After spending years in the workforce, doing fulfilling or mundane tasks, the next strong
desire that overwhelms you is the need to unpack and relax—which is the essence of retirement.
Moving to an entirely different place could just be the thing that satisfies that desire.
A serene location boasting an enticing culture, affordable healthcare, friendly living costs, and
harmless taxes is where you should be as a retiree looking to enjoy a deserved retirement.
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So, let's count down the best places in the world where you ought to
spend your retirement years. In Number 10 spot is Uruguay.
Uruguay is a South American country bordering Brazil and Argentina. The relatively small country
is one of the safest places on the continent. Uruguay presents a welcoming atmosphere and plenty
of alluring beaches with sun, sand, and sea. The beaches of Piriapolis, Punta del Diablo,
and La Palomo share a laid-back feel, which is suitable for you looking to relax and slowly
take in each moment of your retirement. You are availed of numerous tempting seafood and
other local cuisines on the menu of restaurants around the beaches.
If you are a history lover, you are in for a fascinating walk through the cobblestoned historic
quarter located in Colonia del Sacramento, one of the country's oldest cities. It is
lined with beautiful architecture and museums exhibiting a wealth of art and history.
Uruguay isn't complete without its capital, Montevideo, a city
pulsating with life. Montevideo offers a mix of historical feel and pop culture inspired by
its nightlife and array of entertainment in theatres, tango bars, and music venues.
The cost of living in Uruguay isn't as affordable as some years ago. However, you can still live
comfortably with a $2500 monthly expenditure covering healthcare, groceries, transportation,
and entertainment. You are also exempted from social security and pension taxes.
Spain comes right up in the 9th spot. Spain is located in southwestern Europe
on the Iberian peninsula, replete with mountainous regions that offer sunshine,
colorful architecture, and various mouth-watering local cuisines.
You can't get enough of the diverse attractions in Spain, ranging from exciting art galleries and
packed shops in Madrid to the mountaintop sites of Ronda and the dynamic museums of the Basques.
Spain is an entire world waiting for you. One of the many good things about Spain is
its living cost. With a monthly budget of at least $2200, a couple can live
comfortably on the coast—and it's even less expensive if you opt for smaller towns.
However, you will have to spend a little more in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Even better is the healthcare service. You can be charged as low as $136 a month
while utilizing private health insurance for the first five years of your stay.
Coming to take the Number 8 spot is Malta. Malta is an island country 80 kilometers
from Italy's Sicily. It is a tiny country with a ton of history and culture.
This archipelago nation is home to historic sites that tell stories of its many passing rulers.
Malta's capital city, Valletta, is an attractive destination with many hotels, restaurants, and
cultural events. During the hot summer period, the island of Gozo offers a relaxing experience with
its lined sandy beaches and deep-blue sea. Malta is increasingly becoming an ideal
destination for retirees, who are a significant part of the
15% foreign population in the country. With $800, you can get a single-bedroom
apartment in small fishing regions of the island. In the more expensive Valletta region,
you will pay double the price, and when you include transportation,
groceries, healthcare, and utilities, your monthly budget can be around $2350.
In number 7 is France. France, located in western Europe,
is a classic of its own. It is home to Paris's famous vacation destination—
a hub of fashion houses, restaurants, museums, and monuments like the famous Eiffel Tower.
Away from the bustling Paris, impressive beaches finely placed across the Mediterranean coast
are prime spots for relaxation under a sublime climate. These beaches are
primarily located in smaller towns that offer a lot of things at reasonable prices.
The healthcare system in France is currently the best in the world. Not only is the healthcare
excellent, but you can also enroll in the system within the first three months of residency, which
costs 8% of your pension income. This, combined with a monthly rent of $1200 and other expenses,
you can live on a budget of $2500 per month. Number 6 on the list is Ecuador.
Ecuador is a fine mix of excellent climate, rich culture, beautiful
architecture, and amusing wildlife reserves. Compared to many other South American nations,
it is a small country, yet an ideal place to spend your retired life as not many foreigners
have settled here. So there is enough authentic local culture for you to explore.
The colonial architecture in the Andean capital city of Quito
is as strong a pull as the wildlife and volcanic landscape of Galapagos National Park is.
Ecuador's pristine tropical beaches will leave you amazed and yearning to return for more
if you are all for the sun and sand. Of the many beaches to visit in Ecuador,
Salinas is highly recommended. Living comfortably in Ecuador is very affordable.
A beach house can go for $150,000. If you don't think you need to buy a house,
you can rent a two-bedroom condo for $500 a month. An $1800 monthly budget is enough for a couple to
afford comfortable living in Ecuador. (Before we get to the second half of the
countdown, kindly like this video and click the subscribe button. You can also share
with other travel enthusiasts like you.) Coming up in the 5th spot is Colombia.
Colombia has endured through dark times to become a safe and lively place with
a lot to offer. Just like its neighbors, this transcontinental country encompasses interesting,
diverse natural features: the Andes, Amazon, coasts, and deserts. So it's up to you to
choose the environment you wish to explore. You are promised an awe-inspiring experience
in the historic city of Cartagena, dotted with colorful architecture and old walls, some of which
have now become restaurants and luxury hotels. Or you may just head to the nation's capital city,
Bogota, which is unique for its combination of colonial feel and urban grace.
In cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin, a standard three-bedroom apartment can be rented
for around $1,200 per month. In the number 4 spot is Portugal.
Portugal boasts cities like Lisbon and Porto, which are a significant
pull of foreigners because of their array of museums, theatres, and trendy cafes.
Portugal's glitzy beaches on the coast, covered by the joyous Mediterranean climate, will leave
you wanting more of the sun, even at night. The affordable living cost makes this southern
European country even more attractive. With at least $2200 a month, a couple can live in
one of Lisbon's residential neighborhoods, while $700 per month can do if you opt for
apartments in smaller towns. And with a $10 per visit state medical service, activated with your
Portuguese ID number and residence permit, you have all the perks of a happy retirement.
Mexico sits comfortably in 3rd spot. Bordering the United States of America,
this southern North American country is one of the choicest retirement destinations
for its North American neighbors. What's not to like about Mexico?
Not its contrasting tropical rainforest and deserts, or the sandy beaches and turquoise
water dotted in sunny towns like Cançun or on the Pacific Coast, the beach town
of Puerto Vallarta, and many more. Thanks to its numerous classical museums,
art galleries, and historic architecture, Mexico City is one of the most attractive
destinations in the entire country. Even with the various beach towns and
cities boasting fast-speed internet, reliable infrastructure, and smooth transportation,
the cost of living in Mexico is still very affordable.
If you are gunning for a two-bedroom apartment in the upscale parts of Mexico City, it will
cost around $750 per month. Factor in food, entertainment, healthcare, and transportation;
you will be spending $1900 a month. Pocket-paid healthcare service costs about $15-40
per visit, while the Mexico Social healthcare system allows the enrollment of unemployed
residents aged 60 and above at $45 a month. In 2nd place is Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a Central American Country famous for its beaches, volcanoes, and
jungles. This wonderland of nature exists for you to behold, feel, and inspire you to adventure.
The pulsating city of San Jose packs the best museums, monuments, and urban attractions
in the country. When you are not looking at arts or trying out the local cuisine,
you can bask in the sun and water of beaches lined up on the Pacific Coast and the
beach towns of the Guanacaste province. The south of Jaco through the Osa peninsula
attracts most foreigners desiring to adventure and zipline through the forests and wildlife.
Costa Rica has recorded an increased number of foreign residents in recent years, which makes it
easier for you to settle quickly with the help of other retirees who understand your language—that
is, if you don't understand Spanish. A couple can live comfortably on $2500-$3000 a
month, including housing, transportation, medical care utilities, food, and entertainment.
After you've become a citizen, you can either get a private healthcare policy
or pay 7 to 10 percent of your pension income per month into the universal medicine program.
Meanwhile, pocket-paid visits cost $50 for a regular doctor and $80 for a specialist.
Ranking 1st for about the umpteenth time is Panama.
Panama is a country capable of helping you experience America more intimately
and making more lasting memories. The capital, Panama City,
is an all-rounder. Depending on your personality, you may fancy the boisterous life in Panama City,
littered with skyscrapers and brought to life at night by busy casinos and nightclubs.
Then there is the calm and beautiful historic district of Casco Viejo, where you can catch
the rays and deeply relax, and if you are up for it, get soaked into the history of Panama
city as you wander the quarters, admiring the beautifully aged architecture dotted around.
The culture here is vibrant, which is seen in their art and festivals. A typical Panama
festival has the local population parading the streets with a band reeling traditional tunes
and songs while women, traditionally dressed in a pollera, and the men, wearing a Montana,
perform a tomborito dance together. The cost of living in Panama is budget-friendly,
depending on your location and housing style. Basically, $3000 a month is enough for a
couple to live well, while a single person only needs $1700. This includes rent.
The Pensionado visa program activated by the Panama government requires a pension
income of at least one thousand dollars. It comprises several privileges, including tax
exemption on importing household goods and discounts on some services.
Retirees can also access public or private healthcare services at fair prices.
So, that's it on the top 10 best places to retire early. I believe you enjoyed the
journey and you are now better informed to make a good retirement decision.
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