Affordable Retirement Abroad: 2025’s Best Destinations

Many Americans are facing increasing costs of health care and housing, and more retirees, who rely heavily on Social Security, are realizing they cannot afford to live comfortably in the U.S.

For those considering enjoying a more affordable retirement in another country, there are plenty to choose from.

An annual list of best places for Americans to retire abroad ranks 10 countries where retirees can stretch their dollars, with great value in real estate, living costs, and quality of life.

International Living’s 2025 best places to retire list ranks countries based on:

Types of visas include: long-stay visas including those meant for retirees; digital nomad visas for those who work remotely; golden visas that require significant income or investment in business or real estate; or a talent visa for highly qualified, employed scientists, artists and innovators.

Here’s the list of best countries:

The Top 10 Retirement Destinations for 2025:

1. Panama

2. Portugal

3. Costa Rica

4. Mexico

5. France

6. Spain

7. Malaysia

8. Greece

9. Italy

10. Thailand

In reviewing visa options, International Living considered the legalities of extending a stay, the ease of becoming a permanent resident, and the availability of special retiree options, plus other retiree benefits and discounts.

For example, in Panama, retirees can gain permanent residency with proof of a pension of at least $1,000 a month or $1,250 for couples. Retirees get discounts on power bills, movie tickets and prescription meds and more.

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Portugal recently ended its ‘golden visa’ program that allowed residency with a real estate purchase, but it currently offers digital nomad visas and a retiree visa that requires a certain income.

Costa Rica offers temporary residency options for retirees with a $1,000 monthly income, and permanent residency becomes available after three years of legal residency.

Greece offers a golden visa that gives residency to those who invest in real estate, and a retirement visa for those with Social Security or a pension.

Learn more at International Living’s 2025 global retirement index.

Related: Building a Purposeful Retirement Plan

Related: 2025’s Best Places to Retire: U.S. News Names Top Destinations