Best Cities to Retire

Retirement is a time to explore new horizons and settle into a place that offers comfort, excitement, and peace. From vibrant cultural hubs to serene coastal towns, the world is full of cities that cater to the needs and desires of retirees.

Updated Aug, 2025
Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

  • Affordable Living - Portugal boasts one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe.
  • Mild Climate - Lisbon offers 300 days of sunshine per year, providing an enjoyable Mediterranean climate.
  • Culture and Community - A rich history, vibrant culture, and growing expat community make it a welcoming place for retirees.
  • Healthcare - Excellent and affordable healthcare options are available, especially for EU residents.
Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • Low Cost of Living - Chiang Mai offers an affordable lifestyle with low housing and food costs.
  • Rich Culture - The city is known for its beautiful temples and vibrant cultural festivals.
  • Expat Community - A large and welcoming expat community makes it easy for retirees to settle in.
  • Healthcare - High-quality healthcare services are available at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Colombia

Medellin, Colombia

  • Pleasant Climate - Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' Medellin enjoys a mild climate year-round.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is significantly lower than in many North American and European cities.
  • Cultural Vibrancy - Medellin is rich in culture, with numerous festivals, museums, and art galleries.
  • Public Transportation - The city has an efficient and affordable public transportation system.
Spain

Alicante, Spain

  • Sunny Climate - Alicante enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Beautiful Beaches - The city is home to stunning beaches along the Costa Blanca.
  • Affordable Cost of Living - Living costs are lower compared to other European coastal cities.
  • Healthcare - Spain offers excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents and expats alike.
Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

  • Colonial Charm - The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene.
  • Expat Community - A large expat community provides a supportive network for newcomers.
  • Mild Climate - The city enjoys a temperate climate, making it comfortable year-round.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is relatively low, with affordable housing and dining options.
Malaysia

George Town, Malaysia

  • Cultural Heritage - George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and culture.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is low, with affordable housing and food options.
  • Healthcare - Malaysia offers high-quality healthcare services at reasonable prices.
  • Expat Community - A growing expat community makes it easy for retirees to integrate.
Malta

Valletta, Malta

  • Historic Charm - Valletta is steeped in history, with stunning architecture and cultural sites.
  • Mild Climate - The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers.
  • English Speaking - English is widely spoken, making it easier for English-speaking retirees to settle in.
  • Healthcare - Malta offers excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents and expats.
New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

  • Scenic Beauty - Queenstown is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including mountains and lakes.
  • Outdoor Activities - The city offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing.
  • Mild Climate - Queenstown enjoys a temperate climate, with distinct seasons.
  • Quality of Life - New Zealand is known for its high quality of life and friendly communities.
Panama

Panama City, Panama

  • Retiree Benefits - Panama offers a range of benefits for retirees, including discounts on healthcare and entertainment.
  • Warm Climate - The city enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.
  • Modern Amenities - Panama City offers modern infrastructure and amenities, including shopping and dining.
  • Expat Community - A large expat community provides a supportive network for retirees.
Australia

Gold Coast, Australia

  • Beautiful Beaches - The Gold Coast is famous for its stunning beaches and surf spots.
  • Outdoor Lifestyle - The city offers a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, with numerous parks and recreational activities.
  • Mild Climate - The Gold Coast enjoys a subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
  • Healthcare - Australia provides excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents and expats.

Key Takeaways

Selecting the perfect city for retirement involves considering factors like cost of living, climate, and lifestyle preferences.

These cities provide a diverse range of options, ensuring that retirees can find a place that feels like home and supports a fulfilling lifestyle.

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Rankings by City