Don’t Retire in the US: Here Are 19 Better Alternatives

By Finn Jansen

If you’re in the United States and you’re looking to retire, it’s a good idea to look into the world of possibilities to consider moving to and spending your retirement years in. If you’re stuck, here are 19 destinations that offer great experiences.

Cyprus

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Sunshine, friends, and safety are just three of the many tempting reasons for a U.S. citizen to retire in Cyprus. It’s one of the many countries that have a high life expectancy, low costs of living, and well-developed infrastructure. It also offers a more flexible tax system for retirees in comparison to the U.S.

Belize

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With ideal weather temperatures throughout the year, a low cost of living, the English language spoken widely, and no capital gains tax, Belize is a great country for U.S. citizens to retire comfortably in. Everything you need to know about retiring in Belize can be found here on this smartasset website.

Roatán, Honduras

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Another affordable place to retire is Honduras. This Caribbean island receives high ratings for its affordability, rich community of expats, and visa benefits. Everything from entertainment and activities to food and housing is a lot more affordable compared to retiring in the U.S.

Panama

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In terms of sustainability and environmental factors, Panama is rated highly. It’s one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America and has a fast-growing economy, as well as the best airline companies and an international airport.

Ireland

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Retiring in Ireland does necessitate that you meet all its legal conditions and have enough funds in the bank. Its governance and development are highly rated, and its healthcare services are decent. U.S. citizens can visit Ireland for 90 days on holiday, so it’s advisable to visit the region first before embarking on a retirement journey.

Malta

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Malta has a vibrant expat community in which retirees spend their time networking. It has warm weather, is one of the most affordable places to live in terms of day-to-day costs, and has a cosmopolitan population of people from all over the world. The ratings for housing and cost of living are fairly average, making it an attractive option.

Oaxaca, Mexico

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Oaxaca is recognized for its infrastructure, vibrant culture, architecture, and affordable housing. Many expatriates choose Mexico due to the ease of establishing a residency for retirement and enjoying all that this beautiful place has to offer. It also has one of the world’s best wine industries.

Paris, France

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For a stress-free but slightly up-market retirement, choose France as one of the many options because it offers the excellence of life that’s coupled with rich experiences. A bonus advantage for retirees is that it has an excellent healthcare system. However, it tends to be more expensive compared to other destinations on this list.

Costa de la Luz, Spain

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The Annual Global Retirement Index ranks this region in the top 5 as the perfect place to retire. It doesn’t have the same climate in all its regions, but Costa de la Luz stays, on average, 86°F (30°C) throughout the year and usually drops to about 61°F (16°C). Costa de la Luz is a very charismatic town with a rich and friendly culture.

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

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For those on the brink of retirement, Bali is a great island to consider. One of the places highly recommended for retirement is Sanur. It offers a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and is one of the most budget-friendly places to be. It has an already established expat community. Additional recommended places for retirees include Seminyak and Ubud.

Da Lat, Vietnam

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If you’re looking for a city that resembles paradise, Da Lat in Vietnam comes very close. It has amazing natural landscapes with lush farmlands, serene waterfalls, pine forests, and tranquil lakes. Its other name is “City of Flowers” because of the expanse of flowers stretched across the land everywhere you go. It’s a former French colony.

Thailand

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The cost of retiring in Thailand is merely a fraction of what you would spend retiring in the U.S. It has decent healthcare facilities, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and affordable lifestyle options that make it an attractive destination for retirement. Suggestions include Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai.

Ecuador

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Ecuador, in South America, is widely considered one of the best countries for retirees. Known for its weather, friendly locals, and affordable lifestyle, it offers convenience with high-speed internet and priced healthcare and housing options. The country’s terrain includes mountains, beaches, and rainforests.

Portugal

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One of the safest countries to retire is Portugal. It’s been receiving praise from expats for its welcoming community, pleasant weather, and excellent healthcare services. The cost of living is practicable, and there are residency programs to help expats, such as the Golden Visa initiative.

Costa Rica

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Central America has a reputation for being a safe region, with a great climate and decent private insurance selections. It also has a specific retirement visa program for those looking to retire, and Costa Rica is one of the recommended places to think about moving to.

Italy

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There are many pros to retiring in Italy. Besides being the first place everyone wants to visit at least once in their lifetime, it’s also considered one of the best places to live. Those who are into rich cultures, awe-inspiring art, various mouth-watering culinary varieties, a warm climate, and a higher quality of life should consider retiring here.

New Zealand

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New Zealand is famous for its magnificent scenery and provides a safe environment for people of all ages, especially those of retirement age. While the cost of living may be relatively higher compared to other countries, it’s still regarded as one of the best places to be.

Australia

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When you’re planning to retire, one of the top priorities on your list of things to look for should be a decent healthcare system. This is why Australia doesn’t fall short—it has one of the best healthcare facilities and access to services in the world. It also offers a high quality of life to both its citizens and retirees.

Greece

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Many holidaymakers looking for the perfect dream vacation often end up in Greece. The island caters to everyone with its beach resorts, healthy cuisines, and archeological ruins. For retirees, this place is more than suitable, as it’s relaxed, warm, friendly, and affordable.

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