Best Cities to Retire

Retirement is a time to explore new horizons and settle into a lifestyle that suits your personal preferences and needs. Choosing the right city to retire in can significantly impact your quality of life, offering opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and community engagement.

Updated Jul, 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 inexpensive housing and food options.
  • Expat Community - A large and friendly expat community makes integration easy for newcomers.
  • Cultural Richness - The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous festivals.
  • 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 offers 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 museums, theaters, and cultural events.
  • Public Transportation - The city boasts an efficient and modern public transportation system.
New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

  • Natural Beauty - Auckland is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including beaches and hiking trails.
  • Quality Healthcare - New Zealand offers excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents.
  • Safety - Auckland is known for its safety and high quality of life.
  • Diverse Culture - The city is culturally diverse, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and cuisines.
Malta

Valletta, Malta

  • Historical Charm - Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and stunning architecture.
  • Mediterranean Climate - The city enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • English Speaking - English is widely spoken, making it easier for English-speaking retirees to settle in.
  • Healthcare - Malta offers high-quality healthcare services, accessible to residents and expats.
Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

  • Artistic Community - The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and numerous galleries.
  • Colonial Architecture - San Miguel de Allende features beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
  • Mild Climate - The city enjoys a mild climate, making it comfortable year-round.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is relatively low, with affordable housing and amenities.
Spain

Barcelona, Spain

  • Cultural Richness - Barcelona is renowned for its art, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Mediterranean Lifestyle - The city offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle with beautiful beaches and parks.
  • Public Transportation - Barcelona has an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to get around.
  • Healthcare - Spain provides excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents and expats.
Canada

Vancouver, Canada

  • Natural Beauty - Vancouver is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and ocean views.
  • Healthcare - Canada offers a high standard of healthcare services, accessible to residents.
  • Cultural Diversity - The city is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene.
  • Outdoor Activities - Vancouver offers numerous outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking and water sports.
Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

  • Scenic Beauty - Dubrovnik is famous for its stunning coastal views and historic city walls.
  • Mediterranean Climate - The city enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, ideal for outdoor living.
  • Cultural Heritage - Dubrovnik is rich in history and culture, with numerous festivals and events.
  • Affordable Living - The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European coastal cities.
Australia

Gold Coast, Australia

  • Beach Lifestyle - The Gold Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle.
  • Warm Climate - The city enjoys a warm climate, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
  • Healthcare - Australia offers excellent healthcare services, accessible to residents.
  • Entertainment - The Gold Coast offers a wide range of entertainment options, from theme parks to cultural events.

Key Takeaways

Selecting a city for retirement involves considering factors like cost of living, climate, healthcare, and cultural opportunities.

These cities provide a range of options to suit different retirement dreams, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable experience in your golden years.

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Rankings by City