Every year, thousands of International Living readers take a moment to dream big and tell us exactly where they’d move if they could pack up tomorrow.
It’s not just about escaping the daily grind (though that’s part of it). It’s about imagining a better way to live: waking up in a sunlit town by the sea… spending less but living more… and feeling connected to your neighbors, the landscape, and the local culture in a way you might never feel back home.
This year’s survey shows that more people than ever are thinking practically about where they’d go, not just for two weeks of vacation, but for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. Many are drawn by lower living costs, excellent healthcare, or friendly residency rules. Others crave community, slower days, and the freedom to reinvent life on their own terms.
From Europe’s timeless villages to Central America’s tropical hideaways, these seven countries stand out for one big reason: they make the dream feel possible.
If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really do this?” — start here. These are the places your fellow readers are exploring next, and why they might be perfect for you, too.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here

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1. Portugal

It’s no surprise Portugal tops so many lists; it’s one of Europe’s best blends of old-world charm and modern comforts. Readers are drawn to its mild year-round climate, friendly people, and slower pace that encourages you to actually savor life.
The Algarve’s golden beaches, whitewashed villages, and golf courses are an obvious favorite, but many are also eyeing historic cities like Porto and Coimbra, or countryside gems inland where life is even more affordable. English is widely spoken, healthcare is high quality yet inexpensive, and public transport makes exploring easy.
For retirees, Portugal’s accessible residency options and generous tax incentives make living here feel realistic, not just a dream.
Many couples find they can live comfortably here for around $2,500 to $3,000 a month, depending on location and lifestyle.
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in Portugal?
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in Portugal?
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2. Italy

Italy remains one of the most romantic choices for those who want culture, history, and everyday pleasures. And it’s not just about Rome or Florence, readers are curious about smaller towns and countryside regions where life feels more affordable and authentic.
In Tuscany and Umbria, you’ll find vineyards, medieval villages, and old stone farmhouses that can be surprisingly reasonable compared to city apartments back home. The south, from Abruzzo to Puglia, is also seeing more interest, thanks to mild weather, friendly locals, and coastal living that doesn’t break the bank.
Daily life here is a masterclass in enjoying the moment: chatting with neighbors at the market, lingering over a plate of pasta, or taking an evening stroll through piazzas that have barely changed in centuries.
In smaller towns or countryside regions like Abruzzo, Puglia, or Le Marche, a couple can live comfortably on $2,200 a month (or less) depending on their lifestyle.
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in Italy?
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in Italy?
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3. Spain

Sunshine, culture, and tapas on a terrace at sunset, Spain continues to attract readers looking for a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle. The cost of living can be surprisingly low, especially if you settle outside the big tourist cities.
Readers love southern spots like Andalusia, with its warm weather, Moorish architecture, and beachside towns on the Costa del Sol. Northern areas like Galicia or the Basque Country tempt people who want green hills, a cooler climate, and fewer crowds.
You’ll find world-class healthcare, good public transport, fresh food markets, and a lifestyle where people genuinely take time to enjoy life. Spain is easy to travel from, too, you can hop on a high-speed train and be in another corner of the country in a few hours.
A couple can enjoy a good life here for around $2,200 to $3,000 per month, depending on location and how often they eat out.
Learn more about an affordable retirement in Spain
Learn more about an affordable retirement in Spain
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4. France

France is about so much more than Paris, though the City of Light will always enchant visitors. For many International Living readers, the real dream is rural France: the clink of a wine glass on a sun-dappled terrace, the weekly village market full of local cheese, and neighbors who become lifelong friends.
Regions like Brittany, Occitanie, and the Dordogne offer timeless charm at a surprisingly manageable cost. Small towns and villages still have beautiful old stone houses at prices that would be unimaginable in many parts of North America.
It’s not just about the scenery, though. France’s excellent public healthcare system gives peace of mind and is one of the biggest reasons readers feel confident putting down roots here. Good roads and fast trains mean you can spend a morning wandering a local château garden and be in Paris or the Riviera by afternoon.
Many expats find that a couple can live comfortably in rural France for around $2,200 to $2,600 a month, especially if you own your home or choose a long-term rental.
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in France?
Dreaming of an affordable retirement in France?
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5. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” spirit never goes out of style. For readers, this tiny country remains one of the best places to find a fresh sense of freedom and a closer connection to nature.
Beach towns on the Pacific coast offer a laidback lifestyle with surfing, fishing, and warm community vibes. Mountain areas like the Central Valley are popular for cooler weather and great views. And wherever you settle, you’ll find affordable healthcare, a stable democracy, and expat networks that make moving easier.
What draws people back again and again is Costa Rica’s everyday magic: morning coffee on the porch surrounded by hummingbirds, fresh tropical fruit for pennies, and a genuine feeling of warmth from locals and expats alike.
A couple can enjoy a simple but comfortable lifestyle for around $2,500 to $3,200 per month, especially if you’re flexible about location.
Learn more about an affordable retirement in Costa Rica
Learn more about an affordable retirement in Costa Rica
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6. Panama

Panama has earned its place as a reliable, practical option for North Americans, especially retirees who want a smooth transition to life overseas. The well-known Pensionado program offers attractive benefits, like discounts on everything from flights to medical care.
From the cool highlands of Boquete to the buzz of Panama City’s modern skyline, you’ll find a mix of lifestyles. Some readers settle into quiet mountain villages with spring-like weather all year; others choose beach communities like Coronado, where you can walk barefoot from your condo to the sand in minutes.
English is widely spoken, the currency is the U.S. dollar, and you’ll enjoy high-quality private healthcare for a fraction of the cost at home.
A couple can expect to live well for around $2,000 to $3,000 per month, whether they choose the cooler highlands of Boquete, a beachfront rental near Coronado, or a modern condo in Panama City.
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Get Your Free Panama Report Today!
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7. Greece

Greece has been climbing the list of reader favorites, and it’s not hard to see why. Picture bright blue seas, sunshine most of the year, and a pace of life that naturally slows you down.
Many readers love the idea of island living, but the mainland holds just as much appeal. Athens offers historic neighborhoods alongside modern amenities, while coastal towns and fishing villages serve up daily life that feels timeless.
The cost of living is among the best values in Europe, and Greece’s residency options are expanding. For many, it’s the simple pleasures that draw them in: a coffee with neighbors under the shade of an olive tree, fresh seafood by the water, and the sense that every day invites you to breathe easier.
A couple living in a small city or coastal town can expect to spend about $1,900 to $2,000 per month, covering everything from rent and groceries to dining out and local transport.
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Get Your Free Greece Report Today!
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Where Will You Go?
Wherever you’re leaning, these realistic budgets and fresh ideas show that your dream really can be within reach, whether you’re picturing village charm, coastal breezes, or a sun-dappled café in a city you’ve yet to discover.
Of course, choosing where to land is half the fun, and half the challenge. That’s why we also publish our own trusted ranking of the Best Places to Retire each year, so you can see which countries truly deliver on affordability, healthcare, and lifestyle right now. Take a look at our full 2025 list here.
Keep planning, stay curious, and know you’re never on your own. International Living is here to help you take each step with confidence, inspiration, and a community of people who’ve done it before.