Best Cities to Retire

Retirement is a time to explore new horizons and settle into a community that offers comfort, convenience, and a fulfilling lifestyle. From vibrant cultural hubs to serene coastal towns, the best cities to retire offer a range of benefits tailored to the needs of retirees.

Updated Sep, 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 vibrant festivals and rich cultural heritage.
  • Expat Community - A large and welcoming expat community makes integration easier for retirees.
  • Healthcare - Access to high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Colombia

Medellin, Colombia

  • Pleasant Climate - Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its mild, year-round climate.
  • Affordable Living - Medellin offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for retirees.
  • Public Transportation - The city has an efficient and affordable public transportation system.
  • Cultural Scene - A vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters.
Spain

Alicante, Spain

  • Sunny Climate - Alicante enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Cost of Living - The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities.
  • Healthcare - Spain offers excellent healthcare services, accessible to retirees.
  • Beaches - Beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle make it ideal for retirees.
Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

  • Cultural Heritage - A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene.
  • Expat Community - A large expat community provides a supportive network for newcomers.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is low, with affordable housing and services.
  • Mild Climate - The city enjoys a mild climate, making it comfortable year-round.
Malaysia

George Town, Malaysia

  • Cultural Diversity - A melting pot of cultures with a rich history and diverse culinary scene.
  • Affordable Healthcare - Access to high-quality healthcare at affordable prices.
  • Cost of Living - George Town offers a low cost of living, making it attractive for retirees.
  • Heritage and Architecture - Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street art.
Malta

Valletta, Malta

  • Historic Charm - Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and stunning architecture.
  • Mediterranean Climate - Enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, ideal for outdoor activities.
  • English Speaking - English is widely spoken, making it easier for retirees to communicate.
  • Healthcare - Malta offers excellent healthcare services accessible to residents.
New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand

  • Scenic Beauty - Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • Mild Climate - Queenstown enjoys a mild climate, perfect for year-round activities.
  • Safety - New Zealand is known for its low crime rates and safe environment.
  • Community - A friendly and welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging.
Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

  • Historic and Cultural Appeal - Dubrovnik is renowned for its historic old town and cultural heritage.
  • Mediterranean Climate - The city enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, ideal for retirees.
  • Cost of Living - Offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities.
  • Healthcare - Access to quality healthcare services at reasonable prices.
Panama

Panama City, Panama

  • Retiree Benefits - Panama offers a range of retiree benefits, including discounts on various services.
  • Tropical Climate - Enjoys a warm tropical climate, perfect for those who love the sun.
  • Expat Community - A large expat community provides a supportive network for retirees.
  • Infrastructure - Modern infrastructure and amenities make it a convenient place to live.

Key Takeaways

Selecting the right city for retirement involves considering factors such as cost of living, climate, and community engagement.

These cities provide diverse options for retirees seeking a balance of affordability, culture, and quality of life.

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Rankings by City