Pack Your Bags (And Maybe a Hammock): Top 10 Best Places to Retire in the World for Expats in 2025
So your corporate calendar no longer dictates your life, and your 9-to-5 days are finally waving the white flag. Now what? If your idea of retirement involves more mojitos and fewer meetings, you’re not alone. Expats across the globe are scouting for countries where life is good, the vibe is relaxed, the weather doesn’t try to kill you, and—get this—your retirement nest egg might actually stretch past next Tuesday.
In 2025, the retirement dream is no longer defined by rocking chairs on porches in Florida suburbs. It’s about the turquoise flashes of Caribbean waters in Mexico, the café cultures of Europe, or the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia. Whether you want renaissance art or rainforests, we’ve got you covered.
Buckle up. Here are the top 10 best places to retire in the world for expats in 2025. And yes, Mexico makes the cut—and then some.
The Riviera Maya, Mexico – Paradise with Wi-Fi
If retirement for you means sipping on margaritas while gazing at the Caribbean Sea, then say hola to La Riviera Maya. Stretching from Cancun to Tulum, this slice of heaven delivers top-notch everything: food, beaches, cost of living, and that ineffable boho-chic-meets-indigenous-tradition vibe.
And let’s be honest—what other place offers cenote swimming, Mayan ruins, and ultramodern beach clubs tucked into the jungle, all in one day?
Why it’s great for expats:
- Low cost of living (yes, you can afford guacamole at every meal)
- Expanding healthcare infrastructure
- Welcoming international community
- Real estate opportunities that actually make sense
Check out Playa del Carmen or Puerto Aventuras—where beachfront condos don’t cost your soul and you’ll find more Canadians and Europeans than at a Coldplay concert.
👉 Dive into our guide: Why Riviera Maya Is the Perfect Place for Real Estate Investment
Portugal – Europe’s Best-Kept (and Least Taxed) Secret
Portugal is Europe’s golden retriever: loyal, charming, and surprisingly affordable. With mild weather year-round, cobblestone streets in postcard towns like Lagos or Porto, and a killer healthcare system, it’s no wonder retirees are catching on.
And while Lisbon is buzzing, it’s the smaller coastal towns that are winning over expats (and honestly, your joints will thank you for fewer hills).
Major perks:
- Non-habitual residency tax incentives for foreign retirees
- Excellent public transportation—who needs a car?
- Safe and typically English-friendly
- Fresh seafood that’ll ruin your local grocer’s fish aisle forever
Note this: Portugal ranked consistently high in Internationalliving’s Global Retirement Index. Coincidence? We think not.
Thailand – Exotic, Affordable, and Surprisingly Efficient
Thailand is like that too-cool-for-school friend who parties till 2 AM but still manages to find inner peace in daily yoga sessions. With gleaming temples, bustling cities, and islands that make your screensaver jealous, this is Southeast Asia’s jewel.
Chiang Mai is a hotspot for retirees seeking peace at mountain altitudes, while Koh Samui or Phuket are irresistible for beach lovers.
Perks include:
- Cost of living low enough to upgrade to first-class budget living
- High-quality private healthcare that won’t bankrupt you
- One of the world’s best cuisines (street food for less than $1? Sign us all up)
- Yoga, meditation and Muay Thai—get spiritually (and literally) fit
Legal stuff? Thailand’s retirement visa is straightforward: be over 50, and meet minimal financial requirements. Boom, welcome to paradise.
Spain – Sangria, Siestas, and Stability
¡Olé! Spain continues to be a retirement sweetheart, especially if you’re craving culture, history, and tapas that make your knees go weak. From the Andalusian hills to the shores of Costa Blanca, Spain offers a laid-back rhythm few others can match.
The country’s universal healthcare system ranks among the best (and cheapest), and the emphasis on community, food, and quality of life will have you questioning why you ever tolerated frozen dinners.
Why Spain?
- Mediterranean climates that keep rheumatism at bay
- Fabulous infrastructure: trains, highways, healthcare—check
- Expat-friendly with resident visa options
- Oh, and did we mention the wine is cheaper than water?
Internal plug: Considering property in Spain? Read our post Buying Real Estate in Europe vs. Mexico: Where Does Your Dollar Go Further?
As we close the passport on this whirlwind global retirement tour, one glaring truth emerges—retiring abroad isn’t just financially smarter, it’s an upgrade to your lifestyle. Whether it’s the scent of bougainvillea blooming in the Riviera Maya or the charm of afternoon siestas in Spain, these destinations offer the total package: affordability, comfort, and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes every day feel like a holiday.
From sun-soaked beaches to cobblestone-laced cities, the world is your playground—and, luckily, housing markets in places like Mexico still offer real opportunities before the rest of the world catches on.
Oh, and if the allure of the Riviera Maya is calling your name louder than a beach vendor selling cold cervezas, don’t go it alone. At Go Mexico, “Our core differentiator is our unwavering, exclusive buyer advocacy. We work for YOU, the investor, not for any broker or developer.”
Ready to find your hammock-friendly haven? Contact us today and let’s make the retirement you deserve a reality.