With the election season in full swing, many Americans say they are growing frustrated with the political climate, economic uncertainty, and seemingly entrenched divisions. If you feel that way and are considering a fresh start somewhere new, you should know: There are plenty of stable, affordable, and welcoming places to consider. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach escape, a charming colonial town, or the energy of a bustling city, these five countries offer a perfect balance of stability, affordability, and a high quality of life.
What’s more, we’ve chosen these destinations for their proximity to the U.S., making it easier to travel home to see family and friends. They’re closer than Europe or Southeast Asia, offering a practical and convenient option if you’re ready for a change but don’t want to move too far from home.
1. Mexico
Mexico remains a top choice for many reasons. With its proximity to the U.S., affordable cost of living, and vibrant expat communities, it’s an easy transition for those looking to relocate. Mexico offers everything from sunny beaches and colonial towns to cosmopolitan cities. Whether you choose Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast, with its thriving expat scene and world-class beaches; Merida, known for its colonial architecture and strong cultural heritage in the Yucatán; or San Miguel de Allende, an art-filled, UNESCO-listed town in the Colonial Highlands, you’ll find welcoming expat communities and a rich cultural experience. For those seeking coastal tranquility, Playa del Carmen and Tulum offer laid-back beach living on the Caribbean coast.
You can live well here for a fraction of what it costs in the U.S., all while enjoying warm weather, beautiful landscapes, and modern amenities.
Cost of living: Rent in popular beach towns can be as low as $750 a month. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also highly affordable. Overall, a couple can live comfortably in Mexico for around $1,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Visa options: Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa, which is perfect for retirees or long-term visitors with sufficient income. You’ll need to show proof of income—around $2,600 per month or investments totaling $43,000. After four years, you can apply for permanent residency without needing to leave the country.
2. Panama
Panama remains a favorite for expats thanks to its stable government, use of the U.S. dollar, and excellent healthcare system. The country’s Pensionado Program is one of the best retiree programs in the world, offering discounts on everything from healthcare to entertainment for those who qualify. The program requires a minimum lifetime pension of $1,000 per month, making it accessible for many U.S. retirees.
Panama City is a modern, bustling metropolis that rivals many major cities in terms of infrastructure, dining, and culture. For a slower pace, Coronado is a popular beach town on the Pacific coast, only an hour from Panama City, offering a relaxed lifestyle and a growing expat community. Inland, the mountain town of Boquete has become a favorite for retirees thanks to its cool climate, stunning scenery, and active outdoor lifestyle. Pedasi on the Azuero Peninsula is another emerging destination, known for its beautiful beaches and charming small-town vibe.
Cost of living: A couple can live comfortably in Panama on between $2,000 to $4,000 a month, depending on the city and lifestyle, including rent, groceries, and entertainment
Visa options: Panama’s Pensionado Visa is designed for retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month. This visa comes with perks, including discounts on healthcare, utilities, and entertainment, as well as the ability to import household goods duty-free.
How to Move Out of the U.S.
How to Move Out of the U.S.
In all sorts of beautiful, welcoming, culturally rich, saner places around the world, you can live well from $2,000 a month (all in, housing included). Sign up for our free daily IL Postcards e-letter and we’ll immediately send you a free report on the WORLD’S # 1 RETIREMENT HAVEN— plus 9 more spots you should have on your radar. Each day, you’ll earn about the best places to move to, retire, travel, buy real estate, and enjoy a good life for less, overseas.
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3. Uruguay
For those looking for a politically stable, peaceful country with excellent social services, Uruguay is an ideal choice. Known as the "Switzerland of South America," Uruguay has a high standard of living, a strong democracy, and a reliable healthcare system. Montevideo, the capital city, is a bustling yet laid-back urban center that blends European architecture with modern conveniences. Expats also flock to Punta del Este, a glamorous beach resort town known for its luxury properties, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beaches. For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage town, offers a charming mix of cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata.
Uruguay is one of the safest countries in Latin America. With a strong middle class and a high level of education, it’s perfect for those who value a slower pace of life, cultural richness, and political stability.
Cost of living: Uruguay is more expensive than some other Latin American countries, but it is still affordable compared to Europe or the U.S. A couple can live comfortably in Uruguay on between $2,500 and $3,500 a month, depending on the city and lifestyle, including rent, groceries, and entertainment.
Visa options: Uruguay has one of the fastest, most flexible residency programs in Latin America. Expats can apply for residency with proof of monthly income as low as $1,500. After permanent residency is granted, there’s no requirement to live in the country full-time, and Uruguay offers citizenship after just three years for married couples.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica continues to be one of the most stable and appealing destinations for expats seeking a high quality of life in Central America. Its peaceful history, strong democracy, and lack of a military have contributed to its reputation as the most stable democracy in the region. Costa Rica’s focus on environmental sustainability, with 99% of its energy coming from renewable sources, adds to its appeal for those who are eco-conscious. The country is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the welcoming nature of its people, the Ticos.
Popular destinations include the Central Valley, where the cities of Grecia, Atenas, and San Ramon offer a temperate climate and easy access to the capital, San José. The beach town of Tamarindo on the Pacific coast is famous for its surf, vibrant expat community, and modern amenities. Further down the coast, Nosara offers a more tranquil and yoga-centric lifestyle. Arenal and La Fortuna are popular among nature lovers for their hot springs and proximity to the Arenal Volcano, while the Southern Pacific Coast around Uvita and Ojochal is renowned for its biodiversity and stunning beaches.
Costa Rica’s pensionado residency program offers an easy pathway for retirees. Applicants need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least $1,000 from a pension or retirement account, making it a popular option for U.S. retirees. Once you have legal residency, you can join Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (Caja), which provides affordable, high-quality healthcare to residents.
Cost of living: Many retired couples live comfortably in Costa Rica on $2,000 per month, but with a budget of $2,500 to $3,000, they can enjoy an even higher standard of living. This covers all major expenses, including housing, transportation, medical care, utilities, food, and entertainment.
Visa options: Costa Rica's residency program is one of the most accessible options in Central America. To qualify, you must prove an income of at least $1,000 per month from a pension or social security. Once approved, you’ll enjoy access to Costa Rica’s public healthcare system at a low cost.
5. Belize
Belize is a small but appealing option for those seeking political stability and a warm, tropical environment. English is the official language, making the transition easy for U.S. expats. Belize offers a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with a low cost of living, especially in places like Caye Caulker, a small, tranquil island known for its slogan "Go Slow," and Corozal, a peaceful town near the Mexican border that’s growing in popularity with retirees. Ambergris Caye is the country’s most popular destination, known for its clear waters, vibrant expat community, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) is one of the most attractive residency options for retirees. The country offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural diversity, making it a unique choice for those seeking a new home.
Cost of living: With a budget of $2,000 to $3,000 per month, retirees in Belize can enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle. It's possible to live for less, depending on location.
Visa options: Belize’s QRP is available to anyone over 45 years old with a monthly income of at least $2,000. This visa allows for duty-free import of personal goods, including cars, and exempts retirees from taxes on income earned abroad.
A New Start, No Matter the Election Outcome
If the political climate in the U.S. has you feeling stressed, these five countries offer a stable, affordable, and welcoming alternative. Whether you're looking to retire, work remotely, or simply embrace a different way of life, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Belize provide the perfect escape.
From affordable healthcare and easy residency options to stunning landscapes and thriving expat communities, these countries have something special to offer for anyone ready to start a new chapter and move out of the U.S.
How to Move Out of the U.S.
How to Move Out of the U.S.
In all sorts of beautiful, welcoming, culturally rich, saner places around the world, you can live well from $2,000 a month (all in, housing included). Sign up for our free daily IL Postcards e-letter and we’ll immediately send you a free report on the WORLD’S # 1 RETIREMENT HAVEN— plus 9 more spots you should have on your radar. Each day, you’ll earn about the best places to move to, retire, travel, buy real estate, and enjoy a good life for less, overseas.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.