20 International Cities Where American Retirees Can Live Well for Less

More Americans are looking beyond the United States for retirement, and the reason is not hard to understand. Housing, health care, groceries, and everyday expenses have all become harder to manage on a fixed income. For retirees who want their savings to stretch further, moving abroad can offer something many U.S. cities no longer do: a lower cost of living without giving up comfort, culture, or convenience.

Of course, retiring overseas is not just about finding the cheapest place possible. The best international cities for American retirees combine affordability with safety, reliable health care, good food, walkability, strong expat communities, and an overall quality of life that makes the move feel like an upgrade instead of a compromise. Europe still has plenty of appealing options, but retirees are increasingly looking at cities in Latin America, Asia, and beyond for a better balance of cost and lifestyle.

For Americans thinking about where their retirement money could go further, these 20 international cities stand out as some of the best places to live well for less.

While you'll want to learn the language, living in Da Nang, Vietnam, can be a wonderful experience. You can enjoy the benefits of beautiful and historic UNESCO sites, thanks to the tropical and humid weather, alongside a growing expat community each year.

Another wonderful city to explore for American retirees is Sousse, Tunisia. Local rent is only around $400 per month, while meals only cost around $4 each time. Since there is no US-Tunisia tax treaty in place, tax planning will be necessary. However, private healthcare is typically no more than $20 per visit.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boquete, Panama, hovers around $800, while meals cost approximately $6 per person. The heavy rains between May and November are a major downside, but private insurance only costs around $100 per month.

Eating for under $4 per meal in Dumaguete, Philippines, is a significant reason to consider retiring in this city. The same applies to a cost of living of under $2,000 per month. You get an island lifestyle, with English as the official language. The downside is that if you require serious medical care, you must travel and pay to receive it elsewhere.

An average cost of living under $1,800 allows most American retirees to live very comfortably in Granada, Nicaragua. US taxes do apply, and some areas of the country can be unsafe, but private health insurance is very affordable.

If you love the idea of a one-bedroom apartment for under $500, Penang, Malaysia, is well worth visiting. Private insurance costs less than $150 per month, which complements the incredible history, art, and multicultural festivals. On the con side, you do have to navigate the complexity of tax laws.

The largest city in Slovenia, it is the country's economic and political center, although taxes can be high. However, being able to afford a one-bedroom apartment for less than $1,000 per month, while taking advantage of public healthcare and enjoying an old town feel, is hard to ignore.

Pisa, Italy, a city of around 90,000 people, is a beautiful and charming town that boasts hundreds of years of history. On the plus side, the Italian healthcare system is excellent, as is the public transportation system. There are also significant tax incentives, providing Americans with yet another reason to settle here.

It's hard to ignore the Mediterranean climate around Crete, Greece, with its slow lifestyle and rich culture. The public healthcare system is robust, although there may be a slight language barrier. This warning aside, it's worth overlooking if you want something that feels distinctly different from living in the US.

Compared to many American cities, the cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal, is significantly more attractive, despite higher tax levels. Not only do you enjoy the lower cost of living, but it also means you can stretch your savings even further. Lisbon offers a strong Mediterranean climate with different seasons, while it's also known for its low crime rate.

Consider Abruzzo instead of Tuscany if you're looking to retire in Italy. Full of greenery everywhere you turn, outdoor lovers will enjoy the hills and mountains of the area. Not only do you get authentic Italian culture and food, but you also can't ignore the low(er) property prices. Expats may not always enjoy navigating Italian bureaucracy when trying to move, but it's hard to ignore the beauty of this area.

With Panama using the US dollar as its primary currency, it's easy to overlook the financial benefits of this transition. This is also true for the estimated monthly budget of approximately $2,010 for a couple in the city of Boquete, Panama, which provides access to world-class medical care.

One of a few Portuguese cities worth considering, Braga is likely going to be home to many American retirees. For around $2,010 per month, you can enjoy an authentic Portuguese experience with access to numerous highly rated healthcare facilities. It won't be as warm as other destinations on this list, but it's got that old-world feel that you can't get enough of anymore.

Tropical, affordable, and English-speaking, Cayo, Belize, has encouraged many American retirees to give it a try. You get all of the best of living near Caribbean beaches, all while the expat community will welcome new arrivals with open arms. The healthcare system isn't as comprehensive as those of other countries on this list, but tax exemptions on foreign income make it a smart place to try and live.

Offering a warm climate, a relaxed pace, and stunning coastal beauty, living in Cascais, Portugal, is an ideal retirement destination for Americans. Retirees will appreciate the slower pace of life and affordability that come with living outside the United States. This holds true for essentials like groceries and transportation, as well as a reputable healthcare system, including the national healthcare network.

Located on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, if you're looking for white sand beaches at a lower price, this is the city to try. A new hospital was built in 2021, so you get advanced medical facilities, and as long as you are okay living out of a heavily populated area, Las Terrenas might be perfect for you.

The one-time battleground for drug cartels, Medellín, Colombia, is also the country's second-largest city. With over 2.6 million people, there's plenty to do, and even better, you can live here for around $1,620 per person for two people. This is the ideal location for living outdoors, world-class shopping, and highly rated medical facilities, if you can overcome the city's stigmatized past.

With a population of over 1 million, Mendoza, Argentina, is a South American destination that European destinations have often overshadowed, yet it offers free and subsidized healthcare. For $1,440 a month for a couple, this is wine country, so if you love to partake in a drink every night, it's a wonderful place to live.

The fact that an average American couple can live in Valencia, Spain, for around $2,220 makes it a wonderful place to visit and never leave, as long as you speak Spanish. The city is beloved for being neither too big nor too small, and was recently crowned a top international retirement destination in 2025.

The laid-back vibe of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is complemented by strong healthcare and affordable housing. Future residents will be thrilled with the availability of affordable medical care and the option to live on a budget of around $1,020 per month.