Thinking about retiring abroad?
The right destination isn’t just about sunshine or a lower cost of living. Healthcare, safety, community, property prices and the practicalities of everyday life all matter.
For some people, retiring abroad means finding a warmer climate and a more relaxed lifestyle. For others, it’s about making their retirement budget go further, being part of an established international community or simply trying a different way of life.
Here I explore the destinations and considerations that can help you decide whether retiring abroad could be right for you.
Table of Contents
What Should You Consider Before Retiring Abroad?
Moving abroad for retirement is a big decision. Before choosing a destination, I’d look at the whole picture rather than focusing on one particular advantage.
Cost of Living
How much will you actually need each month?
Housing is an obvious consideration, but you’ll also need to think about food, utilities, transport, healthcare, insurance and the lifestyle you want to maintain.
I’ll be building more detailed cost-of-living guides for the destinations I cover.
Healthcare
Access to good healthcare becomes increasingly important when you’re planning for retirement.
Consider the quality and availability of healthcare, hospitals and clinics, private healthcare options, insurance and the practicalities of accessing medical care where you intend to live.
You can find more information in the Healthcare section.
Safety
Feeling safe and comfortable in your new home is just as important as finding an attractive property or a low cost of living.
Safety can also vary considerably between cities and neighbourhoods, so it’s worth researching the specific area where you are considering living.
Community & Expat Life
Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch.
An established expat community can make it easier to meet people, find practical information and settle into everyday life.
I’ve written about expat communities and what it’s actually like living as an expat in several of the destinations I cover.
Property
If you’re planning to buy rather than rent, property will obviously form an important part of your decision.
But I’d recommend choosing the destination first and the property second.
A beautiful apartment isn’t much use if the location doesn’t suit the way you want to live in retirement.
Retirement & Expat Life in the Destinations I Cover
I’m currently focusing on five destinations that offer very different possibilities for people considering life abroad:
Montenegro
Montenegro combines a European setting with a very different pace of life from many northern European countries.
I’ve also got first-hand experience of owning property there, so Montenegro is a particularly important part of this site.
Explore the Montenegro Property & Relocation Guide →
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is an increasingly interesting option for people looking for a city lifestyle, a strong international community and a different cost structure from many Western cities.
I’ve explored both the advantages and disadvantages of living there, as well as the city’s established expat community.
The Real Pros and Cons of Living in Medellín for Expats →
The Thriving Expat Community in Medellín →
Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca has become a popular destination among expats, and its combination of lifestyle, community and affordability makes it particularly relevant to people considering retirement abroad.
How Cuenca, Ecuador, Has Become a Popular Expat Destination →
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a very different retirement lifestyle, with a strong expat presence and a well-established international community.
I’ve also been getting to know Chiang Mai from a property perspective as part of my own buying journey there.
Advantages and Benefits of Living in Chiang Mai →
Bali, Indonesia
Bali appeals to people looking for a particular lifestyle, but the island is much more diverse than the typical holiday image suggests.
Where you choose to live can make a huge difference to your experience.
Where to Live in Bali: Top Spots for Expats →
Expat Life: What Is It Really Like?
One of the things I think is easy to underestimate when researching retirement abroad is what everyday life will actually feel like.
It’s easy to compare property prices and read about the weather.
It’s harder to know what it’s like to make friends, find your favourite local café, deal with everyday errands, navigate healthcare or simply feel at home.
That’s why I’ll be including more first-hand experiences and practical guides about expat life as I build out each destination.
The aim isn’t to tell you that one place is better than another.
It’s to give you enough information to decide which destination might suit your retirement.
Retirement Is About More Than the Numbers
A lower cost of living can certainly make a destination attractive.
But I wouldn’t choose somewhere purely because it’s cheap.
Think about the lifestyle you want to have, the people you want around you, the healthcare you may need, how easy it is to travel home and whether you can genuinely see yourself living there for years rather than simply enjoying it for a few weeks on holiday.
That’s the difference between choosing somewhere for a holiday and choosing somewhere to call home.
More Retirement Guides Coming
I’m continuing to build practical guides around retiring and living abroad, including more detailed information on cost of living, healthcare, visas and residency, property and everyday life.
In the meantime, explore the individual Destination Guides to start comparing the five destinations I currently focus on.