Retiring in a city with a great climate, low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and a vibrant expat community is a dream for many. Whether you’re looking for an “eternal spring” paradise or a mild climate with seasonal variation, there are fantastic international options. Here’s a breakdown of the best retirement cities outside the U.S. based on climate, affordability, healthcare, lifestyle, and more.
🌿 Eternal Spring Cities: Year-Round Perfect Weather
These cities enjoy stable temperatures without extreme heat or cold, making them ideal for retirees seeking consistency.
1. Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴
✔ Climate: 63°F – 83°F (17°C – 28°C) year-round ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Low cost of living, with rent 70% cheaper than in major Western cities 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: High-quality private hospitals with affordable costs (50-70% cheaper than the U.S.) 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: Thriving expat scene with many English-speaking services 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Fantastic dining options, outdoor cafés, and cultural attractions 🍷 ✔ Other Advantages: Excellent public transport, modern infrastructure 🚋
2. Cuenca, Ecuador 🇪🇨
✔ Climate: 50°F – 75°F (10°C – 24°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: One of the most budget-friendly expat cities, rent under $500/month 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: Modern hospitals with quality care at a fraction of U.S. prices 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: Large community of retirees, English-speaking doctors 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Farm-to-table dining, local markets, historic charm 🍽️ ✔ Other Advantages: Safe and walkable, excellent public transportation 🚶♂️
3. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico 🇲🇽
✔ Climate: 50°F – 75°F (10°C – 24°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Extremely low cost of living, rent under $400/month 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: Good hospitals, affordable private healthcare 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: A growing but smaller expat presence 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Authentic Mexican cuisine, artistic and bohemian vibe 🍽️ ✔ Other Advantages: Stunning colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage 🏛️
🌊 Mild Climate Cities with Seasonal Variations
These destinations have mild seasonal changes but remain comfortable year-round.
4. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
✔ Climate: Summers 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 27°C), Winters 50°F – 60°F (10°C – 16°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Reasonable cost of living, rent around $1,000 for a city apartment 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: Universal healthcare with private options available 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: A strong expat presence, many English speakers 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Renowned cuisine, fresh seafood, affordable fine dining 🍷 ✔ Other Advantages: Coastal beauty, history, tax benefits for retirees 🌅
5. Málaga, Spain 🇪🇸
✔ Climate: Summers up to 86°F (30°C), Winters rarely below 50°F (10°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona, rent around $800 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: Excellent public and private healthcare options 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: Well-integrated expat groups, English-speaking services 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Mediterranean diet, diverse international cuisine 🍽️ ✔ Other Advantages: Beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage 🏖️
6. Nice, France 🇫🇷
✔ Climate: Summers 75°F – 85°F (24°C – 29°C), Winters rarely below 45°F (7°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: More expensive than Spain or Portugal but still affordable vs. Paris 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: World-class healthcare, government subsidies for residents 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: A mix of retirees and professionals, English-friendly 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Fine dining, wine culture, fresh markets 🍷 ✔ Other Advantages: Stunning Riviera scenery, excellent public transport 🚆
7. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain 🇪🇸
✔ Climate: Summers 75°F – 85°F (24°C – 29°C), Winters 60°F – 70°F (15°C – 21°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Lower cost of living than mainland Spain, rent around $700 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: Excellent public and private healthcare options 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: Well-established international retiree population 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Laid-back island vibe, fantastic seafood 🍷 ✔ Other Advantages: Stunning beaches, nature, low taxes for retirees 🏝️
8. Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
✔ Climate: Summers 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 27°C), Winters 55°F – 65°F (13°C – 18°C) ☀️ ✔ Affordability: Lower cost of living than mainland Portugal, rent around $800 🏠 ✔ Healthcare: High-quality healthcare, private and public options available 🏥 ✔ Expat Community: Growing expat presence, friendly locals 🌎 ✔ Restaurants & Lifestyle: Fresh seafood, wine culture, relaxed island atmosphere 🍷 ✔ Other Advantages: Beautiful landscapes, hiking, mild tax incentives for retirees 🌿
🏆 Best Retirement Destination Comparison
| City | Climate | Affordability | Healthcare | Expat Community | Lifestyle & Dining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medellín 🇨🇴 | Eternal Spring | Very Affordable | Excellent | Large | Cultural, great food |
| Cuenca 🇪🇨 | Eternal Spring | Very Affordable | Very Good | Large | Relaxed, historic charm |
| San Cristóbal 🇲🇽 | Eternal Spring | Extremely Affordable | Good | Small but growing | Artistic, historic charm |
| Lisbon 🇵🇹 | Mild Seasonal | Moderate | Very Good | Large | Coastal, seafood, history |
| Málaga 🇪🇸 | Mild Seasonal | Affordable | Excellent | Large | Beach, Mediterranean lifestyle |
| Nice 🇫🇷 | Mild Seasonal | Moderate | World-Class | Large | Fine dining, Riviera views |
| Santa Cruz 🇪🇸 | Mild Seasonal | Affordable | Excellent | Large | Island life, seafood |
| Madeira 🇵🇹 | Mild Seasonal | Affordable | Excellent | Growing | Nature, wine, seafood |
By choosing the right destination, you can enjoy a fulfilling retirement with beautiful weather, vibrant communities, and a high quality of life! 🌴
