Retirement Can Get Expensive
Retirement should be a joyous time, but it’s becoming more and more expensive to live on just a pension. Many retirees are now leaving the US to save on living costs, and they’re loving it! Here are some of the countries they’re moving to in 2025.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most inexpensive countries to retire to, with a relatively low cost of living. Public healthcare is affordable, and property is also cheaper than in the US. Living costs are approximated to be just under $900 per month, which leaves plenty of money to enjoy yourself!
Malaysia
Malaysia has been a revelation for many recent retirees. It’s far more affordable than the majority of Western countries, with excellent low prices for food, rent, and transportation. With decent savings, a retiree can live very well in Malaysia, with plenty of luxuries.
Spain
Spain may be a popular tourist destination, but don’t let that put you off! There are several cities, such as Granada and Seville, that have low costs of living that are appealing to plenty of retirees in 2025. In Spain, they can save while relaxing in the sun.
Panama
If the US is getting too expensive, why not try Latin America instead? Panama is one of the safest and most cost-efficient countries in Central America, with a low cost of living that makes retirement funds go much further than back home.
Japan
This one may surprise you, but Japan is actually a great place to retire to save on living costs. Outside of major cities, there are lots of affordable places to settle down, and a person can comfortably live on less than $1,500 per month.
Australia
Australia has long been popular with expats, but now retirees are flocking to join them! From coastal towns like Mandurah to the suburbs of big cities to the Sunshine Coast, it’s easy to create a great lifestyle for a comfortable low price.
Mexico
For those who don’t want to move far, Mexico is the perfect destination for American retirees. Housing is usually quite cheap, even those in the most scenic areas, and it’s easy to budget for utilities and groceries. Healthcare is an affordable expense, too.
Thailand
Not only is Thailand breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also a cheap retirement location. The cost of living is far lower than in many Western countries, and money goes much further. Decent retirement savings can cover a nice house, good food, and plenty of entertainment.
Colombia
Colombia often gets a bad reputation, but lots of retirees are starting to see it in a good light. A person can live comfortably on as little as $1,000 per month, with plenty of leftover funds to explore the attractive, vibrant Colombian landscape.
Montenegro
Out of all the budget-friendly Balkan countries, Montenegro should be at the top of your list to move to post-retirement. In addition to well-priced housing, a retiree can afford their bills, plus plenty of extra luxuries, including dinners out and exciting day trips.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, but it’s also a great option for retirement. It’s approximately 30% cheaper to retire in than the US, with exceptionally affordable housing in more rural districts like Alentejo, Castelo Branco, and Beja.
Philippines
There’s plenty going on in the Philippines, but most people don’t know that it’s also a great place to retire. As well as affordable housing, there are also some extra perks for retirees, including the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, which grants unlimited residency.
Ecuador
What’s not to love about Ecuador? It’s busy, scenic, and also considered to be one of the best places to retire in the whole world. On just $23,000 per year, a retired couple can comfortably support themselves and maintain a good lifestyle.
Greece
It doesn’t get more gorgeous than Greece! But did you know it’s also an excellent retirement location? Though it may seem expensive, housing, food, healthcare, and public transport are all relatively cheap, especially outside of major tourist cities, and there’s no shortage of things to do.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an underrated gem that many retirees will be gutted they didn’t discover sooner. Sofia is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe, making it easy to save more of your pension for additional fun expenses after paying for housing and utilities.
Belize
Belize is another Central American country with plenty to offer to retirees. More are set to flock there in 2025, eagerly pursuing a low-cost, post-retirement lifestyle. It’s possible to live comfortably on a limited budget, with lots of housing options and reduced amenity costs.
Vietnam
Even if you expected Vietnam to be cheap, you probably didn’t think it would be around 63% cheaper to retire in than the US! On as little as $800 per month, a retiree can settle down and afford every essential expense, including healthcare and public transport.
Estonia
Estonia ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, but that’s just one of its excellent draws. Retirees who choose to settle there can enjoy a good standard of living for a low price, with plenty of housing options and a rich surrounding environment.
Cambodia
Cambodia has plenty of good things going for it, including being one of the best places to retire to save on living costs. Basic living costs are very cheap, especially in less central cities, and you can still enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.
Czechia
Formerly known as the Czech Republic, Czechia is one of the hottest new locations for retirees in 2025. While cities like Prague are expectedly pricey, there are lots of cheaper locations, including Brno, Olomouc, and Liberec. Food, utilities, and healthcare are also very affordable.
Finland
Scandinavia more than deserves its serene reputation, so it’s no wonder retirees are starting to move there. Finland, in particular, is one of the best locations if you want to save money. Outside of Helsinki, housing is relatively affordable, and the average cost of living is very comfortable.
Argentina
Argentina is known for its vibrant, bustling culture, so you might expect it to be an expensive place to live. But many retirees are discovering that it’s actually very affordable, and you only need a passive income of $1,390 per month to qualify for a retirement visa.
Chile
Chile is an underrated place to visit, but many people are starting to see it as a potential new home. Outside of its major cities, Chile boasts a fairly modest cost of living, with $1,500 per month being more than enough to pay for housing, groceries, and bills.
Indonesia
If you want to save money in your retirement, don’t think twice about moving to Indonesia. Before you judge, hear us out on this one. The cost of living can be as low as $600 per month to cover all essential expenses, leaving plenty of extra funds to enjoy yourself with.
Croatia
Croatia has become a rising travel star in recent years, but it’s also a great place for retirees who want to save more money. Approximately $900 per month can get you a comfortable lifestyle, with more left over for luxuries. The quality of life is also excellent.
Italy
Great food, gorgeous architecture, and an upbeat culture; why wouldn't you want to live in Italy? Many retirees have recently found that they can live on far less money in Italy than in the US, particularly in the southern cities where housing and amenities are most affordable.
Slovenia
Slovenia is known for its natural beauty, but it also has some great cities. Retirees who move there can enjoy a high standard of life for a low cost, thanks to Slovenia’s stable economy. Choosing less touristy cities guarantees more affordable housing, and there will still be plenty to do.
Cuba
You can make a great life post-retirement in Cuba, so why wait? It has a significantly lower cost of living than the US, with great housing and transportation costs, plus government-run healthcare services. Overall, Cuba offers a great quality of life.
Morocco
Lots of people can’t imagine themselves moving so far, but Morocco is an exciting and very affordable place for retirees to settle down. As little as $550 per month can cover essential expenses in many cities, with reasonable healthcare, transportation, and utility costs.
Oman
Oman is considered to be a safe country, as well as one of the cheapest Gulf nations to live in. It’s actually a tax-free zone, which benefits retirees greatly and leaves plenty of money to cover living expenses and enjoy a variety of luxuries.
Turkey
Lots of people visit Turkey every year, but in 2025, more retirees are set to move there permanently. You can rent or purchase housing for lower prices than in the US and other European countries while also enjoying low everyday costs and affordable healthcare.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is not the cheapest place for retirees to move to, but it’s far more affordable than many places, plus promises an excellent quality of life. In contrast, Amsterdam is 14% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, and there are lots of affordable living options.
Grenada
There’s really no place like the Caribbean, so we understand why so many retirees want to move there (we know it would be at the top of our list for sure!). It’s easy to budget for bills, groceries, and other living costs, while also saving extra retirement funds to spend on having a good time.
Cyprus
Cyprus is stunning, and you can comfortably settle down there for a lower price than you can at home. Retirement savings and pensions go a long way, covering accommodation, food, and utilities. And no matter where you settle, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Romania
The final country on our list is Romania. Many retirees have moved there in the past, and they seem poised to continue in 2025. It’s a budget-friendly location with affordable places to live and reasonable amenities. With all that extra money left over, you can do whatever you like!
