The 21 best places to retire overseas
When some people think of retirement, they imagine taking long trips to far-away places. But what if you could spend your retirement not just visiting these destinations, but living in one?
Live and Invest Overseas, an overseas investment, real estate and retirement resource, has published its annual "Retire Overseas Index." The 21 cities in the index are determined by the following factors: climate, cost of living, English spoken, entertainment, environmental conditions, existing expat community, health care, infrastructure, real estate, residency options, safety and taxes.
There is not one retirement destination that is perfect for everyone, but the Index is meant to help narrow down a retiree's options based on personal preferences, lifestyle and needs.
In the past, cities in South and Central America ranked high in the index. However, the rise of the U.S. dollar has made European cities more popular for retirees. This year, three of the top five best places to retire are in Europe.
So, which cities and regions made the list? Click through to find out.
21. Da Nang, Vietnam
Monthly cost of living: $840
A coastal city that was once a French colonial port, Da Nang has recently started flourishing as a travelers' destination. The area's biggest draws are the sandy beaches, Marble Mountains, and Dragon Bridge, as well as local museums and restaurants. With a very affordable cost of living and tons of things to do, the growing city has become popular among expats.
20. Cebu, the Philippines
Monthly cost of living: $900
Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Cebu City is the oldest city in the Philippines and is the capital of the island province of Cebu. The island's spectacular beaches and diving spots in addition to the city's active nightlife make Cebu a popular destination for outsiders. Luckily for expats, the cost of living is low, and English is spoken pretty much everywhere.
19. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Monthly cost of living: $1,330
The capital and largest city in Argentina, Buenos Aires prides itself on its dual heritage of European and Latin American influence. The city boasts historic sites, art exhibits and a night life that never sleeps.
18. Barcelona, Spain
Monthly cost of living: $1,580
One of the largest cities in Spain, Barcelona is known for its beaches and the architecture that lines its streets. The gorgeous beaches, tapas restaurants and great works by Gaudi help to keep life active and beautiful, making Barcelona a popular destination for retirees.
17. City Beaches (Las Tablas), Panama
Monthly cost of living: $2,235
Consisting of beach-side towns and tiny fishing villages, this area of Panama is a popular destination for expats. Activities in the immediate area usually rely on the surrounding beaches, but during Carnival, the area holds outrageous celebrations. Life in Las Tablas is perfect for retirees looking to spend their days relaxing on the beach in the comfort of a small town.
16. Istanbul, Turkey
Monthly cost of living: $1,355
The meeting place of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has maintained prominence as a major destination for millennia. With its magnificent religious architecture and delicious cuisine, it is clear the city has gotten the best of both continents. With a low cost of living and an abundance of entertainment, Istanbul is a very popular city for retirement.
15. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Monthly cost of living: $1,670
What started as a small fishing village has turned into a cosmopolitan town with a significant foreign population. Located on the coast, residents and visitors have much to do when it comes to recreation. Retirees can live in houses in the jungle, homes in a resort-like atmosphere by the beach or colonial-style condos in the city of Santo Domingo.
14. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Monthly cost of living: $1,460
It may not be a city for retirees on a budget, but this inland cosmopolitan town in the highlands of Mexico has a major American retiree community. With its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, people are drawn to the sense of nostalgia brought about by San Miguel. While retirees are encouraged to learn Spanish, the large expat community makes it possible to get around the area with English.
13. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Monthly cost of living: $2,069
Ambergris Caye is known for its Mayan ruins and numerous dive and snorkeling spots. San Pedro is the only town on the island, but there are numerous fishing villages scattered throughout. The official language of Belize is English, so retirees from the United States will have no trouble communicating with the locals.
12. Granada, Nicaragua
Monthly cost of living: $1,400
Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada was founded as a Spanish settlement in the sixteenth century. Known for its colonial architecture, the city has become a major tourism hub. The city and its surrounding area has become popular for retirees due to its low cost of living and the affordability of real estate.
11. George Town, Malaysia
Monthly cost of living: $935
The second largest city in Malaysia, George Town consists of different districts with distinct cultural influences. With a Chinatown and a Little India, the city offers those staying within it a wide range of culinary options to choose from. With narrow, bustling streets and colonial-era architecture alongside skyscrapers, the city has become a unique destination for visitors.
10. El Valle, Panama
Monthly cost of living: $1,530
Although El Valle de Antón is located in a cool, flat caldera of an inactive volcano, retirees shouldn't be worried -- the volcano was last believed to have erupted roughly 300,000 years ago. While the area itself does not have much (there is one main road running east to west across town), it is located about 40 minutes from the beautiful Panama beaches. El Valle is also two hours from Panama City, so retirees can enjoy the city without suffering from the heat full-time.
9. Cuenca, Ecuador
Monthly cost of living: $1,210
Cobblestone streets, colonial parks and old-world cathedrals make Cuenca a charming retirement destination. This city, the third largest in Ecuador, is walkable and in close proximity to the countryside. The most popular destinations, especially for retirees on a fixed income, are the city's churches, parks, museums and El Cajas National Park.
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Monthly cost of living: $1,095
The largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is located among some of the tallest mountains in the country. History-loving retirees will appreciate living in close proximity to the ancient temples in the area, such as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang, and shoppers aren't likely to grow tired of haggling for unique goods at the Night Bazaar.
7. Hua Hin, Thailand
Monthly cost of living: $975
Originally a quiet fishing village, the Hua Hin district is now a seaside resort on the Gulf of Thailand. Retirees can admire the architecture of Plearn Wan, a vintage village, visit Huay Mongkol Temple, or explore the 11-tiered Pala-U waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park. At night, locals and expats alike enjoy eating dinner at the Night Market, which is open from 5 p.m. until midnight.
6. Medellín, Colombia
Monthlycost of living: $1,295
Medellín is a wonderful retirement destination. Spanish-speaking retirees can enjoy Parque Lleras, a park lined with restaurants and bars, after a day spent on the beach. A number of museums and parks fill the city, while trips to sights such as the Laguna de Gutape are only a short drive away.
5. Abruzzo, Italy
Monthly cost of living: $1,265
Abruzzo offers access to the Apennines Mountains for skiing and winter sports. And through the hills that lead to the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, which are sandy in the North and pebbled in the South, there are numerous cities filled with history and art.
4. Languedoc, France
Monthly cost of living: $1,185
With a mix of natural wonders, historic architecture, and urban settings, retirees in the Languedoc region don't have to worry about running out of things to do. Visits to the Pyrénées, the Roman ruins in Nîmes or the Catalonian-style city of Perpignan are only the beginning of what the area has to offer.
3. Cayo, Belize
Monthly cost of living: $1,225
Health care and entertainment may be less than average in Cayo, but the recreational options and weather make this city a great option for healthy and fit retirees. The picturesque rain forest is the perfect setting for a simple, local life with just the bare essentials.
2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Monthly cost of living: $1,950
While Puerto Vallarta ranks highly in most of the index's measures, its high cost of living relative to other cities keeps it from the top spot. This historic city is located right on the water, boasts beautiful views of the mountains and is located just north of beaches surrounded by jungle. In addition to My Lady of Guadalupe Church, the area's main attractions include the municipal market, Plaza de Armas, Los Muertos Pier and Marina Vallarta.
1. Algarve, Portugal
Monthly cost of living: $1,410
For the second year in a row, the Algarve region has been named the best place in the world to retire. With a low cost of living and low cost of real estate, great weather, an established expat community and new retiree residency program, and endless options for how to meaningfully fill your days and evenings, this may not come as a surprise. Retirees can take advantage of the area's beautiful beaches and caves, go dolphin watching or reef fishing or check out the historic buildings throughout region. For those looking for a day or weekend trip, Lisbon is less than a three-hour drive away.
Jamie Williams, an intern at TheStreet, contributed to this report.