The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025

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Whether you envision mornings on a Mediterranean coast, afternoons exploring colonial towns, or evenings in the crisp mountain air, these regions represent the very best of what their countries have to offer. With input from on-the-ground correspondents and local expats, we’ve highlighted the neighborhoods, cities, and rural retreats that promise an unparalleled retirement experience in 2025.

Our full report points to 20 regions... on our workshop here, we’ve chosen a selection of them to focus on. Joining host Jennifer Stevens will be Bel Woodhouse, IL’s Mexico Correspondent; Tuula Rampont, IL’s France Correspondent; Bart Walters, IL’s Thailand Contributor; Terry Coles, IL’s Portugal Contributor; and Jessica Ramesch, IL’s Panama Editor.

You can also read about our six up-and-coming regions to watch for 2025, here.

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Europe today is full of opportunity… The chance to live a better, lower-cost life.

From culture-rich Portugal and Spain… to the rivieras of Croatia and “unknown” Montenegro… not to mention the glorious “getaway” islands of Greece… Europe has it all.

It’s easy to imagine yourself walking the cobbled streets of Old-World Europe… But how can you stay in Europe long-term?

While there’ve never been more ways to get yourself to Europe legally, the visa landscape can often be puzzling, with a bunch of different, confusing options.

If you want the “fast track” to sorting through these options, then you’re in the right place.

I’ve hand-picked what I think are the very best options for long-term living in Europe today…

• What’s the best Digital Nomad visa—and why?
• What’s the best visa option if I want to stay in Europe longer than a year?
• A (legal) way to stay in Europe year-round WITHOUT a visa…

I’ll be on hand to answer all of your questions in a Live Q&A too.

The “visa maze” can seem daunting… and complex… But this workshop is will help you navigate the exact right path for you…

If you’re serious about a new life in Europe, you can’t afford to miss it.

We want to assure you that you're in the right place, and here are a few key points to clear things up:

• No Need to Register: The event is free for all International Living community members, and there is no additional registration required.
• Where to Watch: The workshop will be streamed right here on the Community Forum.
• Date and Time: The event will be live at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on August 30.

Simply log in to the Community Forum at the scheduled time, and you'll be able to join the live stream directly.

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you at the event!

Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

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John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!

Resources
March issue story

Fast Track Costa Rica Conference

Hi Judy,

Great idea to rent for a year before making a more permanent decision. If you’re considering buying property in an area, it always pays to make sure it’s for you first..

The process for finding a rental in Spain is pretty similar to the way it is at home—albeit using different websites. One very useful website is Idealista.com. This aggregation site offers properties for sale and rent throughout Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

You can search the region you’re interested in and directly contact real estate agents offering long-term rentals. While the site has an English version (linked to above), be aware that not all the agents you’ll find through it will speak English.

In places like the Costa del Sol, and Costa Blanca—both popular with expats—you’re more likely to deal with English-speaking agents. But in other, more authentically Spanish parts of the country, some Spanish skills may come in handy.

Scan the properties available and create a list of potentials. Once you get to Spain, meet with your local contacts and tour the properties in person. It’s a good idea to let the property agency know your competence with the local language, so they can send a representative with reasonable English to meet you if needed.

I also recommend joining region-specific Facebook groups. Groups like Expats Costa del Sol, Expats in Málaga City, or Barcelona Expats can be great sources of rentals, as members often post looking to sublet or rent their places. These groups are also invaluable for connecting with people on the ground to ask practical questions.

The most important thing to remember is not to put down a deposit or send money without seeing the property.

Yes, this might mean the extra expense of staying in a hotel or an Airbnb while you narrow down your search. But better that than discovering the photos on the website don’t match up with reality… the supposedly “beachfront” property is anything but… or your neighbors play loud music into the night.

Most property managers and owners are honest folks, but better safe than sorry.

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Panama’s little-known Azuero Peninsula could well be the next "Blue Zone." It's attracting wellness-minded folks interested in living at the beach—below the hurricane zone—​and ready to slow down and embrace a healthy life with strong community, fresh food, yoga, pickleball, surfing, fishing, and all-around easy living in the sun.

IL’s Panama editor and expert, Jess Ramesch, will get together with four expats who live on Panama's Azuero Peninsula, for a workshop with live Q&A. You'll hear from expats Kerri Lusk Barnes and Abbe Drossner in Pedasi, and expats Kimber Hardick and Terry Moe in and around Venao. Join host Jennifer Stevens, IL Executive Editor, for a lively discussion—and bring your questions!

Wednesday, June 26
11:00 am Eastern Time

Hi Trudi,

You won’t have any trouble finding alternative medicine in Italy.

Many Italians swear by their homeopath or acupuncturist. Erboristerie (herbal medicine shops) are practically everywhere, and the staff can put you in touch with local practitioners. You’ll also find herbal medicines and homeopathic products in major pharmacies. A para-farmacia is almost exclusively homeopathic.

Traditional remedies that have been passed down through the generations are still widely used and sold in Italy. For example, lemon juice is often used to treat colds, and garlic is a favorite remedy for high blood pressure and bronchitis. In some rural areas, stomach aches are banished with the help of a canarino—a herbal tea made from bay leaves and lemon rind… it gets its name from the canary-like color of the liquid.

If you do get sick, you’ll find all of the usual and alternative treatments easily, as well as another highly favored healing option…

Italy has dozens of healing spas. Known as terme, these mineral springs are said to have curative powers. Although, to be honest, more often than not, a visit to a spa is just an excuse for some luxurious pampering.

If you’re enrolled in the healthcare system and have a covered illness, you are entitled to one week of curative spa treatments each year. Your doctor will provide you with the prescription, indicating the proper mineral springs and spa cures.

You can find out more about the curative powers of thermal hot springs, along with a list of spas throughout Italy, from the Italian Federation of Thermal Industries and Curative Mineral Waters.

Hi Wilma,

Thanks for reaching out with your question. Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, which, along with its great climate, makes it a popular expat destination.

Accommodation, which will arguably be the greatest cost for most expats, varies around the country, but is generally reasonable.

In the capital, Lisbon, you can find rentals for around $650 a month for a simple one bedroom in the central neighborhoods of Chiado, and the Baixa. You can get more comfortable one-two bed apartments in these neighborhoods starting at around $1,000 a month. This is still a real bargain, relative to the cost in some other European capital cities.

In the south, the Algarve is a particularly popular destination for expats and tourists alike, so there you can expect to pay significantly higher rates.

Basic utilities, such as electricity, heating and water for a mid-priced apartment can come out at about $80 a month. Depending on where you are, you may need to pay additionally for more heating during the admittedly mild winter, or more likely, for air-conditioning during the hot summer.

The cost of food is also low in Portugal. Many cities and towns enjoy an assortment of impressive local markets boasting a wide variety of fresh local meat and produce. Many of these markets will stock excellent, locally produced wine and olive oil, reducing the cost of typically expensive items. A couple could pay a grocery bill starting from $200 a month but could be more, depending on personal choices.

Dining in restaurants doesn’t need to break the bank either; lunch specials cost only about $9-$12 for a full sit-down meal. You can get a dinner for two, with wine, for around $30 in many places.

Healthcare is also a mere fraction of what you could expect to pay in the U.S. A visit to the doctor, for example, through public services costs as little as $5, and even going to a private service will only set you back around $50. Similarly, most medications are going to be significantly cheaper in Portugal than the United States.

As reasonable budget for a couple living in most suburban areas of the country would be around $2,500 per month, housing included.

Get a more detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Portugal on our newly revamped website.

Hi Joe,

Colombia legalized same-s*x marriage in April 2016. Same-s*x couples married abroad are now entitled to the same visa, healthcare benefits, and inheritance and pension rights as heterosexual spouses, once they take a stamped marriage certificate and identification papers to the nearest designated office in Colombia.

In 2015, same-s*x adoption laws allowed gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples when adopting children. That same year, Colombia legalized the right to change legal gender without requiring surgery.

Discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation is illegal and is explicitly covered in the law. However, gender identity is implied but is not explicitly mentioned.

The major tourist cities of Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have a growing number of gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, and hotels. Bogotá elected Claudia López as the country’s first openly lesbian mayor in 2019.

One resource I recommend is Out in Colombia Travel, started by a U.S. expat. It’s an LGBTQ+ travel and tourism agency whose goal is to create life-changing and memorable experiences for gay travelers and to help create cross-cultural exchanges that unite the global LGBTQ+ community.

Hi Robin,

When moving to Italy, it’s good to keep in mind the old phrase—less is more!

Italian Customs Officers, Dogane, are very thorough. Every box and every item must be accounted for, listed, described, and can be taxed. Therefore, it’s wise to move only used, personal items—not new items or things that can be purchased in Italy.

The Italian Customs Authority is protective of their country’s economic well-being and wants you to purchase what you need in Italy. Ordinarily, much of what you need to buy is available at less expense in Italy than the cost of shipping and customs duty.

The customs information forms in Italian are time-consuming and detailed. But once the documents are complete, your shipped items are delivered intact and complete.

To ship a container can cost between $1,150 to $4,850, depending on the size (20ft. to 40ft.).

The average delivery time is three to four months from the date of shipping from the U.S. to the date of delivery to your location.

If you’re buying a home in Italy you should consider that, most of the time, it will come furnished. Italians seldom take their furnishings, leaving most essential items behind, but this is case-by-case. Always ask what will be available.

You can find more information that will help your move to Italy on the dedicated page of our website.

Hi Franklin,

Congratulations on your choice of Porto as a potential overseas destination. I hope you’re having fun on your exploratory trip.

With so much to do in the city, it’s a safe bet. Porto has something for everyone—from touring the local football stadium to handmade azulejo tile workshops; from visiting the soaring Cathedral to finding the perfect brunch spot on Rua de Cedofeita, Portugal’s “second city” is a delight.

Due to its history and ongoing international business presence, Porto has a welcoming attitude toward expats. So you shouldn’t have much trouble finding some expats in the city.

There are several international organizations in the city, for example, InterNations Porto, that hold expat events specifically designed to connect people from all over the world who have relocated to the city.

Another fantastic resource you shouldn’t overlook is Facebook. There are plenty of expat Facebook groups in the city, and many of the people you’ll find there are happy to offer advice, answer questions, and even get together with new or potential members of the Porto expat community.

Many of these groups are private, but simply requesting to join and explaining why (usually through a series of questions in the request process) is enough to get you in. Closed groups merely prevent the expats involved being spammed by businesses, and shouldn’t be interpreted as a desire to keep people out.

You should look into Porto Expats, Porto Internationals, and Porto Internationals: Expats & Locals.

Best of luck with your visit!

I would rather advise you on the safest “communities” than countries. Every country on the IL beat is safe for single women, though ideally you will want to read about towns in the country you like best and choose one that has a good size expat community.

It is also important to note that safety is relative. Latin American countries don’t tend to rank among the top 20 safest in the world, according to indexes compiled by organizations like Mercer or The Economist. Neither does the U.S. Generally, Canada and European countries take the top spots—but there is no country on earth that’s completely free of crime.

Long-term expats typically choose a town rather than a country. This makes sense. If you read about border towns, you could get the impression that the vast country of Mexico is unlivable. In fact, there are towns like San Miguel de Allende where that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Even in smaller countries like Panama and Costa Rica, there are safe areas and not-so-safe areas.

Occasionally, we meet idealistic singles who inquire about living in remote destinations where they can “really connect” and integrate into the local community. “I don’t want to live in an expat enclave,” they say.

We get where they’re coming from. But we also encourage you to learn from IL’s cadre of seasoned expats, many of whom have learned their lessons the hard way and who share their experiences so you don’t have to. And one of the first lessons you’ll learn as a single abroad is that the happiest transplants tend to have at least a small expat community they can turn to.

With that in mind, I think you’ll find the resources below, created by our globe-spanning network of correspondents and contributors, very useful:

• Our general travel safety guide for single women
• Safety in France
• Safety in Portugal
• Safety in Italy
• Safety in Spain
• Safety in Mexico
• Safety in Panama
• Safety in Belize
• Safety in Costa Rica
• Safety in Cuenca, Ecuador
• Safety in Uruguay
• Safety in Colombia

Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.

I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.

You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.

You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.

If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.

Hope this clears things up!

IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.

Hi Sasha,

Considered the oldest city in Portugal, Braga is located in the north, about 20 miles east of the wind-surfing destination of Esposende.

Like so many cities in Portugal, Braga’s history was influenced by Roman occupation, and the city’s architecture and landscape vividly recall those ancient days. The magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a sacred pilgrimage site, sits perched on a hill and is accessed by a spectacular staircase or the world’s oldest water-powered funicular.

The population of almost 200,000 is primarily Portuguese, but there’s a sprinkling of residents from Brazil, Africa, China, and Eastern European countries. The University of Minho adds diversity to the populace as well, with Erasmus students coming from all over Europe and the Far East.

That youthful influence gives a lift to an otherwise very traditional city, and many of the younger locals speak passable English. This, and the fact that many shopkeepers and restaurant owners cater to tourists, makes Braga an easy spot for expats to adopt as their own.

Braga’s climate is moderate. In summer, temperatures average around 69 F, while in winter that falls to around 47 F. December is the wettest month, with rainfall of about seven inches—similar to nearby Porto’s.

For all its richness, life in Braga is reasonably affordable. A couple can rent a two-bedroom apartment, enjoy the city’s youthful vibe, and live nicely for $2,200 per month or $26,000 a year.

Read more about Braga in the in-depth exploration of Portugal in your monthly International Living, here.

Hi Aaron,

Your existing credit and debit cards will likely work in Thailand, but using them can be costly.

When you withdraw cash using a foreign card, you’ll be charged an ATM fee of about 220 THB (around $6.12; it will likely appear as part of the withdrawal amount and not as a separate fee on your statement).

Your bank back home may charge its own fees on top of this. Plus, many institutions may give a poor exchange rate and/or charge fees up to as much as 5%.

Credit cards can be used at larger businesses, but some add a fee or surcharge of up to 1.5% , and your bank may apply additional fees and charges.

Before leaving home, tell your bank representative that you’re planning on spending time in Thailand and discuss these fees. You may find that opening an account in a different bank in the U.S., Canada, or wherever home may be, can save you money when you get to Thailand.

Some banks—like Charles Schwab—have special offers for things like foreign ATM fee reimbursement, or better bill paying options, while others (like Capital One) may offer credit cards with no foreign currency fees. You’ll find it well worth your while to research these options exhaustively.

Be sure to check out our dedicated Thailand resource page before you visit.

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Come join Bart and other Southeast Asia expats and experts at The Live Like a King in Southeast Asia Seminar on December 4.

Get your ticket here now: https://pro.internationalliving.com/m/2388633

Investing in Thailand’s eastern seaboard has helped expat Bart Walters fund
his retirement... and enjoy a good life for less. Thailand is full of picturesque
beaches, bustling cities, and ancient temples. Now, new infrastructure along
the country’s eastern seaboard promises to connect and open up that part of
the country to its bigger cities. Progress is afoot, yet the values today are still
extraordinary: A big two-bedroom sea view condo for around $125,000.
Rentals in some older buildings start at $300 a month with a pool and sea
view.

Bart Walters has spent the last 25 years exploring Thailand as an expat. In
IL’s latest community workshop, Bart explains what daily life is like there,
how investing ahead of the crowds has helped fund his overseas adventure,
and what you need to know if you’re interested in following his footsteps. Join
host Dan Prescher, IL Senior Editor, for a lively discussion and open Q&A!

Check out Bart's story in the November issue of International Living here: https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/november_2024/4229228/

Hi Carmel,

A good place to begin your search would be moving inland, and taking a look at the colonial highland regions. In the high Sierra region, the heat and humidity you find at many of Mexico’s beaches won’t be as much of a problem.

If you’re interested in living in this region, it’s hard to pick somewhere you’ll enjoy more than San Miguel de Allende; a charming, cultural hotspot, tucked away in the comfortable climate of the Mexican colonial highlands.

San Miguel’s air is crisp and clean, enjoying a moderate climate year-round, which makes for perfect t-shirt weather. Most days, the temperatures will linger around 70s F, while the nights are cool but not cold, sitting around the 50 F mark consistently.

Besides its ideal climate (in your case), San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s pre-eminent expat hubs. It’s incredibly popular for people with an interest in the arts. Its old town is a protected UNESCO heritage site, and there’s a ton of cultural activities relating to traditional festivals, art, music, and food to enjoy all year long.

San Miguel’s nickname is “the heart of Mexico,” and it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect way to combine the beautiful weather Mexico has to offer, without suffering the same level of accompanying humidity you often find at the beach, while immersing yourself in an old colonial town that’s distinctly and truly a Mexican cultural haven..

Hi Alec,

Ecuador uses 120V supply voltage and most devices come with 2-pin plugs just as in the U.S., so all your devices will be compatible here and you won’t need adaptors.

Many electrical outlets have the additional round hole to accommodate plugs with grounding pin, too.

There are no Home Depots or Lowe’s in Ecuador, although there are a number of “big box” home supply stores, such as Kywi and Coral, in larger cities.

High-quality, American-made tools are expensive if you can find them, so bring those along if you think you’ll need them.

Appliance stores carry excellent modern appliances manufactured in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador, and several specialty home stores have opened recently, enhancing competition and bringing prices down. Among the better Latin American appliance brands are Mabe (made in Chile) and Indurama (made in Cuenca).

Imported, high-quality appliances like KitchenAid or Maytag will cost much more in Ecuador than they do in the U.S.

If you’re moving here as a resident and want these brands, it’s worth bringing them with you since they’ll come in duty-free. Make sure, however, the brand you bring can be serviced in Ecuador.

And don’t forget to check out our Escape to Ecuador guidebook for full details of shipping your household goods.

Hi Aaron,

Your existing credit and debit cards will likely work in Thailand, but using them can be costly.

When you withdraw cash using a foreign card, you’ll be charged an ATM fee of about 220 THB (around $6.12; it will likely appear as part of the withdrawal amount and not as a separate fee on your statement).

Your bank back home may charge its own fees on top of this. Plus, many institutions may give a poor exchange rate and/or charge fees up to as much as 5%.

Credit cards can be used at larger businesses, but some add a fee or surcharge of up to 1.5% , and your bank may apply additional fees and charges.

Before leaving home, tell your bank representative that you’re planning on spending time in Thailand and discuss these fees. You may find that opening an account in a different bank in the U.S., Canada, or wherever home may be, can save you money when you get to Thailand.

Some banks—like Charles Schwab—have special offers for things like foreign ATM fee reimbursement, or better bill paying options, while others (like Capital One) may offer credit cards with no foreign currency fees. You’ll find it well worth your while to research these options exhaustively.

Be sure to check out our dedicated Thailand resource page before you visit.

Hi there, the event has started, if you are having problems with the live video playback, please refresh your screen and try again. Thanks.

Hi Gary,

Great choice on visiting Lima. It’s Peru’s business, culinary, and retail hub and is also home to the country’s largest concentration of expats.

Using taxis overseas can be daunting. We all heard stories of people getting ripped off because they don’t know how to navigate the system. But you just need to follow a few simple rules.

First off, it seems that anybody who is unemployed in Peru attaches a taxi sign to the top of their car and becomes a cab driver. Although most are both safe and fairly priced, you should take precautions, especially late at night.

Taxis are not metered so if the price is not already fixed for specific distances, you will need to negotiate. Be sure to agree on a price before you set off in the taxi.

Registered taxis can be recognized by the yellow stripe across the top of their license plates. It’s always better to have your hotel summon a taxi for you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the system.

And the taxis available from the airport desks are the best option when you arrive. Unlike other countries, prices are more competitive than the ones you will find outside.

Learn more about Peru on the dedicated pages of our website here.