The Best Coastal Towns for Seniors Looking to Retire Abroad
Retiring abroad offers seniors the chance to enjoy a lower cost of living, better weather, and a relaxed lifestyle. Coastal towns, in particular, provide beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere, making them ideal for retirees. Whether you’re looking for affordable living, great healthcare, or a vibrant expat community, these are the best coastal towns for seniors considering retirement abroad.
1. Cascais, Portugal
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Mild climate year-round with warm summers and mild winters.
✔ Excellent healthcare system with private and public options.
✔ Safe, walkable town with oceanfront promenades.
✔ Strong expat community with English-speaking locals.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $1,000–$1,500/month.
✔ Dining out: $10–$15 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Retirees from the U.S. and Europe can benefit from Portugal’s D7 Visa, which allows for long-term residency.
2. Alicante, Spain
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Affordable coastal living compared to other parts of Spain.
✔ Long, sandy beaches and a warm Mediterranean climate.
✔ High-quality healthcare system with senior-friendly services.
✔ Easy transportation links to the rest of Spain and Europe.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $700–$1,200/month.
✔ Dining out: $10–$20 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa allows retirees to live in Spain without working.
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Affordable beachfront living with modern amenities.
✔ Excellent private healthcare system at lower costs than the U.S.
✔ Vibrant expat community with active social events.
✔ Mild climate and easy access to U.S. flights.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $600–$1,200/month.
✔ Dining out: $8–$15 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Retirees can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which allows for long-term stays.
4. Penang, Malaysia
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ One of the most affordable coastal cities in Asia.
✔ Top-rated healthcare facilities at a fraction of U.S. costs.
✔ English is widely spoken, making integration easier.
✔ Great street food, cultural attractions, and tropical beaches.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $500–$900/month.
✔ Dining out: $5–$10 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Malaysia’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program offers retirees long-term visas with financial benefits.
5. Corfu, Greece
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Stunning Greek island lifestyle with historic charm.
✔ Mild Mediterranean climate year-round.
✔ Fresh seafood, great wine, and a relaxed pace of life.
✔ Low cost of living compared to other European coastal towns.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $500–$1,000/month.
✔ Dining out: $10–$15 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Retirees can apply for Greece’s Golden Visa, which provides residency through property investment.
6. Da Nang, Vietnam
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Very low cost of living with high quality of life.
✔ Miles of sandy beaches and a warm climate.
✔ Modern hospitals with affordable healthcare.
✔ Large expat community with English-speaking services.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $400–$800/month.
✔ Dining out: $3–$10 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Vietnam offers long-term visas for retirees, but the process requires legal assistance.
7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Affordable Caribbean living with modern amenities.
✔ Easy access to healthcare, shopping, and entertainment.
✔ Warm weather year-round with beautiful beaches.
✔ Direct flights to the U.S. and Canada.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $700–$1,200/month.
✔ Dining out: $8–$15 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Mexico’s permanent resident visa allows seniors to live in the country indefinitely.
8. Valencia, Spain
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Lower cost of living compared to Madrid and Barcelona.
✔ Excellent healthcare system and senior-friendly public transport.
✔ Mild climate with beaches and historic architecture.
✔ Lots of cultural events, markets, and festivals.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $700–$1,200/month.
✔ Dining out: $12–$20 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Spain offers a long-term retirement visa with a simple residency process.
9. Gold Coast, Australia
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Warm climate with beautiful beaches and national parks.
✔ One of Australia’s top healthcare systems.
✔ Safe and senior-friendly public transportation.
✔ A large community of retirees and expats.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $1,200–$2,000/month.
✔ Dining out: $15–$30 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Australia’s Investor Retirement Visa is an option for financially secure retirees.
10. Larnaca, Cyprus
✔ Why It’s Great for Seniors:
✔ Affordable Mediterranean coastal living.
✔ High-quality healthcare system with English-speaking doctors.
✔ Sunny weather almost year-round.
✔ Safe, relaxed environment with a low crime rate.
Cost of Living:
✔ Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $600–$1,200/month.
✔ Dining out: $10–$20 per meal.
Pro Tip:
Cyprus offers a retirement visa with low financial requirements.
Retiring in a coastal town abroad offers affordable living, great healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you prefer the Mediterranean, Asia, or Latin America, these destinations provide everything seniors need for a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.
