a Greek culture and a long reputation for expat retirement. There’s a low cost of living, plus a low crime rate and stable politics. English is spoken by three-quarters of the population. Healthcare is good, and permanent residents can qualify for the public healthcare system, although private health insurance is available. The country experiences flooding and wildfires. A tax treaty between Cyprus and the U.S. prevents double taxation, and there are other tax breaks for expat retirees. Retirees usually start by applying for a Category F residency permit, which requires a showing of about $15,500 in annual retirement income for two. Buying property costing at least $340,000 offers another route. Flights back to the States require a change. Places to settle include the coastal cities of Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos Village and Larnaca.

Dominican Republic

Caribbean country with stunning beaches and mountains

Locations: Santo Domingo, Las Terrenas, Punta Cana, Cabarete

Living Costs: Considerably less than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good

Gaining Right to Stay: Easy

Despite sharing the large island of Hispaniola with war-torn Haiti, the Dominican Republic is politically stable and offers retirees stunning beaches and mountain vistas. Living costs are half the U.S. average. Hurricanes and earthquakes are issues, however, as well as serious crime in some spots. Healthcare is rated as good and affordable, although private health insurance is needed. Speaking Spanish is very helpful. The pensionado visa for retirees requires a showing of $18,000 in annual retirement income. The U.S. and the Dominican Republic do not have a tax treaty, but the DR doesn’t tax foreign income of expat retirees. Miami is just a two-hour flight away. Retirement venues include the capital of Santa Domingo, and the beach towns of Las Terrenas, Punta Cana and Cabarete.

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France

The full European experience with great food and wine

Locations: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Carcassonne

Living Costs: Outside of Paris, less than in the U.S.

Healthcare: Excellent and cheap

Gaining Right to Stay: Difficult but doable

Beyond the food, France offers retirees high-quality healthcare at low prices, paid through private insurance or out of pocket. Cost of living varies widely but is less than the U.S. average and is lower the farther one gets from Paris. Knowledge of some French is essential. Serious crime rates are generally lower than in the States. Flooding can be a problem. Taxes are high, but there is a tax treaty with the U.S. against double taxation, and France does not tax U.S. pension and Social Security income. Getting a renewable VLS-TS Long-Stay Visitor Visa is difficult—and could get harder depending on the political mood—but still doable. An annual retirement income of at least $19,000 for a couple must be shown. Professional advice is highly recommended. Climate change issues not as pronounced as other places. Many nonstop flights back to the U.S. Besides Paris, popular retirement spots for U.S. expats include Bordeaux, in southwestern France; Lyon, near the Alps; and Carcassonne, an ancient fortress town in southeastern France.

Greece

Cultural wonderland in the sunny Mediterranean

Locations: Athens, Trikala, Mykonos, Thessaloniki

Living Costs: Considerably cheaper than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good and affordable

Gaining Right to Stay: Reasonably easy

Jutting into the Mediterranean on the Balkan Peninsula, sunny Greece with its 6,000 islands presents an appealing environment. Cost of living for most places, especially away from Athens, is considerably below the U.S. average. Health care is considered good and affordable, but private health insurance is required. Knowing some Greek is helpful. Serious crime rate is low. Exposure to climate change and natural hazard risk is significant. A tax treaty with the U.S. blocks double taxation, and under certain circumstances there is a preferential tax rate for foreign retirees. Most expat retirees start by applying for a renewable Financially Independent Person Visa, requiring a minimum annual income for a couple of $26,000. Professional help is advised. Flights to the U.S. are long. Popular venues include the capital Athens, Trikala in the north, the island town of Mykonos, and the Aegean Sea cultural center of Thessaloniki.

Indonesia

Warm, exotic Southeast Asia country of 17,000 islands

Locations: Bali Island, Jakarta, Lombok, Ubud

Living Costs: Much lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate and cheap

Gaining Right to Stay: Fairly straightforward, but local help required

A tropical country encompassing 17,000 islands, Indonesia has increased in popularity as a retirement spot for expats. The country has a low cost of living, a low crime rate and distinctive cuisine. Politics are stable, and the serious crime rate is low. English is widely spoken. Healthcare is adequate and affordable, with private health insurance required. There is a natural hazard risk from earthquakes, volcanoes and, increasingly, with climate change, flooding and heat waves. A tax treaty with the U.S. blocks double taxation. A Retirement KITAS visa, which can lead to permanent residence, requires showing annual income of $36,000 for two, plus a commitment to hire a maid or driver, and must be requested through a third-party agent. Journeys back to the U.S. require a change of planes and often take more than 24 hours. Expat retirement centers include cities on the island of Bali, the nearby island of Lombok, the capital of Jakarta and Ubud.

Ireland

Lush European island with English speakers and convenient flights to U.S.

Locations: Dingle, Waterford, Tralee, Bray

Living Costs: Roughly equal to U.S. average

Healthcare: Good, with private insurance

Gaining Right to Stay: Doable, but expensive

The scenic Republic of Ireland offers much for U.S. retirees, with English widely spoken, stable politics and low serious crime. There are nonstop flights back to the U.S. from several airports. Cost of living is about that of the U.S., although the countryside is a lot cheaper than Dublin. Flooding can be an issue. Healthcare is good and affordable with private insurance required for expat retirees. Taxes are high, but a tax treaty with the U.S. avoids many double taxation issues, and U.S. Social Security benefits generally aren’t taxed by Ireland. Those with an Irish citizen as a parent or grandparent can get citizenship (and thus the right to unrestricted residency) with a lot of paperwork, but otherwise gaining the Long-Stay D or O Visa for retirement generally requires a substantial annual retirement income of $110,000 for a couple. Inviting locations include the coastal villages of Dingle and Tralee in the southwest, the coastal city of Waterford in the southeast, and the Dublin suburb of Bray.

Italy

Enticing culture, climate and food in the Mediterranean

Locations: Le Marche, Pescara, Palermo and Puglia

Living Costs: Significantly lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent, with access to public system

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy, but expensive

Besides appealing culture and food, Italy offers a cost of living much lower than in the U.S., especially outside of big cities. Plus, it’s possible to join the state-run healthcare system. Politics are stable, and the serious crime rate is lower than in the States. Natural hazard risks include earthquakes, flooding and volcanoes. Italian government policy still encourages U.S. retirees by issuing an Elective Residency Visa, which requires a couple to show about $41,000 in annual retirement income. Italy doesn’t tax foreign pensions of government workers, and a tax treaty between the U.S. and Italy helps avoid double taxation. Speaking Italian is definitely helpful. There are plenty of nonstop flights back to the U.S. Retirement areas include Le Marche and Pescara in the Abruzzo region along the Adriatic Coast; Palermo, in Sicily; and the Puglia Region in the heel.

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Malaysia

Asian culture at a discount

Locations: George Town, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Melaka

Living Costs: Much, much lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Good, with private insurance

Gaining Right to Stay: Easy, but more expensive than before

Malaysia draws U.S. retirees to its steamy Southeast Asia climate for its low cost of living, outdoor vistas and exotic mix of cultures. English is widely spoken. Crime can be a problem, and flooding is a natural hazard risk. The government makes it easy for U.S. retirees with the Malaysia My Second Home program, a multi-tiered menu—silver, gold and platinum—that includes lengthy visas and varies by region. The program was recently revised to be based on assets and home purchase rather than income. The gold version requires a $500,000 (US) deposit, of which half can be for a residence. There’s no tax treaty against double taxation with the U.S., but Malaysia doesn’t tax foreign-source income like pensions. With no direct service, plane trips back to the U.S. can take upwards of 19 hours. Healthcare is inexpensive and good, at least in bigger cities, but private health insurance is a must. Expat retirees are found in George Town, on the Strait of Malacca; Kuala Lumpur, the capital; Ipoh, a foodie center, and Melaka, in the south.

Malta

Mediterranean island nation with grand beaches

Locations: Valletta, St. Paul’s Bay, Qawra, Gozo

Living Costs: Lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent and affordable

Gaining Right to Stay: Moderately easy, but pricey

A mere 100 miles off Italy in the Mediterranean, Malta is a five-island nation with terrific beaches, a temperate climate and low crime. English is an official language. Natural hazard risk is considered low. Cost of living is materially less than the U.S. average, and healthcare is excellent and affordable. The government is stable and encourages expat retirees with several visa options, including the Malta Retirement Programme, a renewable visa requiring a minimum annual retirement income of about $27,000 per couple. A tax treaty with the U.S. prevents double taxation, and some retirement income may be taxed by Malta at a low rate. Return air travel to the U.S. requires a change of planes. Retirees are found in the capital, Valletta; and St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra on the main island; and the nearby island of Gozo.

Mexico

Warm climate and proximity to the U.S.

Locations: San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Tlaxcala, Lake Chapala

Living Costs: Way lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate and affordable, plus easy access to the U.S. for Medicare

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy

Mexico gives gringo retirees the unusual ability to return to the U.S. and use Medicare (although Mexican healthcare is adequate and inexpensive, especially medications). Cost of living is half or less of the U.S. average. Politics are stable. Serious crime rate is higher in Mexico than the U.S., but foreigners rarely are victims. Property theft can be a problem, especially in some of the border towns. The western and southern portions are prone to tropical storms. A tax treaty between the U.S. and Mexico prevents double taxation. English is spoken, but not widely. Most retirees seek a Mexican Permanent Resident Visa and then a Mexican Permanent Resident Card. Return travel to the U.S. is quick. Popular retiree places include San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Tlaxcala and Lake Chapala.

Montenegro

Mediterranean-climate country with terrific beaches and varying climates

Locations: Podgorica, Perast, Kotor, Budva

Living Costs: Far lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate

Gaining Right to Stay: Easiest with purchase of real estate

Across the Adriatic Sea from Italy in the Balkens, Montenegro boasts fabulous beaches, scenic mountains and a cost of living considerably less than the U.S. average. The government is stable, and serious crime is low. Healthcare is considered adequate, but private insurance is required. English is spoken by about a third of the population. There is no tax treaty with the U.S. barring double taxation, but the U.S. foreign tax credit affords substantial relief and the Montenegro income tax rate tops out at just 15%. Easiest route to permanent residency is purchase of real estate, which can be relatively inexpensive. Air travel back to the U.S. requires a change somewhere else in Europe. Montenegro ranks in the favorable half of the Global Risk Index for natural hazards but is no stranger to flooding and earthquakes. Expat retirement venues include the capital Podgorica and the waterfront cities of Perast, Kotor and Budva.

The Netherlands

Cultured European country with high percentage of English speakers

Locations: Amsterdam, Leiden, Delft, Tilburg

Living Costs: Similar to U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent and affordable

Gaining Right to Stay: Doable

Nestled along Europe’s North Sea coast, The Netherlands offers an incredible geographic location for European travel and a solid Continental sensibility. Cost of living is roughly the same as the U.S. Politics are stable. By some estimates upwards of 90% of the population speaks English. Serious crime rate is very low. Though a quarter of the tiny county is below sea level, the kingdom has dealt aggressively and successfully with climate change issues. A tax treaty between the U.S. and The Netherlands prevents double taxation. Expat retirees can seek an “Economically Inactive Individual” visa with a showing of about $33,000 in annual retirement income. Air travel back to the U.S. is frequent, with non-stops to more than a dozen cities. Possible retirement spots include the capital pf Amsterdam and the college towns of Leiden, Delft and Tilburg.

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Panama

Florida on the cheap, with fewer hurricanes

Locations: Boquete, Panama City, Coronado, David

Living Costs: Much lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: High quality and affordable

Gaining Right to Stay: Very easy

With a sunny, warm climate, Panama might seem like an extension of Florida. But the cost of living is barely half that of the U.S., and hurricanes tend to go elsewhere. The healthcare is high-quality and affordable. Crime rates are low and politics are stable. English is somewhat spoken. Flooding is a big natural hazard. The country encourages expat retirees, making a Panama Retirement Visa easy to come by, although it often requires use of a local lawyer. There is no tax treaty with the U.S., but Panama does not tax the foreign source income of retirees. Plane trips back to the U.S. are quick. Popular expat retirement venues include Boquete, a town in the highlands with a somewhat cooler climate; the capital of Panama City; Coronado on the Pacific Coast; and the inland city of David.

Portugal

Good climate and European culture with a low cost of living

Locations: Algarve region, Lisbon, Cascais, Porto

Living Costs: Much lower than the U.S. average

Healthcare: Good and affordable

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy

Laid-back Portugal, on Europe’s Western tip, has a low cost of living for U.S. retirees and good, affordable healthcare. English is spoken widely enough. Crime rate is low, and politics are stable. Flooding can be an issue. The country encourages retirees who can show yearly income of about $17,000 for a couple, or a $550,000 investment, which can be in property. The usual route is by seeking a renewable D7 Residence Visa. A tax treaty between the U.S. and Portugal avoids double taxation. There is some nonstop plane service to the U.S. Retirees are drawn to the Algarve area on the Atlantic near Lisbon, the capital; Lisbon itself; Cascais, a suburb of Lisbon, and Porto, in the north.

Slovenia

Stunning European scenery and a low cost of living

Locations: Ljubljana, Bled, Piran, Celje

Living Costs: Far less than the U.S. average

Healthcare: Adequate and cheap

Gaining Right to Stay: Moderately easy

Part of the former Yugoslavia touching Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, with a tiny frontage on the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia offers a wide variety of stunning coastal and mountain scenery. Cost of living is less than half that in the U.S. Politics are stable and the crime rate is low. Healthcare with private insurance is adequate and cheap. Flooding is a natural hazard risk. Renewable one-year temporary resident permits leading to permanent residency after five years are available upon showing of retirement income of about $12,000 a year per couple. A tax treaty between the U.S. and Slovenia avoids double taxation. Flights back to the U.S. are long and require a change or stop. Retirement venues include the capital Ljubljana; the lake resort town of Bled; Piran, on an inlet of the Adraitic Sea; and the inland city of Celje.

Spain

Expressive, exciting European culture

Locations: Costa del Sol, Bilbao, Orange Blossom Coast, Alicante

Living Costs: Much lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent and cheap

Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy

Sunny Spain is far cheaper than the U.S., particularly away from the gorgeous coasts and big cities. Healthcare is considered excellent. Crime rate is low, and the politics are stable. Natural hazards include forest fires and flooding. The renewable, oddly named Non- Lucrative Residence Visa is relatively easy for a U.S. retiree to get upon a showing of adequate annual income, roughly $39,000 a year for a couple. However, to deal with housing shortages, the government has proposed a 100% tax on non-European Union residents buying property, making renting a better option. Spain doesn’t tax pensions of retired expat government workers, and a tax treaty between the U.S. and Spain eliminates many double taxation issues. Knowledge of some Spanish is a must. There are nonstop flights back to the U.S. Inviting venues include the Costa del Sol along the Mediterranean; Bilbao and the Orange Blossom Coast near Barcelona; and Alicante, also on the Mediterranean.

Thailand

Tropical Asian environment with excellent healthcare

Locations: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui

Living Costs: Much lower than U.S. average

Healthcare: Excellent and cheap

Gaining Right to Stay: Easy

Thailand draws flocks of U.S retirees thanks to an inviting Asian culture, a cost of living less than half that of the U.S. and healthcare so excellent and cheap it draws patients from abroad. English is widely spoken. Crime rate is low. Politics are stable. Natural hazard risk includes tsunamis. The O-X retirement visa is easy to obtain upon a showing of about $24,000 in yearly income per couple and another $25,000 in a Thai bank. A tax treaty between the U.S. and Thailand prevents double taxation and also exempts Social Security and U.S. pensions from Thai taxation. With no non-stop flights currently, plane travel back to the U.S. can take 24 hours or longer. The northern town of Chiang Mai draws retirees, as does the crowded capital of Bangkok, the island of Phuket, and Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand.

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